Event and Catering Trends for 2017

Event and Catering Trends for 2017

Balloon Garlands, Arches and Statement Balloons

·         Balloon Garlands

o   Think traditional tissue paper garland with a twist.  Add tulle and twinkling lights for a dramatic updated look on the ceiling.

·         Organic Balloon Arches

o   Take everything you know about arches and throw it out the window.  Balloon arches are taking on their own life with less structure and more flowing lines. 

·         Statement Balloons

o   Have your special message, logo or design printed on latex balloons.  You can use them to make a garland or an arch.  Or try large Mylar letters to make a backdrop spelling out your name, company name, or themed message.

Thrifted Glassware, Tableware and Décor

·         Shop at your local thrift stores, Habitat for Humanity Restore, consignment shops, Ebay, or garage sales for glass tableware and serving pieces.  Mix and match colors, materials and styles to create an eclectic vintage design.

Textured Table Linens

·         2017 is the year for bold dramatic colors and linens.  You will see less of the sequined table linens and more velvets and silks.  To make a dramatic look, use more standard linens on the dining tables and mix in upgraded linens on the cake, present, head or other special table.  You can also mix in fabrics that have a special meaning to you over risers on the buffet and dessert tables.

Pantone Color of the Year

·         Each year Pantone chooses the color of the year.  According to their website, the Color of the year is a symbolic color selection; a color snapshot of what we see taking place in our global culture that serves as an expression of a mood and an attitude.  The 2017 Color of the year is Greenery. It is described as fresh and zesty yellow-green shade that evokes the first days of spring when nature’s greens revive, restore and renew. Illustrative of flourishing foliage and the lushness of the great outdoors, the fortifying attributes of Greenery signals consumers to take a deep breath, oxygenate and reinvigorate.

Brunch is back – But who said it left??

·         Remember that vintage serving ware we talked about before?  This is a great way to show it off. Serve mini/bite size versions of some of your favorite dishes.  Not everything needs to be bite sized, but a few nibbles here and there is a great starter. 

·         Instead of serving standard orange juice mimosas – try a Mimosa bar.  Mix in your favorite juices (Orange, Grapefruit, Pomegranate, Pineapple, or any other flavors), fresh fruit (strawberries, raspberries, lemon slices, orange slices, blueberries, etc.) and bubbly (Champagne, sparkling white wine, Prosecco, club soda and ginger ale).  Put juices in matching glass bottles, fruit in matching bowls and chill the bubbly.  Encourage everyone to mix and match their favorites.

·         Mimosa not your thing?  How about a Bloody Mary Bar?  Start with a great basic Bloody Mary Mix.  On your buffet put the mix, ice pepper, celery salt, hot sauce, horseradish, and Sriracha sauce.  Add your alcohol – vodka, tequila and gin.  Finish your presentation with garnishes – celery, pickle spears, pepperoncini, stuffed olives, cherry tomatoes, bacon strips, cooked shrimp, lemons and limes.  Have skewers and straws available as well.

LOCAL LOCAL LOCAL -  

·         This is not new for 2017, but a continuation of previous years.  Think sustainable catering using locally grown/sourced items.  In addition, use locally grown season flowers, vegetables and herbs for centerpieces.  For a twist on classic cocktails, substitute standard ingredients using local items.  Using infused vodkas and syrups, swapping fruit and veggie ingredients (cucumber margarita) and new techniques like freezing juice and/or garnish for ice cubes using local items.

Grazing Tables

·         Here are 5 steps for creating the ultimate grazing table for your next casual get-together

o   Mix It Up. 

§  Choose a variety of aged, hard, soft, and blue cheeses, then add plenty of accompaniments. Seasonal and dried fruits, nuts, jarred condiments and preserves all work well.

o   Location, Location, Location. 

§  Position your grazing table in a central place with enough space for guests to mingle. Sharing is all part of the fun, and you never know who you might meet over the perfect brie!

o   Display + Serve. 

§  Wooden boards are a great way to keep the look casual + rustic. But marble boards, porcelain bowls, cake stands, and even enamel baking trays all look great on a crisp white tablecloth.

o   Add Another Dimension. 

§  Introduce foliage + florals of varying heights to bring dimension, life and color to your table. Just avoid any flowers that are too fragrant so they don’t compete with the food.

o   Let Loose! 

§  Scatter nuts, crackers and sprigs of herbs without over-styling. Dip a spoon into the preserves, cut leave a knife in the cheese. Guests are guaranteed to feel more comfortable about digging in if things already look a little “artfully disheveled”. Promise!

I would like to thank the following sources for helping me write this article:

·         Revelandglitter.com – 10 Hot Party Trends for 2017

·         Revelandglitter.com – Entertaining with Pantone color of the year

·         Onestylishparty.com – 2017 Hot Party Trends

·         Pantone.com – Color of the year 2017

·         Blog.westelm.com – Grazing Tables