A Nostalgic Tradition Worth Reviving

In the Midwest, the relish tray wasn’t a trend — it was a ritual. It appeared at every gathering, no matter the occasion. Before the meal, before the main event, there it was: a platter of small bites meant to welcome you in.

I grew up with the same ingredients every time — black olives, green olives with pimento, homemade pickles, cubed Colby cheese, carrot and celery sticks, and in summer, radishes from my grandpa’s garden. Sometimes there were deviled eggs or slices of summer sausage, depending on the crowd. Simple crackers — nothing fancy — always had a place at the table.

The relish tray was our family’s way of saying, “Sit, snack, and stay awhile.”

A Modern Take on a Classic

Over time, my relish trays evolved — a reflection of new flavors and experiences collected along the way. I sometimes call them nibble boards, though the heart remains the same: small, savory bites meant to be shared without fuss.

Today, my tray often includes Butter Beans in Smoked Cascabel Oil by Ottolenghi — smoky, silky, and spiced just enough to surprise. You’ll also find my Deviled Eggs with Pickled Mustard Seed from The Vineyard Table, their “Midwest caviar” giving a burst of tangy elegance.

And then, a touch of the South — pimento cheese, creamy and comforting, perfectly spread on a cracker beside a crisp radish.

A Modern Gathering: The Nibble Board for 100

Recently, for my open house celebrating the release of The Vineyard Table, I hosted over a hundred guests — many of whom were part of the book itself. Instead of complicated hors d’oeuvres or multiple passed trays, I created one large nibble board as a centerpiece.

It was abundant and welcoming — a true modern homage to the relish tray. Rows of olives, pickles, cheeses, pimento spreads, and seasonal vegetables stretched across a long table, encouraging people to gather, graze, and connect.

It reminded me why I love this tradition so much: the relish tray invites conversation. It asks nothing of you except to slow down, reach across the table, and share.

Why the Relish Tray Deserves a Comeback

Charcuterie boards may have the glamour, and Italy’s aperitivo has its ritual, but the Midwestern relish tray belongs in that same lineage of gathering traditions. It embodies what we’re craving most: connection over convenience.

It’s casual yet thoughtful, handmade yet unfussy. It reminds us that hospitality doesn’t need to be styled — it only needs to be sincere.

Let’s bring back the relish tray — not for nostalgia’s sake, but because it’s the purest expression of grace, grit, and gratitude at the table.

How to Build Your Own Modern Relish Tray

• 🫒 Something old: olives, homemade pickles, radishes.
• 🧀 Something creamy: pimento cheese or whipped feta.
• 🫘 Something new: marinated beans or deviled eggs with a twist.
• 🥕 Something crisp: carrots, celery, fennel.
• 🍞 Something simple: plain crackers or baguette slices.

It’s not about perfection. It’s about pleasure — about pausing long enough to savor the small things before the meal begins.

Closing Reflection

The relish tray isn’t elaborate or expensive, but it is intentional. It’s about slowing down, sharing small bites, and remembering that beauty often hides in the simplest traditions.

Maybe that’s what it means, after all, to live like a Bon Vivant — to bring thoughtfulness back to the table, one olive, one radish, one story at a time.