CATERING
NEWS
March 31, 2026
We’re all guilty of it—snapping a quick pic of our plate before diving in. With millions of food photos posted daily, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook have become a foodie’s paradise, filled with culinary creations from around the globe. At Messina’s Catering and Events, we keep a close eye on what’s
March 16, 2026
Vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, flexitarian—whatever your guests identify with, one thing is clear: demand for flavorful, veggie-forward cuisine continues to soar. More Americans than ever are adopting plant-forward eating habits, whether for health reasons, environmental concerns, or a desire to explore global flavors. This shift isn’t just about skipping meat—it’s about
February 25, 2026
The invitations have gone out, the décor selected, and the playlist queued up. Now comes one of the most important—and often most stressful—parts of hosting: deciding how much food and beverage to serve. Running out can feel like a misstep, and overbuying leaves you with an overstuffed refrigerator and unnecessary
February 18, 2026
Did you know there’s actually a difference between hors d’oeuvres and appetizers? While they’re often used interchangeably, technically hors d’oeuvres are bite-sized, savory foods served before a meal, such as nuts, crudités, fruit, and cheeses. Appetizers, on the other hand, are served at the table as a first course, meant
December 12, 2025
And the Most Extraordinary Party in the City New Orleans is a city that doesn’t do quiet countdowns. Instead, it bursts at the seams with riverfront fireworks, street-side brass bands, candlelit courtyards, and exclusive parties tucked into unique spaces where the energy feels like it’s been building all year just
November 4, 2025
Searching for a Christmas party venue in New Orleans that truly sparkles? From candlelit courtyards and Art Deco glamour to skyline views and chic riverfront vibes, these special event spaces wrap your celebration in twinkle lights, evergreens, and unmistakable NOLA cheer. Each one brings its own holiday personality—perfect for company
August 18, 2025
Messina’s at the Terminal is a restored Art Deco event venue located inside the historic New Orleans Lakefront Airport. Known for its elegant architecture, lakeside views, and versatile event spaces, it is one of the city’s most distinctive locations for weddings, corporate gatherings, galas, and special celebrations. Exclusive catering is
July 31, 2025
Hosting at home has taken on a whole new life in recent years. More people are transforming their houses into stylish event spaces for milestone birthdays, holiday soirées, engagement parties, and other big celebrations. But while guest lists have grown, one thing hasn’t changed—no one wants to spend the entire
January 23, 2023
While the most essential ingredient to a great cocktail party is arguably the cocktails, we would argue that the food is a close second! And in New Orleans, we’re all about amazing food and an even better party! So, what kind of food is best suited for a cocktail party?
January 16, 2023
If you’re looking for info about corndogs or chicken kabobs, you’ve come to the wrong blog. Here we focus on epicurean and artful foods to serve on a stick. Catering menu items on a skewer have become the ultimate go-to for pretty, easy small bites that are as pretty to
January 9, 2023
When most of us think of a catered box lunch at an office or event, it conjures up images of a saran-wrapped sandwich paired with a bag of chips, a cookie, and maybe a little cup of pasta salad. While that version of a boxed lunch certainly feeds the need
January 2, 2023
“The theatre is beautiful, and I would say that it is the finest venue for opera in the metropolitan area. It is smaller than our usual theatres in America; it is, in fact, redolent of a European opera house. I was highly impressed.” Theater Critic, Brian Morgan, upon his first
December 26, 2022
Corporate events are a great way to draw attention to your brand, focus on your company, and shine the spotlight on clients, employees, sponsors, and other professional peers. It’s also a great way to make new connections and solidify existing ones. The venue you choose plays a large part in
December 19, 2022
Breakfast catering doesn’t have to be so predictable. Forget mini muffins, Danishes, bagel bars, and yogurt cups. Today’s catered breakfast event should be full of color, imagination, unique flavor combinations and ingredients not typically spotted at the breakfast table. At Messina’s Catering & Events, we adhere to the core principles
December 12, 2022
December 5, 2022
While there are a lot of traditional elements to many weddings, there’s no written rule that says your wedding can’t be as unique as you are. Weddings that result in the most lasting memories often contain a thoughtful blending of tradition and personalization, and each wedding should be a true
November 28, 2022
The historic BK House & Gardens was built in 1826 and is one of the few examples of a raised cottage in the Crescent City. Today, it is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places and is the only architecture of its type now open to the public as
November 22, 2022
When it’s time to break out the white elephant gifts or celebrate another wonderful year with clients and partners, New Orleans has some of the perfect venues to choose from. Fortunately, Messina’s Catering & Events is a one-stop solution to planning your best holiday party yet. We can help you
November 15, 2022
