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UncategorizedBy Lane HarperSeptember 4, 2025September 5, 2025

Catering Trends for Holiday Events – What’s In!

Interactivity. Food Variety. Environmental Sustainability. Fun.

Times are changing and so are the trends for creating events that leave a lasting impression. People want fun events that foster connecting with each other and participating in activities! They prefer a wide variety of food, and environmental sustainability is becoming increasingly significant. Also, since gift giving is popular this time of year, so are creative ways to provide gifts that also engage your guests, providing amusement as well as memories.

Interactivity

Typically, people remember events when they are interactive. Here are some suggestions that encourage guests to connect with each other and participate!

CATERED ACTION STATIONS

Catered action stations engage and entertain your guests. Some of the most popular stations are carving, pasta, taco, slider, macaroni and cheese, baked potato, and dessert stations. Featuring these stations allows your guests to mix and mingle easily and offers the added benefit of people creating just what they want and… just the way they want it.

GRAZING TABLES

These masterpieces always WOW! They also allow your guests to mix and mingle easily due to the ease of grabbing a variety of small bites throughout the meeting or event. Great for gatherings during the holidays and all year round!

You would want your menu selections artfully displayed on a food-safe paper-lined table, platters, or a combination of those, creating the centerpiece for your event.

Traditional tables offer a wide variety of options that cater to different tastes and dietary considerations and typically include cured meats, domestic and imported cheeses, fresh and dried fruits, vegetables, dips, nuts, breads, crackers and pita chips. Other grazing table ideas include Breakfast, Brunch, and Desserts… or you might want to do a combination of some of all these mentioned!

Traditional Grazing Table

HOLIDAY GIFT ACTIVITY STATIONS

Guests eat, enjoy, and make a gift to take with them!

Offering gifts to guests is a kind way to say thank you. Turn that gift into a station where guests create their own take home gift and are entertained at the same time. To create these stations, all the dry ingredients are displayed buffet style, complete with measuring cups and spoons, portioning directions, and a gift bag or container to hold the ingredients.

Make and Take Cookie Mix in a Bag
Guests layer ingredients in a gift bag, tie the bag with the list of ingredients, baking instructions and a bow! Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix and a Cranberry and White Chocolate Cookie Mix are a couple ideas!

Holiday Trail Mix Gift Bags
Guests make custom trail mix with Chex mix, Cheerios, pretzels, white chocolate chips and M&M’s.

Holiday Hot Chocolate Gift Jars
Guests assemble White, Mexican, or regular hot chocolate mixes in a mason jar or another container you would provide.

Cookie Decorating Stations
Giant Sugar Cookies
Guests decorate giant sugar cookies to take
with them! Some ideas… icing, sprinkles, colored sugars,
cinnamon candies, M&M’s, and peppermint.

S’mores for Two Treat Bar Baskets–
Guests assemble Graham crackers, marshmallows,
and chocolate bars, and wrap them in a holiday gift bag
with a bow

Beverage Trends

Signature cocktails and alcohol-free options, including mocktails and fruit infused waters, are increasingly popular! If you want to provide these at your company’s or organization’s event, consider naming them to match your theme, time of year, or company name. For wedding receptions, you could name them after the bride and groom.

Environmentally Sustainable

Using eco-friendly products is becoming increasingly more widespread. You can support sustainable practices by using these options, which can range from compostable plates, cups and utensils to biodegradable bamboo, palm leaf or sugarcane products. Using these will reduce landfill waste, lower the manufacturing carbon footprint, and reduce exposure to harmful chemicals that can be found in some plastics.

Creating meetings and events with these trends in mind adds a thoughtful and memorable touch to all-sized gatherings! They also encourage participation by your guests, and every guest feels valued and inspired.

Would you like help with planning yours? Please Contact Us!

UncategorizedBy Lane HarperFebruary 18, 2025March 12, 2025

Antipasto, Antipasti, Charcuterie and now Grazing Tables? What’s that all about?

Antipasto is a singular offering like cheese. Antipasti features multiple items served at the same time like cheeses, cured meats and olives and led to the birth of the Charcuterie board. Charcuterie Boards have traditional cured meats, several cheeses, olives, nuts, fruits and vegetables, all served with crackers, party breads, jams, jellies and other condiments based on what items are on the board. Then along came the Grazing Table, a variety of snacking favorites all in one place.

Why have a Grazing Table?

