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Easy & Elegant Mother’s Day Brunch Ideas to Share (Kid-Friendly + Make-Ahead)

Plan the perfect Mother’s Day Brunch with these easy, family-approved, and elegant ideas, including a few you can prepare ahead of your celebrations! Whether you’re a partner planning a surprise, a friend helping organize a celebration, or a mom passing along a gentle nudge, this guide is packed with simple, elegant, & delicious Mother’s Day brunch recipes that kids can help with, from strawberry shortcake and mini frittatas to spa water and smoothies. These simple yet beautiful dishes are designed to make Mom feel special while keeping things stress-free for the whole family. Plus, we’ve included tips on how to involve kids safely in the kitchen, ideas for presentation, and thoughtful ways to turn brunch into a heartfelt celebration. Pin it, share it, or send it to someone you love, these recipes are made for creating the best memories.

Kid-Friendly Strawberry Shortcake Recipe 🍓

If you’re looking for a sweet & simple seasonal idea to celebrate Mother’s Day, share this easy strawberry shortcake recipe with your partner & kids for them to make for a fun elegant Mother’s Day brunch! You’ll need kid-safe knives, fresh strawberries, biscuits, and whipped cream. You can either buy the whipped cream and biscuits pre-made or make them from scratch. To get young children involved, have the kids help wash the strawberries, and then you have the option to teach them how to slice the strawberries with the kid-friendly knives. Perfect for this time of year, and fun for everyone to enjoy! To go next-level, you can also cut the roses into the shape of roses.

Ingredients:

Fresh strawberries
Biscuits (store-bought or homemade)
Whipped cream
Optional: Fresh mint or edible flowers for garnish

Steps:

Wash strawberries
Slice strawberries
Sprinkle sugar over sliced strawberries
Keep biscuits at room temperature so that you don’t liquify your whipped cream
Assemble by splitting the biscuit in half, adding strawberries on the bottom, spooning whipped cream on top of the berries, and placing the biscuit top on like a sandwich
Add more whipped cream and strawberries on top, if you like!
Serve on a pretty plate or cake stand for that “elegant brunch” feel

Strawberries, blueberries, crackers and cheese on a board platter. Behind is a blurred background of the sign for the board platter.

Many rows of bright red strawberries with fresh green leaves.

Simple Sides: Roasted Rosemary Potatoes Recipe 🥔

Roasted fingerling potatoes with fresh rosemary and minced garlic make a delicious and sophisticated side dish for brunch that’s surprisingly simple to prepare. There’s almost no chopping involved; just wash the potatoes, get a tube of pre-minced garlic, and pluck off a few sprigs of fresh rosemary. Toss everything with olive oil, season to taste, roast in the oven, and you’re off to the races. It looks and tastes sophisticated, but it’s easy enough for even the busiest families to pull off for a homemade Mother’s Day meal.

Ingredients:

2 lbs of fingerling or baby potatoes
2 sprigs of fresh rosemary
1 teaspoon of pre-minced garlic (from a tube or jar)
3 tablespoons olive oil
Kosher Salt & Pepper

Steps:

Rest potatoes in heavy salted pot of room temp water for 1 hour, effectively brining them (pour out the water)
Preheat oven to 375°F
Place potatoes in a large bowl
Add olive oil, minced garlic, and rosemary leaves (pull them off the stems first!)
Sprinkle with Kosher salt and pepper.
Mix everything together until potatoes evenly coated
Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer
Roast 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden & crispy on edges
Serve warm as a brunch side that pairs beautifully with frittatas

Candid shot of red and yellow potatoes on a table with a green background.

Roasted Fingerling Potatoes using red and yellow potatoes with fresh rosemary and minced garlic in the platter.

Another great option: healthy mini frittatas baked in cupcake tins for a balanced brunch. These are ideal for a healthier protein option for a Mother’s Day brunch recipe that can be made ahead of time, then set out for everyone to enjoy. They’re also a great idea to send to a partner as a subtle nudge to get cooking with the kids on Mother’s Day, or for young adults who want to surprise their moms with something homemade and heartfelt.

Don’t forget the drinks!

Brew up (or pick up) Mom’s favorite coffee or tea with their regular milk/sugar preferences and ask in advance if you’re unsure!

Candid shot of a hot drink latte with a heart coffee art.

Action shot of a barista tempering the milk using the machine inside a silver mug.

Another great start to the morning is a refreshing smoothie. One easy option: blend a banana with some orange juice—it’s a simple, old family recipe that’s always a hit. Another easy smoothie option is to get fresh or frozen berries and blend them with orange juice for a vibrant, delicious morning smoothie. It’s a quick and thoughtful treat for Mom to start her day with. If noise is a concern, her favorite fresh fruits in sections on a platter is always a great brunch addition.

Close of shot of fruits served in a white tray passed platter for mother's day: bright red strawberries, grapes, raspberries, honeydew, blueberries and pineapple. The platter is on placed on top of a blue patterned table cover.

Another close up shot of the fruit platter containing: pineapple, blueberries, cantaloupe and raspberries. The platter is on top of a blue and white patterned table cover.

For a refreshing and thoughtful touch that’s also easy for kids, make spa water at home. All you need is fresh mint, sliced cucumbers, and cold water. It’s incredibly easy to put together, and it looks beautiful served in a pitcher. You can have littles pull the washed mint leaves from the stem and use kid-safe knives so they can help slice the cucumbers—making it a perfect activity for dads and young kids to do together. It’s also a great option if you’re hosting a Mother’s Day brunch or gathering at your home. Simple, elegant, and relaxing—just like Mom deserves.

Close up photo of a spa drink water containing fresh mint, cucumber and cold water. The drink is inside a clear container.

A candid shot of a spa drink water containing fresh mint, cucumber and cold water. The drink is inside a clear container.

Having people over on a holiday can be hard enough, but creating a simple menu that still looks elegant is the perfect way to celebrate Mother’s Day. Focus on dishes that are easy to prepare and allow kids to help, especially with safe tasks like cutting soft foods using kid-safe knives. It’s a thoughtful way to get the whole family involved, without making things complicated.

Close up shot a floral teacup and plate with pink, orange, and greens all around. Behind the teacup and plate are pink and purple glasses all around the table as well.

Don’t get caught up in the pressure to bake everything from scratch or plan a picture-perfect day.

The heart of Mother’s Day is all about celebrating together as a family and making sure the moms in our lives feel seen, appreciated, and loved. Every family celebrates differently, and every year might look a little different—and that’s perfectly okay. Women are behind making all of this happen for the women in their lives, and it’s a beautiful time to recognize how women show up for one another—not just as mothers, but as sisters, friends, daughters, and chosen family. Whether you’re cooking up a full brunch or just spending a few quiet moments together, the love behind it is what matters most.

If you’re looking for catering options to make hosting Mother’s Day or other celebrations easier, less stressful, and even more delicious, contact Made by Meg Catering – we are here to help with all of your food and beverage service needs!

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Real Wedding Feature: Amanda + Jordan

Saturday, April 20th, 2024

On a gorgeous spring day spent at their historic wedding venue in Palos Verdes Estates, La Venta Inn, Amanda and Jordan’s elegant and sophisticated fairytale wedding came to a full bloom when they celebrated becoming husband and wife surrounded by love. With every detail curated in deeper colorful shades and the best views you could want for an ocean wedding venue in Los Angeles, their day came out magically – as if straight out of a storybook.

Amanda’s Testimonial: “Everything was wonderful! We so appreciate all of your efforts to make our day special and will keep MBM in mind for future events!”

La Venta Historic building with greeneries and blue skies.

Oceanside overview with blue clouds and green hedges

Getting Ready at La Venta

Both parties got ready at the venue in the morning, with Amanda starting her day in the Ocean Cottage surrounded by loved ones dressed pretty in pink. The room was filled with laughter and smiles, hyping up the bride in the precious moments getting ready for her big day. In the bride’s suite and ladies lounge, they enjoyed carefully curated pre-wedding food and beverages, including:

Champagne & Mimosas: Fresh, seasonal juices including orange and strawberry together with champagne allowed the bridal party to relax while getting ready and easing into the event.
Coffee & Hot Tea Station: Regular and decaf brewed coffee and a variety of teas, with 2% milk and non-dairy milk
Fresh Seasonal Fruit Platter: Honeydew, cantaloupe, pineapple, strawberries, blueberries, and grapes.
Assorted Gourmet Mini Sandwiches on Brioche Buns:
- Smoked Salmon with Dill Caper Cream Cheese and Shaved Red Onion and Arugula
- House Roasted Turkey, Brie, Garlic & Walnut Aioli with Baby Arugula
- Grilled Fresh Pears, Arugula, Viognier Whipped Goat Cheese & Balsamic Crème (Vegetarian)

White wedding dress on a hanger in the middle of the room. The room overlooks a greenery and has white walls.

Alcohol bottle inside a small ice bucket infront of a mirror. Bottle label states "Mumm"

Meanwhile in the Hideaway Suite: Jordan began his special day with close friends & family. In preparation, they enjoyed a light lunch and lawn games such as cornhole to get the group pumped up, starting the day off with a bit of relaxing fun in the groom’s suite.

Bucket of Beers on Ice: Modelo, Blue Moon, and Firestone Mind Haze Light IPA
Harvest Dipping Platter: Heirloom Crudité and Crostini with 3 types of dips, including Turmeric Curry Hummus, Tuscan Kale Parmesan Pine Nut Hummus, and Black Bean Chipotle Hummus
Assorted Gourmet Mini Sandwiches on Brioche Buns:
- House Roasted Turkey, Brie, Garlic & Walnut Aioli with Baby Arugula
- Mesquite Grilled Shredded Chicken with Baby Spinach & Basil Lemon Pesto
- Slow Roasted Pulled Pork with Chipotle Aioli & Cilantro Slaw

A child and his grandpa playing cornhole. In the background, there is several greeneries.

Two friends talking to each other. One is standing up explaining while the other is sitting down while listening in the grooms suite.

First Look Under the Trellis

Under the jasmine and wisteria-covered trellis connected to the courtyard, the couple did their first look prior to the ceremony, and gazed lovingly into each other’s eyes at the start of their magical day together. With genuine smiles filling the screen, Amanda and Jordan couldn’t contain their excitement as they experienced their enchanted private first look.

The bride is walking through the jasmine and wisteria-covered trellis while holding a pink floral bouquet as she goes for her first look with the groom.

The bride is approaching the groom for a first look. The bride is wearing a drop necklace and has a bun up-do.

Champagne Welcome

As guests crossed through the custom green velvet curtain entering La Venta, they were greeted by tray-passed champagne and refreshing sparkling water pre-ceremony.

Close up shot of a tray passed champagne glasses.

The champagne is being passed out while a server is holding the tray pass.

English Garden Wedding Florals

Their wedding floral arrangements were vibrant, with touches of darker colors, and set the mood for an English Garden theme. With stunning colorful floral pillars, used first for the ceremony at the stone altar, and then repurposed for the reception moving indoors to outline the doorway connecting the ballroom and garden dining room, they also had fresh wedding bouquets, aisle florals, centerpieces, fountain florals, and chandelier greenery by local florist Stems by Kate.

Close up shot of the floral arrangement. Shades of purple, pink and green surrounds the pillar.

