Food is often an iconic part of events. In today’s “foodie” atmosphere, food that is creative and appetizing = happy guests. If you find yourself in a jam (no pun intended), try out these 15 creative ways to display food at your events:
1) Art Pallet
This is a way to literally get creative with your food. Have servers stand at a table shaped like an art pallet and paint with the food. This is perfect for artistic themed events held in art studios. Extra credit: Serve small bites on little wooden art pallets that guests can walk around with.
2) Waffle Popsicles
Holding an event over brunch time? Take smaller waffles and place them on a popsicle stick. Go the extra mile and hang them on a fun spinning rack like this one. Having dips and toppings to add would be a fun way to customize these popsicles. Think chocolate, whipped cream, strawberries, icing and more!
Source: Pinterest
3) Creative Popsicle Display
In the heat of summer, it’s important to keep guests cooled down. Use displays like the one shown below to get creative and allow guests to serve themselves. Make sure you keep them cool though!
This photo of Stickhouse is courtesy of TripAdvisor
4) Velcro Wall
For our 25th anniversary party we had a caterer that displayed their creativity with food shooters served on a Velcro wall. These were simple little bites served in a fun way. Guests could grab food at their convenience.
5) Crepe Station
Crepes have gained popularity in the U.S. in recent years. Satisfy guests’ sweet tooth by setting up this food station at your next event.
Source: Let’s Party Magazine
6) Portable PVC Display
Several years ago, we attended a BizBash Live event in Chicago. During the networking portion of the event at the end of the day, servers walked around carrying a portable PVC food display. Thick PVC was cut and placed in a beehive type fashion. Guests could then grab small bites as the servers walked by.
7) Nacho Bar
Having an outdoor BBQ or in need of a late-night snack? Nacho bars are perfect for both occasions. There are plenty of topping options you can provide so guests can customize their favorite nacho dish.
Source: Fantabulosity
8) Donut Peg Board
Donuts seem to be making a big wave and pushing aside competing baked goods. With places like Hurts Donuts and Voodoo Donuts, we can see why. Get imaginative with your display and serve donuts on a peg board! This treat isn’t limited to breakfast or brunch anymore, serve them at any party!
Source: Love My Dress
9) Vegetable Shooters
Okay, most of our ideas so far haven’t been the most health conscious. If you’re looking for a way to provide a balanced array of food, incorporate veggies using vegetable shooters. These are convenient enough for networking events or meetings. Guests can grab a shooter and enjoy as they walk around, minimizing the mess of dip on a plate (Something that makes my OCD cringe).
10) S’mores Station
Do you say Smores or Suh-mores? It’s obviously written out to be pronounced as suh-mores, but I’ve always defaulted to calling them smores (I digress). S’mores stations are perfect during the summer and fall, whether indoors or outdoors. This is like a fun twist on the traditional fondue bar. Spice this food station up by adding various gourmet marshmallow options and various chocolates. Letting guests cook their own is a great experiential event element.
Source: Versailles Ballroom
11) Pretzel Bar
Pretzels are the perfect salty snack to soak up liquids for event that are beer heavy. For weddings, this would be the perfect late-night snack. Get creative with the options and display. Offer chocolate covered pretzels, dipped pretzel sticks, soft pretzels, snack pretzels, and more. You can allow guests to choose their dips (strawberry, icing, cheese, pesto, etc.) or have everything pre-seasoned (ranch, cheddar, cinnamon & sugar), it’s up to you and what you think your guests will desire!
Source: BizBash
12) Dessert Champagne Skirts
We love our champagne skirts and so do party attendees. Who doesn’t love alcohol on wheels being served by pretty girls?! For a twist on this party favorite, place desserts like strawberry shortcake or chocolate pudding in champagne flutes or cocktail glasses. Want to step it up a notch? Do a dessert and drink pairing served on the skirts! Other ideas we’ve seen are mini cookies and popcorn served in cones. Seriously call us today, we’d love to see these ideas come to life! 😊
13) Hanging Popcorn Balls
Want to save table space or don’t even have space for a table to display treats? Try wrapping fun colored popcorn balls in plastic baggies and hanging them. Set up something to tether a string or clothes line from and hang each bag with clothes pins.
14) Sliced Caramel Apples on a Stick
Instead of a 100% candy or dessert bar, throw a little bit of healthiness into it by using sliced apples. Of course, you’ll be counteracting it with the caramel, chocolate, and candy toppings you offer for toppings, but at least the base is something health right? For a fairytale themed event, hang a cute sign that says “pick your poison” as a nod to Snow White and the Seven Dwarves.
Source: Personal Creations
Food stations and the way you display your food has a huge impact on the overall feel of the event. Make sure you WOW! your guests by taking the time to tie it in with your theme and getting creative with it!
Our next food adventure includes gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches and fun peanut butter and jelly sandwiches served as a late-night snack, stay tuned!
