New Delhi, Oct. 30 -- Although the term "grazing board" is relatively modern, feasting on elaborate platters of food has been common across civilisations for millennia. The Roman gustatio is said to be an eclectic spread of aged cheeses, cured meats, fruits and nuts, hard boiled eggs and brined olives that served as the opening act in a formal banquet, and seen as a symbol of opulence and abundance.

By the 16th and 17th centuries, European aristocrats had set up tables stacked with warm breads and dips, cold cuts and fine cheeses for guests to gather around and catch up on politics and society. The French took this a step further with their "charcuterie"-"chair" is flesh and "cuit" means cooked. The specialised craft of preparing preserv...