Another angle of the floral pillar during the wedding with the officiant in the middle of the shot.

Outdoor Ocean View Wedding Ceremony

Amanda and Jordan’s beautiful outdoor wedding ceremony took place on La Venta’s iconic grass lawn with a stone aisle and altar, with blue skies overlooking the ocean and South Bay beach cities. Hues of green, pink, purple, and peach surrounded the ceremony, bringing the space to life with color and charm. Flower girls wore pale green spring floral dresses (easy to wear again later!), with bridesmaids pretty in soft pink floor length dresses and groomsmen matching in grey suits with pink ties. Their ceremony had a stunning blue ocean view for both the guests and couple to enjoy.

With Officiant Tammy J., the couple shared their heartfelt vows before sealing their first kiss as husband and wife in front of their loved ones. After they walked back up the aisle together, the couple captured their day with a group picture with all of their attendees with a backdrop of the Pacific Ocean, Beach Cities, and greenery at La Venta Inn.

Outdoor ocean view wedding set-up with blue skies, green hedges and brown chairs in the background.

Candid shots of the guests as the ceremony starts.

Cocktail Hour

Cocktail hour took place in both the outdoor courtyard and connected indoor ballroom. Entering the courtyard, guests enjoyed a variety of appetizers and beverages, as well as the welcome table with two polaroid cameras and a signature book. Guests were able to write personal messages to the couple along with their picture as a remembrance that they were there to share the happy moment with the couple. A beautiful active fountain and greenery all around provided a comfortable space for everyone to mingle and celebrate.

A candid shot of the outside courtyard with a fountain in the middle of the image with plants all around it.

Another angle of the fountain with flowers all around it. In the background, there is a green curtain to match the greenery all around.

For the couple’s Diamond Bar package with their wedding bar service from Made by Meg Catering, they offered both a signature mocktail and a signature cocktail. We appreciate their thoughtfulness for their guests, and have seen an increasing trend where delicious signature mocktails are added to personalized signature beverage menus at weddings and events. Given with each beverage, they also had custom cocktail napkins with their AJ wedding logo and date.

Signature Cocktail: Bee’s Knees – Gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup, garnished with a dehydrated lemon wheel in double rocks glassware.
Signature Mocktail: Pomegranate Refresher – Grapefruit juice, lime juice, pomegranate syrup, and club soda, garnished with a dehydrated lemon wheel and pomegranate seeds.
Beer: Modelo, Blue Moon (with orange slices), and Firestone Mind Haze Light IPA
Wine: Mumm Napa Brut, Emmolo Sauvignon Blanc, and Unshackled by Prisoner Cabernet

A picture of the bar section of the wedding. The bar has a sign with signature cocktails, custom napkins, black straws, fruits and a bouquet around the table.

A close up shot of a custom signature cocktail sign. In the background there is a bouquet in the table.

During cocktail hour in the indoor ballroom, guests enjoyed selecting from the Cheese Grazing Table station. Not your average cheese board, the location and size offered a visually appealing and customizable culinary experience that catered to various tastes, preferences, and dietary restrictions.

Domestic Cheese Display: Consisting of Spanish Manchego Sheep Cheese, St. Andre Brie Cheese, Cheddar Cheese, fresh organic red grapes, dried fruits, house roasted nuts, and whole grain crackers.

Close up shot of the domestic cheese display sign. Around the sign are: grapes, cheese, crackers and a flower.

Candid image of guests taking food from the cheese display platter.

For their tray-passed appetizer catering, a variety of tasty hors d’oeuvres were walked around the courtyard during cocktail hour:

Coconut Curry Shrimp topped with apricot sweet chile sauce
Peking Duck Tacos with sliced cucumbers, housemade plum sauce, hoisin, and microgreen garnish on a miniature taco shell
Crispy Pan Seared Chipotle Glazed Pork Belly on jalapeño cheddar cornbread

Image of the coconut curry shrimp topped with apricot sweet chile sauce

Image of the peking duck tacos tray pass. It has sliced cucumbers, housemade plum sauce, hoisin and microgreens garnish.

Reception Setup First Look

The couple had a first peak of how their reception vision came to life prior to guests taking their seats. Everything that glitters is gold – from chairs to charger plates. In La Venta Inn’s Garden Dining Rooms, each table had gold plates with a pink napkin and custom menu, pink and gold glassware, and gold utensils. To accompany the tableware, the floral centerpieces with hues of green, purple, pink, and orange complimented the tables. The couples’ sweetheart table next to the lower garden windows had a lush string of green leaves and flowers that made the dining reception area just that much more magical.

The couple got a first look of their reception coming to life.

The couple is walking through the reception area.

Family & Wedding Party Portraits

For ideal group photo locations, they took smaller group portraits with their families at both La Venta Inn’s Keyhole Lookout and Ceremony Lawn. After the ceremony setup was cleared, the lawn was able to be used as a photo location for the background of the Pacific Ocean, South Bay beach cities, and green hedges. Their wedding photography team, Miki & Sonja Photography, was able to capture multiple generations of their families together with Amanda and Jordan, newly husband and wife.

Their photoshoot following the ceremony highlighted the meaningful relationships with their wedding entourage, including their ring bearer and flower girls. The bridesmaids complemented Amanda with their floor length pink dresses, being different styles in the same shade of pink, while the grey suits were the perfect tone for the theme and color palette.

The bride takes a picture with her bridesmaids wearing pink dresses and holding floral bouquets.

A candid photo of the bride with her father. The background consists of blue skies and greeneries all around.

Rentals

Amanda brought in custom furniture that fit her exact wedding vision for their Los Angeles wedding reception, including a hedging bar, golden dining room chairs, lounge couch seating next to the fireplace, and green draping curtains to close off the courtyard.

An overview of the entrance to the outside courtyard. The image consists of a welcome sign and green draping curtains to compliment the greenery of the venue.

A candid shot of the fireplace area. The room consists of gold lounge couch and green and pink florals around.

Reception Details

The couple was welcomed by cheers as they made their grand entrance at the reception to the song “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” by Queen. As the night continued, heartfelt speeches by the father of the bride, best man, MOHs, and bride’s brother during dinner left the crowd in party mode as they lovingly shared their stories about the couple. Pink and gold continued to reign as their wedding theme as they shared their toasts with rose gold glasses.

The father of the bride giving applaud to his son in law while reading a letter to the guests.

The couple shares a toast with their guests.

Dinner Reception in the Garden Rooms

Catering Menu: For their premier wedding catering in Los Angeles, they selected a multi-course plated dinner service, with salads served at 6:55pm, dinner service at 7:20pm, and speeches during dinner starting at 7:40pm. They also included the best vegetarian catering options for their guests.

Starter Course:

Warm Artisan Ciabatta & Kalamata Olive Rolls, served with Maldon salted honey butter & herb oil mixture
Meg’s Waldorf Salad with fresh grapes, gorgonzola, candied walnuts, crunchy celery over mixed greens, and reduced balsamic vinegar creme

Main Course: Plated Dinner

Fish Entrée: Sriracha Garlic Palm Sugar Glazed Salmon with Yuzu Tamari
Beef Entrée: Fig + Carneros Petit Syrah Braised Short Ribs garnished with fresh rainbow radishes
Vegan Entrée: Mediterranean Cauliflower Steak made with Mediterranean marinated cauliflower steak, Roja chimichurri, zucchini, onion, cherry tomatoes, and white lemon citrus quinoa.

Sides to Accompany Main Course Proteins

Flash Roasted Haricot Verts with Crispy Shallots
Caramelized Onion Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes

Two of the bridesmaids are speaking onto a mic sharing stories about the bride.

The guests laughing at the ceremony as they listen to the stories of the couple.

Sunset Wedding Portraits

The colors of the sunset, from the sky to the ocean, seemed to naturally match the colors of their wedding aesthetic. Sunset and greenery filling the background of the West Garden Lawn, where the couple took intimate & romantic pictures as they took in the moment of just being married.

Solo shot of the couple with the sunset and greenery in the background.

The couple look at each other with happiness at the West Garden Lawn at La Venta. The background is filled with green sceneries and a palm tree.

Traditional Cake Cutting

With a timeless white double-tiered cake covered in pearls and combining two different cakes on top of each other, the couple sliced a piece to indulge a first bite together as the song “So Happy Together” by The Turtles played. Amanda and Jordan chose a double tiered cake from Cara Mia Baking Co, with the bottom 8” layer being Raspberry Lemonade, a white cake with a lemon curd and raspberry filling, and the top 6” layer was Ferrero Forever, hazelnut cake with a whipped Nutella cream and Crispearl filling. The cake was frosted in traditional Swiss buttercream decorated with ivory pearls on both tiers. The guests were served from quarter sheet cakes, their choice of Ferrero Forever or the Raspberry Lemonade cakes.

A solo shot of the 2-tiered wedding cake with pearls all around.

The couple takes a slice of their two tiered wedding cake.

Dancing in the Ballroom

In the wood floor ballroom, the dance floor was made even more romantic by the greenery hung from the two chandeliers above, and florals and LED candles displayed on the fireplace mantle. Their first dance song was “Crazy Love” by Van Morrison, and it started the dance vibes on the right foot. Guests enjoyed dancing to the upbeat music played by Ruby from VOX DJs, and Amanda had an outfit change to her party dress for the end of the reception, prior to the last dance song of “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” by Frankie Valli.

The couple shared their first dance in the middle of the ballroom with a chandelier in the background.

The groom twirls his bride in their first dance as the guests watch their first dance.

Grand Exit with Bubbles & To-Go Cookie Snacks

Following a thank you speech, the couple made a grand exit through a tunnel of bubbles. Before leaving, with many guests departing via prearranged shuttles, wedding attendees received Meg’s Famous Chocolate Chip Cookies individually wrapped as a yummy treat to take with them to enjoy on the ride home and/or to the after-party.

The couple walks through their grand exit as their guests blows bubbles. The background consists of blue lights, guests blowing bubbles and a chandelier covered with greeneries.

Close up shot of chocolate chip cookies wrapped in clear bags and brown ties.

A&J Wedding Vendor Team:

Wedding Venue: La Venta Inn in Palos Verdes Estates @laventainn_pv
Food Caterer: Made by Meg Catering @madebymegcatering
Bar Caterer: Made by Meg Catering @madebymegcatering
Photographer: Miki and Sonja Photography @mikiandsonja
Florals: Stems by Kate @stemsbykatepv
Hair & Makeup: Kat Laskey @katlaskey
Transportation: The Perfect Event @theperfectevent.inc
Cake: Cara Mia Baking Co @caramiabakingco
Planning: Eighteen Place Cards @eighteenplacecards
Stationary: Copper Willow Paper Studio @copperwillowps
Rentals: MTB Event Rentals @mtb_event_rentals
DJ + Lighting: VOX DJs @voxdjs

Visit the Venue’s Website

Contact Made by Meg Catering

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Real Weddings Feature: Francesca + AJ

Overview: Family and food were very important to both Francesca and AJ, who celebrated their love with a modern-meets-classic style wedding at La Venta Inn, featuring a primarily all-white wedding theme with small pops of greenery. Francesca designed all the wedding details with a strong California touch to give guests, many of whom are traveling from across the country, a sense of warmth, comfort, and the laid-back beauty of the West Coast. The weather for their summer wedding was gorgeous; being 78° F during the day, 67°F at night, with sunset at 7:52pm. Even with the simple white and green floral palette, she envisioned something more elevated: airy, detailed, and full of character, not too plain, with plenty of candlelight to enhance the atmosphere.

