While chatting with local business owner and charcuterie board-expect, Natalie Newbern, we dove into the details of in-home entertainment, an incredibly relevant topic as we approach the holidays. She also gave me the scoop on her business, Orange Blossom Grazing Company, and how she got her start in the cheeseboard industry.

“I started Orange Blossom Grazing Company at the onset of Covid in May 2020,” Newbern explains. “I was laid off from my full time job and created this business as a creative outlet and to make extra money while I was out of work. My interest in charcuterie began after high school. I have always loved to entertain, cook, and experiment with food, so when charcuterie started to blow up it was all of the above. It’s creative, delicious, and there is something for everyone on a charcuterie board, making it perfect for entertaining.”

With many people wondering where to even begin with creating a cheeseboard or discovering delectable pairings for guests, Natalie recommended starting with social media or attending one of Orange Blossom Grazing Company’s workshops in Jacksonville.

“For the people that want to learn more about cheese boards and entertainment, Instagram and Pinterest are great places to start,” Newbern shares. “There are tons of pages out there with inspiration. If people want a little more hands-on direction, I teach Charcuterie Workshops every other month around Jacksonville. We will be hosting the next workshop in February and would love to see everyone there.”

This February will be the business’s third “Charcuterie Workshop + Wine Tasting” event. Guests will build their own charcuterie boards, learning all the tips and tricks, as well as taste and learn about natural Wine with Kathryn’s Wines.

“These workshops are fun for all and a great way to meet new people or enjoy with friends. The location of this workshop is still TBD, but follow our instagram for updates and to purchase tickets.”

For anyone hosting guests around the holidays, charcuterie is only one of the many great serving options. You can also explore wine pairings and other appetizers, which Natalie expands upon.

 “Aside from our boards, we have cheese knives, honey dippers, jams and jellies and natural Wine available for purchase. All of these items, combined with charcuterie, is the ultimate set up for at-home entertaining and can be easily added to each order at checkout. All cheese needs to be paired with wine of course. Pairing wine and cheese together can bring out so many different flavor profiles from both the cheese and wine that you may not have tasted otherwise. I also love having a mixture of sweet and savory. And a warm, crispy, piece of French bread never hurts.”

Preparing a beautiful and delicious charcuterie for at-home entertainment is a great option for the less culinary inclined.

“I have clients who don’t like to cook or don’t know how to and just want something beautiful, delivered right to their door,” Newbern admits. “I have other clients who are busy and don’t have time to make anything [before] a party, and quickly swing by for pickup. And I also have clients who give the gift of cheese and wine to friends and family, and I make it easy by delivering a board and bottle right to their door.”

Now that Orange Blossom Grazing Company has been around for well over a year, the business has evolved from just small parties looking for in-home charcuterie to weddings, corporate events and large parties. Natalie informed me of “The Grazing Table,” which provides charcuterie for 50 to 150 people and how she thinks “it is so fun to build and provide for these types of events.”

Because Natalie’s talent within Orange Blossom Grazing Company is gaining more recognition among the Jacksonville community, I asked about some of the feedback she has received from clients.

 “The best compliment I’ve ever gotten was from a client who hired me to cater her mother’s memorial service. She later left a review on our Facebook page saying ‘unbelievably perfect experience, thanks to Natalie. We hosted my mom’s Celebration of Life at our home and a friend recommended Orange Blossom Grazing Company, not only because of the beautiful and abundant menu, but also so I could enjoy the afternoon without cooking, setting up and cleaning. It was the perfect choice and I will book again and again.’”

Newbern has learned more about the industry  since her start in 2020, and continues to set bigger goals for herself.

“I love what I do, and I will continue to learn, grow, and do my best to serve the Jacksonville community,” Newbern expresses. “My hopes are that I can one day have a brick and mortar store, so I can see my clients’ faces day-to-day and do what I’m passionate about forever. Jacksonville has been welcoming to this new endeavor and being voted the #1 caterer in the 904 by VOID magazine was the most amazing feeling.”

To learn more about Orange Blossom Grazing Company, visit orangeblossomgrazingcompany.squarespace.com or follow them on Instagram @orangeblossomgrazingco.