13 Catering Trends You’ll See at Every Party in 2023

At PartySlate, we are always looking for creative ways to take events to the next level. We watch new event ideas come and go every year, and this year we are spotting the hottest catering trends that are to come in 2023. We also reached out to some of the top caterers around the country to get their predictions of what will be trending going into the new year.

One of our favorite approaches to catering is an increased focus on sustainability and supporting local businesses. Below, we have dedicated a section to highlighting some of the best catering companies that take this sustainability mission to heart. From growing all of their own vegetables in an on-site greenhouse to sourcing ingredients solely from local suppliers, you’ll find the best caterers with the freshest produce — and ideas.

BTWC Co. Culinary Concepts elaborates by saying, “Party hosts, and guests, are becoming more health-conscious and want to hire a caterer they can trust to serve clean food that will make them feel good. The party doesn’t necessarily end at the end of the night. When you wake up in the morning, you can feel the difference in eating clean food.”

Keep reading to discover even more of our favorite catering trends to take over 2023. You’ll be the first of your friends to host the most delectable party of the year.

See How Paramount Events Promotes Sustainability & Supports Local Businesses

1. Sustainably-Sourced Is Best

PartySlate is proud to endorse caterers that practice and promote sustainability. Leaving this world a better place than we found it is a mission near and dear to these caterers’ hearts. Read on to find their insight on catering trends that are making a difference.

Delivering Experiences notes, “Food should be dynamic, creative, and inspiring. Sustainability is a very important trend in our industry that will continue in 2023. Using locally-sourced ingredients, reducing food waste, and moving to a greener service are ways to inspire guests through food.”

Deborah Miller Catering & Events comments on this topic, saying, “Clients want to see sustainability through every step of their event. Guests want to know that each ingredient in a dish is sustainable, that there is a focus on sustainability in a company’s culture, and that the dishes they’ve come to love can be made without undue impact on the environment. A focus on local producers for every step of the catering process is pivotal in achieving this trend, as well.”

2. Support Local Every Chance You Get

In addition to sustainable ingredients, locally-sourced ingredients are just as important to hosts and guests alike. Wine Meats Cheese says, “Post-shutdown, our clients have taken a keen interest in where their beverages come from as well as the stories behind the wineries, breweries, and distilleries that we purvey. We see this support as providing more and more artisans the opportunity to share their craft with us and the events we serve.”

3. Mushroom-Infused Menus Are In

We’ve seen cauliflower, kale, and chickpeas elevate from accompaniment to main dish. Now, mushrooms are the tasty new alternative. Beyond being one of our favorite new catering trends, mushrooms are being incorporated into every aspect of the party. Check out mushroom décor in our article on wedding and party trends of 2023 for even more inspiration.

4. Open-Fire Cooking Is All the Rage

Party hosts are wanting to create an immersive environment for their guests. Open-fire cooking is the perfect way to accomplish this. This preparation style not only draws intrigue from passerby, it showcases the chefs’ talents and hard work. Find a few of our favorite examples from top caterers below.

5. Sweet Treats Go Vegan

Considering your guests dietary needs and choices is a way of taking care of them; it shows them that they are important to you. Catering by Design offers insight into this trend by saying, “its all about an increase in dietary, vegetarian, and vegan-focused options.”

They go on to say, “It’s no secret that we as a society have begun to reduce meat consumption in the past few years. We have seen a huge increase in requests for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and other less-traditional menu options. Clients want full menus, food stations, and desserts that can accommodate a variety of dietary and allergy needs. Using fresh, local ingredients, we are able to create unforgettable menus that hit every dietary need.”

6. Childhood Classics Are Here to Stay

We have seen childhood treats come back in style in many elegant ways. Marcia Selden Catering & Events compares catering trends to fashion trends, saying, “Much like fashion, trends come back in and out of style. We have begun embracing the nostalgia of comfort food with a twist, elevating the fan favorites with fun and clever presentations.”

Kuma’s Corner notes, “Comfort food reminds clients of happy moments from home and their childhood. With so much constant change, we’re all holding on to a bit of the past. Choosing food that is associated with good memories of childhood and incorporating those flavors into your wedding is one way to do that.”