Francesca’s Testimonial: “Post-wedding life has been wonderful, and we’re still basking in the magic of our day. We’re so grateful to have chosen La Venta Inn and Made by Meg Catering—the food was incredible, and our guests raved about it! Everything came together beautifully, and we couldn’t have been happier.”

As seen on Instagram, “Married” has a nice ring to it! 💍

Instagram screenshot of bride wearing white dress holding bouquet with her new wedding band on her ring finger next to her groom holding up his left hand in a black suit with a new wedding band. Blue skies and palm trees in the background.

Custom Watercolor Stationery & Menus: Artist Brogan Scott handled the invitations and all the custom signage for the wedding, including the welcome sign, invitation, bar sign, menus with guests’ names at the top, and table numbers. The bride requested that the artist incorporate a venue illustration into the invitation design, along with California vibes—specifically elements like palm trees and the ocean.

Invitations and Gucci Shoes and Perfume and Wedding Rings with Flat Lay of Wedding Items on Wedding Day

A table with a welcome sign. Table filled with the bride and groom with old pictures of their parents wedding pictures. Book on table with markers to sign the pages.

Table set up of a wedding plate with the food menu. Glasses and candles around the white plates. White and green colors. Palm spring and beach themed food menu.

Getting Ready: On the morning of the wedding, the bride Francesca wanted to spend peaceful, meaningful time getting ready in the Ocean Cottage bridal suite with her mother and sister before other guests arrived, creating a calm and intimate start to the day.

Solo picture of the bride wearing a white dress. La Venta in the background. Purple flowers and blue skies in the background.

Bride and two of her friends sitting and hugging on a white bench inside their room posing for a picture. Wearing white pajamas and a white night gown.

Bridesmaids helping bride put on high heels. Brides' friends are wearing different color of purple dresses.

Black and white picture of bride getting her veil adjusted during her makeover.

With a day full of positive emotions at La Venta, the bride also gifted her mother and the mother of the groom their own personalized embroidered handkerchiefs for the ceremony.

Bride hugging her mom while giving her mom a gift. Mom is wearing a yellow dress.

Bride leans in to hug her mother while the mom reads the custom gift her daughter gave her. Mom is wearing a purple dress.

While there wasn’t a formal bridal party, she invited her close girlfriends to arrive early and take photos together before the ceremony began.

Bride poses with her bridesmaids. Group picture. The bridesmaids are wearing different color dresses ranging from blue, yellow, pink, green, cream, torquise and orange. Floral background.

The bride does a first look with her close friends. Bride is holding a beautiful bouquet.

Bride with 3 of her close friends pose for the picture. Pink, light blue and turquoise dresses are being worn by her three close friends. Bride is holding a beautiful bouquet.

On the other side of the property, the groom AJ got ready for the big day in the private Hideaway Suite.

Groom looks to the side posing for a solo picture. Green background with many trees and leaves. Wearing a black and white suit with a black bowtie while having his hands on his pockets.

Black and white picture of the groom. Man is sitting down on a chair wearing a black and white suit, bowtie and a watch. He is reading a book.

Groom poses for the pictures. He is fixing his arm sleeve. Wearing suspenders. His coat is hanging on a dresser.

Groom poses for the picture. He is wearing a black and white suit with suspenders and a gold watch while holding his coat on his shoulder. Floral background

Groom and his friend pose for a picture in front of a door with a small blue tent over it. They are both wearing a black and white suit with flower boutonnieres.

Featuring Pre-Wedding Food for the Bride & Groom: In the two separate getting-ready areas on property, the Hideaway Suite and Ocean Cottage, the bride and groom were able to leisurely snack as they got ready with their loved ones. They chose to enjoy an assortment of Gourmet Mini Sandwiches on Brioche Buns: House Roasted Turkey with Brie, Garlic & Walnut Aioli with Baby Arugula + Mesquite Grilled Shredded Chicken with Baby Spinach & Basil Lemon Pesto + Roast Beef with Aged White Cheddar, Garlic Aioli and Pickled Red Onion with Baby Arugula.

Two First Looks, first with the Father of the Bride & then with the Groom.

First Look with FOTB: For her first look with her father, she surprised her very proud dad in front of the keyhole lookout connected to the Oceanview Cottage. You can basically hear the love and positive words exchanged upon this warm embrace.

The bride is wearing a white dress with a long veil. She is hugging her father. Father of the bride is holding a letter while he hugs her.

The bride and her father excitedly look at each other. Bride is wearing a white dress with a long veil while holding a letter on her right hand. The father of the bride is wearing a black and white suit with a black bow and black loafers.

First Look for the Bride & Groom: The dreamiest first look on the Cottage Lawn, just South of the Ocean Cottage with serene views of the Pacific Ocean, the happiness expressed with the groom’s very first look at his bride on their wedding day melts hearts around the globe.

The bride and groom look at each other while holding hands from a far. There is palm trees and green scenery around them.

The bride and groom look at each other in a close up shot. The bride is wearing a white dress with a long white veil. She is also wearing pearl earrings and a silver bracelet. Groom is wearing a black and white suit with a black bow.

Sentimental Florals: The most sentimental bouquet we’ve ever seen, with two gold-framed portraits carried with the bride, attached with classic pearls for an extra touch of elegance, beauty, and grace.

White and green isn’t just simple, it’s elevated. A soft whisper of elegance through layered textures, garden-picked blooms, and candlelight that feels like a gentle exhale. Clean. Romantic. Intentional. This is minimalism with a heartbeat. Their florals included a bouquet, centerpieces, bar florals, and five halfmoon grounded arch floor florals at the altar to be repurposed at the sweetheart table.

Picture of a table layout for Table 3. There is a white and green floral bouquet. Many clear and light green glasses are the table.

Picture of the signature cocktail menus. The menu consists of spiked lemonade, beer, wine and other drinks. There is a napkin next to the sign with a custom message printed by the bride. Black small straws are provided in the table as well. Behind the sign is a floral bouquet with a green and white color themed.

Ceremony: Guests arrived at 4pm, with the ceremony starting at 4:20pm. For the processional of the groom and the wedding party, including parents, MOH & Best Man, flower girl, and ring bearers, an instrumental cover of “Accidentally In Love” by Paul Hankinson played. For the beautiful processional of the bride and her father, a violin instrumental of “A Million Dreams” by Taylor Davis played as they walked down the stone aisle to views of the Pacific Ocean and their loved ones smiling back at them.

The ceremony was officiated by their friend Jessica in a formal green dress that was the perfect choice to match with the lush green hedges and trees. The couple exchanged their own personal vows before the exchanging of the rings, and the pronouncement as husband and wife before being sealed with a kiss. The looks that were exchanged during the messages – there are no words. Bringing to life a girl’s dream to be looked at that way on her wedding day. For the recessional of the wedding party and newly married couple, “Real Love Baby” by Father John Misty played as the exited the outdoor ceremony space and moved to cocktail hour. We loved that the bride and groom took time for a private moment together following the ceremony.

Picture of the ceremony. Bride is speaking on the mic while reading from a book. Groom smiles as the bride reads her note. There is an officiant in the back wearing a green dress. Blue skies, white floral and green bushes in the background.

The bride goes down the aisle with her father. The guests are smiling and clapping while they walk down the aisle. The view overlooks an oceanside.

Cocktail Hour in the Courtyard: The Diamond Bar included top-shelf alcohols, mixers, specialties, garnishes, as well as a selection of beers (Modelo, Stella, & Blue Moon) and wines (sparkling wine: Mumm Napa Brut, white wine: Emmolo Sauvignon Blanc from Napa, red wine: Unshackled Cabernet Sauvignon by Prisoner Wine Company).

Guests were able to enjoy reading the four different hand-written love notes by the couple—two from each of them to one another—custom printed on the cocktail napkins. Two specialty cocktails were selected by the couple, with a matching bar sign by artist Brogan Scott:

Honey’s Spiked Lemonade: Vodka, fresh thyme, MBM lemon simple syrup, and club soda, garnished with a dehydrated lemon wheel and fresh thyme sprig.
Manhattan Beach Marg: Tequila, Cointreau, MBM jalapeño simple syrup, and fresh lime juice, rimmed with Tajin and garnished with a fresh jalapeño slice & dehydrated lime wheel.

The bride is wearing a white dress with a curled hairstyle. She is hugging a guest wearing a pink dress. The background consists of a fountain, several guests chatting with each other, palm trees and green scenery.

Close up shot of a white napkin with a custom message from the groom. In the background consists of someone holding a drink with a dehydrated lemon.

Tray passed hors d’oeuvres during cocktail hour: A delicious variety of miniature takes on nostalgic crowd favorites were brought around by La Venta staff on a mix of white and clear trays, served individually to guests during cocktail hour in the courtyard.

Buffalo Karaage Chicken with garlic pepper ranch in cones.
Mini LA Dog – Mini Beef Hot Dog wrapped in bacon with mayo & shishito pepper relish (mixed with garlic, tamari, lemon zest and sesame oil) in a toasted brioche hot dog bun.
Mini Sirloin Sliders with juicy sirloin, aged white cheddar, caramelized onions, & garlic aioli on a brioche bun.
Mac n’ Cheese Poppers (Vegetarian) with marinara, fresh basil and shaved parmesan cheese.

Close up shot of one of the hors d'oeuvres. Item is: buffalo karaage chicken with garlic pepper ranch in a cone.

Close up view of another tray passed hors d'oeuvres. Item is: Mini LA Dog. A mini beef hot dog wrapped in bacon with mayo and shishito pepper relish in a toasted brioche bun.

Three grazing stations were available for guests to graze and enjoy during cocktail hour, spread between both the outdoor courtyard and connected indoor ballroom:

Tuscan Charcuterie Station – Truffle white bean puree, Roasted red peppers, Marinated olives, Artichoke heart francaise, Grilled zucchini petals, Tomato bruschetta, Crostini, Grilled Tuscan bread, Toasted focaccia, Cheeses – Parmesan, Mozzarella, Gorgonzola, & Cured Meats – Genoa Salami, Prosciutto.
Farmers Market Kebab Station – Grilled Cilantro Lime Shrimp with Roasted Poblano Sauce, Grilled Chicken Kebab with Cilantro Lime Pesto, and Grilled Steak with Chimichurri.
Premium Sushi Station – California Roll, Yellowtail Roll, Shrimp Tempura, Soy Sauce, Tamari, Pickled Ginger, Wasabi.

Picture of the charcuterie station. Guests around the table grabbing a plate. One guest is wearing a black and white suit. Another guest is wearing a light pink dress. The table contains white and green florals with small white plates.

Reception First Look: We love when couples take a moment to admire their hard work coming to life, from a Pinterest dream to reality. Becoming a more common trend, the newlyweds took a moment together during cocktail hour to stroll through their dining setup. Seating Reveals typically happen shortly before the reception officially starts, allowing the couple to have a moment to see their reception dining space privately prior to guests taking their seats.

The bride and groom are looking at the plated dinner arrangement. The table arrangements consist of brown chair, white linen sheet, plates with custom menus, green glasses and floral bouquets in the middle of the table.

