There is currently a strong trend in the hotel and catering industry towards the use of miniatures for caterings and events. Skewers, cups, cones, shot glasses, saucers... all these types of catering material in mini version are the best option for an excellent presentation of appetizers, tastings, buffets or cocktails.
But with so much to choose from, how do you know which catering products are in fashion, what' s new this season, and what's new this season? Our catering equipment guide will help you clear up all your doubts!
And with a flagship presentation!
These tiny containers enhance your dishes thanks to their various shapes. That's why they are so popular at all kinds of parties, celebrations and events. In other words, it is the perfect catering equipment if you want your business to stand out for its quality, elegant, original and fun service.
For the customer, it is undeniable that these mini containers in which to serve food are really advantageous for events where the guests are not seated, mainly because it gives them the option of tasting more varied dishes, tapas and snacks in a comfortable way.
There is a great diversity in types of catering equipment according to their material, shape or function. We are going to talk about these three classifications because they are the ones that will best help you to decide on the right disposable or reusable miniatures for each type of event.
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Miniatures for catering according to their material
Depending on the type of material, we can make a first classification of miniatures for catering. In our shop you can find these disposable products in mini format made of plastic, biodegradable materials, metal, wood or glass.
Biodegradable miniatures
Biodegradable catering miniatures are the perfect choice for those who want to stand out in food presentation while maintaining a strong commitment to sustainability. These miniatures are made from natural materials that decompose safely in the environment, making them an environmentally friendly option.
Amongst the more eco-friendly miniatures in our catalogue we have a wide range of biodegradable catering supplies made from:
- Bamboo
- Pine flakes
- Corn starch
- Coconut
- Palm leaf
- Wood
- Sugar cane
Materials such as wood or bamboo add elegance and an eco-friendly touch to your presentations. Coconut, palm leaf and pine needles are original and add personality to your creations. While sugar cane and PLA are practical and versatile, and offer you fun shapes that go beyond the traditional ones.
Plastic miniatures
With hundreds of references available in our catalogue, the variety of miniatures made of plastic is enormous. Mainly you will find models in polystyrene, light, transparent and single-use, and SAN, a rigid polymer, with good resistance and reusable.
Disposable miniatures are ideal for events where quick clean-up is crucial and offer a wide variety of styles and shapes to suit any menu. They are an economical and practical option, ensuring hygiene and eliminating the risk of breakages. On the other hand, reusable miniatures, made from SAN or Tritan, are durable and sustainable, as they can be used at multiple events, reducing plastic waste. Although they may have a higher initial cost, they are more cost-effective in the long run and contribute to sustainability.
So, if you like the finish of plastic miniatures, you can choose between single-use or reusable plastic miniatures that allow you to wash and reuse them again and again at your events. Although it is also very common to combine both options.
Metal and stainless steel miniatures
These miniatures stand out for their fun shapes that will not go unnoticed in any celebration where you use them. In addition, they are reusable, making them an investment for the future when preparing similar themed events. Their ease of cleaning and reusability make them a practical option for high quality catering.
Some examples of these characteristic metal and stainless steel miniatures would be:
- Shopping trolleys
- Milk trolleys
- Baskets
- Pans and pots
- Pitchers
- Colanders
- Pans and ice cube trays
- Fryers
Combine with greaseproof paper to serve all types of food hot or cold.
Glass miniatures
Glass miniatures are a very popular component in the catering industry. With their airtight seal and transparency, they are perfect for both creating fun presentations, for example of desserts.
These miniatures are ideal for serving desserts, cocktails, or appetizers that benefit from a transparent and attractive presentation. In addition to its aesthetics, glass is a strong and durable material.
Their eye-catching appearance and assortment of colours also make them a great choice for decorating buffet tables or candy bar tables.
Types of miniatures for catering and events
When it comes to wowing your guests at any event or celebration, choosing the right miniature tableware is key to creating a spectacular presentation. Let's explore a variety of options that will make your small plates stand out and delight all your guests.
Plates, trays and bowls
Tasting plates and miniature trays are the cornerstone of an exceptional catering presentation. These small surfaces are like culinary canvases that enhance not only the style of your creations, but also their taste. And if you're looking for an even more versatile option, you can't overlook miniature bowls, ideal for presenting snacks and bites in a unique and creative way.
Cups and glasses
Miniature glasses add a touch of sophistication to your cocktails, desserts and creative drinks. From elegant shots to miniature cocktail glasses, these pieces allow every drink to become a special experience. Give your guests the opportunity to taste and enjoy a variety of drinks with style and distinction.
