Easy Grazing Table Every Zamboangueño Should Create This Holiday Season!

Every celebration deserves a little extra special, especially this year's Christmas and New Year. But that "extra special" doesn't have to be "extra expensive"?

Let's skip the ordinary this year by creating a DIY grazing table with our carefully curated holiday recipes. These recipes are super easy to pull off as all the ingredients are available in our local supermarkets. And don't worry about the set-up. We've got tips to make it look like you hired a pro to do it!

Easy-to-Make Holiday Recipes for Your Grazing Table

Let's add a twist to your Christmas or New Year's eve celebration with a grazing table that everyone will remember.

A grazing table is an experience, a centerpiece, and a conversation starter all in one. It’s the kind of thing that makes your guests go, “Wow, you really went all out this year!” (Little do they know it’s actually affordable and surprisingly easy to assemble.)

Here's an affordable and easy holiday recipes for your grazing table that you can do at home.

1. Savory Selections 

Classic Filipino Cheese Platter

Ingredients:

• Quezo de Bola
• Kesong puti
• Processed cheese slices

Pairings:

• Local crackers
• Pan de sal slices

Tip: Mix and match textures for an eye-catching display—pair the crumbly kesong puti with buttery crackers or contrast the creamy Quezo de Bola with crispy pan de sal slices. 

Total Estimated Cost: ₱555
Servings: Approximately 10–12 people

Cured Meats Platter

Ingredients:

• Chorizo Bilbao
• Longganisa slices
• Smoked ham

Pairings:

• Mustard dip
• Pickled vegetables (like atchara or pickled cucumbers)

Tip: Slice the meats thinly and arrange them in overlapping rows or curls. Adding small bowls of dip and pickled veggies makes the platter pop while offering extra flavor.

Total Estimated Cost: ₱640
Servings: Approximately 10–12 people

Mini Empanadas

Ingredients:

• Pre-made empanada dough (available in local markets or frozen sections)
• Chicken or tuna filling (you can use canned tuna with sautéed onions and garlic for a quick option)

Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Fill the empanada dough with your chosen filling, fold it in half, and seal the edges by pressing with a fork.
3. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for about 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.
5. Serve warm for a flaky, savory treat that’s sure to disappear fast!

Total Estimated Cost: ₱220
Servings: 12 mini empanadas

If you're pressed with time, you can just order mini empanadas from your local bakery.

2. Sweet Treats

Tropical Fruit Skewers

Ingredients:

• Pineapple chunks
• Mango slices
• Banana rounds

Dipping Sauce:

• Calamansi-honey yogurt (mix 1/2 cup plain yogurt with 2 tbsp calamansi juice and 1 tbsp honey).

Tip: Thread the fruit onto bamboo skewers, alternating colors and textures for a vibrant display. Serve the dipping sauce in a small bowl on the side for added sweetness and tang.

Total Estimated Cost: ₱220

Servings: Approximately 10–12 skewers

 

Mini Suman with Latik Drizzle

Ingredients:

• Sticky rice rolls (suman)
• Sweetened coconut cream (latik)

Presentation:

• Arrange the suman on banana leaves for an authentic Filipino touch. Drizzle the latik generously over the top or serve it in a small dish for dipping.

Tip: To elevate the presentation, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts over the suman for added texture and flavor.

Total Estimated Cost: ₱170

Servings: 12 mini suman

 

Chocolate Fountain with Dipping Items

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Tablea chocolate (local cacao tablets)
• 1/2 cup evaporated milk (add more as needed for consistency)

Dipping Items:

• Broas (ladyfinger biscuits)
• Marshmallows
• Local biscuits (e.g., Rosquillos or Mamon Tostado)

Steps:

1. Melt the tablea chocolate in a double boiler or microwave, stirring occasionally.
2. Gradually add evaporated milk, stirring until smooth and pourable.
3. Pour the chocolate mixture into a small fountain (if available) or a deep bowl for dipping.
4. Arrange the dipping items around the bowl for easy access.

Tip: Keep the chocolate warm by placing the bowl over a hot water bath or use an electric warmer if you have one. This ensures the fountain (or sauce) stays silky smooth throughout the celebration.

Total Estimated Cost: ₱310
Servings: Approximately 10–12 people

 

3. Beverage Suggestion

Fruity Sangria Punch

Ingredients:

• 2 cups orange juice
• 1 cup soda water
• 5–6 calamansi, juiced
• Assorted sliced fruits (e.g., orange slices, calamansi halves, mango chunks, and apple wedges)

Steps:

1. In a large clear glass jar or pitcher, mix the orange juice and calamansi juice.
2. Add the sliced fruits and gently stir to combine.
3. Top with soda water just before serving for a fizzy finish.

Presentation Tip:
Use a clear glass jar or pitcher to show off the vibrant colors of the fruit slices—it’s like a centerpiece and a beverage in one! Add ice cubes with frozen fruits or edible flowers for an extra festive touch.

Optional: For an adult version, add white wine or sparkling wine to elevate the punch.

Total Estimated Cost: ₱250
Servings: Approximately 10–12 glasses

Please note that prices are approximate and may vary depending on the store and current market conditions. Servings are estimated based on typical portion sizes.

How to Arrange Your Grazing Table Like a Pro

Create a beautifully laid-out spread of your prepared savory bites, and sweet indulgences with these steps.

Step 1: Building Your Base with Plywood

Start with a sturdy foundation that sets the tone for your grazing table.

• Use cut plywood boards [preferrably 3/4 sized] as your table base.  Choose a size that fits your dining area or serving space.
• Sand the edges with a sanding block for a polished finish. 
• Spray-paint the plywood in festive colors like gold or red.

Tip: Use metallic spray paints for a luxe touch, available at Wally's Hardware.

Step 2: Layering and Elevating

You can add dimension to your grazing table to make it visually dynamic.

• Use wooden crates or blocks to create height variations.
• Cover with kraft paper or food-safe decorative wrapping.

Tip: For an extra festive look, use wrapping paper with subtle holiday patterns or rustic designs.

Step 3: Adding Holiday Flair

Set the mood with thoughtful decorative touches.

• Incorporate LED fairy lights for a cozy glow.
• Use hooks and clips to suspend decorative garlands.

Tip: Choose garlands with evergreen sprigs or tiny bells to enhance the festive vibe.

Step 4: Arranging the Food

Turn your table into a feast for the eyes.

• Place large items like cheese platters and bread first.
• Fill gaps with small bowls for dips and sauces.
• Add garnishes: fresh herbs, star anise, or cinnamon sticks.

Step 5: Sustainable Touches

Create a table that’s as kind to the environment as it is to your guests.

• Use bamboo skewers and reusable containers for a zero-waste holiday.

Tip: After the party, repurpose the plywood as a shelf or DIY project material.

With these steps, you'll create a grazing table that complements your holiday meal setup. Visit Wally's Hardware for all the tools you need for this DIY creation.

We are very definite that the holiday recipes and easy-to-follow setup tips can help make this year's celebration extra special.