inventive ways to serve food

At the Delegates Party during the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, Best Impressions Caterers displayed shrimp cocktail and seared ahi tuna on stainless-steel shelves.

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

During cocktail hour, guests at the American Heart Association’s Broward Heart Ball in Fort Lauderale could pick up food from a retro Automat-style machine.

At the MSNBC party after the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, Occasions Caterers served crisp bacon on tiny hooks attached to a metal structure.

Pinch Food Design presented hors d’oeuvres on platters that hung from branded helium-filled balloons at the AOL Digital Content Newfront, the company’s April event introducing its new digital shows.

During a dinner at Stella McCartney’s SoHo store in January, guests dined at an AO Production-designed table that had a moat carved into the surface. The shallow channel was equipped with a conveyor belt that pulled floating toy boats holding food past seated guests.

Not wood, but an equally interesting textured print medium: Plum Blossom Press's Sonoma invitation suite is printed on cork, a style that would certainly set the right tone for a winery event.

#3 Benefit
At the 2012 Massive Party, 1,800 guests let loose in the Art Gallery of Ontario, raising $145,000. Next: spring 2013

#5 Benefit
In 2011, the Design Exchange Black and White Gala had decor inspired by honourees Karim Rashid, Hani Rashid, and Lise Ann Couture and drew more than 1,000 guests. Next: fall 2012