Outdoor Dining Inspiration: Elevate Your Entertaining with Teak Grazing Boards
Outdoor Dining Inspiration: Elevate Your Entertaining with Teak Grazing Boards
As May arrives, the temps are rising, flowers are blooming, and you can finally take your gatherings outdoors. Whether hosting a spring brunch or bringing friends around the fire pit, outdoor dining should be laidback and fun. One of the most versatile and visually stunning centerpieces for any outdoor meal is the grazing board, and with our handcrafted teak boards, you can easily make your evening memorable.
These teak wood serving boards, made from wood grown in Costa Rica, are a luxurious yet down-to-earth centerpiece for your gathering. Here’s why you’ll bring out a teak serving board for your next outdoor party.
Why Teak?
Teak wood is known for its natural durability, striking grain, and weather-resistant qualities. Our serving boards are made from a single plank of FSC-certified teak, meaning there are no glue joints, just natural wood. Each board is unique, with different shapes, wood grain patterns, and tones based on the tree.
Teak works well for food presentation because of its natural anti-microbial properties. It contains natural oils that keep it from drying and cracking and helps the wood naturally repel bacteria (ideal for serving cheese, fruit, and cured meats). We always recommend treating your board with The Original Wood Wax™ to keep the smooth, lustrous finish and enhance both its performance and appearance.
Grazing Boards: Your Outdoor Dining Favorite
Grazing boards, also known as charcuterie or cheese boards, have quickly become a favorite for easy entertaining. They're informal and customizable and encourage guests to mingle and relax. And with a six-foot teak serving board, you can create a dramatic, communal-style presentation that runs the length of the table.
Creating the Ultimate Grazing Board
● Start with anchors: Place your cheeses (choose a mix of soft, hard, aged, and flavored) and small bowls of dips, olives, or honey along the board to build the functional and visual anchors.
● Add meats and carbs: Layer prosciutto, salami, and other cured meats in loose folds between the cheese. For texture, add artisan crackers, sliced baguette, or crostini.
● Mix in Fruits and Veggies: Grapes, strawberries, figs, or sliced cucumber add color and freshness to the board.
● Finishing touches: Mix in nuts or edible flowers to make this a centerpiece people will talk about at every other party.
Ideas for Your Spring Entertaining
Use your serving board for more than meat and cheese: this is a versatile serving tool for any meal. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
● Garden Party Brunch: Layer the board with mini bagels, smoked salmon, hard-boiled eggs, fresh fruit, pastries, and spreads for a luxe DIY breakfast bar.
● Taco Night: Use the board to serve all the fixings, such as tortillas, grilled meats, pico de gallo, guacamole, limes, and hot sauces, to build a vibrant taco bar.
● Mediterranean: Fill your teak board with hummus, baba ghanoush, marinated artichokes, stuffed grape leaves, and pita for an alfresco feast.
● Sweet Treats: When you switch to dessert, build a s'mores board with graham crackers, chocolate bars, and marshmallows, or choose more elegant options like cookies, fresh fruit, and chocolate-covered strawberries.
If you’re looking to elevate your outdoor entertaining game this spring and summer, a live-edge teak serving board is a surprisingly versatile serving option.
Ready to create your own unforgettable grazing experience? Shop our full collection of teak, mango, and slate boards today and get inspired to serve beautifully.
