The longer days and blossoming trees can only mean one thing… celebration season is almost here!

Locking in new catering trends as well as more sustainable — yet durable — serving dishes and packaging will be essential in hosting successful — and memorable — events all summer long.

Menu Mastery

2025 dining continues to focus on health and sustainability and that extends to catering as well. Consider offering plant-based specials that focus on whole foods rather than faux meats, while also aiming to minimize processed ingredients. Sustainably sourced and wild caught fish is a prime contender for entrées, handhelds, and even bite-sized apps.

With Empire’s Treasure® Alaskan Flounder, chemical-free and wild caught fillets are available in nine different sizes to accommodate party sizes and provide the ability to thaw portions of your choosing. Even better, the fish is caught by a responsible fishery in a way that ensures healthy oceans and safeguards seafood supplies for the future.

Another great crowd-pleaser is a classic, crispy beer-battered fish. Empire’s Treasure Shipyard Export Ale Beer Battered Blue Whiting Fillets are also wild caught by MSC-certified sustainable fisheries. They can be a great handheld option that works well for events — whether in sandwich or taco form.

And extend global fusion to catering menus, as well. Entire menus can either be themed around one country's cuisine, but even just sprinkling in a few internationally influenced items will wow guests and take them away from the standard fare they're used to at celebrations.

The Entice® line of party favorites also features ready-to-serve options that are unique and upscale enough for any kind of function. Get global with Thai cauliflower bites, flaky spanakopita, or even artichoke beignets.

Carry-out Confidence

Consider durable wraps for handheld items at events to make eating easier while mingling. First Mark®  offers a diverse selection of weights and sizes to meet any food application — wraps can resist grease and protect guests from getting messy while simultaneously providing heat retention and maintaining appearance.

For off-premise dining, it's essential to transport food in proper containers to maintain the integrity of your dishes, at the proper temperature, and keep items from getting soggy or falling apart. First Mark Recyclable Plastic Hinged Clear Containers are not only a sustainable solution people want to see (they're curbside recyclable!), but they also snap closed to prevent any leaks and are made from material that insulates. They include proper venting that will eliminate soggy wings, fries, and everything else you want to remain crispy and delicious for your guests! With six different sizes — from single-compartment to three-compartment — there is a perfect option for any kind of meal.

Visual Appeal

With any to-go or off-premise dining, even if the taste is perfection, there's always the risk that the visual appeal won't translate in the same way it does at a table setting in your restaurant. Ensure all your guests' senses are tickled with First Mark Carryout Containers starring black bases and clear polypropylene lids, so the food you worked so hard to create can be seen in all its glory.

In addition, Roma® Crown Takeout Trays are another great option that can be used to transport and present off-premise dishes. With a sturdy foil design that can durably support all kinds of food, you can transport securely and rest assured your products will arrive intact and at optimal temps. Available in small and large sizes with branded sides, you can mix and match according to your needs!

Cater-ade!

While disposable is still necessary for off-premise serving, brands like First Mark are easing the environmental strain by sourcing sustainable, recyclable, and biodegradable materials, so we can all breathe a little easier.

First Mark Biodegradable Foam Cups, Lids, and Containers safely transport cold or hot beverages and even dips without the burden of taking up space in the landfill. With a selection of vented and non-vented to suit your needs, these containers keep hot and cold temps longer, perfect for catered outdoor events. First Mark heavy-duty molded fiber drink carriers and tab-top boxes can also provide easier service and organization during those big, crowded events.

And since not everything can be finger food (darn it!) check out First Mark Disposable Cutlery for a more durable polypropylene offering intended as a more upscale option for events. The brand now features a CPLA Meal Kit including cutlery, napkin, and salt & pepper (and P.S., it's compostable!).

With proper packaging that's sturdy yet sustainable, you can guarantee a less stressed, less messy event, no matter the size, all while contributing less waste. It's a win for everybody