BizBash
  • Production & Strategy
  • Catering & Design
  • Event Tech & Virtual
  • Venues & Destinations
  • Meetings & Trade Shows
  • Sports
  • Advertise
  • Events
Topics
  • Production & Strategy
  • Catering & Design
  • Event Tech & Virtual
  • Venues & Destinations
  • Meetings & Trade Shows
  • Sports
  • Advertise
  • Events
  • Industry Buzz
  • BizBash Lists
Resources
  • On-Demand
  • White Papers & E-Books
  • Podcast
  • Magazine
  • Events
  • Awards
  • Subscribe
User Tools
Follow BizBash
Instagram iconLinkedIn iconFacebook iconTwitter X icon Pinterest iconYouTube iconTikTok
  • About Us
  • Advertise
  • Get Featured
  • Press Releases
  • Newsletter Signup
  • Subscribe to Magazine
Follow BizBash
Instagram iconLinkedIn iconFacebook iconTwitter X icon Pinterest iconYouTube iconTikTok
  • Production & Strategy
  • Catering & Design
  • Event Tech & Virtual
  • Venues & Destinations
  • Meetings & Trade Shows
  • Sports
  • Advertise
  • Events
  • On-Demand
  • White Papers & E-Books
  • Podcast
  • Magazine
  • Events
  • Awards
  • Subscribe
  1. Event Tech & Virtual

11 Instagrammable Catering Trays From Recent Events

Making use of unusual materials, branding, and food presentation, these trays got guests snapping.

Alesandra Dubin
August 15, 2016

As event guests become increasingly knowledgable about food, expectations for its presentation have been elevated. So it takes an extraordinary catering display to encourage them to get out their phones to share photos, snaps, and tweets on social media. These trays from recent events stood out from the ordinary, whether by incorporating unusual designs and materials on or inside catering trays, or through the eye-catching food itself.

In June, Lancôme hosted an artful party to launch its newest products in New York. A unique open tray, oriented vertically, was reminiscent of architecture or candlesticks. It offered bites from Pinch Food Design.
In June, Lancôme hosted an artful party to launch its newest products in New York. A unique open tray, oriented vertically, was reminiscent of architecture or candlesticks. It offered bites from Pinch Food Design.
Photo: Taylor McIntyre/BizBash
In June, Patina Catering catered the opening of Skyspace Los Angeles, the observation deck that also includes a glass slide 1,000 feet above the city. As part of an elaborate catering offering, Patina served late-night hors d'oeuvres that were passed as the party came to a close. The grab-and-go boxes featured cheddar beef sliders on mini sesame buns, crispy tater tots, and mini milkshakes.
In June, Patina Catering catered the opening of Skyspace Los Angeles, the observation deck that also includes a glass slide 1,000 feet above the city. As part of an elaborate catering offering, Patina served late-night hors d'oeuvres that were passed as the party came to a close. The grab-and-go boxes featured cheddar beef sliders on mini sesame buns, crispy tater tots, and mini milkshakes.
Photo: Christopher Todd Studios
During the White House Correspondents Dinner in Washington in May, The New Yorker hosted a cocktail party where passed hors d'oeuvres from the W Washington D.C. were presented on trays featuring previous covers of the magazine.
During the White House Correspondents Dinner in Washington in May, The New Yorker hosted a cocktail party where passed hors d'oeuvres from the W Washington D.C. were presented on trays featuring previous covers of the magazine.
Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris
At the flagship boutique opening for Hublot in New York in April, goat cheese and kalamata olive lollipops from CxRA lent a graphic, dramatic, black-and-white look against an all-black tray.
At the flagship boutique opening for Hublot in New York in April, goat cheese and kalamata olive lollipops from CxRA lent a graphic, dramatic, black-and-white look against an all-black tray.
Photo: Jim Shi
In June, the Museum of Modern Art in New York hosted its Party in the Garden, and caterers paid special attention to food presentation on the tray. Sweet pea and pesto crostini from Union Square Events took on artful forms of their own.
