By Angela Norval
Appreciating that a well-designed platter can truly make the difference to a special occasion, Bloom and Graze Platters continue to create some impressive platters and grazing boxes for clients, whether in a venue or making the most of the great outdoors.
After the birth of her daughter Genevieve in 2022 and having worked in the children protection industry for many years, owner Joelle Carlile was feeling a little burnt out and wanted to create something beautiful to share with others, while also being able to be a full time stay at home mum.
Joelle said Bloom and Graze Platters started with a conversation with her eldest daughter Rylee when they were watering the family’s vegetable patch and discussing what direction Joelle should take with her career.
“Rylee said to me why not use your French heritage and love of good food and creativity and then I thought of grazing boxes as I had used them on my wedding day and for events previously,” she said.
“We then came up with names and looking at my edible flowers I thought Bloom and Rylee thought Graze for nibbling on food and that is where it all started.
“Rylee is studying business and accounting so she took over the books quickly and has been a wealth of knowledge to that part.
“My husband Andy always helps out during those busy times too and has been a great support throughout my little dream.
“I really do love making platters and being part of people’s special moments.”
Bloom and Graze Platters specialise in savoury and brunch platters and with Joelle’s French connection and cheese and pastries a big part of her life, it made sense to focus on her strengths.
Being fussy herself about cheese, quality is everything to Joelle as well as supporting Australian producers, and in particular this beautiful state.
“All my gourmet cheese and produce is from Queensland, supporting our farmers.
“The relishes, jams and cheese pastes are from spray-free local farms and are ones I use personally because they are the best I’ve had with Relish more, waste less my favourite.
“All the flowers I use in my platters are from my own little farm and all are edible, so the whole ethos of my business is supporting local wherever possible and always Australian.”
Based in Childers, Bloom and Graze Platters deliver to Bundaberg, Bargara, Howard, Maryborough and Hervey Bay.
They offer grazing boxes as well as grazing tables for functions at local venues such as In the Rusty Gate Grove.
“Wedding season books up fast so for functions as much time in advance as possible but for ordering I generally need at least two weeks if I have the availability, while for grazing boxes sometimes, I can take orders only a few days in advance.
“I’m finding that a lot of brides are organising these grazing boxes either for themselves so they get to eat on their wedding day or for their wedding party while the bride and groom are off getting photos, or even for their breakfast on the big day.
“Platters are great, whether you want something that looks great to take to a picnic, or have a baby shower in the park or to spoil a friend or family member.
“I think the reason platters are so popular out here is because we don’t have a lot of choice like in the city, we don’t have uber eats, there’s no food delivery in Childers.
“So, the option to have a grazing box that has great quality produce, looks nice and can be delivered is very appealing.”
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