Party Trend- Food "Bar" idea's!

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Lately, some of the most popular party planning ideas seem to center around the next “bar” idea. And no, I don’t just mean alcohol and beer…I mean food too! We’ve all seen the “candy bar” idea for kids parties, weddings and the ever popular “popcorn bar", but what about some new ideas too?

Just yesterday, July 4th I hosted a really fun party for friends and family. I decided to do a "Slider Bar", oh my.....I realized how much work there is to making a really tasty slider bar! I made many of the sauces, the coleslaw, the potato salad and putting together all the cheeses, and toppings is really time consuming. I always plan ahead and do as much in advance as possible to free me up to enjoy my guests. However, in this case, much needs to be done all at the same time! My friends and family jumped in to help, NOT because I asked, but, because they were having fun participating! It was really fun!

Now here are some fun ideas I incorporated into my "Slider Bar"!

 

I put my sliders on a tiered platform to add interest to the bar, instead of using the white ceramic plates that came with my tiered platform, I used some cedar planks I had for barbequing. I just liked the casual look. I made beef sliders and pulled pork sliders,however, there are lot's of options for sliders. I put my sauces in wide mouth 1/2 pint canning jars and used a stamp set I had to label wood tongue depressors I bought on Amazon. I put lot's of tiny spoons and a landing jar for people to taste the sauce and make their decisions on choice and put the used spoon in a little jar.  I had freshly made coleslaw for the pulled pork sliders, and a variety of cheeses, lettuce tomato onion etc. for the beef sliders. The next station was the side dish station, crispy french fries, bacon wrapped corn on the cob, potato salad (Bill's Mom's recipe) and wedges of seedless watermelon. I will be blogging about some of the recipes I used for side dishes and sauces in the coming weeks, so, stay tuned!

Lots of help! And they had so much fun! I was entertained just observing!

 For my Mother's 95th Birthday I put together a Candy/ Popcorn/cupcake Bar, where our guests could choose a topping for a cup of popcorn or choose from several different candies that I put into beautiful apothecary jars with clear plastic scoops.

 This party featured on the Inspired Bride features a “Spud Bar” where guests get to make their own potato creations. There were different toppings to choose from along with tater tots, baked potatoes, potato wedges, and more. This idea is a super fun idea for a sporting event or adult party.

 What about a breakfast bar? Build your own pancakes anyone? I love this idea as seen on One Stylish Bride. Having guests be able to build their own pancake creations for a brunch or breakfast is such a great idea. This bar is pretty budget friendly too!

 A couple years ago I gave my daughter a Gender Reveal Party, where I had a popcorn bar with pink and blue popcorn, truffled popcorn and plain popcorn with flavorings. It was a huge hit!

Or take a look at what  Christi from Love From The Oven created! Perfect for a fun Winter party or slumber party for the kids!

 Remember the Candy/Cupcake Bar I made for the "Baby Boy Shower" ideas blog? It was a huge hit and really contributed to the theme of the party.

For those looking for a healthier option, there is the "Fruit and Vegetable" bar as featured on Apartment Therapy looks gorgeous and healthy at the same time.

There are so many “bar” ideas out there for you to explore and surprise your guests with, so use your creativity next time you throw a party. Instead of just throwing condiments out, put together your sandwiches or sliders and set condiments out in small containers/platters to create a sandwich bar…or make some cupcakes of different flavors and allow your guests to make their own cupcakes with icing and topping choices. The possibilities are endless and your guests will enjoy being able to make their food extra special. Have fun!