Set the Bar: Creative Food and Drink Station Ideas

Bloody Mary Bar

Everyone knows a Bloody Mary is all about the garnishes! Choose an assortment of pickles, citrus slices, sausages, bacon, and cheese-stuffed peppers and let guests design their own garnish-packed skewers.

Photo by Rustic White via Style Me Pretty

1 / 15

Grilled Cheese Bar

Make a grilled cheese station wedding worthy by featuring some gourmet options from local brands that guests may not have tried as well as a variety of bread options.

Photo by Ryan Haack for Contemporary Catering

2 / 15

Pie Bar

Rather than rounding up a variety of desserts for a typical sweets bar, stick to one go-to treat: pie. Ask friends and family to bring their favorite flavor, or if it's a catered event, try choosing unique types your guests may not have tried before.

Photo by White Loft Studio via Style Me Pretty

3 / 15

Brunch Bar

For a bridal shower or engagement party, consider a charming bar filled with breakfast pastries, fruits, and juices.

Photo by KT Merry Photography via Style Me Pretty

4 / 15

Taco Bar

Give your fiesta some spicy flair by setting up a taco bar with all the standard fixings. For a little something extra, consider making your own hot sauce or serving salsas from a local vendor.

Photo by Hello Love Photography via Style Me Pretty

5 / 15

Champagne Bar

Add sophistication to your soirée with a Champagne bar that features a variety of sparkling wines, sweet liqueurs like St. Germain, fresh fruits, and fruit juices so that your guests can mix and match their own bubbly cocktails.

Photo: POPSUGAR Studios

6 / 15

DIY Cupcake Bar

Let your guests create their own cupcake masterpieces by setting out several kinds of unfrosted cupcakes, then arrange jars filled with toppings and multiple frosting flavors.

Photo by O'Malley Photographers via Style Me Pretty

7 / 15

Potato Bar

Create a tasty spuds station by serving a mix of potato-focused dishes. Have guests spoon mashed potatoes into small bowls or elegant martini glasses, then provide a variety of toppings. For larger groups, you can also add different types of fries — parmesan, sweet potato, and zucchini, for instance — with tasty dipping sauces.

Photo by Kristen Gardner via Style Me Pretty

8 / 15

Macaroni and Cheese Bar

Turn everyone's favorite comfort food into the ultimate party station. A few toppings you might include: bacon, garlic salt, bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, fried onions, jalapeños, olives, truffle oil, and sauces.

Photo by Bradley James Photography via Style Me Pretty

9 / 15

Milk and Cookies Bar

Looking for a fun, nostalgic treat? Set out several types of cookies plus regular, chocolate, and strawberry milk.

Photo by Liz and Ryan via Style Me Pretty

10 / 15

Ice Cream Bar

Let guests channel their inner children by setting up an ice cream station filled with sweet treats. Keep caramel, chocolate, and strawberry sauces in squeeze bottles and pour sprinkles, cookie crumbs, fruits, and candies into small glass bowls.

Photo by Jenn & Dave Stark via Style Me Pretty

11 / 15

Gourmet Popcorn Bar

Your guests will love to create their own flavored popcorn bag. Serve a mix of popcorn types — buttered, caramel, and cheese, for instance — and set out creative toppings like nuts, dried fruit, M&M's, curry powder, cheese, and bacon, plus cinnamon and sugar.

Photo by Genevieve Leiper Photography via Style Me Pretty

12 / 15

Candy Bar

Channel Willy Wonka at your event by offering a mix of sweets that guests can fill in paper bags. A good place to start: lollipops, candy-coated nuts, marshmallows, chocolate bonbons, and gummies. Make sure they match the wedding's color scheme.

Source: POPSUGAR Studios

13 / 15

Pizza Bar

Pizza fiends are sure to appreciate a build-your-own pizza station! Include plenty of toppings, cheeses, and sauces to choose from.

Photo by Ryan Haack for Contemporary Catering

14 / 15

S'mores Bar

Create a campfire-free s'mores station for a fun, unexpected dessert. Step up the party factor by including a variety of graham crackers and several chocolate options.

Photo by Ruth Eileen via Style Me Pretty

15 / 15