Creative Catering Ideas to Wow Your Event Guests
By Lauren Morison /Australian Venue Expert
Sat 22nd Apr 2023 Corporate Venues · Social Venues · Wedding Venues ·
Dumpling Bar at Zest Waterfront Boathouse at The Spit in Sydney
How many parties have you been to this year? A few? Dozens? Too many to count? Chances are, you’ve been to enough gatherings that they all start to run together in your mind. And yet, when you’re tasked with planning your own event, the last thing you want is for your guests to walk away without remembering a special moment, an interesting idea, or even a tasty morsel of food they tried.
To help you create a more memorable event, we’ve rounded up some of the most creative catering ideas we’ve seen across Instagram, followed by industry-wide trends that have become popular in recent years. If the culinary experience of your event is important to you, start with choosing the right venue.
Many event venues pride themselves on their creative ideas and ways of presenting everything from tray-passed small bites to beautifully crafted desserts. Some catering companies exclusively deliver unique experiences like outdoor roasts and foraged food displays. In short, you can develop something memorable or lean into the experts to guide you to the most exciting approach.
A tiny forest presentation for foraged-style hors d’eouvres
View this post on Instagram
Mini tacos and margarita sippers
View this post on Instagram
A multi-level architectural feat of cheese by Zest in Sydney
View this post on Instagram
Ringmaster presents carnival-style snacks
View this post on Instagram
Tableside carved roast on a glitzy rolling bar cart at The Lanesborough in London
View this post on Instagram
Burrata-stuffed tomato look-a-likes
View this post on Instagram
A smash-open pillow filled with your first course
View this post on Instagram
Old Western-style cookouts for outdoor events
View this post on Instagram
Dessert floated in on balloons
View this post on Instagram
Sorbet-stuffed lemons
View this post on Instagram
Oscars-approved individually plated wheels of chocolate
View this post on Instagram
Slow-roasted whole fruits for dessert
View this post on Instagram
Still looking for more tried-and-true catering ideas? Here are some more options you can pull off at just about any venue. Speak with your venue manager for inspiration and ask if they have any of their own interactive station ideas or signature dish presentations.
Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream
Is it science? Is it food? Well, it’s both actually! A treat for both the eyes and the stomach, this ‘lab experiment meets dessert’ will wow your guests with its instant freezing and unique texture. A next level ice cream experience.
Gourmet Popcorn Bar
Who says popcorn is purely a cinema snack? Elevate your dessert table by including a gourmet popcorn bar with different flavors and toppings. As well as the traditional sweet and salted flavours – guests can tuck into inventive taste sensations like truffle oil, parmesan cheese, and caramel.
Liquid Desserts
With cocktails being an evergreen trend, why not offer liquid desserts at your event? Hire a cocktail specialist to create a delicious concoction that tastes just like your guest’s favourite pudding. For those you may prefer an alcohol-free option, we hear the creamy chocolate brownie tipple is to die for!
DIY Tacos
For fans of Mexican-inspired cuisine, a DIY taco bar is a no-brainer. From soft shell fish tacos, to a delicious traditional option, this hands-on option – complete with a range of salsas and cheeses – is guaranteed to please guests who enjoy their food with a kick to it!
Multi-level Charcuterie Board
A classic of the catering world, why not add a twist to your charcuterie boards by making them a multi-level masterpiece.
Present your cured meats, imported cheeses and other international delicacies across several levels to impress your foodie guests. You could even get creative by adding tasty additions like fresh fruit, nuts, and dipping sauces.
Interactive Food Stations and Demos
For a more hands on catering option, try adding interactive food stations to your event. From custom made pizzas to crepes loaded with yummy fillings, guests will jump at the chance to craft their own dishes.
To add an extra wrinkle, how about including a live cooking demonstration. Engage and entertain your guests, as they watch their favourite dish being created right in front of them.
Miniature Food
Does the saying ‘Your eyes are bigger than your belly’ ring a bell? Buffets and large sit-down meals can leave attendees feeling tired, meaning they’re often less engaged in the rest of your day.
Adding miniature food is a great way to offer a variety of dishes without overwhelming your guests. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing selection of goodies – burger sliders, mini pizzas, fresh sushi and bite size desserts are popular plate fillers at large gatherings.
Still looking for a venue that delivers an innovative catering experience in your area? Speak with our venue experts today, and we’ll guide you to some of the very best.
