Exploring the Art of Grazing with The Bouffage
We know “food tempts the eye before the mouth” and food presentation has become an art form. Nour Anshasi’s, The Bouffage, emerges as a beacon of creativity and sophistication. She offers an elevated take on ready-to-serve food. What started as a quest to enhance her daughter’s birthday party has grown into a passion for creating beautiful, inviting grazing tables that transform the dining experience.
Let’s delve into the inspiration behind The Bouffage, explore the artistry of grazing tables, and uncover the tips and tricks that make these creations so uniquely stunning. From understanding the role of color and texture to embracing an organic arrangement style, The Bouffage reveals how even the smallest details can elevate a spread from “delicious” to “divine.”
What inspired you to start The Bouffage?
The idea for The Bouffage came from my own experiences with hosting events, when preparing for my daughter’s birthday. I struggled to find high-quality, ready-to-serve food that looked appealing and presentable. Beyond that, I’ve always felt unimpressed by the typical food presentation at events—something about neatly lined-up trays on tables never felt right to me. I wanted to create a solution that offers not only delicious, convenient food but also a thoughtfully arranged presentation, transforming convenience into an elevated experience.
How would you describe the style and aesthetic you aim for in your “table grazing?”
The style I aim for in table grazing is simple, inviting, and balanced. I focus on color coordination and organic arrangements that complement the space, creating an experience without being overly structured.
What is the process of designing a grazing table or platter from concept to completion?
For grazing tables, my process starts with inspecting the space, considering the client’s personality, and drawing inspiration from the season’s produce and florals, connecting it to the environment. For platters, the focus is primarily on the seasonal produce, ensuring it reflects the best ingredients available at that time.
What are the most popular requests or themes that clients ask for?
Most clients don’t ask for specific themes, but they often specify the formality of the occasion, whether they prefer a minimal or maximalist style. Some also request particular elements like a lot of candles or a specific color palette to personalize the design.
What’s the one ingredient or garnish that you think instantly elevates a platterfrom“delicious”to“divine”?
The fruits, florals, my signature dips, and the carefully chosen color palette, combined with the high-quality platters, are what elevate a spread from “delicious” to “divine.” These elements work together to create a refined, visually stunning experience that feels as luxurious as it tastes.
Could you share some tips for those interested in creating a simple, stylish tablescape at home?
For a simple, stylish tablescape at home, I recommend using no more than two material finishes on the table to keep it clean and cohesive. Avoid placing food in straight lines—let it flow naturally. Keep florals minimal to avoid clutter, and when arranging the food on plates, don’t overthink it—place it mindlessly to create a more organic, relaxed look.
What’s one trick you use that clients might be surprised to learn?
I always place things on the table without thinking about straight lines or making them neat. It’s part of my nature to embrace a bit of chaos, letting things fall into place organically, which adds a relaxed, effortless vibe to the design.
What’s the one thing that people always get wrong about creating a beautiful grazing table or platter?
One thing people often get wrong when creating a beautiful grazing table or platter is color coordination and shape coordination. It’s not just about the colors working together; the shapes should also create coherence. This applies to the shapes of the plates as well as the food itself—everything should come together visually to feel balanced and intentional.
How do you “wow” clients who think they’ve seen it all? Is there a special touch that’s uniquely yours?
To wow clients who think they’ve seen it all, I focus on making each experience unique. I love using the client’s own serving plates, which helps preserve their personal style and connects with the interior aesthetics of their space. This creates a custom, intimate touch that makes the event feel more personal. Each design is different because I approach every project with a fresh perspective, ensuring that the table or platter reflects the client’s personality and the occasion.
What’s a food trend you’d love to incorporate into your tablescapes or platters soon?
I don’t focus on following food trends. Instead, I like to evolve my styling elements by being different and unique. I use fresh herbs, dehydrate fruits, and even plant edible flowers in my garden. My garden is truly my inspiration—it’s an integral part of The Bouffage’s aesthetic, allowing me to create one-of-a-kind designs that feel authentic and personal.
Describe your dream tablescape theme if there were no limits on budget or creativity.
I envision designing my collection of plates, platters, and bowls and incorporating florals and candles on the table to create a lush, organic experience. I’d love to have florals cascading onto the floor, leading up to the table, which would be filled with a rich variety of wild, uncommon flowers and unusual candles.
