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Catering Foodservice & Events Magazine

Catering, Foodservice & Events Magazine

The leading trade publication for food service and event professionals

ECEP Caterers Are Mad for Mocha Mousse

March 31, 2025 by Sara Perez Webber

The rich, warm hue of Mocha Mousse—Pantone’s Color of the Year 2025—is adding sophistication to both desserts and décor. Caterer members of ECEP have embraced the earthy brown tone, creating irresistible desserts in the indulgent shade:

At Catering By Michaels in Chicago, the Mousse Bump Station is a playful, interactive dessert experience where chefs customize “mousse bumps” (a trend lifted from luxury caviar service), layering flavors, textures and garnishes to delight guests.
The Sweet and Salty Pudding Cups served by Mintahoe Catering and Events in Minneapolis balance sweet, salty and bitter notes in a timeless yet modern treat.
At Folio Restaurant in the Boston Athenaeum, operated by The Catered Affair, the Gold-Draped Chocolate Dome is a visually stunning centerpiece. A shimmering chocolate shell, dusted in cocoa powder, is theatrically cracked open tableside to reveal velvety pistachio crema and espresso mousse on top of a chocolate cake round surrounded by Frangelico syrup.
Mocha-toned desserts at Butler’s Pantry in St. Louis include chocolate-dusted Tiramisu Trifles with edible coffee beans.

The Mocha Mousse trend also extends to event décor. “In the past, wedding color schemes were often built around classic staples like black, blue and gold,” notes Butler’s Pantry CEO Maggie Barton. “Now, many of us seem to be entering a ‘beige era’—whether in home décor, wardrobes or event design. We’re seeing a shift toward grounding palettes in soft neutrals like white, tan and, of course, the rich and versatile Mocha Mousse.”

Chocolate Molded Mugs with S’mores filling from Butler’s Pantry

Barton says Mocha Mousse “is the ultimate elevated neutral, perfect for grounding any event’s design.”

Tips from Butler’s Pantry on adding the color to event décor include:

  • Serve your menu on a layered mocha tablescape, playing with various textures, hues and pairing patterns, like amber glassware and textured plates on matte mocha chargers. Layer mocha linens with silk runners and velvet placemats with wooden napkin rings.
  • Integrate mocha with seasonal decor. In spring and summer, offset grazing boards plated on natural wood with blush florals or fresh greens, creating a balanced and contemporary vibe. Mocha ribbons wrapped around menus or tied to individual place cards can add an intimate, thoughtful touch. For autumn and winter, pair the contrast of a coffee-rubbed brisket station with rustic pampas grass, dried foliage, and hints of soft burgundy and gold for warmth. 
  • As for wedding attire, “bridesmaid dresses in mocha offer a timeless elegance, especially when paired with softer accents like ivory or dusty rose,” says Barton. Faux mocha fur wraps are a decadent way to keep guests cozy for winter weddings or events.

Filed Under: Food Trends, Spotlight

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