Here’s How To Bring The Party Outdoors With Chef Sunshine Puey’s Summer Themed Grazing Table

We’re just as excited as you are for the most vibrant season of the year. It’s the time to get away to the beach or the mountains to enjoy the sunshine and relax with family and friends and also a time to plan for beachside picnics and pool parties. To save you from the hassle of thinking of new ways to impress your guests, we’ve come up with a guide to help you turn your ordinary picnic basket into a lovely grazing table that can be set up anywhere, anytime, no matter the budget.

We turned to accomplished chef-entrepreneur-mom Sunshine Puey of Gourmandise by Sunshine to create this summer grazing table that is totally steal-worthy. Chef Sunshine is well known for her beautiful cakes and pastries, homemade sauces and spreads, and chic kitchen accessories.

With her chic and practical style, here’s how she rocked our summer picnic table:

You can fashion your own grazing table for your next summer outing by taking to heart Chef Sunshine’s easy-to-follow tips:

Consider the life span of food that you’ll bring

When you’re all set to take a long drive but worried that your food might spoil when you reach your destination, go with cold cuts, variants of cheese and fruits as your safe bets. They’re either small in size or can be cut into bite-sized pieces. Pack them in airtight containers and cooler bags, and you’re ready to hit the road. It’s also a great plus that these snacks are easy to set up.

Variety is important

Play with shapes and sizes. You won’t please the guests with a flat table. Be as imaginative as possible. Chef Sunshine likes to leave some of the cheeses whole and some cut into different shapes. Texture, too, is a nice addition. Try putting different kinds of bread and a selection of candy treats like chocolate coins and sticks here and there to create a lively spread.

Make it look festive and colorful

Yellow, green, peach, and teal all scream the colors of summer cheer! You can choose tropical fruits like kiwi, watermelon, dragon fruit, pineapple, strawberries, and mangoes to add to your table. Flowers and leaves make a wonderful splash of summer tones. Chef Sunshine also adds cherry tomatoes and snap peas for vibrant red and blue. Pop some of these colors anywhere on your canvas and you’re good to go.