Candid shot of the entrance to the tables for the plated dinner.

Dinner Reception in the Garden Rooms:

The white & green setting in the garden rooms created a serene vibe, from glassware to floral arrangements to impressive LED candles to watercolor menus at each place setting. Guests enjoyed the heartfelt sentimental-meets-playful speeches by the maid of honor and best man, cherishing every moment of the reception.

They had a plated multi-course dinner service from on-site caterer Made by Meg, with rented Caleb Cotton dinner plates, White & Gold utensils, Ark Sage Goblet, Monaco Oatmeal linens and Monaco Oatmeal napkins to match the theme.

Starter Course

Green Goddess Salad with mixed greens, fresh herbs, cherry tomatoes, shaved parmesan, and green goddess salad dressing
Warm artisan ciabatta & kalamata olive rolls served with maldon salted honey butter & herb oil mixture
Kid’s Menu: Crispy chicken strips with fresh fruit, carrots, and a side of fries, served with ranch and ketchup

Main Course Service, Plated Dinner

Beef Entrée: Tennessee bourbon glazed marinated short ribs (green name cards)
Seafood Entrée: Sriracha garlic palm sugar glazed salmon with yuzu tamari (orange name cards)
Vegan Entrée: Roasted cauliflower steak marinated in Mediterranean spices with a roja chimichurri, zucchini, cherry tomatoes & white lemon citrus quinoa (blue name cards)

Sides to Accompany Main Course Proteins

Grilled Asparagus with Crispy Parmesan Cheese
Roasted Rosemary & Garlic Fingerling Potatoes

The bride and groom are laughing while the best man is speaking to the crowd. He is holding a microphone. The table contains several mini floral bouquets.

Bride and groom smiles while the maid of honor is reading her speech. Maid of honor is wearing a light pink dress. Background consists of white and green florals.

Portraits: The golden hour portraits leading up to sunset were pure elegance. Taken on the West Garden Lawn and Walkway with views of the Pacific Ocean, lush gardens, green hedges, and La Venta’s historic cupola in the background, setting the stage for stunning photos showcasing their love on their most memorable day.

Bride and groom in a candid shot. Bride is holding her dress as they walk across the green lawn. Groom is looking at his wife with admiration. Background consists of green bushes.

A close up shot of the couple's kiss under her veil.

Dessert: The theme for their desserts was delicious California charm wrapped in romance, nostalgia, and a hint of play. Brownies, cookies, mini donuts, ice cream carts, and a red velvet cake that didn’t stand a chance. “Reminiscing” by Little River Band played as they cut the red velvet cake from SusieCakes together.

The couple is cutting their heart shaped cake. Bride is wearing a mini corset white dress. Groom is wearing a black and white suit. The table consists of a few small candles, vases with flowers and two champagne glasses.

Close up shot of the dessert table. Shows two hands grabbing snacks. The variety consists of chocolate chip cookies, donuts, etc.

The couple shares a kiss after slicing their cake. The bride is holding a plate with a cake slice.

Dance Party in the Ballroom: The dance floor opened at 7:40pm, and the couple’s choice in music, played by VOX DJs, was top notch.

Grand entrance: “Sunshine (My Girl)” by Wuki
First Dance: “The Wonder of You” by Villagers
Father + Daughter Dance: “Isn’t She Lovely” by Stevie Wonder
Mother + Son Dance: “Lovely Day” by Bill Withers

The couple hugs each other in the ballroom.

Guests and the bride are dancing in the ballroom. The bride is wearing a white dress. In the background. there is a guest wearing a yellow dress while another guest wears a grey dress.

F&A Wedding Vendor Team:

Venue: La Venta Inn, @laventainn_pv
Food + Bar Catering: Made by Meg Catering, @madebymegcatering
Photography: Catherine Marie Taylor, @catherinemarietaylor.co
Planning: Blush Events, @blush.events
Cake: SusieCakes Bakery, @susiecakesbakery
Content Creator: The Candid Bride, @thecandidbride_
DJ + Lighting: VOX DJs, @voxdjs
Dress: Chosen by KYHA, @chosenbykyha + En Blanc LA, @enblancbride
Floral Design: Creative Light, @creativelightdesign
Hair: Jay Kay Braids & Bridal, @jaykaybraids, @jaykaybraidsandbridal
Makeup: Makeup by Julian, @makeupbyjulian
Rentals: MTB Event Rentals, @mtb_event_rentals
Shuttles: The Perfect Event Transportation, @theperfectevent.inc
Stationery: Brogan Scott Studio, @broganscottstudio
Videography: Wild Nettle Films, @wildnettlefilms

Visit the Venue Website | La Venta Inn

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Holiday Event Planning Guide for November & December

From holiday cocktail receptions to multi-course dinners, we’re here to help with the different aspects of your holiday season events. From venues to food & beverage catering to decor, with recommendations for entertainment to transportation, we take the stress off so that you can enjoy your holiday season as much as your guests. We have a variety of packages to best fit your budget and requirements, and a team dedicated to helping you plan the logistics.

Looking for the dream venue for your holiday party?

Contact us for a venue quote and to set up a tour of our historic ocean view event venue, La Venta Inn in Palos Verdes Estates. Feel free to give us a call with any questions at 310-373-0123!

Capacity: 200 people max
Transportation: Complimentary Parking Included + Preferred Shuttles Available
Seating: Variety of Complimentary Tables + Chairs Included
Versatile Event Spaces: Full use of 4x main indoor rooms + 2x outdoor spaces

Sign for Outdoor Hot Chocolate Beverage Station at La Venta Inn in Palos Verdes with a red poinsettia on the bar and a glass with candy canes, all in natural sunlight outside — Outdoor Beverage Stations

Historic Fountain Decorated at La Venta Inn in Palos Verdes with giant red ornaments and multiple red poinsettias at the base of the fountain, all in natural sunlight outside. Behind the fountain, you can see silver chafing serving dishes with warmers on a table with white tablecloths — Outdoor Beverage Stations

Sign for Outdoor Hot Chocolate Beverage Station with Extra Marshmallows at La Venta Inn in Palos Verdes with two metal caraffes on a black linen tablecloth next to clear hot mugs, all in natural sunlight outside — Hot Cocoa Station

Hot Chocolate in a Glass Hot Cup with Whipped Cream and Marshmallows at the Beverage Station at La Venta Inn in Palos Verdes with a red poinsettia on the bar and a copper container with candy canes, all in natural sunlight outside — Hot Cocoa Station

Have a venue, and need a full-service food + beverage caterer?

We are available to cater, with the capacity to cook and serve up to 10 events per day! In addition to catering a wide variety of culinary cuisine types via all food service styles, Made by Meg Catering’s Type 83 liquor license allows us to service wherever you’re hosting your holiday gathering, whether that’s a designated event venue, state park, office space, or a private residence.

Thanksgiving Catering & Friendsgiving Catering, available for pickup on Wednesday, November 27th, in Torrance between 8am and 12pm
Holiday Cocktail Party Catering, including tray passed hors d’oeuvres & grazing stations
Formal Holiday Dinners, with a variety of multi course offerings to choose from
Christmas Party Catering, Hanukkah Party Catering, & Kwanza Celebration Catering
Holiday Brunches & Holiday Buffets

Mini Sweet Potato Casseroles from the Made by Meg Catering Holiday Menu — Mini Sweet Potato Casseroles

Turkey Sliders with Cranberry Aioli from the Made by Meg Catering Holiday Menu — Mini Sweet Potato Casseroles

Herb Crusted Salmon from the Made by Meg Catering Holiday Menu — Herb Crusted Salmon

Roast Beef from the Made by Meg Catering Holiday Menu — Herb Crusted Salmon

Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites from the Made by Meg Catering Holiday Menu — Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites

Cranberry Flatbread from the Made by Meg Catering Holiday Menu — Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites

Charcuterie Spread from the Made by Meg Catering Holiday Menu on display at La Venta Inn — Charcuterie

Charcuterie Wreath from the Made by Meg Catering Holiday Menu — Charcuterie

Mini Caramel Apple Tartlets Dessert from the Made by Meg Catering Holiday Menu — Mini Caramel Apple Tartlets

Brie & White Chocolate Pillows from the Made by Meg Catering Holiday Menu in front of cranberries and a half of a pomegranate — Mini Caramel Apple Tartlets

Not sure where to host, and you’re looking for more Southern California venue options?

We’re happy to help you find your perfect venue fit for your holiday party.

Event Venues: Check out our list of Preferred Event Venues across Los Angeles County and Orange County and let us know if you’d like us to connect you to help with quotes and introductions to the booking team!
In-The-Park Catering: Enjoy the beautiful weather of Southern California! Our LA Rec and Park Beverage Contract allows us to cater at all Los Angeles County recreation and park indoor & outdoor venues. If you’re looking for a park venue, check out the LA Rec & Park Special Event Locations list!
Office Catering: We have a wide variety of capabilities to cater your office holiday party, from in-office holiday lunches to off-site staff dinners to client meetings to corporate holiday events.
Home Catering: We also are licensed & insured to come and cater in your home! During the booking process, please let us know if you have a kitchen we can use for finishing touches, or if all items need to be completed offsite in advance of our arrival.

Courtyard buffet station with multiple silver chafing serving dishes with warmers on a table with white tablecloths at La Venta Inn in Palos Verdes — Courtyard Buffet Stations

Two male bartenders in black button up shirts and black ties ready to make a Pomegranate Mimosa or Hot Toddy cocktail at the outdoor bar at A Very La Venta Holiday lunch event at La Venta Inn in Palos Verdes. — Courtyard Buffet Stations

Female bartender with her hair in a ponytail and a festive red and white headband pours Grey Whale Gin into a silver measuring container to make a cocktail at the bar at A Very La Venta Holiday lunch event at La Venta Inn in Palos Verdes. — Outdoor Beverage Stations

Holiday Cheese & Charcuterie Spread from the Made by Meg Catering Holiday Menu on display at La Venta Inn — Outdoor Beverage Stations

Reach out today for help with any of the above!

At MBM Hospitality, we love the holidays, and our full-service team cannot wait to put together your perfect holiday event.

Contact Made by Meg for a Catering Quote

Contact La Venta for a Venue Quote

Preferred Event Venues

Contact Tipsy Pear for a Bar Service Quote

LA Rec & Park Special Event Locations

Festive Red Cocktail with a Dehydrated Lime Wheel on a blue Gray Whale Gin cocktail mat on the bar at La Venta Inn in Palos Verdes.

Cheers to a festive holiday season!

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Which Wedding Food Service Style is Right For You?

How do I know which menu and service style is the best fit for my wedding?

One of the most important aspects of your wedding day is the catering services you offer your guests and the style in which it is served. At Made by Meg Catering, we aim to create an experience you and your wedding guests will never forget with memorable and delicious food they will enjoy on your big day, and that all begins with deciding which wedding food service style is right for you, your significant other, and your overall event vision. Whether you’re interested in a formal sit-down plated dinner, a relaxed cocktail-style reception, or themed grazing stations, our team is here to help you find the perfect option to match your vision and needs.

