cheese bites served on tasting forks standing upright

Tasting Forks

the idea

Add height to your display, make small treats more special, or control portion size for more expensive ones by serving on individual tasting forks

mini cupcakes bites served on individual tasting forks standing upright
Great example by Creative Edge Parties
dipped strawberries served on individual tasting forks standing upright

the how

donut bites served on tasting forks standing upright
cheese bites served on individual tasting forks standing upright
Great example by Ten 22 Studio

the why

This Idea

  • Elevates; makes smaller bite-size treats appear more special or substantial
  • Portion Size; controls portion size to help you budget, estimate quantities, reduce over-consumption and avoid running out
  • Maximize budget; makes homemade desserts look more stylish
  • Embellish; makes simple, basic, filler, or store-bought desserts feel more special
  • Mobility; allows guests to hold treats in individual containers and eat more easily while standing, chatting, or mingling
  • Congestion; allows guests to ‘grab and go’ to reduce lines and congestion around the dessert table
  • Visual wow-factor; lends a stylish, modern, and professionally-catered look
  • Layout; helps achieve the three simple rules for layout; groups, rows, and levels (see my dessert table layout page)
  • Adds Height; varying degrees of height are essential to a well-designed dessert table (see my dessert table layout page)
  • Creative; adds a creative twist to familiar or everyday treats, such as pudding or Jell-O
  • Inexpensive; a cost-effective party idea that wonโ€™t blow your budget
  • Value; low cost idea that creates a big impression
  • Reusable; can sometimes be washed and re-used for future events
  • Unusual; a less common way to present party food to impress guests
  • Bestseller; an idea thatโ€™s proved popular with many of my siteโ€™s visitors
mini cupcakes served on individual tasting forks standing upright
Great example by Creative Edge Parties
cheese bites served on tasting forks

the why

dessert table styling & presentation

  • Spectacle; turns a food table into a display and creates a visual spectacle that contributes to the overall room decor
  • Aesthetically appealing; entices by creating a feast for the eyes
  • Special occasions should feel special; presentation makes party food look and feel less everyday
  • Elegant; lends your event an elegant and sophisticated touch
  • Professional; gives your dessert table a professionally-styled look
  • Memorable; guests remember creative, unusual, or unexpected styling and decoration
  • Photo-worthy; a great photo-op for guests share and tag on social media
  • Clear Up; high quality disposables can be thrown in the trash (or recycling) when finished to reduce post-event clearing and cleaning
cheese bites served on individual tasting forks standing upright
Great example by Ten 22 Studio
salad bites served on tasting forks standing upright
Great example by Occasions Caterers, photo by Kurstin Roe

ADVICE FROM A PRO

Matt’s tip

Matt James professional event planner

“I think these look best when you present them with the fork standing up and the food at the top; it just looks more unusual.

To achieve this, you’ll need to make a base to support the weight.

The simplest option is to pick up a inexpensive shadow box frame for photographs. Remove the back and glass, then lie flat on the table.

Cut a block of floral foam to the same length and width with a slightly lower height, so that it will fit inside the frame and sit just beneath the surface.

Cover the foam with decorative gift wrapping paper and cut slits where you want to position the forks (a single row or grid looks best). Place the floral foam inside the frame and press the forks into the slits.

Alternatively, you could wrap the foam block with plain paper then, once inside the box frame, scatter the top surface with crafts stones or glass beads for a more decorative finish.

Although it’s fine to use plastic tasting forks, I’d recommend using premium disposables (see links below), as these are typically used for weddings and events and, as such, have a more decorative or ornate look. Regular clear, white, or black plastic forks just look like cheap takeaway cutlery.

Alternatively, you can pick up either wood or plastic personalized tasting forks (link below) pretty cheaply, printed with your event name and date (or any text you choose, e.g ‘Bite Me’).

follow me on social

Keep up with my latest ideas on social media

mini donut bites served on individual tasting forks standing upright
pumpkin pie bites served on individual tasting forks standing upright

where to buy

SHOP tasting forks

  • For more info and prices check out the links below

Note: This post contains affiliate links so I may earn a small commission at no cost to you.

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *