Wedding Food Station
This is the third in my series on food stations, in part 1 we looked at 3 stations: Salad , Soup, and Pasta, and in part 2 we looked at 3 more stations Cheese and Cold Meats, Carving, and Dessert.In this blog post we’re going to take a quick look at a number of other food stations.One of best things about wedding food stations is that you can really save a bundle on your budget because most, if not all, the food for the stations can be purchased at no cost at grocery stores.Keep it fund and interesting and your wedding guests will love it, so, let’s begin our look some food stations…
Food Stations
Antipasto Station: Include cured meats and cheeses; a variety of grilled vegetables; a bean and arugula tapenade; some marinated olives; a selection of rustic breads and some focaccia.Asian Station with Chicken Tandoori
Asian Station:
For something different include a station with food from different Asian countries, some suggestions are: vegetable spring rolls; chicken fried rice; beef & broccoli kabobs; tempura; chicken teriyaki kabobs; pot stickers; Kimchi and bibim guksu; coconut soup with chicken; and Sushi, Sashimi and Specialty Rolls.Charcuterie Station: Have a selection of meats included sliced prosciutto; salami and serrano ham; and some of other meats and cheeses; add different types of olives; nuts and, of course, dried fruits.
Chocolate Fondue or Fountain:
A popular wedding station is a chocolate station and have Milk, Dark, or White Chocolate, then provide a nice selection of things to dip into the chocolate like bananas, pineapple, strawberries, pound cake, pretzels, marshmallows, etc.
Greek Station:
Dolmades (wine or cabbage leaves stuffed with rice); Feta cheese; greek salad; Hummus; Kalamata (olives); Keftedes (meatballs); Melitzana Salata (eggplant dip); pita bread; Skordosomo (bread stuffed with garlic); Tyropita (cheese pies) ; Tzatziki (cucumber, yoghurt and garlic dip)
Grits Station:
If you want to do something you don’t see much outside of it’s regional area this a grits station might be just what you’re looking for. You’ll need a variety of grits, for example, garlic parmesan grits; cheddar grits; traditional creamy grits served with assorted toppings such as our shrimp and grits sauce, sauteed mushrooms, green peppers, cheddar cheese
Macaroni and Cheese Station:
Another station that’s becoming more popular is a macaroni and cheese station. This is easy you, just need Macaroni and then serve it with a choice of cheese sauces and include a selection of toppings such as bacon bits, diced tomatoes, diced ham, green onions, and bread crumbs.
Memphis Station:
This is perfect for Elvis fans and others that are looking for an interesting station. Memphis cuisine is southern-style food with a twist. Include some of the specialities of Memphis like: mini pulled pork and pulled duck BBQ sandwiches; fried peanut butter and banana sandwiches; sausage with cubed cheese platter; and beignets (they are just not a New Orleans treat).Enchilada, Rice, and Beans from a Mexican Station
Mexican Station:
Mexican food has become very popular and that popularity has been spilling over into weddings. Have some chicken or beef fajitas or quesadillas, maybe some enchiladas; mexican rice and black beans; and don’t forget the tortilla chips with fresh salsa. Of course, you’re going to want to have beef and chicken tacos with lots of tasty taco fixings, Spanish rice, refried beans all served with tomato, guacamole, cheddar cheese, sour cream, black olives and onions.
Potato Station:
Almost everyone like potatoes and a potato station with hot baked potatoes and lots of toppings like sour cream, bacon bits, chili, onions, herbed butter, chopped green cheese, and guacamole. But don’t stop there, have a big pot of mashed potatoes for those who prefer mashed over baked.
Seafood Station:
A seafood station can include shrimp cocktail; crab bites (plain and spicy); pineapple salmon skewers; crab dip, coconut shrimp; lemon chili shrimp sticks; shrimp scampi skewers; smoked salmon tarts; and tuna stuffed puffs.
Tapas Bar:
A tapas station is a selection of Spanish food, including Spanish cheeses; chickpea and olive salad; rajo; chorizo and roasted red pepper kabobs; black olive spread; shrimp and artichoke kabobs; and tortilla paisana.Children’s Food StationBesides the other stations it’s usually best to have a children’s station and the children will think it’s so special and fun that they get to choose their own food from their own special place.
Remember to have kid friendly foods, that means the food needs to be kid-sizes with small pieces, and can include:
- Cereal (like Cheerios and Chex — great for snacking)
- Cheese cubes
- Chicken fingers
- French fries
- Fruit pieces (particularly things like berries, apple pieces, orange slices, grapes, pineapple)
- Granola
- Hot dogs
- Mini-grilled cheese
- Mini hamburgers
- Mini pizzas
- Shelled nuts
- Veggies and dip
Decorating the Food StationsDecorating your food stations will make the food look even more appetizing so take the time to plan it out.Cover the tables with a neutral color cloth that drops to the floor and, depending on the food being served, and your colors place an overlay on the basic cloth.It is important to display the food at various levels. One for the look and two for the ease of the guests being able to serve themselves.To obtain the levels use serving pieces that are on pedestals or place sturdy items under the cloth to make the levels. You might use wood blocks, bricks or heavy boxes. Just be sure the food will sit secure on whatever you use.Do not crowd the dishes as you want it to be easy for the guests to get what they want and move on.It is critical to keep each station filled with your selections and assign a person to make sure everything stay full and appealing.Remember, this would also include making sure that plates, flatware and napkins are plentiful throughout the event.Well there you go, a lot of ideas for food stations, which work wonderfully even for small weddings. Bon Appetite!!