
Mini cannelloni bites with ricotta, shaved mozzarella, and arrabbiata salsa, by Eatertainment in Toronto
Photo: Courtesy of Eatertainment

Freshly baked cracker pillows broken open with maracas to reveal a Greek salad of feta, fried eggplant, corn, and cucumber with oregano vinaigrette, by Pinch Food Design in New York
Photo: Courtesy of Pinch Food Design

For breakfast, guests enjoyed cherry-chia seed pudding and coconut acai bowls.
Photo: Cameron Kelly

Ornate fruit carvings served as colorful decor during the morning meal.
Photo: John Cain Sargent

Artisanal popsicles on custom idiom sticks—with sayings like "Just chilling at Engage!16 The Breakers"—provided a refreshing afternoon break.
Photo: Cameron Kelly
Chicken and Watermelon

New York catering firm Bite is serving fried-chicken-and-watermelon canapes at some of its summer gatherings. The watermelon tile is soaked in spicy raw ginger juice and honey then topped with a spicy Napa cabbage slaw with green chiles.
Photo: Courtesy of Bite
B.L.T. Bites

In Boston, the Catered Affair provides miniature one-bite B.L.T. sandwiches.
Photo: Blonde Tulip Photography
High-End Hot Dogs

Chicago's Entertaining Company puts a sophisticated spin on Chicago-style hot dogs by putting toppings—including chopped tomatoes, pickled peppers, and onions—in sleek silver vessels.
Photo: Courtesy of Entertaining Company

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

When guests can grab individual portions, they don't leave a mess on a buffet. Wolfgang Puck Catering creates action stations offering dishes on small plates and mini verrines arranged on trays and risers, which is both convenient for guests and also remains tidy.
Photo: Courtesy of Wolfgang Puck Catering
Newseum Night's Act Up!

Washington, D.C.'s Newseum hosted the third installment of its 2016 Newseum Nights on November 15. Savory food stations included popcorn chicken and tater tots served in paper cones made from mock edition of The New York Times.
Photo: Channing Muller for BizBash