HOW TO GRACE TABLES

Words: Ella Beart // Photo: Matisse Chambers

Founder of Gracing Tables, Grace Liebelt, is all about social connection.

When Homebound sat down with the 22-year-old bubbly personality and newly graduated dietitian, it was clear that her finely curated grazing business isn’t just about food — it’s also about connecting people together.

“Grazing is so social,” Grace says.

“You go to an event, and instead of eating just one thing, you get to try bits of everything and recommend something to a friend.

“And while you’re standing over the board looking at all the different options, you can start up a conversation with someone new.”

The concept of Gracing Tables was born out of a small favour in 2019, where Grace made a charcuterie table for a friend’s business fundraiser.

“My friend was like, ‘Oh my gosh, this is great. You should make a business out of this,” Grace explains.

“She told me I should call it ‘Gracing Tables’ — because of my name,” she laughs.

And from there, Gracing Tables was born. Her business specialises in grazing platters, boards, and boxes, which are typically curated for special events.

There’s rarely a request that she’ll turn down, with her long history of events ranging from proposals and bridal showers, to birthday parties both large and small.  

Grace has catered school graduations with 200 people and product launches for 450 people. She’s created boxes for date nights, corporate luncheons, Christmas parties, and even book launches.

“My platters and boards are all customised,” Grace says.

“Through a digital order form, clients can put in any dietary requirements and request options from a menu, as well as add on items including sliders, baguettes, quiches and arancini balls.”

As a graduated dietitian and someone who has worked in the hospitality industry for years, Grace believes catering to a range of dietary requirements is essential.

“It’s important to make sure no one misses out,” she says.

“The worst thing is if you have an allergy, and you rock up to a party and they have nothing for you.”

To help connect more people with better food and conversation, Grace has suggested five building blocks to creating your own grazing board at home.

1. Cheese

Whether it’s diary-free or a brie, cheddar or vintage goat — cheese is important. 

“I love something from Paris Creek,” Grace says.

“They have the most amazing bio-dynamic organic cheese range. Their Ash Brie is probably my favourite, otherwise Aldi does a great French goats’ cheese.”

2. Sweet

This is important to offset the creaminess.

“A quince paste and a chutney is great, or if you include a brie cheese, you might want to have some honey comb to put on top,” Grace says.

3. Fresh

Fresh fruit or vegetables, such as baby cucumber and carrots, can make a big difference.

“Whatever is in season works well,” Grace says.

“It will make it cheaper, improve the quality, and it will be much brighter for your platter.”

4. Crispy

Think Lavosh, charcoal, or fruit crackers.

“A fruit and seed cracker from Aldi is always great. They do a pecan and apricot one which is amazing,” she says.

5. Crunchy

Crusty bread like a sourdough or ciabatta, or some walnuts and pistachios will elevate the board.

“I love to go to Abbotts and Kinney for their ciabatta and sourdough,” Grace says.

“They also have the best olive bread that goes great with goats’ cheese.”

Instagram // Facebook