Since November 1846, when Louisiana Governor Isaac Johnson declared November 26 a day of “public thanksgiving and prayer,” New Orleans has risen to the occasion in true Crescent City fashion. In a place where great food, music, architecture, and experiences are the norm, elevating what’s already stellar might seem like
November 8, 2022
We’ve all heard the expression, “any excuse to party,” and nothing could be more true in 2022. After all, we had two years of social distancing, isolating, working remotely, and generally trying to avoid people, family, and friends as much as possible. But now, with Covid virtually in the rear-view
November 1, 2022
Whether it’s a fairy tale, a New Orleans destination wedding, or a corporate celebration of clients and prospects, Felicity Church offers a backdrop for any catered event steeped in beauty and history. Located in New Orleans’ posh Lower Garden District, Felicity Church was built in 1888. Although Hurricane Katrina set
October 25, 2022
The holidays are an exciting and busy time—emphasis on the busy part. Most of us have many gifts to buy, lots of wrapping, other parties to attend, and traditions to uphold. For many, friends and family are arriving from out-of-town, turning the holidays into not only a one-day event but
October 19, 2022
Everyone has a holiday party or a New Year’s Eve Party. But what about a chic Halloween party? Halloween is celebrated as a holiday where people can get creative, have a little fun, and indulge before the chaos of the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons. Perhaps the scariest thing about planning
October 11, 2022
You’ve spent months, many years, planning for the Big Day. If you’re like most engaged couples, you’ve invited a few too many guests to your wedding. You’ve spent an inordinate amount of time sweating even the tiniest details to ensure everything is perfect. On that day, after you’ve walked down
October 4, 2022
If you think like someone in marketing, you know that every piece of communication should reinforce your brand. This is as true for websites and collateral as it is for the events you throw for employees, customers, and prospects. Properly branded catered events reinforce your brand, keeping it front and
September 27, 2022
More than 290 years ago, a two-story brick house rose on the corner of Race and Religious Streets in New Orleans’ Lower Garden District. Lovingly renovated by Bill and Granville Semmes beginning in 2003 with carefully curated artwork and vintage treasures, what they intended to be their private residence was
September 22, 2022
While the pandemic certainly wasn’t good for Americans’ livers, it was a boon for the spirits industry. But the American public has a way of righting itself after a long, collective binge, according to the cocktail trends we’re watching in 2022. At Messina’s Catering & Events, the bar has always
July 18, 2022
Choosing to celebrate your big day with a small intimate wedding does not mean that it will be any less exquisite. The value of cherishing special moments with the people closest to us has been emphasized throughout the past couple of years. Weddings are one of life’s most cherished events
July 11, 2022
When most of us think of a grand catered event, we think of the endless New Orleans venue possibilities in the French Quarter, the Garden District, the Warehouse District, the Bywater, and beyond. But sometimes, the perfect place to host your next catered event is right under your nose –
July 5, 2022
Mushrooms are truly having a moment and appearing more and more on both meat- and plant-based catering menus. The New York Times named mushrooms the 2022 Ingredient of the Year. Not only are they healthy, but they’re also very flavorful, versatile, readily available, highly sustainable to produce, and good for
June 27, 2022
While you may be soaking up the sun and making summer memories now, it’s also a great time to begin planning your holiday parties. The holiday season is magical, but it’s also one of the busiest times of the year. By planning your Christmas/holiday soiree or chic New Years’ Eve
June 20, 2022
Chances are your wedding day was or will be the happiest day of your life. What if it wasn’t over in just a day? What if your wedding could stretch over a long weekend, with lots of opportunities for families and friends to bond over your declaration of love for
June 13, 2022
There’s no question that food and drink are the typical stars of the show at any catered event. But all too often, bar service can be a little lackluster — with the usual offerings, vodka, bourbon, standard mixers, a specialty drink, beer, and wine. When you think about it, bar
June 6, 2022
The mid-day catered event is the perfect way to celebrate a special occasion, impress a client, or show your appreciation for employees and colleagues. It can also be a little easier on the catering budget as lunches tend to be primarily food-centric and don’t involve a hefty bar bill or
May 30, 2022
We all know about cheese and meat charcuteries and even seacuterie boards filled with ocean fare, but a new trend is emerging that’s the sweetest of them all. Sweet tooth, meet the dessert charcuterie board, an inviting collection of confections that can fit virtually any catered event and any theme
May 24, 2022
Two-Martini lunches. Mint Juleps on Derby Day. Mai Tais on the beach. These iconic retro cocktails conjure up a simple and often more indulgent experience. But they are making a comeback at many catered events and for a good reason. They were good back then, and they are just as