Cones
If you are looking for an original and fun presentation, miniature cones are the perfect choice. These cones are ideal for serving chips, churros or even miniature salads. As well as being practical, they add a touch of charm and fun to your event, ensuring that your guests will remember it for a long time.
Spoons and forks
Miniature serving spoons and forks are essential when it comes to small plates that require utensils. These utensils offer convenience to your guests while maintaining elegance in every bite. They allow you to enjoy your creations effortlessly, making every meal a memorable experience.
Skewers and chopsticks
Miniature skewers and chopsticks add a touch of sophistication to your appetizers and kebabs. They are perfect for serving meats, vegetables and fruits in an elegant and easy to enjoy way. In addition to enhancing the presentation, they make it easy for your guests to enjoy each flavour in small bites.
Pipettes
To surprise your guests with unique culinary experiences, you can't overlook pipettes. They allow your guests to add sauces or toppings to their dishes according to their taste, turning every meal into an interactive and delicious experience. Pipettes are an innovative option that adds a touch of creativity to your culinary creations.
Shape and capacity of tasting miniatures
This is where the choice becomes exciting and fun. The range of shapes and styles available in tasting miniatures allows you to unleash your imagination and create jaw-dropping presentations for your customers.
From mini wooden pallets to metal shopping trolleys, from plates with shapes that evoke leaves or hearts, tasting spoons with a design worthy of modernist museums, tilted glasses, mini pasta strainers, mini milk jugs, cones and more, with more than 1000 references of original and fun products that you won't find in any other shop.
Although the shape is crucial for its visual impact on your customers, don't forget to consider the capacity of each container to ensure that it is not only eye-catching, but also fulfils the function you want for the presentation of your creations. Speaking of functions, this classification brings us to the third step of our available options.
Serving a gazpacho is not the same as presenting a croquette. Each tapa requires a specific miniature: a glass for the former and a spoon for the latter, for example. Therefore, you should consider the ideal characteristics of the miniatures according to their function. Here are some key questions to help you choose the perfect miniature and highlight each of your recipes:
- What food will I serve?
- What type of miniature will be easiest to taste?
- Do I want it to be transparent to show its interior or do I prefer it to be opaque?
- Do I need a greaseproof, drip-proof container or a deeper one?
Features and benefits of mini catering equipment
It is undeniable that the use of miniature pieces enhances the presentation of your dishes.
Using miniatures both in a buffet presentation and in appetizer trays (in the hands of your waiters) can make all the difference: presentation and taste are one in this type of event.
When the aim is to present many types of dishes, choosing miniatures is the perfect alternative to display a feast with the utmost elegance - success is guaranteed if you combine food and tableware well!
This way of presenting various dishes at your most important events (from starters to mini-desserts) makes it possible for the guest to enjoy the feast through different senses: sight, taste and smell.
Your imagination and, of course, your personal talent can give the event a unique touch, it's just a matter of letting your creativity run free. And the wide variety of miniatures in our catalogue allows you to do this and much more.
5 advantages of using miniatures in catering
- Economical option that allows great variety for the same event
- More elegant plating: impossible to overload a presentation!
- Simplified cleaning of the event
- Improved hygiene for the diner
- No need to worry about accidents or worn-out crockery
Types of events to use miniatures for tasting
Catering miniatures are true protagonists in the culinary world, capable of transforming and elevating the dining experience at a wide range of events. From sophisticated weddings to corporate gatherings, themed parties to food fairs, we will discover how these small accessories can adapt and stand out in a variety of settings.
Their versatility shines through at both formal events and more relaxed occasions. They are ideal for presenting your recipes at a cocktail party before a banquet or at a dinner of tapas and finger food. Their usefulness extends to events such as:
- Company events(team building, Christmas dinners, etc.)
- Conventions and fairs
- Wedding cocktail parties (pre banquet or as a substitute for the banquet)
- Presentations and galas
- Premieres
- Openings
- Award ceremonies
- Special dinners(networking, Christmas events, etc.)
Where to buy catering miniatures?
At Monouso, we have a wide selection of catering miniatures designed to meet all your food presentation and serving needs. Whatever you're looking for, whether it's to highlight appetizers, main courses or desserts, we're sure you'll find the perfect options for you.
We invite you to explore our shop, where you will discover a wide variety of creative and original miniatures that can add a unique touch to your culinary events- take a look around and find the inspiration you need!
And that's the end of our overview of the equipment you need for your event catering. With all this information you are now ready to choose the best material and format to supply your business with the best miniatures.
If you have any questions, ask our customer service experts! We have been putting all our experience at your service for more than a decade so that you can offer only the best to your customers. Call us!
