Themed Food Tables At Wedding Receptions
As a wedding reception caterer, you could just serve food the traditional way - by delivering it to guests' tables on plates. If you want to get a bit more creative, however, consider setting up themed, self-service tables that encourage guests to get involved in the preparation. Not only is this a fresh, exciting way of presenting your food options, it also encourages guests to mix and mingle during dinner.
Here are some table theme ideas:
Salt
Salt may sound like a simple condiment, but there are many different varieties of this popular spice. For instance, you can set up labeled jars of different types of sea salt, such as Merlot-, truffle-, dark chocolate- or caramel-flavored. You can also sprinkle fresh herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, into plain sea salt. Place spoons in each jar so that guests can sprinkle their desired type of salt onto food.
On the table, include a mix of savory and sweet foods that are complemented by salt, such as elegant cones of French fries or fudge brownies.
BBQ
A BBQ-themed food table works especially well for casual or outdoor wedding receptions. It can also be appropriate for elegant indoor receptions if you provide a few high-end options, such as Kobe beef burgers, as well.
You can design an array of mini options, such as small, grilled sausages and regular and veggie burger sliders, so that guests can sample the different foods. Accompany the sausages and sliders with mini buns as well. Condiments can range from typical ketchup and mustard to gourmet garlic aioli and pesto sauces.
As an unexpected treat, serve grilled desserts such as sliced peaches with a honey lime sauce, or grown-up s'mores filled with banana slices, dark chocolate, roasted nuts and marshmallow fluff.
Fruit
If you're catering a summer wedding, consider designing a fresh fruit-themed table. Create trays of sliced, seasonal fruit, such as pineapple, watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydew melon. In the middle of each tray, provide a yogurt- and caramel-based dips.
You can also provide a few savory options to mix it up. Some ideas include a fresh apple and celery salad topped with roasted almonds or hazelnuts, grilled pear, roast beef and blue cheese sandwiches, and summer-inspired skewers loaded with watermelon cubes, cherry tomatoes and fresh basil, drizzled with a balsamic vinegar glaze.
Fruity main course options include Caribbean shrimp and pineapple skewers, pork roast with mango salsa, lemon chicken pasta and Hawaiian-style Canadian bacon and pineapple pizza.
Share