Creative Catering: How to elevate your food displays with style

I’m not quite in my hosting era yet, but when I do reach that point in my life I plan on using the viral creative catering trend to impress my guests.

I love everything about food styling and making your table look beautiful, so when this style of creative catering came across my Instagram feed I immediately saved it for future reference.

I loved the way food was presented with lots of flowers and displayed on different levels to make it more visually appealing.

What is creative catering?

Creative catering is the art of presenting food in a way that’s as visually impressive as it is delicious. Whether you’re hosting a wedding, birthday brunch, or girls’ night in, your table setup has the power to completely transform the mood of your gathering.

One of the easiest and most elegant ways to upgrade your food presentation is by using food risers—multi-level platforms that add height, dimension, and style to any spread.

From grazing tables to dessert stations, food risers can take your catering game from basic to bombshell.

Let’s explore how creative catering works, why food risers are a secret weapon, and how you can recreate this elevated look at home—no professional caterer required.

Why Creative Catering Works

Creative catering is about more than just aesthetics. It’s about creating an experience. When your food display is thoughtfully styled, guests feel like they’re part of something special—even if it’s a casual get-together.

Here’s what makes creative catering so powerful:

Visual Impact

Food risers allow caterers to create a multi-level display, making even simple foods look elegant and intentional. Instead of laying everything flat on a table, risers add height variation, drawing the eye and making the spread more dynamic and photogenic.

Better Flow and Access

Elevating certain dishes makes it easier for guests to reach different items, especially in buffet-style setups. Small desserts, finger foods, and featured dishes become centerpieces instead of getting lost in the crowd.

Aesthetic Themes

Risers come in all styles—wooden crates, mirrored platforms, acrylic cubes, vintage books, marble slabs, gold stands, etc.—so they can be matched to the event’s aesthetic, whether it’s rustic chic, minimalist glam, or whimsical garden party.

Maximized Table Space

By going vertical, you can fit more food or decor into a limited area without overcrowding the table. It also helps with organizing by category—like keeping savory on one level and sweets on another.

Instagram-Worthy Presentation

Today’s events are often designed with social media in mind. Food risers help create those Pinterest-perfect spreads that guests love to photograph, making your catering setup feel elevated (literally and stylistically).

In short, creative catering helps food look as good as it tastes—and in the age of Instagram, that matters more than ever.

What Are Food Risers?

Food risers are elevated platforms used to create height and visual interest on a serving table. Think of them as mini stages for your most beautiful dishes.

They come in a wide variety of materials and shapes—acrylic cubes, rustic wooden crates, marble slabs, metal stands, vintage books, cake stands, or even turned-over baskets.

The goal is to build layers in your presentation that guide the eye and make the display feel intentional and luxurious.

Imagine a dessert table where cookies are stacked on a wooden crate, macarons rest on a glass riser, and mini cakes sit at eye level on an elegant pedestal. It’s simple, but it feels styled and special.

How to Use Food Risers Like a Pro

Whether you’re working with a caterer or DIY-ing your next event at home, here are a few tips for using food risers creatively:

1. Play with Levels

Use at least three different heights to create depth and balance. Start with a low base layer, add a mid-height platform, and top it off with a tall riser or cake stand.

2. Mix Textures

Combine different materials for a more curated look—wood for warmth, glass or acrylic for modern elegance, marble or slate for luxury. Mixing textures gives your table personality and style.

3. Group Items Strategically

Place eye-catching items—like a tiered cake, colorful fruit platter, or charcuterie board—on the tallest risers to draw attention. Use lower platforms for grab-and-go snacks, cutlery, or dips.

4. Layer with Decor

Tuck in greenery, flowers, candles, or fairy lights between risers to add softness and complete the aesthetic. Use table runners or layered linens to tie it all together.

How to Get the Look at Home

You don’t need a professional caterer or rental company to pull off this look. With a little creativity and some everyday items, you can create a stunning food display in your own kitchen or dining room.

You can get the risers on Amazon. They come in white and clear acrylic.

Make sure that you only put finger foods on the risers. Dishes with spoons might slip off.

DIY Food Riser Ideas:

• Cake stands – Classic and elegant. Mix different heights and styles.
• Books – Stack vintage books for a cozy, lived-in vibe.
• Wooden boxes/crates – Perfect for a rustic or boho feel.
• Upside-down bowls or baskets – Add a linen on top for texture and polish.
• Cutting boards – Use wooden or marble boards as flat risers on top of turned-over cups or low boxes.
• Acrylic or glass containers – Add modern, minimal height without clutter.

You likely already have most of these at home—it’s just about reimagining how you use them!

Quick Styling Tips:

• Stick to 2–3 main colors for a cohesive aesthetic.
• Don’t crowd the table—leave space around items so they stand out.
• Add finishing touches like handwritten labels, gold utensils, or matching napkins for extra polish.

When to Use Creative Catering at Home

Creative catering isn’t just for weddings and big events. Try these ideas for:

• Girls’ night in: Charcuterie on wooden boards, wine glasses on marble slabs.
• Birthday brunch: Donuts on cake stands, fruit in mini bowls, muffins on crates.
• Date night: Tapas on layered platters, flowers tucked between risers.
• Holiday hosting: Mix rustic wood with sparkle and candles for seasonal charm.

No matter the occasion, a little effort goes a long way. People may forget what they ate, but they’ll remember how it made them feel.

Final Thoughts

Creative catering with food risers is a beautiful way to add personality, elegance, and intention to your food displays. With a few simple tweaks—elevated platforms, mixed textures, thoughtful styling—you can turn even a snack table into an unforgettable moment.

Whether you’re planning a party, hosting brunch, or just want to romanticize your next girls’ night, this is your sign to ditch the flat buffet layout and go vertical. Because when the food looks elevated, the whole vibe follows.

Remember: It’s not just about impressing your guests. It’s about curating an experience—and you’re more than capable of doing that beautifully.