In June, the Museum of Modern Art in New York hosted its Party in the Garden, and caterers paid special attention to food presentation on the tray. Sweet pea and pesto crostini from Union Square Events took on artful forms of their own.
Photo: Beth Kormanik/BizBash
At a Los Angeles event hosted by Century 21 Real Estate in July with a futuristic look and feel, hors d’oeuvres—such as lump crab cakes with remoulade and micro arugula—were served on modern-style white platters that included unusual cutout forms.
At a Los Angeles event hosted by Century 21 Real Estate in July with a futuristic look and feel, hors d’oeuvres—such as lump crab cakes with remoulade and micro arugula—were served on modern-style white platters that included unusual cutout forms.
Photo: Chelsea Lauren
Last year in Los Angeles, Ted Baker hosted an event at Carondelet House, where Tres L.A. whipped up whimsical catering trays reminiscent of organic environments. On one presentation, moss and whole mushrooms surrounded mushroom griddle cakes.
Last year in Los Angeles, Ted Baker hosted an event at Carondelet House, where Tres L.A. whipped up whimsical catering trays reminiscent of organic environments. On one presentation, moss and whole mushrooms surrounded mushroom griddle cakes.
Photo: Alice Dubin/BizBash
Single floral stems framed hors d’oeuvres like mango Thai basil summer rolls from Union Square Events at the Robin Hood Foundation gala in New York in May.
Single floral stems framed hors d’oeuvres like mango Thai basil summer rolls from Union Square Events at the Robin Hood Foundation gala in New York in May.
Photo: Beth Kormanik/BizBash
Heinz launched a new yellow mustard last year in May, and hosted a barbecue-style event in New York to celebrate. In a bit of a meta moment—or at least a detail that clearly underscored the host’s marketing message—Heinz served mustard-topped corn dogs on trays emblazoned with the new product’s label.
Heinz launched a new yellow mustard last year in May, and hosted a barbecue-style event in New York to celebrate. In a bit of a meta moment—or at least a detail that clearly underscored the host’s marketing message—Heinz served mustard-topped corn dogs on trays emblazoned with the new product’s label.
Photo: Paolo Ferraris/Michael Jurick Photography
For a luncheon with a “hat party” theme, New York caterer Abigail Kirsch created a playful arrangement of desserts, including a white chocolate 'fence,' citrus macaron 'hat pops,' peanut-butter-and-jelly tarts, miniature carrot cake, and Devil's Food cakes topped with flowers.
For a luncheon with a “hat party” theme, New York caterer Abigail Kirsch created a playful arrangement of desserts, including a white chocolate "fence," citrus macaron "hat pops," peanut-butter-and-jelly tarts, miniature carrot cake, and Devil's Food cakes topped with flowers.
Photo: Courtesy of Abigail Kirsch
Last year, the Peninsula Chicago offered rotisserie potatoes in cones amid river rocks and bamboo shoots.
Last year, the Peninsula Chicago offered rotisserie potatoes in cones amid river rocks and bamboo shoots.
Photo: Jenny Berg/BizBash
Latest in Event Tech & Virtual
Spanning several rooms of the Mercer Labs Museum of Art and Technology in New York City, a recent Don Julio experience allowed visitors to step inside tech-driven installations that were powered by cinematic projections, 4D spatial audio, and evocative scents like the warm aromas of roasted agave and rich oak. See more: See Inside This High-Tech, Multisensory Experience from Don Julio
Event Tech & Tools
Event Tech Check: Cool New Tools for Attendee Engagement, Destination Sourcing, and More
On May 9, Genesis debuted The Forest Within, a multisensory installation at Genesis House in New York developed in collaboration with Gwyneth Paltrow. The exhibit transforms the venue’s Cellar Stage into an immersive environment inspired by Korean landscapes and cultural symbolism. Guests are guided by Paltrow’s narration through a symbolic forest filled with native greenery, rock formations, and a blend of sensory details like ambient sounds, botanical scents, and layered textures. Digital elements—including LED visuals—enhance the journey, merging technology with nature to create a calming, immersive atmosphere.
