5 private event dining trends you need to know about

Private dining experiences offer a greater level of flexibility and personalisation to both the executive chef and guests. From intimate private dining rooms to swinging cocktail soirees, one thing remains king: the food. Gone are the days of chucking out some Jatz and cabanossi and pigs in a blanket (unless, of course, it’s some sort of pulled pork wrapped in flaky shortcrust pastry). When it comes to modern event dining trends, there are a few highlights that are proving popular, from weddings to corporate functions and everything in between. Plan a private dining experience like no other!

Event dining trend 1 - the rise of the pop-up

Want your event to look new, edgy and unique? Nothing looks better on an Instagram feed than an exclusive inside look at a new pop-up that’s barely been open for two days. Pop-up dining spaces are one of those event trends that ensure your function won’t be copied. From themed menus to restaurant industry spaces that have been seemingly created out of thin air, they’re a great way to create buzz for your private dining events. They’re also a fun way for a venue to try something completely different. Dining in the dark, or an outdoor pop-up that makes the most of the fair summer weather are great examples of this popular event trend.

Event dining trend 2 – food with a conscience

This event dining trend is not a particularly new concept, but it is at the peak of its popularity. From zero-waste initiatives, to paddock-to-plate cuisine, consumers are starting to realise the impact of their ecological footprint. So, from a personal perspective, it’s great to make ethical choices in food and to make a positive statement about how you value the environment. From a corporate perspective, the same benefits apply...resulting in a boon for your brand’s image and reputation.

Event dining trend 3 – quality and quantity

In this era of celebrity chefs (and their Tables), thriving cookbook sales, and entire channels devoted to cooking shows, there are more foodies now than ever. Often, dishes are off-menu and are exclusive to the chef's table experience. Chances are, the majority of your guests are going to be varying degrees of food snobs. If you want to win them over, you’re gonna have to serve them the good stuff. Party pies? No. Mini beef bourguignon pies and goats cheese tartlets with asparagus? Yes. Also, hangry is a real thing. Ensure your guests are properly fed. There’s nothing worse than leaving an event and going on a ravenous hunt for an 11 pm snack.

Event dining trend 4 – Honey, I shrunk the food

Matching food and drinks isn't only for fine dining restaurants – the popularity of little bites has given rise to small cocktail and wine pairings. It is a way for the private chef to express themselves. For a cocktail-style private dining event, traditionally tiny, bite-sized canapés are great to whet the whistle. But one of the hottest event dining trends at the moment is taking a normal size meal, and turning it into a substantial canapé. From risotto bowls to fish and chip boats, sliders and mini pizzas, these are a novelty that’ll fill up both your guests’ tummies and Instagram feeds.

Event dining trend 5 – communal experiences

The all-you-can-eat buffet (through dining, basically) is out. Buffets like these promote waste, typically consisting of cheap, bulk-buy ingredients and result in people getting up every 15 minutes for another dollop of pasta salad. Communal dining refers to everyone sitting down together, perhaps with shared mains and sides in the middle, or at least with a piece of protein on their plate and sides in the middle of the table. It’s a wonderfully familial experience and one that will instil a casual, flowing vibe to your event. It’s like a family Christmas dinner but on a larger scale. You could also consider pop-up dining events that take the guests from course to course in different locations. Pop-up dinners might involve a cocktail event followed by a seated dinner in an outdoor space, or perhaps an interactive culinary demo amidst a wine-tasting session.

So, put the crackers back in the cupboard and the tzatziki back in the fridge for a Sunday. Follow these event dining trends, and your next function is bound to be a success.

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