A Grazing Table is a great interactive eating experience because of the visual appeal, and the ease of grabbing a bite or two, allowing guests to mix and mingle easily. These Tables are suitable for all kinds of events including weddings, cocktail parties, business gatherings, and celebrations. They can be tailored to food preferences, budgets, dietary considerations, and the time of day they are served… breakfast, afternoon snack, evening appetizers, or dinner.

Grazing Tables that WOW!

Grazing Tables can have just about any snacking favorites you wish to have. The items should be smaller and bite-size, making it easier for guests to sample, or graze, the variety of foods presented. Though a less formal presentation, the items should be

artfully presented directly on a paper lined table, actual boards, marble slabs, platters or a combination of these. Also, it is very helpful for your guests that the item descriptions be written on the table cover itself or on cards.

It’s important to include a variety of foods that have different colors, textures and flavors. A Charcuterie Board can be part of the table, or the table can be designed to include cured meats, cheeses, fruits, vegetables, nuts, crackers, breads, pickled items, mustards and even chocolates or other sweets. The presentation is key. You might want to add decorations such as candles, flowers, etc. or incorporate other types of decorations to accommodate a theme.

Here are some of the popular foods for Grazing Tables. However, just about any snacking favorites can be used.

Cured Meats

Other Proteins

Cheeses

Fruits

Vegetables

Pickled items

Dips/Spreads

Nuts

Breads/Crackers

Condiments

Sweets

For a custom quote for your grazing event served anywhere in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, please contact us so we can get started!

UncategorizedBy Lane HarperOctober 31, 2024August 29, 2025

Catered Food Stations

Catered Food Station – What is that?

Catered food stations are a great way to provide food for your guests while allowing them to mix, mingle, and enjoy the event. Typically, the portions are smaller at food stations, enabling you to offer more menu variety than you could with a traditional catered buffet or plated meal. The best way to present these is to situate different stations throughout the venue, allowing guests to move around and chat with other guests.

No matter which you select, your guests will be treated to an extraordinary event!

Italian Theme Food Station
Mexican Style Food Station
Around the Word
Fun Holiday Activity Stations

Stations are designed for 50 or more guests. Volume discounts are available!
We can also compliment your theme with beverages, party rentals, and place settings.

Italian Theme Food Stations

Appetizer Pasta Bar Station
Grilled chicken, beef meatballs, bacon, rotini, and bow tie pasta, pesto cream, and marinara sauce, sautéed veggies
Parmesan Chicken Medallions
Chicken breast medallions with our signature Parmesan breadcrumb mix served with marinara sauce
Caramelized Flatbread
Fresh zucchini slices and red onion accented with fresh basil, Parmesan, and ricotta cheese baked on flat bread
Charcuterie Board
Prosciutto, salami, ham, provolone, Havarti, and gouda cheeses, assorted olives, and grapes. Served with mustard, crackers, and party breads
Caprese Skewers
Marinated fresh mozzarella skewered with fresh grape tomatoes and basil and drizzled with balsamic
Fresh Fruit Kabobs
Fresh Hawaiian Gold Pineapple Chunk and Strawberry
Party Sugar Dusted Lemon Square
Mini bars of creamy lemon custard baked on top of a shortbread crust, dusted with powdered sugar
Party Cheesecake Cups
Individual cup creamy cheesecake on graham cracker crumbs, garnished with whipped topping and sprinkled with more cracker crumbs. Add fresh berries for a special touch

Mexican Theme Stations

Street Tacos Station
Select fajita beef steak, chicken, or veggie tacos served with a fresh lime wedge
Bacon Wrapped Chicken
Chicken breast tenders and a strip of fresh jalapeno pepper all wrapped up with bacon and marinated with a sweet and spicy glaze
Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
Sweet and spicy marinated shrimp and fresh jalapeno slice wrapped in bacon and marinated with a sweet and spicy glaze
Queso & Chips
Tortilla chips, Queso, cheddar cheese, shredded lettuce, diced fresh tomatoes sliced jalapeno peppers, and sour cream
Pineapple Mango Salsa
Tropical mango and pineapple salsa served with cinnamon flatbread strips
Fresh Fruit Kabobs
Fresh Hawaiian Gold Pineapple Chunk and Strawberry Kabob
Caramel Flan
Sweet custard with caramel sauce