7. Mocktail Shooters & Shots Are In

We have seen mocktails rise to the top of bar menus in recent years. This year, we are predicting mocktail shooters and shots as a fun twist on this trend. With our focus turned to health and wellness, guests and hosts are opting for a non-alcoholic option.

Contemporary Catering and Event Production believes, “Exciting nonalcoholic beverages will have a big impact on events this coming year.” They go on to note, “There has certainly been a big push for promoting health and wellness. This is unique as it allows people to focus on human connection — the reason we party in the first place.”

8. Walls of Fame Get a Moment to Shine

We all know party-goers love a unique serving station. Footers Catering speaks of this trend, saying, “Vertical food stations are an unexpected and fun way catch your guests’ attention. They are fully customizable and add depth and height to a display. They can be interactive between Chef and guests, allowing for a more personal dining experience. Unique vessels elevate the presentation and allow guests to enjoy delicious food and conversation at the same time.”

Gaurav Anand says, “The majority of clients and guests are attracted by the presentation and appearance of food displays more than the taste — one eats with the eyes first.”

9. Tea Gets Boozy

Last year, we predicted tea stations as one of the hottest catering trends of 2022. This year, we are loving tea in a different form. Bubbles & Brews Massachusetts speaks of a trend being served up at their restaurant, Mecha Noodle Bar, located in Brookline, Massachusetts. Come partake in this tasty Boozy Boba trend that you won’t find anywhere other than their establishments, they say.

Deborah Miller Catering & Events also comments on this hot new trend, saying, “Boozy Boba is a new drink trend that is borrowing on the popularity of the Espresso Martini, but taking it in a new direction. Clients are increasingly seeking something less sweet and more complex that blends everyday life, yet the excitement of a cocktail.”

10. Caviar Makes a Comeback

Caviar is coming back in a big way. Once touted as a delicacy only accessible to some, caterers are showcasing it as a must-taste delicious dish. Find some of our favorite caterers serving caviar at their events below, plus see how Sterling Caviar is encouraging everyone to dive into this catering trend.

11. Move Over Champagne, Non-Traditional Towers Are In

We all love a classic Champagne tower, but top caterers are predicting a shift. “While Champagne towers were all the rage this summer, 2023 party hosts are going to look for something a bit more personal. Espresso Martini towers are going to be the new go-to, for brides, grooms, and party hosts alike,” says Dolce & Gelato Catering Inc.

Craft Cartel Cocktail Catering notes that with cocktail towers, “The emphasis is being focused on elements that provide a creative spin on the classics and areas that make the experience more fun and entertaining.”

12. Napkins & Menus Become One in the Same

This is one of the sleekest catering trends that we have seen. Printing your menu on guests’ napkins not only saves space on the table, but saves paper as well. Try graceful calligraphy, as pictured below, or any menu style that fits your event’s theme.

13. Give Guests a Cultural Culinary Experience

At PartySlate, we are honored to showcase age-old traditions of all cultures — be it cultural wedding ceremonies, receptions, or celebrations of other milestones. My House Events comments, saying, “I think something unique is that people are really wanting to highlight the cultures they are from, and focus on specific foods that represent their backgrounds. Customization is key. A lot of people share Latino heritage and are excited to provide guests with nostalgic food that reminds them of what made them.”

Food First Events & Catering Co. says, “We get asked all the time to create unique fusion menus that incorporate our couples’ multicultural backgrounds into their wedding or party menus. We love when we are asked to create fusion menus with bold flavors because it allows us to show off our chefs’ true talents of developing delicious and unique flavors that make guests and couples feel like they are getting a true culinary experience at their event. Our goal is to hear, ‘This is the best wedding food we have ever had.'”

People Also Ask…

How can I make my event stand out from others?

The best part of any party is the cuisine. Find a top caterer near you who can incorporate some of the latest trends in catering that your friends haven’t seen (or tasted) yet. There are some classic catering elements that never go out of style, and some that evolve into something even better.

For example, the Champagne tower has been a beloved trend at weddings and special events for years. Now, caterers and hosts are moving towards alternative towers. Rosé, espresso martinis, and Aperol Spritz towers are all the rage these days. You’re sure to excite your guests with an alternative tower filled with your cocktail of choice.