May 16, 2022
It’s no secret that an open bar will add to the festivities for any catered event or a wedding. Sure, Uncle Bob is prone to Maker’s Mark and ginger ale, or your corporate guests might order a Moscow Mule because it’s trendy, but offering a limited drink menu that pairs
May 9, 2022
You are fortunate indeed if you are lucky enough to have inherited your grandmother or great-grandmother’s stained, annotated, and lovingly worn recipe cards. Those heritage recipes are often staples of your family’s kitchens for generations. You may not know who first introduced authentic Mexican tamales or Greek spanakopita to your
May 2, 2022
Want to make your big day uniquely your own? Themed weddings are a great way to do just that and can provide the perfect palette for creating an unforgettable event. Having a theme to guide you can help you decide on everything from the color of your bridesmaid dresses to
April 25, 2022
While COVID may seem to be in the rear-view mirror as more and more people get their first, second, third, and even fourth vaccines and the infection and hospitalization rates continue to decline, some of its side effects are here to stay for a long time. That includes individual servings
April 18, 2022
Parties are supposed to be about having fun, but that doesn’t apply to the host all too often. Especially if you’re trying to tackle it yourself, they are a lot of work, and hosting a celebration comes with its challenges. First, there’s the planning. Is there a theme? Who’s on
April 11, 2022
According to Technomic’s Center of the Plate: Seafood & Vegetarian report, 41 percent of those surveyed say they are eating more vegetables than they did a year ago. Of those, 16 percent say they eat more vegetarian and vegan options. Some call it more mindful eating and have a renewed
April 4, 2022
The pandemic encouraged events to move outdoors, and as it turns out, this has become a preferred way to celebrate even as Covid restrictions ease. Hosting an outdoor event or celebration can be an exceptional experience that offers endless possibilities. While outdoor events have many advantages, a venue that provides
March 28, 2022
New Orleans’ Uptown and Garden District areas are shaded by centuries-old live oaks and magnolia trees, narrow lights with multi-story homes, and the air is alive with the heady scent of jasmine. Soulet Muse, one of Messina’s newest preferred catering venues, is at the heart of the Garden District on
March 21, 2022
When many of us think of Cinco de Mayo party themes, we think of Corona and guacamole. However, Cinco de Mayo can lend itself well to a grand catered event with the proper preparations, catering menu planning, and some authentic Mexican estilo (style). Contrary to popular belief, Cinco de Mayo
March 14, 2022
New Orleans is a cultural gumbo and one of America’s most diverse yet blended cities. You see it in the architecture, taste it in the food, enjoy it in celebrations, and hear it in the dialects spoken only in the Crescent City. Understanding the difference clarifies how each origin has
March 7, 2022
If 2021 has taught us anything, it’s “you can’t always get what you want,” also lamented by the Rolling Stones more than 50 years ago. Supply chain issues have impacted everything from grocery store shelves to restaurant kitchens. Still, there is one place you can find ingredients that exceed your
February 28, 2022
While the Chateau LeMoyne may be new to Messina’s Catering and Events, it’s certainly not new to the Crescent City. Chateau LeMoyne is a grand Antebellum-era Southern mansion that dates back to the mid-1800s. Located at the center of the famed French Quarter, Chateau LeMoyne is a nostalgic blend of
February 21, 2022
It’s not surprising that New Orleans is riding the wave of the craft cocktail craze. After all, Creole apothecary Antoine Peychaud invented New Orleans’ famous Sazerac at his shop at 437 Royal Street. The cocktail was tweaked over time, Peychaud’s favorite French brandy, Sazerac de Forge & Fils, was substituted
February 14, 2022
What started as a treat for French and Spanish royalty, the infamous King Cake is now the signature confection served all over New Orleans during Mardi Gras season. But what is king cake, why is it so popular, and what different varieties does it come in? At Messina’s Catering and
February 7, 2022
The general public knows Mardi Gras Day as a day of big parades. But there’s more to the entire Mardi Gras Season which lasts for weeks leading up to Mardi Gras Day. Many Krewes host grand Mardi Gras Balls, which are often private, VIP events where Kings and Queens are
January 31, 2022
Of course, we all expect exceptional food and drink at any catered event. But what if how it’s served is just as important as what’s being offered? In 2022, we’ll see more catering menus come to life with interactive experiences that elevate the overall guest experience. The goal is to
January 24, 2022
A highly civilized ritual established in Britain in the early 1804’s, afternoon tea was more than just a way to stave off hunger before an evening meal, it was a celebration of elegance and sophistication. Initially developed as a private event for ladies climbing the societal ladder, Queen Victoria elevated
January 10, 2022
It’s no wonder that some of America’s most unique wedding venues can be found in one of its most colorful cities–New Orleans. A city at the edge of a rich river delta with a myriad of rivers, lakes, bays and bayous, water views are just a small part of the
