A PEEK AT TRENDS AND LOOKS ON THE EAST COAST’S FALL 2023 TABLES

As we gear up for Fall 2023, there are a number of exciting catering party tabletop trends that are projected to have a major impact on how catering and corporate event tabletops are dressed. With that in mind, Total Food Service sought out the expertise of industry expert Brigitte Bates of Party Rental LTD to share her vision for the upcoming event season.

“Picture this: a perfect blend of creativity and balance that will impress even the most discerning palates,” Bates noted. “We can expect to see an infusion of vibrant colors combined with natural elements, creating a harmonious atmosphere at your events. Think platinum and golden inlaid plates within contemporary, matching styles of tableware on top of an English rose soft draping cloth. These colors will not only exude warmth but also give a fresh and modern twist to your tabletop decor. To make your table setting more inviting, incorporating seasonal fruits, such as pomegranates and figs, as decorative accents can add a touch of whimsiness. So, get ready to embrace the impeccable fusion of aesthetics and functionality this Fall 2023!”

“Normally when you hear the word ‘Autumn,’ you may have a vision of overflowing cornucopias, browning foliage, and pumpkin spice,” Bates added. “In working with our catering and corporate clientele in the Northeast and MidAtlantic, we have a complete selection of both those traditional offerings and “what’s next”. At our recent Fall Preview, our showrooms came to life with fresh new looks including crimson tablecloths with burnt orange plates and elegant, gold-finished candlesticks are a classic, sure to impress guests and leave feelings of warmth and love in the air.”

“Many of our catering and corporate customers preparing for their slate of Fall ’23 galas and special events have come looking for more ultra-modern styles,” Bates continued. “I’m convinced that much of that Inspiration for themes can come from anywhere, movies, fashion, books... When Downton Abbey was all the rage, we saw a lot of customers looking for that ‘English teaparty, deep-lined, high-structure’ feel in their glasses. It’s all interrelated, picking out color schemes and textures is where culture meets design, and it’s always being renovated and revised.”

Bates’ read on color is particularly interesting. “Recently, we’ve seen a trend of people moving away from gender-oriented colors,” she explained. “Fluffy pinks and baby blues are showing up less and are being superseded by neutral hues such as taupe or malachite green that can be embodied in a wider range of situations. My policy is that rules are meant to be broken. We’re happy to help you mix-and-match décor to invent quirky and memorable experiences for your event.”

The Metro New York catering professional shared her preview of glassware for Fall ‘23: “The Essex Tinted Goblets are a great example of a classy style, with a royal feel and a detailed look,” she said. “It provides a vintage appearance and chic sophistication that’s perfect for conventional events. For more out-of-the-box get togethers, the Stockholm Collection has avantgarde tones that can match warm or cool palates. The 15oz glasses have color options like tinted smoke, amber, amethyst, or the newly released midnight blue, apricot, or sage green. With so many choices, the tints add pops of spice sure to am - continued on page 128