The Best Garnishes and Grazing Essentials for Stunning Platters & Cocktails

When it comes to hosting a memorable gathering, it’s all about the details. Whether you're crafting a beautiful grazing board or mixing up unique cocktails, the right ingredients and garnishes can turn any occasion into something truly special. At The Local Basket, we’re excited to introduce our Garnish & Graze collection – an exclusive range of gourmet products designed to make your platters pop and your cocktails shine.

From vibrant dehydrated fruits and delicate edible flowers to artisanal salts, premium chocolates, and crunchy potato crisps, this collection is made for those who appreciate the art of entertaining. Here’s a closer look at what Garnish & Graze has to offer and some tips on how to use these products to impress your guests!

1. Dehydrated Fruits – Natural Beauty and Bold Flavour

Our Garnish & Graze collection features beautifully dehydrated oranges, limes, lemons, and blueberries. Perfect for adding colour and zest to your platters or cocktails, these dehydrated fruits are as versatile as they are vibrant.

- Cocktail Garnishes: Add a dehydrated lime wheel to a margarita or a slice of dehydrated orange from the Mary & Valley Food Co to a gin and tonic for a burst of flavour and an eye-catching finish.
- Platter Pairings: These fruits are also a fantastic addition to cheese boards. Their natural sweetness pairs well with savoury cheeses and nuts, offering a delicious contrast.

Pro Tip: Dehydrated fruits also make beautiful drink toppers for mocktails and sparkling water. Simply drop one into your glass for a refreshing, flavour-infused sip.

2. Edible Flowers – Elegance in Every Bite

Edible flowers bring a touch of elegance to any dish or drink. Our collection includes rose petals and a colourful rainbow mix, perfect for adding a little extra flair.

- Cocktail Presentation: Floating a few edible flowers on top of a cocktail can instantly elevate its presentation. Try adding rose petals to sparkling wine or gin cocktails for an elegant twist.

- Platter Garnishing: Sprinkling edible flowers across a platter adds a unique visual appeal. The colours pop beautifully against cured meats, cheeses, and crackers.

Pro Tip: Edible flowers also make lovely decorations for desserts, so feel free to use them on cakes, cupcakes, or even chocolate-dipped strawberries.

3. Salt Rims – A Savoury Finishing Touch

Our artisan salt rims come in flavours like Spicy Margarita, made with salt, sumac, chillies, and smoked paprika. These salts are ideal for adding depth and a hint of spice to your favourite cocktails.

- Perfect Margaritas: Give your margaritas an extra kick with our Spicy Margarita salt rim. It adds a savoury, smoky edge that pairs perfectly with the tartness of lime.
- Unique Rim Ideas: Our salts aren’t limited to cocktails! Try using them to rim the glass for savoury drinks, like a Bloody Mary, or even as a seasoning for avocado toast or roasted vegetables.
Pro Tip: When rimming glasses, dip them in lime juice before coating with salt to help it adhere evenly for a clean and stylish look.

4. Chocolate Bars – Indulgent Treats for Every Occasion

No grazing board is complete without something sweet! Our selection includes premium chocolates like Tony's Chocolonely and Le Chocolat des Français in a range of unique flavours.

- Perfect Pairings: Add dark chocolate with sea salt or milk chocolate with hazelnuts to complement nuts, fruits, and cheeses on your platter.
- Garnishing Cocktails: You can even shave or grate a little chocolate over creamy cocktails for a decadent garnish.
Pro Tip: Break up different chocolate bars and create a small “chocolate corner” on your platter to cater to all tastes.

5. Gourmet Potato Crisps – A Crunchy Counterpart

For a touch of salty indulgence, our range of gourmet potato crisps, including Bonilla a la vista and flavours like truffle and Iberian ham, brings an irresistible crunch to your grazing table.

- Elevated Snack Pairing: These crisps are perfect for snacking and pair well with dips, cheeses, and olives.
- Cocktail Accompaniment: A bowl of crunchy crisps beside cocktails or sparkling wine adds a casual yet gourmet touch to your setup.
Pro Tip: Arrange crisps in small bowls or on a platter alongside dips to encourage guests to create their own flavour combinations.
Ready to impress your guests? Here are a few tips for making the most of your Garnish & Graze collection:

Mix and Match Textures: Combining crunchy elements like crackers, nuts, and crisp dehydrated fruits with creamy cheeses and chocolates adds interest to your platter.

Add Height and Layering: Stack and layer ingredients to add depth and visual interest. A sprig of herbs or a few edible flowers can also add a lovely finishing touch.

Choose a Signature Cocktail: Select one or two signature cocktails for your gathering, and garnish them with dehydrated fruits or salt rims from the collection. It simplifies your drink menu and adds a special touch.

The Garnish & Graze collection at The Local Basket is about more than just ingredients – it’s about creating experiences. Handpicked from specialty brands, these products bring premium quality, beautiful presentation, and exceptional flavour to your table. Whether you're hosting a casual brunch, a formal dinner, or a festive gathering, these finishing touches will make all the difference.

Explore the Garnish & Graze collection today and start planning your next unforgettable event. Your guests will be talking about these stylish touches long after the night is over!