The catering service staff with Made by Meg Catering wants your wedding to be perfect, which is why we ask the intake questions regarding your available wedding details, guest count, and timeline, and are always attentive to your specific wants and needs. Whether you have guests with strict allergies or dietary restrictions to the knowledge that the mother-of-the-bride will want extra dressing for her salad course, our goal is to ensure your wedding catering experience goes as smoothly as possible by taking care of all the little culinary details that make up your day, taking the stress off and allowing you to live in the moment. By having a team that cares deeply about ensuring your vision for your wedding day comes to life in the most spectacular ways with delicious wedding food, you can focus on enjoying yourself and creating lifelong memories on your big day. Whether you want a formal sit-down plated dinner or a more relaxed cocktail-style reception, we can design a custom wedding menu for what you envision for your perfect wedding celebration.

Wedding Reception Food Service Style Options

When selecting a catering style, you’ll want to look for an exceptional custom menu design, kind and professional staff, and plenty of service styles that will accommodate any kind of reception you could imagine hosting. With our full-service catering from Made by Meg, we offer several different formats for your wedding reception, including Plated Sit-Down Dinners, Passed Hors d’oeuvres and Cocktail Hour, Live Action Cooking Stations, Grazing Stations, Buffets, Family-Style, and Dessert Tables.

Here is a closer look at the various types of wedding food service style options:

Classic 3-Course Plated Sit-Down

Classic 3-Course Plated Sit-Down: The full-service multi-course meal is the most traditional and formal option since each wedding guest is served an individual plated meal to their designated seat. This option offers guests three seated courses: bread service, a salad or appetizer, and the main entrée, typically accompanied by dessert, and sometimes including a fourth course such as intermezzo or amuse bouche. Typically guests are given a choice of two main entrees, which they will select beforehand when responding to your wedding invitation RSVP card. Another option is to serve each guest with two proteins such as meat and fish on one plate, often called a “duet” plate.

Guests with dietary restrictions are noted and individually accommodated based on their seat placement, and this information is provided by the hosts or planner to the caterer in advance along with your final guest count. There’s always a chance that you will have a guest-of-a-guest who might be gluten free, and it’s important to make sure that everyone is able to find something to eat.

Seated Family-Style

Seated Family-Style: If you’re looking for a seated meal with a more communal and casual feel, any of the Made by Meg main course selections and sides can be formatted for family-style service. This option is somewhat similar to a sit-down dinner, except less formal and, while guests may be assigned to a specific table, the seat/table assignments are less crucial.

For the family-style reception, the servers bring large platters of food and serving utensils to tables to share, where they are then passed around by the guests, with each taking the quantity they’d like for their own dish. This way, your guests can fill their own plate with their desired portion size of what interests them most while giving you that close, intimate, family-dinner feel.

Buffet

Buffet Style: A buffet is presented to guests with clearly labeled serving platters of food, including both mains and sides, set up on long tables in an area either nearby or adjacent to the dining tables. Guests are excused from their seats one-table-at-a-time to go down the buffet line and build their meal, selecting the items that they would like to enjoy that night.

For the various food stations set up for the buffet, you can either have it where guests walk along and serve themselves, or another option is to have waiters or waitresses stationed behind each buffet table, scooping and serving each item onto the guest’s dish. Similar to family style, in that both options allow for guests to select their food items and corresponding portion sizes, a buffet is a great option for a more casual style of reception. All Made by Meg course selections can be presented as a buffet, offering you a more social mealtime option for every guest count.

Cocktail-Style Hors D’oeuvres

Cocktail-Style Hors D’oeuvres: A cocktail-style reception offers hors d’oeuvres and other various small bites for a specific duration of your evening, either before dinner at cocktail hour or served all-night at a cocktail-style reception instead of a sit-down dinner. The hors d’oeuvres sizes are typically a one-or-two-bite portion and can be various combinations of hot and cold menu items. These bites can be tray passed around via servers or set up at stations for guests to help themselves at their leisure. This is a great option for couples who want a more laid back and casual feel with more focus on mingling, dancing, and enjoying a few drinks.

Typically, 3 different types of appetizers are the minimum for cocktail hour, and you can’t get away with less without slight disappointment, with most couples opting for 5 of their favorites. The perfect bite size and packed with flavor, a few of our most popular hors d’oeuvres are Spicy Tuna on Crispy Rice, Chile Cumin Filet Mignon with Mango Salsa, Seared Ahi Tuna Poke Guacamole Tacos, Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower, Saag Paneer Pizzettas, Mac N’ Cheese Poppers, Bacon Bourbon BBQ Chicken Kebabs, Goat Cheese Tarts, and the LA Dog with Shishito Relish.

Grazing Stations for Cocktail Receptions

Grazing Stations for Cocktail Receptions: As an alternative to tray-passed apps, a grazing station allows your guests to snack for either a designated amount of time or all night long, available to groups of 25 guests or greater. Choose from a variety of small bites or an already curated station, and Chef Meg’s team will make sure everything looks picture-perfect while capturing your attendees hearts and taste buds. Five of our most popular Grazing Stations for Cocktail Hour include our Crostini Station, Tuscan Station, Tapas Bar, Little Saigon Station, and 3 Hand Selected Cheese & Charcuterie.

Prepared Dinner Stations

Prepared Dinner Stations: A station-style reception offers food spread out among different stations near your dining areas throughout your event space. Dinner stations are completely customizable, and some couples choose a specific ethnic cuisine, while others may mix-and-match their favorite International dishes. Before your event, you’ll choose the dish style and theme, and our team will handle perfecting the presentation for your event. With a variety of combinations, your guests can select their desired ingredients to build their perfect meal.

Your different stations displays are maintained by our staff throughout the designated service times for your event, giving you the opportunity to present a more creative and diverse menu. There are a variety of popular prepared stations to choose from for Lunch Receptions and Dinner Receptions, with five of our most popular including the Gourmet Taco Bar, Premium Sushi Station, California Coastal Poke Station, Savory Waffle Station, and Gourmet Slider Bar paired with a French Fry Station. For Brunch Receptions, popular stations are the chef attended Belgian Waffle Bar, Parisian Crepe Bar, and Farm Fresh Omelet Bar.

Live Action Cooking Stations

Live Action Cooking Stations: With the Live Action Cooking Stations, we love seeing guests filming the chefs flipping the skewers on the grill or tossing their selected pasta with their favorite sauce combo in a skillet, then panning off to the finished product. One of our most popular Live Action Cooking Stations is the Tuscan Pasta Station, where guests get to choose their own pasta (raviolo, penne, or cheese tortellini), sauce (brown butter sage, garlic alfredo, spicy marinara), and topping (chili flakes, shaved parm, fresh basil) combinations and watch their pasta be cooked right in front of their eyes. Efficiency is key, with the pastas noodles and tortellini constantly being prepared by our chefs so that they’re readily available for guests, and the sauces are held warm in large vats and then added directly to the personal skillet. Watching the Chef prepare globally inspired dishes adds an exciting element to your cuisine offerings at wedding reception, adding both buzz and deliciousness to your menu. “Guests love that they can watch the Chef make their food,”

The 7 Most Popular Wedding Menu Service Style Options:

Classic 3-Course Plated Sit-Down
Seated Family-Style
Buffet
Cocktail-Style Hors D’oeuvres
Grazing Stations for Cocktail Receptions
Prepared Dinner Stations
Live Action Cooking Stations

Don’t Forget About Dessert!

Don’t Forget About Dessert! No event is complete without a sweet treat. Whether you opt for a traditional cake-based dessert option or have a preference for other sweet treats, anything goes, so long as you don’t forget this part of your course flow! We’ve enjoyed seeing new and non-traditional requests for a couple’s favorite dessert, and recently we’ve catered a variety of sweet dessert stations focused on churros with a trio of dipping sauces, customizable ice cream cookie sandwich bars, beignets, dessert shooters, ice cream, milk topped with cookies, and s’mores stations. Recent trends show that couples are choosing delicious, creative options, and our team at Made by Meg Catering can provide the wedding dessert options that fit within your personal preferences, whether that’s something we make in-house or a referral to a local traditional cake baker.

Let Us Help You Make Your Wedding Day Perfect

Our clients aren’t just business relationships, we care deeply and truly become involved in every part of your big day to make sure that it’s everything you have ever dreamed of. From detailed wedding catering consultations and in-person tastings to cross referencing your notes to ensure your day-of menu exactly reflects your vision, to our meticulous quality checks before the food is served to your guests, we take all the tried & true steps to exceed your wedding-day food expectations. One of our top priorities as a premier Southern California wedding catering service is to ensure your wedding day is everything you have ever wanted with food that you and your guests will crave and remember fondly for many years down the road.

We are truly here to help you in any way and we go above and beyond to ensure that your day is stress free with food that surpasses your standards. We look forward to potentially sharing one of the most important days of your and your partner’s lives by offering our delicious wedding menus and service.

Looking for Your Wedding Caterer?

Ready to find the perfect catering for your Southern California wedding? Contact us today to set up a consultation to discuss how we can help bring your dream wedding menu to life. As your premier Los Angeles catering service for weddings, we look forward to helping make your wedding day absolutely perfect and delicious! For examples, be sure to check our press and media page for photos of events and weddings we have catered!

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You’re Engaged! What’s Next For Catering Your Wedding

One of the most exciting and fun parts of wedding planning is thinking about your favorite foods and crafting the perfect menu with your wedding caterer. Your wedding day should be perfect, which means the local caterer you select to do the catering for your wedding must have top-notch service and capabilities to execute an exquisite menu. The professionals at Made by Meg Catering want to create an incredible dining experience on your wedding day that both you and your guests will never forget. Now that you are happily engaged, here is what’s next for catering your wedding.

The perfect Mediterranean Party Platter for a cocktail hour with feta cheese, Dolmas, olives, pita bread, and bell pepper on a wooden board

First, Choose a Theme

First Up, Choose Your Overall Wedding Theme & Style

Before you can truly hand-select your menu items for your wedding day, you need to decide on a theme for your wedding so that your wedding food matches the overall feel. If you are going for a more casual wedding, you may want to take advantage of the plenty of food stations we offer so guests can grab and go and continue to dance the night away. If you want a formal sit-down dinner for a more upscale theme, such as a formal or black-tie wedding, you can choose a menu that works well with a multi-course plated style and can offer larger portions. Once you know what type of wedding you and your partner want, the decisions on menu items will be much easier, and, of course, we will be there to help you every single step of the way.

Made by Meg Catering offers the following types of wedding catering menus and services:

Server Passed Hors d’oeuvres for Cocktail Hour
Plated Sit-Down Multi-Course Dinners
Seated Family-Style
Buffet Tables
Grazing Stations for Cocktail Receptions
Prepared Dinner Stations
Live Action Cooking Stations
Dessert Tables

If there’s a service style you’re looking for that isn’t on the list above, please let us know and we’ll do our best to see if we can accommodate.

Tasting room set for two with two wine bottles on the table at the MBM Hospitality offices in Torrance

Second, Taste the Food!

Second, Taste the Food from Your Caterer – Make Sure You Love Every Bite!

Once you know which type of wedding catering you want for your big day, the real fun part begins. Your designated representative from Made by Meg’s team of experienced catering professionals will set up a special private tasting session for you and your fiancé/fiancée to taste-test the variety of different menu items you are considering for your special day. We will be there in person to answer any questions you have on the presentation, ingredients, flavor profiles, and expected day-of setup. Tastings are held at our Torrance headquarters during business hours Tuesday to Thursday, typically one hour in duration and priced for 2 guests, with a charge of $100 for each additional guest.

