Grazing table themes that’ll elevate your bachelorette party

Whether you’re planning a Crazy Rich Asians–style soirée on a remote island in Sumatra or keeping it low-key with a mattress-sliding sleepover à la The Princess Diaries 2, one thing’s for sure—the bachelorette party is the pre-wedding event that’s all about the bride. The vibes are high, the stakes even higher, and the maid of honour is officially on duty.

Sure, you could go the classic route with bottomless champagne, a spa day, or even a chill staycation. But if you’re skimping on the food? You’re doing it wrong. This is a moment destined for Instagram glory, so your culinary spread needs to taste amazing—and look even better. Enter: grazing boards.

Stepping into our unofficial bridesmaid role, we tapped the crème de la crème of the gourmet catering world to bring you the most deliciously aesthetic grazing board themes for your bride tribe. Here’s what they served up:

Citrusy splendour

“Bachelorette parties are exciting occasions, so the food must reflect that celebratory, jubilant vibe. They tend to have fun, creative themes that allow for imaginative food and décor,” shares Akshat Agarwal, Business Head, Sage & Saffron. The boutique catering service has been an integral part of prestigious events—from the recent Coldplay concerts in India to the Dior x Chanakya fashion show in Mumbai.

Agarwal suggests a spread centred around citrus, because when life gives you lemons, you squeeze them into delectable dishes and dig in! “A theme like ‘A New Squeeze’ can have a grazing table with citrus-forward dishes like shaved courgette, asparagus and rainbow carrots with lemon dressing, avocado and crispy plantain with Meyer lemon foam and onion ash, or maybe a limoncello sorbet in lemons on ice.”

An epic sleepover party

For something more playful, Agarwal recommends a ‘Pyjamas and Prosecco’ theme. “It’s elegant but flirty fun. For this, I’d put together a table with ‘Rough Night Rice’—a street-style fried rice, but done the Sage & Saffron way with sausages, hot sauce and noodles. I’d also include mini lobster croissant buns, and caviar & fried chicken. A theme like this would also feature a cheese station—think brie on heat, truffle cheese and mini cheese brûlées with a personalised bag of crisps for each guest.” Yum.

North Indian nostalgia

Chef Vikram Arora, culinary editor and founder at Mumbai’s Nksha, suggests “The Bombay Begum Grazing Table,” a luxurious North Indian experience inspired by the elegance of Bombay’s Art Deco charm—featuring chaats, kebabs, modern mithais and Indian spiced cocktails.

Arora, whose career spans two decades across the Four Seasons, Radisson and Park Plaza, explains how this concept marries refined flavours with visual flair, making it Instagram-friendly and high on nostalgia, which always delivers.

Hearty North Indian cuisine brings with it a wealth of flavours and textures, and when presented grazing-style, it becomes an inviting pick-me-up meal. “There’s a bridal preference for a well-balanced, light menu, which makes it perfect for a bachelorette. The food can be served at room temperature, warm or cold,” he adds. “Think truffle kulchas, avocado chaat, berries papri chaat, salted caramel burfi, and paneer jalebi churros—it’s not just a table, it’s a celebration.”

Not your average cheese board

You can’t talk grazing tables without honouring its OG: the cheese board. Mausam Narang, founder at Eleftheria Cheese, agrees. “I think the Cheese Chakna & Champagne idea is fabulous for a bachelorette. I often pair Indian snacks with my cheeses—it’s always a hit,” she shares.

“I’ve always believed cheese doesn’t have to be serious or intimidating. This theme is pure fun, pairing artisanal picks with the Indian snacks we all know and love. It’s indulgent, nostalgic, and honestly, perfect for a bachelorette where you just want the best night with your girlfriends, amazing food, and a glass of bubbly.”

Her savoury picks? “Chakli, puris, masala chips, and khakhras are incredible cheese carriers. We don’t always need bland Western crackers when we have these crunchy, flavour-packed options of our own.”

