Stations

Make-your-own citrus drink bar, by Design Cuisine in Arlington, Virginia

Crudite, dip, and shrimp display, on an antique cart, by L-Eat Catering in Toronto

Blueberry pie pops, blueberry cobbler in iron skillets, and Guinness stout cake, by A Divine Event (770.587.9117, adivineevent.com) in Atlanta

Tapas bar, by Good Gracious Events! in Los Angeles, displayed on sustainable bamboo risers from Cal-Mil (800.321.9069, calmil.com)

Housemade hot pretzel rolls with assorted mustards, heated over river rocks, by A Thyme to Cook (877.849.6386, athymetocook.com) in North Stonington, Connecticut

Spring hors d’oeuvres table with lobster tacos, parmesan truffle popcorn, beef short rib sliders with mini shots of Guinness, shrimp tempura lollipops, and mac ’n’ cheese canapés, by Boutique Bites in Chicago

For the grand opening of the Miami Airport Convention Center in Miami earlier this year, the venue's catering team created an edible garden using toasted pumpernickel crumbs as "dirt" with spears of baby carrots, asparagus spears, and zucchini, as well as baby tomatoes and buffalo mozzarella "flowers."

Boston-based event design firm LoLo Event Design recommends setting up self-service bars at summer events. The display includes premixed drinks in large Mason jars, along with fresh herbs and seasonal flowers.

#4 Entertainment & Media Event
The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Primetime Emmy Awards honor TV’s best. The crowd moves from the show to the academy’s splashy annual Governors Ball for about 3,900 guests; the ball is billed as the largest formal dinner in the U.S. Next: September 23, 2012

Quotation bubbles decked a candy buffet at the Palihouse for the Sh*t Girls Say book launch event.

“Bee Break” spread, including honey-drizzled almond croissants; honey, orange, and chocolate chip muffins; and honey-drizzled fruit and yogurt parfaits, by Grande Lakes Orlando in Orlando

At Target’s “Shops at Target” launch in New York, Creative Edge Parties served desserts on tiered rolling carts.

Turkey lollipops stuffed with homemade stuffing and dried cranberries, drizzled with cranberry reduction, by Riviera Caterers in New York

Grilled corn on the cob with assorted toppings; roasted potato salad on chive sticks; watermelon cubes with feta and spinach; spinach salad with chopped eggs and microgreens in bacon cups; “hot dog” and “hamburger” macarons; and apple pie parfaits, by Windows Catering Company in Washington

Chopped salad with salumi, provolone, fresh oregano, and red wine vinaigrette; tarragon egg salad sandwiches with watercress and radishes; and ricotta pound cake with Meyer lemon curd and whipped cream, produced by Dandelion Ranch Events with catering by Cooks County in Los Angeles