5 Fun Catering Ideas for Your Next Party

Parties come in many styles, sizes, and varieties. One of the things they have in common however is that good food makes all the difference. If you hosted a party before, you might already be aware of a few catering tricks. For example, you should account for all dietary needs and include non-alcoholic drink options. To really wow your guests, though, you'll need some creativity. Struggling to come up with something on your own? No worries—here are 5 catering ideas that will breathe life into any party.

1. Coffee Bar

Keeping your coffee on a random table in the corner can be quite boring; and by the time the party's in full swing, the coffee will probably be lukewarm and unappetizing. Packets of sugar and creamers won't hide that; so if you're willing to put in some effort, a coffee bar is a perfect solution. You could offer a variety of options such as nitro, cold brew, and non-dairy milk.

2. Donut Wall

If you're hosting a breakfast party, donuts are a must-have. Creating a donut wall is a great way to get more mileage out of this traditional dessert. All you need to do is decorate a pegboard and hang your donuts from it. Other than being easy to access, a donut wall makes a nice visual statement. If you want your party to prompt Instagram posts, look no further.

3. Craft Beer Slushies

This idea takes a bit more work, as you'll need to partner up with a local craft brewer. If you can finesse that, the only other thing you'll need is a slushie machine. Again, the point is to provide an interesting spin on a traditional beverage. Keep in mind that craft beer slushies work best in summer. The earlier you start thinking about which flavors you'll offer, the better.

4. Food Trucks

Okay, you got us—hiring food trucks for an event isn't exactly a new idea. Still, people can't get enough of it; and that makes it a must-have. Plus, a lot of food trucks are trying to stand out by offering unique catering twists. If you'll only have one food truck at your party, make it dessert-related. For instance, you can get ice cream carts for rent at a very affordable price these days.

5. Tapas

Another thing most parties have in common is finger foods. After all, it's no secret that attendees prefer grab-and-go stuff to sit-down entrees. Most parties use sandwiches for this purpose, but tapas are a cool alternative. For best results, match the tapas to your wine pairings and seasonal ingredients. Remember, they can work as both lunch and dinner.

More Catering Ideas

As you can see, this list offers something for any budget. Speaking of which, make sure not to oversell your party. As tempted as you may be to invite everyone you know, try to focus on how many people you can feed. For a great party, choose food and drink combinations that suit your particular needs.