How to Design & Set Up Finger Food Trays for Catering

Whether you're catering your own party or professionally catering an event that requires finger food trays, you have a few options when it comes to planning and setting up. Planning ahead of time using information about the party will help tremendously when designing and customizing food trays. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1

Review the event and the overall theme you are catering for. If you are catering a business event, you may want to stick with finger foods that are quick and easy to eat, especially for those on the go. However, if you are catering a formal event, a more personal touch may be warranted.

2

Determine the number of guests to determine what you need. Account for vegetarians and special diets such as sugar or gluten free when calculating. Create a budget to save money. Determine if you're going to refill the foods throughout the event.

3

Purchase the proper utensils and serving tools your guests will need when eating finger foods, such as toothpicks and miniature plates.

4

Create different types of finger food trays to serve all the guests. Keep vegetables separate from fruits and create an entire cheese plate with assorted cheeses. Place toothpicks in holders, which are available at any dollar store or department store, next to each plate of food. Additional plates of food include cold shrimp served with cocktail sauce and meat trays with cubed ham, pepperoni, and sausage. Deviled eggs, small sandwiches, and miniature desserts with chocolate fondue also make great finger foods. Add special touches to your finger foods by using food dye and coloring to fit a specific theme. You can also purchase edible decorations at a local baking store to add flare to your trays before presenting them.