This is the time to ensure you are completely in love with the menu options for your special day. Taste everything and let us know of any major or minor adjustments so that we can create the most ideal menu for your special day.

Here are a few of our favorite main course entrées from the Made by Meg Catering menu:

Seafood: Grilled Salmon with Meyer Lemon and Basil Pesto
Beef: Fig and Carneros Petit Syrah Braised Short Ribs
Poultry: Pinot Gris Braised Chicken Thighs with Roasted Heirloom Cherry Tomatoes, Burrata Cheese, Balsamic Creme, and Fresh Basil
Vegetarian: Mediterranean Cauliflower Steak with a Roja Chimichurri, Zucchini, Cherry Tomatoes, and Lemon Citrus Quinoa

Wedding Ceremony at La Venta Inn with Bride Groom and Guests

Third, Decide on the Number Guests

Third, Decide on the Number Guests You’d Like to Have at Your Wedding

One of the most critical parts of choosing the wedding catering menu is knowing how many people you will need to serve. When sharing numbers with your caterer, start with an estimate based on the number of invites sent and responses received thus far, and be prepared with a hard cut-off closer to your event so that we can ensure that perfect amount of food. Your final guest count is due two weeks before your wedding date to ensure our team can order the accurate number of ingredients and staff accordingly. By communicating your guest count with your caterer, we can ensure we’re prepared with the correct quantities and that the palates of everyone attending your wedding are fully satisfied.

Some couples choose to stagger their invites into tiers, with their A list receiving the first round on invitations with RSVP cards. The A list includes anyone who you cannot imagine having your wedding without, and typically consists of your closest family, friends, and wedding parties. After the majority of your A list’s responses are received, couples repeat with a separate B-list of the people who you would really love to have there if possible, and potentially even a C-list of backups who you would like to share your day with if space allows.

The RSVP cards often include a space for recipients to mark their main entrée selection if you’re moving forward with the Plated Sit-Down Multi-Course Dinner service style (unless you’re planning on serving duos with this service style, where each guests receives two types of protein on the same plate), along with any dietary restrictions or allergies that we as your caterer will accommodate for.

Table View Before Wedding Reception with Greenery and Chandeliers

Full Service – We Can Help With It All!

Full-Service Catering Means We Can Help You With It All!

Made By Meg is a full-service wedding caterer, meaning we don’t just prepare and serve the food. We are deeply involved and assist in many other ways on your big day. We set up the tables, chairs, and all place settings, we help coordinate rentals, provide the wait staff and bartenders, serve the food in a timely manner, clean up all of the dining areas and kitchens, pack up all leftovers, and we get rid of all of the garbage so that the venue is as spotless as when we arrived.

When you hire Made By Meg as your wedding caterer, you are not only entering a business relationship, but a true partnership. We’re involved in every part of your wedding day, from the tastings to sticking to the timeline. We want all of your wedding dreams to come true.

Premier LA Wedding Caterer + Premier OC Wedding Caterer

Voted South Bay’s Favorite Caterer by The Beach Reporter and Daily Breeze, we do everything we can to make sure we’re also YOUR new personal favorite. We strive to make your wedding cuisine and service so memorable that you want us to return to cater your anniversaries, showers, and birthdays for years to come.

Made By Meg provides exceptional catering services for weddings throughout Los Angeles and Orange County, including Malibu, Beverly Hills, Hollywood, Palos Verdes, Long Beach, DTLA, Manhattan Beach, and more. Our wedding catering services include an exciting menu design, knowledgeable staff, and varying styles that will accommodate any type of wedding reception.

Mini Chicken and Waffle Sandwiches on a White Plate being passed by a server wearing gloves at cocktail hour reception

Your SoCal Wedding Catering Partner!

We Are Here To Help As Your Southern California Wedding Catering Partner

Contact Made By Meg Catering today to set up a consultation to discuss your perfect wedding menu. As your premier Los Angeles Wedding Caterer, we can’t wait to help make your special day both perfect and tasty. Check out our press and media page for additional information on weddings and events we have catered, and feel free to give us a call at (310) 376-8600 with any questions you may have. We are excited to be a part of your wedding day!

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Real Weddings Feature: Sabrina + Ralph

Sabrina and Ralph celebrated their love with a serene, whimsical, classic elegance inspired wedding on Saturday, May 18th, 2024, featuring smiles, laughter, spring florals, and use of both indoor and outdoor venue spaces. Hosting their wedding at the venue La Venta Inn was extra special because this is also where they did their engagement photoshoot, with a few photos highlighted in our Instagram roundup.

Sabrina + Ralph’s Testimonial: “It was a day in heaven, I really appreciate everything you and the team did for us to make it perfect!”

Style: Matching I Do Shoes

Where class meets comfort, we loved the couple’s choice of matching white Converse-style sneakers with gold rings and Mr. & Mrs. I Do cursive text in black ink. These personalized elements not only make dancing the night away that much easier, but it’s a piece from your wedding that you know you can reuse after your big day to bring back memories of you on the dance floor with your new spouse, just like Ralph and Sabrina.

Matching I Do White Shoes Worn by Bride and Groom at La Venta Inn Wedding

First Look Feels

No matter how many weddings we are a part of, the love that we feel when we get the opportunity to see photos of the looks on couples faces for the private first look makes our hearts melt. The initial reactions of happy tears, giant smiles, and genuine laughter show the pure love that they have for each other, and we are here for it! Their heartwarming first look took place on the West Garden Walkway, followed by photos on the connected grass lawn and keyhole lookout.

Groom Teary Eyed During First Look with Bride at La Venta Inn

Couple Smiles and Embraces After First Look Before Wedding Ceremony at La Venta Inn

Ring Security Detail

We all know the importance of wedding rings for both partners, which is why hiring good security detail with top clearance is crucial for guarding these valuable pieces of jewelry before they make it securely on both of your ring fingers. Ring Security serves as the modern Ring Bearer 2.0, tasked with the important job of safeguarding the wedding rings, while doubling as a clever strategy to encourage young ones to remain dressed in formal attire, despite a suit and tie likely being less familiar and comfortable than their usual clothes. We’ve noticed an increase in Ring Security at weddings at La Venta Inn in 2024, with typically one to two youthful security guards entrusted with the precious rings, adding a charming element of delight to your overall guests’ experience. As you can see here, three-year-olds with a strong clearance do a great job with this responsibility.

Ring Security serves as the modern Ring Bearer 2.0 Holding Black Case with Wedding Rings

Ring Security serves as the modern Ring Bearer Walks Down Aisle Holding Black Case with Wedding Rings

Shining Bright Like A Diamond:
The Best Beverage Menu (Non-Alcoholic Station 4:50pm, Cocktail Hour 5:50pm)

Signature Cocktail: Mojito – Rum, Lime Juice, Simple Syrup, Mint, Soda Water
Diamond Bar Alcohol, Beer, Wine, Mixers, and Garnishes
Champagne Tray Pass as guests entered (4:50pm) + Pour Service with Toasts (7:25pm)
Pre-Ceremony Infused Waters included Lavender Lemon and Cucumber Mint
Iced Teas – Hibiscus Lemon with Lemon Wheels
La Venta Coffee and Hot Tea Station, including both Regular & Decaf Brewed Coffee

Water Station Before Ceremony at La Venta Inn

Signage for Mojito Signature Cocktail at Bar

Ceremony Smiles

We love when we see couples and their guests thoroughly enjoying their ceremony, with giant smiles and bouts of laughter sprinkled into romantic, heartfelt readings and vows. Officiant Rev. Dr. Jules S. Bagneris III did a fantastic job with Sabrina and Ralph’s wedding service on La Venta’s ceremony lawn overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Los Angeles coastline. Words of Wisdom were shared from Fred Moyer before an exchange of vows and rings, before the saying I Do with dazzling views and their first kiss as a married couple. At the end of the ceremony, the recessional song “Marry You” by Bruno Mars played after the pronouncement as the newlyweds walked back up the aisle.

Kiss at the end of the La Venta Inn Wedding Ceremony for Sabrina and Ralph Hill

Guests Seated and Smiling During La Venta Inn Wedding Ceremony for Sabrina and Ralph Hill

Elegant Blush Garden Party Florals

The ambiance was pastel garden romantic European, with tables perfectly set with blush pink, white, and light peach florals. Along with candle gifts in pink bags, the setting was very demure and calming. The florals were done by local florist Del Sol Flowers and included a mixture of gorgeous pink Peonies along with garden local Coffee Dahlias and pale pink Hydrangeas. The centerpieces were in beautiful 9-inch fish bowls in a European pave design. The bridal bouquet was softly picked with gorgeous imported Peonies, Bell of Bethlehem, off-white Scabiosas, Freida, and beautiful off-white cream Vendela roses.

Sabrina and Ralph Hill after La Venta Inn Wedding Ceremony

La Venta Inn Wedding Table 2 Set With Romantic Florals

Premium Surf & Turf Catering Menu

Tray passed hors d’oeuvres served to guests during cocktail hour (5:50pm-6:50pm)

Spicy Tuna with Sweet Miso Sauce on Crispy Rice
Dry Rub Crust Lamb Lollipops
Mini Crab Cakes with Garlic Basil Aioli

Grazing Station during cocktail hour (5:50pm-6:50pm)

Domestic Cheese Display with 3 Hand-Selected American Cheeses (Manchego, Cheddar, and St. Andre for Sabrina and Ralph’s wedding), Whole Grain Crackers, Fresh Organic Grapes, Dried Fruit, and House Roasted Nuts.

Tables Pre-Set with Starter Course (6:45pm)

Warm Artisan Ciabatta & Kalamata Olive Rolls served with Maldon Salted Honey Butter & Herb Oil Mixture
Big Sur Date Salad with Dates, Roasted Rosemary Cashews, Roasted Parsnips, Burrata, Baby Kale with a Citrus Vinaigrette
Kid’s Menu: Crispy chicken strips with fresh fruit, carrots, and fries served with ranch and ketchup

Main Course Service (7:30pm)

Seafood Entrée: Roasted Salmon with Fresh Cilantro Pesto
Beef Entrée: Flank Steak with Chimichurri & Rainbow Radish
Vegan Entrée: Stuffed Portobello Mushroom with Spinach, Quinoa, Pine Nuts, & Chimichurri

Sides to Accompany Main Course Proteins (7:30pm)

Spicy Roasted Seasonal Vegetables, including Broccolini, Cauliflower, Brussel Sprouts
Roasted Rosemary & Garlic Fingerling Potatoes

Tables Pre-Set with Starter Course and Big Sur Date Salad

The Reception in the Garden Rooms

Cheers to the happy couple! From the couple’s grand entrance to heartfelt speeches during dinner to the cutting of their multi-tiered red velvet cake from local baker Cara Mia Baking Co, Sabrina and Ralph kicked off married life surrounded by love. The cake was a 5-tier (the three top tiers were real cake, the bottom two tiers faux), all Red Velvet, traditional pastry with cream cheese filling and Swiss buttercream frosting. They also had two additional Red Velvet cakes to serve their guests- one was vegan, the other traditional.

