Entertaining Trends for 2018

As you know Orde Food Company cater for many events throughout the year, be it a marquee celebration in the garden or a dinner in your dining room.  We are always looking ahead to see what the latest trends are and wanted to share with you some of the entertaining trends which are popping up this year.  One thing though that is always advised is whether you are having a dinner at home for the family or a large marquee celebration is to always plan in advance, secure your venue early, work out your numbers and plan your menu and if you’re having a theme think it through – planning ahead is something we cannot recommend highly enough, it just makes it so much easier on the day.

Local produce – this is still very much on trend in 2018 and just makes sense.  Make the most of the ingredients which are readily available locally, we have incredible produce in the Scottish Borders and Northumberland, from fruit and vegetables to brilliant, sustainable meat and seafood and it should be celebrated.

Sharing platters are here to stay. Not only does it make preparing, cooking and serving for groups easier, it's fun to try lots of dishes and reflects the trend for more casual dining experiences.

Have fun when thinking about the style or theme for your event.  Whatever look you go for, rather than trying to decorate the entire rooms have a few statement pieces, these are what will create that wow factor whatever your budget.  If your theme is a colour then go wild. If everything co-ordinates then you can't go wrong!

Telling a story is still very much on trend this year too – taking the guests on the journey from invitations through to decorations, menus, photo booths and finally the post event thank you.

Think about the mood you want to convey. For daytime events, Scandi-inspired bouquets throughout the room to brighten and create a sense of lightness and space. Geometric vases or candle holders are all the rage this year.  Wireless dinner table lamps and battery candles instead of real flame candles gives a modern twist.  There is also a focus on minimum waste so potted plants, silk flowers instead of fresh flowers.

Lighting and production.  This is something which often gets put to one side but even some simple up-lighting can completely transform a space and make a good event into an amazing one. There are of course lots of incredible and more complex options available – such as projection which does create a party atmosphere and the colours, patterns, movements can change throughout the evening.

Beautiful Bunting - Bunting is still in fashion but not triangles (so 2016!), and now it’s all about the personalisation. Go for gold glittered letters which spell out your name and hang above the cake table all adding to the theme.


Modern Drink Stations - Drink stations are getting a new twist.  Gin stations and Prosecco bars are really popular, and increasingly so too is a mixologist making cocktails.

Celebrating Milestone Birthdays - Be it 16…18…21…30…40…milestone birthdays are ideal for a super special birthday parties!  The trend has been on older milestone birthdays like Fabulous 50 but increasingly the number does not seem to matter.

See our Pinterest pages for other trends catering and event planning in 2018 and beyond.