Football season is here, and your table deserves to look just as exciting as the game. Hosting doesn’t have to mean hours of prep — with a few thoughtful touches, you can create a spread that feels elegant, effortless, and fun.
1. Showpiece Boards & Trays
The foundation of a beautiful game day spread is the serveware. Boards and trays don’t just hold food — they set the stage. Mixing shapes, sizes, and heights gives your table a layered look that keeps the eye moving.
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Use an olivewood board for cheeses or fruits.
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Add a square/rectangle tray for veggies, meats, or crostinis.
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Or use interesting shaped/designed platters for personality and color.
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Elevate a few boards on small stands or risers to add height and variety.
When your boards and trays look intentional, the whole table feels pulled together.
2. Cheese & Charcuterie Made Simple
Cheeseboards are always a crowd favorite — and variety is the secret. Aim for balance in both taste and texture:
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A soft cheese (think brie and cream)
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A medium cheese (like p’tit basque or cheddar)
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A nutty or aged cheese for contrast
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Uncured meats for a fresh, savory bite
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Crackers or bread to tie it together
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Pops of fruit or olives for color and brightness
Want to skip the assembly, slicing, choosing all the accoutrements? Our grazing boxes come filled with artisan cheeses, salamis, dips, veggies, crackers, and accoutrements. They’re designed to be simple and elegant — just slide out the tray, add a layer of curly kale or seasonal greenery underneath if your fancy, and you’ve got a ready-made centerpiece with no stress.
3. Small Details, Big Impact
It’s the little things that elevate a table from ordinary to unforgettable. Think beyond the food itself:
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A bottle of extra virgin olive oil adds instant elegance and invites guests to drizzle and dip.
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A table runner adds color and ties your look together .
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Sprigs of herbs tucked around bowls bring fragrance and freshness.
- And don’t underestimate the power of great spreaders. We carry an extensive collection in countless colors, shapes, designs, and styles — so no matter your theme, we’ve got spreaders that turn small details into big impressions.
4. Secret Weapons for Easy Hosting
Every host needs a few tricks in their back pocket — those “lifesaver” options that look planned but take no effort at all:
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Spoon bacon jam over a block of cream cheese and serve with artisan crackers. Smoky, sweet, and savory — it’s the flavor everyone talks about. (Tip: always keep a spare jar, artisan crackers, and cream cheese in the fridge for last-minute guests.)
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A bowl of marinated olives adds punch with zero prep.
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Stuffed peppadews (available by the dozen to-go) are colorful, bite-sized, and a conversation starter.
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A simple hummus or dip in a nice bowl feels intentional. Our homemade dips are sold by the pound, so you can serve without the work. A secret weapon that makes you the star!
These easy tricks are your insurance policy — no stress, just instant “wow.”
5. Keep Snacking Flexible
Game day is about grazing, not plating full meals. Variety is the key to keeping guests satisfied and engaged. Try offering:
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A couple of dip options for different tastes.
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Artisan crackers in different textures so guests can mix and match.
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Bowls of different nuts — salty, roasted, or even spiced for variety.
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Fresh bite size fruit to balance all the savory flavors.
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Interesting veggies like the rainbow carrots featured in our grazing box for a splash of color and crunch.
Keeping things bite-sized makes it easy for guests to grab, snack, and get back to cheering.
6. Wine That Works for Everyone
Don’t overthink the wine list — just a few thoughtful picks can please the whole crowd.
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A red blend for bold, smooth sips that go with meats and cheeses.
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A white blend that’s crisp, versatile, and refreshing.
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A bottle of sparkling wine for a festive touch when your team scores big.
With these three options, you’ve covered every preference without overwhelming your guests.
The Winning Play
Hosting game day should be fun — not stressful. From choosing the right boards to leaning on secret weapons, these tips keep your spread polished and approachable. Add a few gourmet touches from We Olive, and your guests will be talking about your table long after the final whistle.
Open in our Shreveport & Bossier City locations 10am–9pm every day for your game day score!
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