Food as art

Sanjay Vazirani, Founder & Chairman at Foodlink—caterer to the Ambanis and Deepika Padukone & Ranveer Singh’s Italian wedding—suggests turning your grazing table into an edible centrepiece.

“Let guests mingle, graze, and savour global flavours in a luxurious yet laid-back setting. Think artisanal cheeses, a custom cheese wheel cake, mezze bites, gourmet breads, signature dips and fresh fruit.”

Vazirani highlights how aesthetics matter, especially today. “It’s both Instagram-worthy and fulfilling for food lovers. Edible honey flowers, for example, are delicate and luxurious—topped with honey and florals, they elevate the guest experience into something memorable.” These centrepieces double as conversation starters and indulgent bites—beautiful, immersive, and unforgettable.

Spirit-infused bites

To take your celebrations up a notch, Vazirani suggests including alcoholic pops or jelly for a truly unforgettable gourmet experience. “If you’re planning a bachelorette that’s all about letting loose and having a blast, you have to include boozy ice pops. They’re a cheeky, grown-up take on childhood popsicles—served with a shot of alcohol to dip or pour over. They instantly spark laughter, bonding, and celebration. It’s carefree, unexpected, and encourages that sense of playfulness every great bachelorette needs.  It’s the perfect ice-breaker, literally!” Can we have a seat at this table, please?

Shots before tying the knot

For her final fiesta, no bride should have to hold back on the fun. Bhakti Mehta, Founder & Chef at Little Food Co., recommends a “Taco & Tequila” grazing board—because nothing says celebration quite like a Mexican spread. “It features DIY tacos, tostadas, ceviches, boozy queso fondue, churros and tres leches,” she says.

But that’s not all. “It’s served with picantes, margaritas and palomas—it’s the kind of table that invites guests to get creative. Everyone can build their own taco, tostada or burrito bowl, with so many combinations that no two plates look the same,” Mehta explains.

Japanese finesse

Next up, we have a Japanese-inspired theme in the form of a “Sushi & Sake” spread, where flavour takes centre stage. “Think a South-East Asian grazing table with sushi, sashimi, goma-ae salad, soba noodle salad, mini poke bowls, salted edamame, mala-spiced nuts, rice crackers with chilli peanut dip, edamame hummus, Vietnamese rice paper rolls and cold tofu,” says Bhakti.

And of course, there’s the drinks menu to match—Saketinis, sake tastings, and soju all make an appearance.
“It’s the ideal option for a bachelorette,” she adds, “as everything can be served cold or at room temperature—no heating required—which makes it easy to set up and manage.” Sip, sushi, repeat.

Experiential for the win

Manpreet Dhody, Founder & Chef at I’m Wholesome—whose clientele includes The House of Masaba, Sonakshi Sinha and Manish Malhotra—emphasises interactive elements. “One of the most unique things we recently did at our studio was during a bachelorette where, instead of a traditional charcuterie board, we introduced the idea of cheese paintings. Each guest was given an individual plate to create their own edible artwork using cheeses, dips, fruits, herbs, and edible flowers. It turned into a beautiful, interactive experience that combined creativity, food, and celebration in such a memorable way.”

Manpreet elaborates on how this breaks the ice instantly, turning the table into a fun, engaging activity. “Everyone builds their own plate based on flavour preferences and aesthetics, and usually they carry these home as a memory. We’ve had guests frame pictures of their cheese art or share them as keepsakes,” she reveals.

For that picture-perfect spread, Dhody shares some invaluable tips and tricks. Her advice? “Prep ahead—pipe dips, pre-slice fruit, portion cheeses. Use boards that guests can take home. Offer a flavour mix—sweet, savoury, tangy, spicy. And include a keepsake like a Polaroid or a mini personalised cheese knife.”

And now, onto planning the event. As for finding the perfect groom, that’s for another day!

Lead image: The brands

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