Wedding Cake Cutting Red Velvet Cake By Cara Mia Baking

Guests Seated at Round Tables in Garden Dining Room at La Venta Inn at Night

Dance Party in the Ballroom

From the Hills first dance to “At Last” by Etta James to the competitive bouquet toss to tearing up the dance floor with family and friends, the party was full of joy, with music and tech by Vox DJs. The dancing took place on the hardwood floors of the ballroom dance hall below the two Chandeliers and in front of the fireplace decorated with florals. The couple had selected songs that were important to them, and the DJ structured the night around these while helping to select other songs to fill the gaps. They had a variety of fun items from Vox to personalize the space, including 8 Up Lights for the Ballroom, Basic Dance Lights, Cold Floor Sparklers, and a CLIQ Social Booth.

Couples First Dance to Song At Last by Etta James

La Venta Inn Wedding Ballroom with Two Chandeliers and Hardwood Flooring and a Fireplace

More Fun Details

From mirrored signage to both wedding parties getting ready on property in the separate tucked away Hideaway Suite and Oceanview Cottage, every detail of The Hills wedding was thoughtful, personal, and full of love.

Mirrored Seating Chart Signage at the Welcome Table at La Venta Inn

Mirrored Wedding Signage at the entrance at La Venta Inn

The Hills Wedding Vendor Team:

Photographer: Zoom Theory Photography, @zoomtheory
Wedding Planner: Eighteen Place Cards, @eighteenplacecards
Food + Bar Catering: Made by Meg Catering, @madebymegcatering
Venue + Rentals: La Venta Inn in Palos Verdes, @laventainn_pv
Cake: Cara Mia Baking Co., @caramiabakingco
Music + Photo Booth: VOX DJs, @voxdjs
Florals: Del Sol Flowers, @delsolflowers

Contact the Venue La Venta Inn

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Trend Report: Top Food Trends at Fall Events in Los Angeles 2025

Food trends in the hospitality industry are ever evolving, reflecting diverse preferences from high-end restaurants to local pop-ups, from corporate catering to wedding catering and beyond. Whether that’s a vegetable having its red-carpet moment (brussels sprouts, kale, cauliflower – we’re looking at you) to vibrant vegan crudités platters with a variety of brightly colored hummus dip offerings to prosciutto wrapping (wrapped scallops, wrapped dates, wrapped baguettes, prosciutto & melon) to late-night snack service, the list of food trends we’ve seen and put on menus goes on and on. If you consider yourself a foodie and you’re planning an event and want the best catering in Los Angeles, this is a great list to pull inspiration from.

The biggest culinary trends we’ve noticed for 2025 include:

Wild Mushrooms, Parmesan & Pistachio Pizettas, Gluten Free Passed Appetizer on a white plate with brown paper

Herb Butter Filet Mignon with Roasted Wild Mushroom Shallot Whiskey Sauce with fresh rosemary springs on a white plate

Trend #1 – Mushrooms Aren’t Just for Vegetarians/Vegans 🍄

You’ve probably noticed certain vegetables having a moment in the spotlight, and at this time the fungi category has entered the arena. Mushrooms are taking over menus, from appetizers to entrées to beverages, and they aren’t just for the vegans and vegetarians. From the Made by Meg Catering menu, even meat-lovers have been mushroom-centric with their menu selections, from starting with hors d’oeuvres such as the Bourbon Glazed Marinated Short Ribs Stuffed Cremini Mushrooms to entrees ranging such as Herb Butter Filet Mignon with Roasted Wild Mushroom Shallot Whiskey Sauce.

A few mushroom dishes on our menu most regularly selected for wedding food and catered meals in Los Angeles include:

Vegetarian Hors d’oeuvre: Grilled Parmesan Polenta Squares with Wild Mushroom Ragu & Goat Cheese (Gluten Free)
Entree From the Butcher: Hand Cut Filet Mignon with Balsamic Roasted Wild Mushrooms
Vegetarian Side: Brown & Wild Rice Pilaf with Porcini Mushrooms & Toasted Pecans (Gluten Free)
Vegetarian Side: Roasted Wild Mushrooms Tossed with Garlic & Fresh Herb Butter (Gluten Free)

The growing interest in foraging and wild foods has contributed to their popularity, and we’ve seen more planners requesting mushroom-centric dishes. Foodie guests are enjoying their delicate and mysterious savory umami flavor, along with a meaty texture.

Almond milk with a straw and topped with chocolate chip cookies

Churro wall with the text And They Lived Happily Ever After at a Disney themed wedding

Trend #2 – Less Cake, More Dessert Stations 🍪

We’ve noticed the last bite before kicking off happily ever after is changing, and wedding desserts are more creative and tempting than ever. Lots of couples are going with a small cake for cake-cutting photos only, with some doing away with the traditional cake altogether. With Made by Meg Catering, we’ve loved getting new and non-traditional requests for a couple’s favorite dessert, and recently we’ve catered a variety of sweet dessert stations including churros with a trio of dipping sauces, beignets, dessert shooters, ice cream, milk topped with cookies, and s’mores stations.

One standout trend is the Gourmet Ice Cream Sandwich Bar, which lets guests customize their treats. Dessert carts are making their own grand entrance, and we offer attendees a customizable selection of three ice creams and three cookies, plus various toppings for a nostalgic and interactive experience. Engaged couples and corporate event planners choose their three favorite ice cream flavors and cookies in advance of the event, and attendees have fun combining two different cookies and their favorite of the available ice creams. Cookie choices range from Meg’s Famous Chocolate Chip to Gluten Free Chocolate Chip, Peanut Butter to White Chocolate Chip Macadamia Nut, and more! For the ice cream flavors, classics include Chocolate, Vanilla Bean, Strawberry, Mint Chip, Cookies & Cream, and Butter Pecan. Dessert stations where guests can create their own treats are rapidly increasing in popularity, and it’s easy to taste why! This trend not only adds fun to the event but also caters to diverse tastes, making it a hit at weddings and corporate events alike.

Individual Mini Cheese Board with red grapes, fresh rosemary, nuts, crackers, andcheese

Individual Mini Cheese Board with dried fruit, a variety of cheeses, and fresh rosemary placed on a table among water cups, silverware, plates, and napkins

Trend #3 – Individual Mini Cheese Boards 🧀

Grazing tables aren’t going anywhere (our 3 Hand Selected Cheese & Charcuterie Board is one of our most popular cocktail hour grazing stations) but we’ve noticed how much guests love personalized elements at all events, from corporate events to weddings, especially when cheese is involved. We’ve seen an increase in hosts bringing in individual miniature cheese boards for the perfect personal touch, as seen on Instagram. With Made by Meg Catering, we include crowd-favorites on both larger charcuterie grazing tables and our miniature cheese boards, such as dried fruits and Manchego sheep cheese, and event planners and couples can select if they have any favorite cheeses that they’ve enjoyed sharing together and want to have on their special day. Having an easily accessible quick snack is a great idea for guests who enjoy grazing, especially to have prepared and laid out immediately following a corporate training or wedding ceremony, whether that’s during a cocktail hour or pre-placed on table settings as the first course of the dinner reception.

Rentals: One option is to rent blank wooden boards for a single use to be picked up by staff before dinner service.
Favors: Another is to have the wood cheese board itself be the corporate gift or wedding favor as a gift to the guests, with the logo, couple’s names, initials, and/or date etched into the wood as a practical keepsake.
Custom Seating Chart: These can also be used as a practical personalized gift to use as the seating chart, with each guest’s name either pre-etched into the board (or printed on a mini flag then skewered into a piece of cheese for a more cost-effective option) and placed at their seat according to your seating chart.

Cheese boards are a safe choice and beloved for both summer weddings and fall weddings, as well as a variety of corporate events and special occasion celebrations, as guests may be craving an immediate bite while wanting to avoid either cold items or hot items depending on the current weather. Modern cheese and charcuterie boards are evolving with creative and diverse offerings, an easy solution to bring in rich color palettes to match the event theme.

Taco bar station and an event with a variety of chips and salsas

Grilled Yuzu Jalapeño Beef Short Rib Skewers on a Yakitori Live Action Grill at an outdoor event

Trend #4 – Live Action Cooking & Live Action Grilling 🔥

After noticing a trend in guests wanting an interactive cooking element, with the desire to see their food being cooked in front of them without having to do any of the cooking themselves, we expanded upon our existing Stations and launched our new Yakitori Live Action Grill with Made by Meg Catering at select venues only, bringing two charcoal grills to event venues that allow for open air cooking. We love seeing guests filming the chefs flipping the skewers on the grill, then panning off to the finished product. To accommodate different dietary restrictions, we have three different gluten-free offerings for planners and hosts to order, including Grilled Yuzu Jalapeño Beef Short Rib Skewers, Grilled Garlic Ginger Chicken Thigh Skewers, and Grilled Vegetable Skewer with Asparagus, Onion, Lemon, Ginger, Cremini & Shiitake Mushrooms.

One of our most popular Live Action Cooking Stations is the Tuscan Pasta Station, where guests get to choose their pasta (raviolo, penne, or tortellini), sauce (brown butter sage, garlic alfredo, spicy marinara), and topping (chili flakes, shaved parm, fresh basil) combinations and watch their pasta be cooked right in front of their eyes. Efficiency is key, with the pastas noodles and tortellini constantly being prepared by our chefs so that they’re readily available for guests, and the sauces are held warm in large vats and then added directly to the personal skillet.

Watching the Chef prepare globally inspired dishes adds an exciting element to your cuisine offerings at events, adding both buzz and deliciousness to your menu. “Guests love that they can watch the Chef make their food,” explains Chef Meg Walker. “They know it’s fresh and just for them.”

Meg’s Famous Chocolate Chip Cookies individually wrapped

Meg’s Famous Chocolate Chip Cookies individually wrapped and tied with string on the thank you table near the exit of a wedding at La Venta Inn

Trend #5 – Snacks as Favors 🎁

Sweet and salty snacks as corporate favors and wedding favors are the gifts that we’ve noticed get taken home the most (we’re sorry, mini personalized bubbles). Goodnight to-go snacks are perfect for the car ride home, and some of our most requested quick and ready-to-go sweet treats are macaroons in custom to-go boxes and Meg’s Famous Chocolate Chip Cookies individually wrapped, sometimes even with a sticker with the names of the wedding couple or brand logos with QR codes from corporate events. Although checking in and receiving luggage tags as seat assignments are practical and aesthetically pleasing, we regularly see them left behind by guests.

Trend #6 – Gluten-free Catering Requirement 🍽️

With an increase in gluten-free among guests, chefs and servers need to be able to cater to this audience on a larger scale than ever before, with designated equipment and trained staff. Whether the guests have celiac or a gluten allergy or have chosen to be gluten-free as a preference or as a part of an anti-inflammatory diet, caterers need to be able to adjust accordingly. To accommodate for gluten-free within our kitchen at Made by Meg Catering in Torrance, we start with separate storage items and equipment clearly labeled Gluten-Free, from the separate bins containing gluten-free flour to designated Pitco double basket deep fryers that are only used for gluten free recipes to avoid any cross contamination, and they are covered when not in use. Being able to provide this extra level of safety allows gluten-free guests to be able to relax and enjoy both their meal and the event stress-free. We also have labeled everything that is gluten-free with a GF in our updated Catering Menu.