Around The World Food Stations

FRANCE

Mini Chicken Cordon Blues (French)
Breaded chicken stuffed with ham and Swiss cheese
Smoked Salmon Crostini
Sliced smoked salmon, cream cheese, fresh lemon, and dill on toasted garlic crostini toast
Almond Crusted Brie
A wheel of buttery soft brie smothered with toasted almonds served with flatbread strips
Party Cream Puffs
Chocolate Eclairs

MEXICO

Street Tacos Station
Select fajita beef steak, chicken, or veggie tacos served with fresh lime wedges
Bacon Wrapped Chicken
Chicken breast tenders and a strip of fresh jalapeno pepper all wrapped up with bacon and marinated with a sweet and spicy glaze
Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
Sweet and spicy marinated shrimp and fresh jalapeno slice wrapped in bacon and marinated with a sweet and spicy glaze
Caramel Flan
Sweet custard with a caramel sauce

GREECE

Spanakopita
Phyllo triangles filled with spinach, feta, cream cheese, and a touch of garlic
Greek Veggie Tarts
Plum tomatoes, Greek olives, cucumber, onion, and feta tossed with Greek vinaigrette and served in party phyllo cups
Marinated Olives
Jumbo green olives, pitted kalamata, and mixed olives
Baklava
Crispy phyllo dough layered with honey and nuts

ITALY

Cocktail Meatballs with Marinara Sauce
Parmesan Chicken Medallions
Chicken breast medallions with our signature Parmesan breadcrumb mix served with marinara sauce
Caramelized Flatbread
Fresh zucchini slices and red onion accented with fresh basil, Parmesan, and ricotta cheese baked on flat bread
Charcuterie Board
Prosciutto, salami, ham, provolone, Havarti, and gouda cheeses, assorted olives, and grapes. Served with mustard, crackers, and party breads
Caprese Skewers
Marinated fresh mozzarella skewered with fresh grape tomatoes and basil and drizzled with balsamic
Party Tiramisu
Sponge cake, espresso-flavored mascarpone mousse and whipped cream

AMERICA

Party Sliders
An assortment of beef steak, chicken, veggie, and brisket slicers served with cheddar cheese
Macaroni and Cheese Station
Served with diced ham, bacon, and shredded parmesan and cheddar cheeses
Mashed Potato Bar
Country mashed potatoes or whipped sweet potatoes served with a host of toppings
Parmesan Kettle Chips
Our signature house-made parmesan chips
Mini Fudge Brownie
Decadent fudge walnut brownies studded with dark chocolate chunks

Fun Holiday Activity Stations

We even created some Holiday Activity Stations where guests can create their take-away gifts as a special treat from you…just for the holidays! Let them eat, enjoy, and make a gift to take!

Make and Take Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix
Guests will layer ingredients for chocolate chip cookies in a gift bag, tie with baking instructions and a bow
Make and Take Cranberry Cookie Mix in a Bag
Guests will layer ingredients for cranberry white chocolate cookies in a gift bag, tie it with baking instructions, and a bow
Holiday Trail Mix Gift Bags
Guests can make custom trail mix with Chex mix, Cheerios, pretzels, white chocolate chips and M&M’s
Holiday Hot Chocolate Gift Bags
White, Mexican, or regular hot chocolate mixes assembled in a mason jar or a container you want to use
Cookie Decorating Station
Giant Sugar Cookies
Guests decorate giant sugar cookies with icing, sprinkles, colored sugars, cinnamon candies, M&M’s, and peppermint
S’mores for Two Treat Bar Baskets
Graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate bars are wrapped in a holiday gift bag, complete with a bow

Ornament Painting
A clear ornament guests will decorate with acrylic paint, swirling their color choices inside the ornament

Holiday Catering Tips UncategorizedBy PJNovember 6, 2020September 19, 2024

How To Set A Proper Dinner Table

Confused about how to set a proper dinner table?

Here are some details to get your table perfectly set!

Your menu, level of formality and the number of courses being served all help determine the proper table setting for your meal. The more formal the meal and the more formal the place setting means the more utensils will be needed. So how do you arrange everything for a formal meal?

Guest Space

The spacing of all of these items matter. The typical formal place setting requires about 15” per guests to allow enough elbow room at the table. The actual plate should be 1” from the edge of the table, and the bottom of all the utensils should line up with the plate bottom.

