While corporate event catering is sometimes thought to be the backdrop or accessory to any corporate event, you should never underestimate the value of interesting or innovative catering displays in adding a memorable aspect to guest experience at any event. Whether your event is a formal affair, or an informal celebration of a corporate milestone or major achievement, there are a number of unique and interesting interactive food display ideas that can add a “Wow!” factor which will leave your guests talking about their experience long after the event is over.
But what interactive food displays are right for your next big soiree? How can you choose the perfect corporate event catering ideas and innovations to add some fun and pizzazz to your guests’ experience? While the style of your event will determine which options are right for you, if you want to use your food as an icebreaker or to help facilitate mingling or networking at your event, there are plenty of great ideas out there for you to choose from. Here are just a few of the great new trends and ideas in corporate event catering to help you during the planning and brainstorming process, so that your event can stand out from the rest of the pack.
Why offer your guests the same old buffet line experience they’ve seen a hundred times before when you can instead make your food displays on-demand? One of the more popular interactive food display trends involves build-your-own food stations.
From tostadas to paninis, and dozens of other options depending on what menu you’d like to present for your event, many corporate event catering companies now offer staffed stations for guests to place their own order and get a personalized dinner item just the way they want it.
Additionally, guests love having the opportunity to think about toppings and design their own tasty concoction. This creative aspect is also a built-in conversation starter for guests, especially useful if your event is centered on networking or building relationships between event attendees.
While the prime rib carving station has been a staple of events from weddings to anniversary parties for years, more and more corporate events are now putting chefs front and center during food service to take this time-honored trend to a whole new level. No matter what your menu offers, the benefits of having actual chefs for your guests to interact with are plentiful. Much like the build your own stations, these serve as a great conversation starter as guests mingle while watching the chefs work their craft up close.
Having chefs out of the kitchen and front and center also adds a more personal touch that was long missing from the traditional buffet setup – your guests can ask questions and learn more about the sourcing and creation of the food being served. In a world where sustainable and ethical food practices are more and more important, this is the kind of sensible touch that can elevate an event and impress your guests even more.
The secret is out on the donut wall – one of the hottest new trends appearing not just among the corporate event catering world, but even in bars and restaurants around the country. But if you are worried that weddings seem to have staked claim to this fun new idea, never fear – there are a ton of creative hands-on dessert displays that can take the final course of the night to a whole new level.
A variation on the donut wall that has already emerged is the cupcake tree or tower – your caterer can help you conceive of a creative display for a colorful assortment of cupcakes that guests can pluck for themselves when they are ready.
Cookie decorating stations are another great option – with plates of fresh baked cookies and an array of tasty toppings and flavors to craft your own dessert can be another course where your guests can mingle and brainstorm their ideas together. And when all else fails, the build-your-own sundae or ice cream cone approach has always been a favorite of guests at a wide variety of events.
There’s nothing wrong with using an interactive food display that has worked for thousands of events of all types.
From serving food in Chinese takeout containers to items like sweet or savory lollipops that are easy to carry with you and bring out the child in anyone, another great idea to consider for your next corporate event catering planning is packaging your different food items in easy-to-carry packaging that can create another fun subject of conversation for your guests.
Not only can this be more interesting than walking around with the ole’ plate full of food, but many packaging ideas can actually be more convenient, especially if your event involves a lot of mingling or moving around. Guests can take their food with them, or even easily take it home or back to their hotel room from a convention center – a small touch that many guests will appreciate and chat about when recollecting your event to co-workers, friends, and families in the days and weeks after it happens.
No matter what kind of dinner event you’re planning, a catering company can work with you to create a menu and a dining style that will work for you and your guests. Contact Left Coast Catering to learn more about our seasonal dishes, our full range of services, and our expert chefs.