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Guests want the food served to make them feel special, whether that’s with pre-made customized items, interactive experiences, dishes made to order just for them based on their preferences, or the extra level of thoughtfulness going into accommodating allergies and dietary restrictions.

If you’re looking to incorporate fun and delicious trends into your next event, Made by Meg Catering has a variety of menu offerings and service styles for any upcoming parties and events across Los Angeles and Orange County. With the focus being guest experience and the highest quality cuisine possible, we offer a variety of packages to best meet the needs of your upcoming event.

The Full List of Top 10 Food Trends at Events in 2025

Mushrooms Aren’t Just For Vegetarians/Vegans 🍄
Less Cake, More Dessert Stations 🍪
Individual Mini Cheese Boards 🧀
Interactive Food Stations: Live Action Cooking & Live Action Grilling 🔥
Snacks as Favors 🎁
Gluten-free & Health-Conscious Options 🍽️
Plant-Based and Alternative Proteins (hello, cauliflower steaks) 🌿
Comfort Foods with a Twist (mac n’ cheese with lobster & truffle) 🦞
Elevated Street Foods (gourmet hot dogs with shishito peppers on brioche) 🌭
Gourmet Sliders & Sandwiches with unique, premium flavor combinations 🍔

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10 Tips & Tricks for Food & Beverages for a Children’s Birthday Party in Los Angeles

Starting the process of hosting a successful, fun, and safe children’s birthday party can feel overwhelming, but we are here to help!

#1 – AVOID CHOKING HAZARDS, EVEN WITH FRUIT & TAKE AWAY GIFTS

Do not give children a goodie bag with choking implements in it. Once they see the goodie bag, they’re never giving it back. Very young children don’t have enough teeth for Starburst but they’re going to want them if they see them on a candy display or in a goodie bag. Instead, include dissolvable treats, like Yummy Puffs and other softer natural snacks, rather than hard candy. It’s difficult to serve certain types of fruit at children’s birthdays because they can be choking hazards; if you’re looking to serve fruit, some tips are to cut washed grapes in half and remove the tops of strawberries before similarly cutting them in half. Refrigerated apple sauce packs make for an easy non-dairy treat. Never serve nuts – in addition to being a choking hazard and common allergy, many pediatricians recommend not giving children nuts until they’re 5 years old.

Vegetable spread pre cut in a kid friendly format

Young child standing next to table holding a bag of easy to eat snack

#2 – PLAN THE MENU WITH KIDS AND DIETARY RESTRICTIONS IN MIND

Some snacks that we always have received positive feedback with catering for Made by Meg Catering at children’s birthday parties include grilled cheese, crudité cups in stick form, and French toast sticks (not just for breakfast!) with vanilla bean brioche. For appetizers, having a fun dip with fresh crudité ready for immediate snacking when your guests arrive adds a healthy component to your menu and takes one less at-event action item off your plate. 90% of the children’s parties have pizza, which means if the parent or child are gluten free or lactose intolerant, they’re not able to eat. Make sure to accommodate both adults and their kids who may have dietary restrictions with alternatives. This is a great opportunity to work with a caterer who keeps these types of event planning logistics in mind when putting together the perfect party menu.

#3 – HAVE SEPARATE BEVERAGE STATIONS AND SEPARATE COOLERS

Always separate the kids coolers and adult’s coolers with clear labeling. Put fun stickers and a “For The Kids!” sign on the cooler containing non-alcoholic options, and a straightforward “Adults Only!” sign on the beer can cooler. For the drinks table, if you’re going to serve pre-batched beverages, we recommend the beverage in the serving container be alcohol-free, with a bottle of your desired spirit placed next to it, just in case a child is confused on if they can have the pink drink in the glass dispenser. For the adult bar, it’s helpful to have clearly laid out the offerings so that guests know they can make it themselves.

#4 – MOCKTAIL SERVICE

Take the stress off and hire a designated bar service to cater both kid-approved mocktails (as well as adult beverages for the parents). Perfect for children’s birthdays and Mitzvahs, some of our newest and most fun mocktail offerings with Tipsy Pear are the Tilt-A-Whirl with cotton candy & a licorice straw, Blue Lagoon with a blue sugar rim & gummy sharks, Shimmering Shirley with edible glitter and a cherry on top, and Singin’ Gummy Bear garnished with gummy bears. We’ve seen a surge in Candyland-themed birthdays after Adam Sandler’s Netflix film, You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah, launched in summer 2023.

#5 – THINK SMALL PORTION SIZES

When planning children’s portion sizes for food, drinks, and desserts, think small. That is, high in quantities, small in size. Pick up super small drink and snack packages because kids will open them and leave them scattered around the party. Along with small appetites, they have short attention spans. You’ll win with individual miniature desserts & mini cupcakes because they’re going to want to try more than one flavor.

Young girl counting cupcakes to ensure there are enough for the party

Different flavors of mini cupcakes displayed at a childrens party on wooden blocks

#6 – CONVENIENCE IS KEY

All kids and adult food need to be easy and fast to eat – think easily accessible packaged snacks for kids in multiple locations throughout the party venue. You never know where you’re going to be when your kid gets cranky and desperately needs an immediate snack. Individual packaging and smaller bowls help also keep any hidden germs from getting other guests attending the party sick.

#7 -THINK ABOUT STAINS IN ADVANCE

Avoid super messy or saucy foods, no sloppy joe’s or spaghetti pasta, even though they’re delicious. Don’t order food with tons of food coloring dyes, especially cupcakes, because it goes straight through your body and can also stain any clothing or furniture of the hosts.

#8 – MAKE IT EASY TO STAY TIDY

It’s not the most fun to talk about, but it’s even less fun to see abandoned trash around on your decorated tables. Place multiple trash cans in different areas around the party for easy and quick cleanup. Make sure all your setup and prep stations are ready in advance of your event. If you’re hosting at home, before the party starts make sure to unload the dishwasher, take the trash out from all rooms in the house, and put a few empty trash bags at the bottom of your accessible trash can just in case someone else needs to take out a full trash bag mid-event. If you’re having an outdoor daytime event, you can have a bottle of children-friendly sunscreen on the counter next to the hand soap for anyone who may have forgotten.

Mirror and pink tablecloth for a braid bar for a My Little Pony kid's party

Shiny balloon backdrop for a children's party photo booth

#9 – HAVE FUN WITH YOUR THEME (AND PRIORITIZE KIDS HAVING FUN!)

Think about what activities the birthday child would find the most fun, unique, and memorable. If they love My Little Pony, look into colorful decorations and braid bars. If they love dogs, one fun idea is a Puppy Party, where you serve puppy chow (little Pirate’s Booty or cheese puffs that are easy for young kids to eat) in mini disposable dog bowls. Little kids love eating hands-free like puppies and it’s sure to be a fun time. Instead of a goodie bag, can adopt a toy pound puppy.

#10 – ADD AN INTERACTIVE ELEMENT WHEREVER YOU CAN

Think of hosting a child’s birthday like a magician with many scarves up their sleeve; the tricks keep coming and they can all be very simple. Have a fun surprise at every turn that doesn’t take a ton of work so that you’re not away from your guests for long and you can also enjoy your event. When it comes to fun kids mocktails, sometimes an interactive station is the way to go. For instance, a “build your own soda” station with fun garnishes and a variety of syrups to mix-in. If you’re having a bartending service at your event, see if they have a bubble gun to use on top of the drinks (both for the kids and adults) and change the smoke flavor to match the mocktail flavor as another fun way to create an interactive, memory-making event. Making the kids feel special and making them a part of their own creation adds to the fun of any event!

IN CLOSING

As you prepare for your child’s next celebration in Los Angeles, remember that the right catering can transform an event into a stress-free and cherished memory. At Made by Meg Catering, we specialize in crafting delicious menus that delight both kids and adults, ensuring a stress-free and enjoyable experience for everyone. From allergy-friendly options to playful mocktails and themed treats, our team is dedicated to making your event dreams come true. Contact us today to discover how we can bring joy and deliciousness to your next party!

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Top 5 Tips for Catering a Cocktail Party

Believe it or not, you don’t have to plan a fancy, sit down dinner every time you host a special event. Sometimes, a cocktail party is the perfect solution for when you want to bring together good company, treat them to good food and drinks and enjoy a few hours of socializing without the pressure of planning a three-course meal. Cocktail parties are easy to plan, they’re glamorous and low stress and you can experiment with different flavors since you’ll be serving a variety of hors d’oeuvres. Whether you are planning a cocktail party for a corporate event or a special milestone, we have compiled our top five tips for catering a cocktail party to make it even easier for you!

The Invitations

Before the party begins, you have to invite your guests. Depending on the type of event you’re hosting and the level of elegance you are trying to achieve you can send printed invitations in an envelope via the postal office, or you can send an informal, but elegant email invitation.

The Drinks

If you are catering a cocktail party, you need to offer a full bar with a variety of liquor and mixers, and also come up with some signature drinks that feature a unique and delicious combination. The most important thing is to make sure you have enough alcohol for the number of guests in attendance. A 750-ml bottle of wine is enough for four generous glasses, so if you have 30 guests you will want to have at least ten bottles – remembering that white wine tends to be more popular. When stocking a full bar, keep in mind that each adult will consume an average of two drinks during the first hour and at least one drink for every hour thereafter. A one-liter bottle of alcohol will typically be enough for 22 mixed drinks, but it’s always a good idea to get extra. Also, make sure to offer plenty of water, both flat and sparkling. You can make it special by serving it in a nice drink dispenser with fresh slices of lemon or a handful of colorful berries.

The Food

The best part about a cocktail party is planning out the delicious hors d’oeuvres and little bites to serve. You are not obligated to serve a full meal, but a variety in flavor, texture and presentation is a must. When it comes to catering a cocktail party, here are some guidelines we like to follow:

Use seasonal flavors – explore local farmer’s markets and design your menu to be in line with the best tasting options.
Mix it up – your food options don’t have to match in any way. It’s ok to have five different flavors and textures, your guests will appreciate the variety.
Offer traditional favorites – people love bite size appetizers like mac and cheese balls, soup shooters, ahi tuna on a chip, skewers, caprese bites and others!
Think of the vegetarians – always offer meatless options for guests who have dietary restrictions. This also includes Kosher, gluten free or vegan guests. Make sure to have dietary information ahead of time.
Keep fillers like nuts, olives and cheese on hand for guests to snack on before the food is served.
Consider offering a specialty station, like crudité, charcuterie, or a pizza. This way guests can nibble without waiting for the tray passed food to come around.

The Décor

You don’t need to provide full size tables and chairs for a cocktail party, but you will want to have bar height tables and maybe a lounge area where guests can sit and chat. Keep the décor simple – think black or white tablecloths, simple florals and tasteful tealights. You can add cute décor like custom bar napkins and monogrammed drink stirrers at the bar. You also want to make sure you have enough rentals for your guests – plate ware and glassware specifically.

The Staff

When catering a cocktail party, you will want to hire a bartender and service staff. Based on the size of your event, it’s typical to have one server per 10-15 guests, depending on the level of service you are looking to offer.

Hosting a cocktail party is a fun and low-stress way of bringing people together for a good time. When you work with our team, you can leave the planning and execution to us! We’ll come up with a unique menu to wow your guests and we’ll ensure your event is professional, elegant and goes off without a hitch! Contact us to inquire about our availability and service options!

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