Event Tech & Tools
Event Tech Check: New Tools for Guest Communication, 3D Event Diagramming, and More
Shutterstock 2579417909
Event Tech & Tools
Guest Column: Still Not Using AI for Events? Here’s What You’re Missing
Recently, multimedia studio Moment Factory had the chance to contribute to Aquascope, a major indoor water park in France. Read more in our interview with co-founder Dominic Audet, who made our list of Industry Innovators in the event tech industry.
Event Tech & Tools
Event Tech Check: Cool New Solutions for Networking, Fan Engagement, Livestreaming, and More
Related Stories
1. Stick It
Event Tech & Virtual
9 Cachaça Cocktails to Serve at Olympics Parties
Eleni’s New York offers an assortment of election-theme cookies that will surely win over guests’ appetites this election season. The political cookies make a great gift for campaign fund-raisers, political gatherings, and personal get-togethers, with eight different sets including Trump and Clinton collections, as well as Republican- and Democratic-inspired goodies. Prices range from $8.95 to $65.95. The collections are available on elenis.com and at the bakery’s flagship location in Chelsea Market.
Event Tech & Virtual
16 Patriotic Ideas for Election Season Parties
At the South Beach Wine & Food Festival earlier this year, the Sweet 15 Dessert reception included a take on birthday cake and ice cream from Jean Georges Vongerichten's Matador and Market restaurants at the Miami Beach Edition hotel. Crème fraîche cake, vanilla bean crémeux, confetti nitro ice cream, raspberry gel, a white chocolate candle, and 23-carat edible gold flake comprised the dish.
Event Tech & Virtual
12 New Ideas for Serving Grown-Up Versions of Kids' Desserts
Cointreau Art of La Soirée
Event Tech & Virtual
15 Clever Ideas From Summer Spirit Events
More in Event Tech & Virtual
Event Tech & Tools
Event Tech Check: Cool New Tools for Attendee Engagement, Destination Sourcing, and More
BizBash takes a deep dive into the newest tech solutions for events of all types, plus the latest must-know industry news.
Spanning several rooms of the Mercer Labs Museum of Art and Technology in New York City, a recent Don Julio experience allowed visitors to step inside tech-driven installations that were powered by cinematic projections, 4D spatial audio, and evocative scents like the warm aromas of roasted agave and rich oak. See more: See Inside This High-Tech, Multisensory Experience from Don Julio
Event Tech & Tools
Event Tech Check: New Tools for Guest Communication, 3D Event Diagramming, and More
BizBash takes a deep dive into the newest tech solutions for events of all types, plus the latest must-know industry news.
On May 9, Genesis debuted The Forest Within, a multisensory installation at Genesis House in New York developed in collaboration with Gwyneth Paltrow. The exhibit transforms the venue’s Cellar Stage into an immersive environment inspired by Korean landscapes and cultural symbolism. Guests are guided by Paltrow’s narration through a symbolic forest filled with native greenery, rock formations, and a blend of sensory details like ambient sounds, botanical scents, and layered textures. Digital elements—including LED visuals—enhance the journey, merging technology with nature to create a calming, immersive atmosphere.
Event Tech & Tools
Guest Column: Still Not Using AI for Events? Here’s What You’re Missing
The CEO of Sequence shares five practical ways to use AI to boost your event productivity ASAP.
Shutterstock 2579417909
Event Tech & Tools
Event Tech Check: Cool New Solutions for Networking, Fan Engagement, Livestreaming, and More
BizBash takes a deep dive into the newest tech solutions for events of all types, plus the latest must-know industry news.
Recently, multimedia studio Moment Factory had the chance to contribute to Aquascope, a major indoor water park in France. Read more in our interview with co-founder Dominic Audet, who made our list of Industry Innovators in the event tech industry.
Brands & Event Pros
Industry Innovators 2025: 9 Event Tech Leaders Defining What’s Next
Meet the minds behind the tools, platforms, and ideas revolutionizing how events are executed in 2025 and beyond.
