In 2025, catering will continue to transcend the traditional concept of just feeding guests—it’s becoming an art form, an immersive experience designed to engage every sense. At the forefront of this evolution is Constellation Culinary Group, a catering company bringing restaurant-quality cuisine with elevated presentations across a wide range of venues, from cultural landmarks like Carnegie Hall and the Philadelphia Museum of Art to intimate weddings and high-profile events.
This year’s catering trends emphasize globally inspired flavors, refined interpretations of quiet luxury and more. Discover what’s on the horizon for 2025 with insights from Constellation’s culinary director, Meg Grasso.
Ultra-Luxe Touches
Quiet luxury emerged as a major catering trend in 2024 and continues to grow in popularity. Driven by a demand for refined, upscale food moments that emphasize quality over extravagance, this trend features elevated, interactive event elements such as caviar carts, roaming oyster shuckers and tableside-carved tomahawk steaks, providing guests with a sense of exclusivity and engagement. Live-action culinary stations, like hanging shellfish paella, add a touch of theatrical flair while providing a beautiful visual of premium ingredients. Quiet luxury’s appeal lies in its subtle elegance, catering to discerning clientele who value craftsmanship and a more intimate, immersive dining experience.
Globally Inspired Grazing Tables
In 2025, grazing tables will replace formal dinners, offering guests a chance to explore diverse, international flavors at their leisure. Mediterranean mezze, antipasto boards and sushi stations will create an engaging, dynamic atmosphere. Each table is curated to showcase global cuisines, providing both visual appeal and a social dining experience. This versatile option is perfect for weddings, corporate events or private dinner parties.
The Food Is the Photo Op
Creative food displays have become a popular element of photo opportunities at catered events, with food displays now designed not just to satisfy tastebuds but to capture attention on social media. These visually striking setups serve as both décor and conversation-starters, encouraging guests to snap and share photos. As a result, food presentation has become an integral part of creating a memorable and Instagram-worthy event experience.
Sustainability Is Staying on the Menu
Sustainability will continue to thrive, with zero-waste menus that use every part of an ingredient, from root-to-stem cooking to repurposing food scraps. Chefs are also focusing on sustainable sourcing through local farms, while plant-based and alternative proteins are gaining popularity. Eco-friendly event design, including reusable serviceware and energy-efficient practices, is in high demand, pushing event and foodservice professionals to offer green alternatives at every stage of the process.
Edible Art Displays
Catering in 2025 goes beyond taste with edible art displays that turn food into stunning, artistic presentations. From intricately designed hors d’oeuvres to elaborate dessert tables, these displays captivate guests while showcasing culinary skill. Picture hand-painted macarons or a mosaic-style charcuterie board as the event centerpiece. These edible creations add luxury and elegance, leaving a lasting impression. In cultural art venues like Philadelphia’s Barnes Foundation and the Philadelphia Museum of Art, food and beverage displays are inspired by historical collections as well as rotating exhibitions.
For more information, visit constellationculinary.com.
