Chances are, your caterer has more than bacon-wrapped dates and chicken skewers to offer. But while creative menu items are important, don't underestimate the power of presentation. Innovative food displays can make an indelible impression on guests and enhance their overall event experience considerably.
To help you think beyond ordinary hors d'oeuvres, here are some unusual, whimsical, and downright jaw-dropping presentation ideas from top restaurants across the country. So whether you serve chicken fritters in a glass shoe or you figure out how to make potato chips levitate, consider using these ideas to dial up the creativity at your next bash.
Tru's Vanilla Parfait
Photo: Lettuce Entertain You Inc.
Tru's Coral Caviar
Photo: Anjali Pinto
Tru's Levitating Caviar Amuse
Photo: Anjali Pinto
Restaurant R'Evolution's Caviar Staircase
Photo: Courtesy of Restaurant R'Evolution
Baume & Brix's Octopus
Photo: Adam Milton
The Bazaar's Croquettas de Pollo
Photo: Courtesy of SLS Hotel South Beach
Inn of the Seventh Ray's Smoked Yellowtail Spread
Photo: Jared Iorio
Oceana's Roast Stuffed Branzino
Photo: Paul Johnson
Alinea's Pheasant
Photo: Lara Kastner
Alinea's Raspberry
Photo: Lara Kastner
L20's Fruits of the Sea
Photo: Lettuce Entertain You Inc.
L20's Mussel Tart
Photo: Anjali Pinto
FT33's
Photo: Kevin Marple
L20's Mignardises
Photo: Anjali Pinto
The Bocuse Restaurant's Le Gâteau Mont Blanc
Photo: Phil Mansfield/Culinary Institute of America
Sixteen's Pink Pearl Apple
Photo: Courtesy of Sixteen