2025 Industry Innovators Article Image Event Technology
Event Tech & Tools
Event Tech Check: New Tools to Simplify Logistics, Improve Attendee Engagement, and More
BizBash takes a deep dive into the newest tech solutions for events of all types, plus the latest must-know industry news.
Dubai's Museum of the Future recently made its SXSW debut with a five-day immersive pop-up produced and designed by Czarnowski Collective. The space featured an elemental-inspired, AI-powered installation produced by Refik Anadol Studio, and hosted talks about the intersections of space, food, and more. See more: SXSW 2025: See Inside Top Events and Activations From Amazon, YouTube, Uber, and More
Most Popular
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
Cannes Lions 2025: 90+ Bold Builds and Big Ideas From the French Festival of Creativity
Brands & Event Pros
Industry Innovators 2025: Sephora
Brands & Event Pros
Industry Innovators 2025: 10 Brands That Took Experiential Marketing to a Whole New Level
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
50 Cool Event Ideas You May Have Missed From Liquid I.V., Martha Stewart, Foot Locker, and More
Innovators
Industry Innovators 2025: Netflix
Brands & Event Pros
Industry Innovators 2025: Chase
Sponsored
Eventcombo Tops Gartner's 2025 Digital Market Report
Curious why we're leading the event tech space in 2025?
Eventcombo - Best Event Tech Platform
Sponsored
Choosing The Best Trade Show Technology For Your Event
Find the right tools to boost exhibitor sales, attendee engagement, and event success.
Choosing the right trade show technology can make or break your event. Find the best tools to streamline operations, boost exhibitor ROI, and enhance attendee engagement.
Event Tech & Tools
Event Tech Check: Must-Know New Tools for Tracking Revenue, Real-Time Analytics, and More
BizBash takes a deep dive into the newest tech solutions for events of all types, plus the latest must-know industry news.
What if you could infuse traditional golf with the fanfare and excitement of sitting courtside at an NBA game? That's one of the goals behind TGL, a new tech-forward team golf league from Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, and their partnership with the PGA Tour. Innovative technology touches include a massive simulator screen and a green with an undulating, adaptable surface to create hole variations. See more: Behind the Scenes of a TGL Match—and Why Its Fans Might Have the Best Seats in Golf
Event Tech & Tools
Event Tech Check: Cool New Tools for Virtual Event Production, Exhibitor ROI, and More
BizBash takes a deep dive into the newest tech solutions for events of all types, plus the latest must-know industry news.
At CES, appliance and electronics manufacturer Hisense hosted an immersive booth experience designed and executed by Impact XM. The space aimed to showcase Hisense's technology through the overarching theme of 'AI Your Life,' which highlighted how artificial intelligence can enhance everyday living through various interactive zones and activations. See more: CES 2025: 50+ Memorable Ways Brands Drove Innovation at the Giant Tech Show
Trade Shows
CES 2025: 50+ Memorable Ways Brands Drove Innovation at the Giant Tech Show
Here's how brands like Delta, Bose, Pinterest, Abbott, and Amazon Ring stood out among the show's 4,500 exhibitors.
Delta Air Lines
Event Tech & Tools
Event Tech Check: Innovative New Products for Exhibitor Management, Virtual Events, and More
BizBash takes a deep dive into the newest tech solutions for events of all types, plus the latest must-know industry news.
Our CES 2024 coverage was one of BizBash's most popular stories last year, with highlights like Seoul-based conglomerate SK Group's display of artificial intelligence and carbon-reduction technologies, housed under an amusement park concept called “SK Wonderland.” In addition to the giant “Wonder Globe,' the space featured a 'magic carpet ride' (a vehicle embedded with an AI processor) and an AI fortuneteller. This year's CES kicks off today in Las Vegas; stay tuned for our coverage in the coming weeks!
Page 1 of 196
Next Page
BizBash
Follow BizBash
Instagram iconLinkedIn iconFacebook iconTwitter X icon Pinterest iconYouTube iconTikTok
  1. Privacy Policy
  2. CCPA: Do Not Sell My Personal Info
  3. Contact Us
  4. Site Map
© 2025 Connect Biz, LLC. All rights reserved.