Desserts have really come into their own over the past year as we've seen the trend of interactive dessert stations and DIY desserts really take hold at events, parties and weddings.
Traditionally, dessert has been a seated affair, something passive to do while you're resting and digesting the main course. We're seeing all of that change however as catering companies are introducing more entertaining and active post-dinner experiences. And I think this is a trend worth continuing as there is something so much better about getting up after the main meal and actively mingling. Providing dessert stations and interactive DIY experiences is an excellent excuse to get people socializing and having fun during a time that can sometimes turn a party flat.
Traditionally, dessert has been a seated affair, something passive to do while you're resting and digesting the main course. We're seeing all of that change however as catering companies are introducing more entertaining and active post-dinner experiences. And I think this is a trend worth continuing as there is something so much better about getting up after the main meal and actively mingling. Providing dessert stations and interactive DIY experiences is an excellent excuse to get people socializing and having fun during a time that can sometimes turn a party flat.
Participation
This is the key. The name of the game is participation because it's by getting guests involved and giving them something to remember that we give our clients a unique catering experience that they will remember. Making your company the talk of the night can leave a real impression with happy smiling faces all around.
Think of ways to increase participation, brainstorm new possibilities. How about a choose your own ice cream stations with numerous flavors that can be mixed and combined with different toppings. Guests love to watch a chef put the final touches on a special dish, but they love being a part of that experience as well so whatever you can do to increase audience participation the better. Create a real sense of shared activity between the guests and you're 90% of the way there.
Think of ways to increase participation, brainstorm new possibilities. How about a choose your own ice cream stations with numerous flavors that can be mixed and combined with different toppings. Guests love to watch a chef put the final touches on a special dish, but they love being a part of that experience as well so whatever you can do to increase audience participation the better. Create a real sense of shared activity between the guests and you're 90% of the way there.
Make it Healthy
There is a food trend that can't be escaped and that is a customer preference for healthier and fresher food. This is great, and we can bring the concept to the dessert table as well. Using natural fruits and sweeteners instead of artificial stuff is always a good way to offer something that is sweet but healthy and clean. This also helps to combat the guilty feeling that can keep guests from truly enjoying and partaking, having healthy options means everyone can keep tasting.
Keep it Bite Sized
Keeping all of the items bite sized is an important part of keeping the fun going, just like the option to make things healthier by using natural fruits and sweeteners, you can also create smaller bite-sized dessert items that encourage people to explore a wide variety of what's on offer. Trying something new with each bite or 2 is much more preferable than stuffing yourself with 1 single piece of cake.
Alcohol Pairings
More intelligent pairings of food and alcohol have really taken hold in the past few years as clients become savy connoisseurs of food culture and fine dining. Creating special alcoholic drinks that pair wonderfully with desserts is a sure way to impress the party and keep people mingling and enjoying themselves. The beer pairing experience has become an even wider trend over the past year and this is a huge part of the appeal of coming up with novel dessert and drink pairings.
Late Night Snacks
Things don't need to end here, it is become more and more expected these days that caterers will provide some kind of evening snack to help people get through the end of the night after dancing and socializing well after dinner.
This is an excellent opportunity to showcase something sweet again, just make sure to contrast it with your after dinner sweets and make sure it's not too much of the same.
This is an excellent opportunity to showcase something sweet again, just make sure to contrast it with your after dinner sweets and make sure it's not too much of the same.