Utensils

Utensils are placed so that the more outward utensils are used first. For the left side of the setting, if you’re having a seafood appetizer, that fork would be the furthest out, salad fork would be placed next to that and then the dinner fork would be closest to the actual place where plate will go. The dinner fork should be 1” away from the plate area. On the right side of the setting, if you’re offering soup, then a soup spoon would be the furthest out, then a teaspoon and then the dinner knife is closest to the actual place where the plate would be with the knife blade facing the plate. The dinner knife should be 1” from the plate area.

Dessert spoons and forks are placed directly above the area where the plates go so they’re easily accessible once dessert is served. The spoon handle should face right and the fork handle should face left. Coffee cups and saucers can be placed on the table if you so choose, placing it the right of the spoon however those are typically not placed until dessert is served.

If you’re using a Bread and Butter plate, then that should be placed on the left side, arranged above the forks with the butter knife placed on the plate at an angle with the blade facing the edge of the table.

Glasses

The water glass should be placed as the most inside glass with the wine glass placed to the right and about 1” below the water glass.

Napkins

Napkins can be placed in the center of the place setting or to the left of the most outside fork. They can be simply folded or you can get creative with a fancy folded design. See how here.

To start actually setting the table:

If you’re using a charger, place that centered in from of where each guest will sit 1” from the table edge. If you’re not using a charger, use the dinner plate on which the main meal will be served.

Place the Dinner Fork 1” to the left of that charger or plate with the bottom of the fork lined up with the bottom edge of the charger or plate. Measure 1”to the left the Dinner Fork, and place the Salad Fork with the bottom lining up with the Dinner Fork. If you’re using a seafood fork, that would be placed 1” to the left of the Salad Fork with the bottom of it lining up with the other utensils.

Measure 1” to the right of the charger or plate and place the Dinner Knife with the blade facing the charger or plate and so that the bottom is lined up with the bottom edge of the plate. Measure 1” to the right and place the Spoon so the bottom of the spoon is aligned with the bottom of the Dinner Knife.

Place the wine glass about 3” from the Dinner Spoon and to the right a wee bit. The second wine glass would be placed to the left of the first wine glass and slightly higher. The Water glass goes about 3” to the left of the second wine glass and slightly higher so that when all are placed they’re angled as shown here:

holiday table setting

And now you’ve set the table in grand style!

Happy Entertaining!

UncategorizedBy PJOctober 13, 2020

Appetizers are All Aboard!

Appetizers all set for a train ride!

Taking a pre-dinner train ride means you have to have some appetizers to nibble during the ride. We were asked to prepare these custom boxes – one for each passenger, individually sealed and ready for their eating pleasure.

Since there isn’t much room on a train, and no actual dining table, we created these hand held appetizer boxes with a collection of treats passengers could easily eat while holding a beverage. One to two bites and no utensils needed either! And, to minimize moving about on the train, each passenger appetizer box included a hand towelette to avoid any rush to the rest room for hand washing.

Minimal trash is a must on a train, we chose menu items that were easy to eat, required no heating and packed in boxes that, once emptied, could easily be stacked and stowed in one small trash bag. Here’s how we made them:

UncategorizedBy PJAugust 5, 2020September 20, 2024

How to Build a GREAT Salad

Building a great salad is easy to do.

Get the freshest ingredients you can buy, mix and match lettuces, veggies, fruits, nuts, cheeses and other salad items and start building your perfect lunch or dinner today.

Here is more information on the most popular salad ingredients to consider adding to salad today.

Best Salad Lettuce Choices

See pictures and all the details about them

Leaf Lettuce
Romaine
Iceberg
Boston
Bibb
Kale
Arugula
Spinach
Radicchio
Endive
Frisée

Most Common Vegetable Salad Ingredients

See how your favorites rank

Cucumbers
Carrots
Tomato – regular, cherry or grape tomatoes
Red Onion
Avocado
Bell peppers – any color or use several
Broccoli
Purple Cabbage
Celery
Cauliflower (keto friendly)
Portabello Mushrooms

Meats and Proteins	Best Cheeses To Include	Other Fun Things to add
Bacon	Cheddar	Croutons
Ham	Parmesan	Nuts – pecans, walnuts, almonds
Turkey	Swiss	Sunflower seeds
Chicken	Feta	Olives
Tuna	Blue Cheese	Apples
Salmon		Strawberries
Hard Cooked Egg		Dried Cranberries
Shrimp

Serving the DFW Metroplex for 28 years