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Guests select small bites from hanging glass orbs at this station by Delivering Experiences.

Station Innovation

The sky’s the limit when it comes to food station variety. But which ones are most popular with clients and guests? CFE asked six caterers to share details of noteworthy station and buffet offerings. Their answers reflect the trends driving event station set-ups—and may inspire your own station creation.

various desserts on a table covered with baby blue cover

Taking the Pulse of the Industry

After years of tumult, what’s the business outlook for 2023? CFE asked experts from the catering and restaurant industries to weigh in.

Vivid colors will be popping up in 2023 weddings, according to OFD Consulting's Meghan Ely. Photo by Kyle John Photography. Planning and design by Ann Travis Events

Tying the Knot in 2023

From nostalgia-themed celebrations to multi-day affairs, experts divulge 20 of the top trends influencing weddings in the new year.

Health and sustainability are two key factors in specialty food trends.

Fresh and Flavorful

While the countries surrounding the Mediterranean—from southern Europe to northern Africa to southwest Asia—vary in culture, customs and cuisine, the traditional diets eaten in those countries share many of the same principles.

Add eye-catching clusters of flowers to a cocktail for a festive garnish, suggests Melissa Misgen of Elite Events Catering. Photo by Dewitt for Love Photography

Cheers to the Holidays

Holiday events are right around the corner. Will your bar menus get guests in the spirit? If you need inspiration, follow these tips from the experts for making and serving extra-festive refreshments during fall and winter holiday events.

Phoenix-based Fabulous Food planned and catered the complex Dinner on the Desert event in April. Photo by Haute Media

Bringing Your “A” Game to Away Games

Successful caterers and event planners know how to execute events in the most challenging of locations but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. From weather to difficult terrain to Murphy’s Law – anything that can go wrong will go wrong – obstacles abound. To help you overcome them, we’ve gathered tips from two seasoned pros as well as product ideas to help you score big at your next off-premise event.

Big Delicious Planet in Chicago incorporates produce and edible flowers from its urban farm in many dishes, including this vegetarian bruschetta. Photo by Madi Ellis Photography

Plant-Based Dining Takes Root

There’s no doubt about it—demand is mushrooming for plant-based cuisine.
After a record year of growth in 2020, U.S. retail sales of plant-based foods grew 6.2% in 2021, according to data released by the Plant Based Foods Association, The Good Food Institute and SPINS. That increase boosted the total plant-based market value to an all-time high of $7.4 billion.

Latin American cuisine is growing in popularity.

Latin Love

While they may share certain ingredients, Latin American cuisines are as varied as their countries of origin, with each culture serving up its own specialties and traditions. And as the flavors and dishes of Latin America become more widely known among U.S. consumers, they’re becoming more popular.

A platter including brisket from Bringle’s Smoking Oasis. Photo by Nick Bumgardner

Still Smokin’

Spring has sprung, and that means outdoor events are ramping up in many parts of the country. So, after a tumultuous couple of years, are clients still craving the down-home comfort of a plate of barbecue? We asked pitmasters and caterers from across the country, who tell us that America’s love affair with barbecue is still going strong.

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