From Apps to the Main: How to Build the Perfect Event Menu
Planning an unforgettable event takes more than pretty décor and a good playlist–it starts with the food. Because no matter how stunning your space or sentimental your speeches, if the food misses the mark, your guests will remember. At Winona Vine Estates, located in heart of Stoney Creek, we know that building the perfect event menu is both an art and a science. It’s about more than just choosing great dishes (though we’re very good at that); it’s about creating a well-balanced experience that flows effortlessly from the first passed app to the final forkful of dessert. So, how do you craft a menu that feels thoughtful, satisfying, and uniquely yours? Whether you’re planning a wedding, milestone party, or elegant corporate affair, here’s everything you need to know.
Start With the Big Picture
Before you dive into specific dish selections, zoom out and think about the feel of your event. Is it a formal sit-down celebration with champagne toasts and classic entrées? A vibrant family gathering with shared plates and comfort food? Or maybe it’s a modern cocktail party with bold flavours and Instagram-worthy small bites? Your event menu should complement the energy of the occasion, your guests’ expectations, and your own personal taste. At Winona Vine Estates, we begin every consultation by getting to know the vision behind the menu. We ask the right questions: What’s the mood? Who’s attending? What time of year is it? Are there any themes or stories you'd like to incorporate? From there, we help design a food experience that ties everything together — something meaningful and memorable, not just a list of dishes.
Pro tip: Let your menu tell a story. Maybe it’s inspired by your cultural background, a favourite vacation spot, or even the meal you shared on your first date. When food is personal, it resonates more deeply with your guests.
Appetizers: The Opening Act
The first bites of the evening set the tone for everything that follows. They’re your guests’ introduction to the experience ahead – and a perfect opportunity to build anticipation with flavours that are fresh, fun, and unexpected enough to spark some conversation. Most guests arrive a little hungry, a lot excited, and curious about what’s to come. Start with crowd-pleasing options that look as good as they taste and are easy to enjoy while mingling. Whether you’re serving them on trays or offering a grazing station, your appetizers should be simple to eat, visually appealing, and thoughtfully varied to accommodate different dietary needs.
A few guest-approved favourites:
- Shrimp cocktail with a citrus twist
- Mini sliders with chipotle aioli
- Caprese skewers with balsamic glaze
- Crispy risotto balls with gooey cheese centre
Crafting a Well-Balanced Experience
A memorable event menu isn’t just a checklist of popular dishes – it’s a carefully crafted experience. The goal is to strike a balance: richness and freshness, comfort and creativity, familiar favourites with just enough unexpected flair to keep things interesting. It’s this thoughtful combination that leaves guests not only satisfied but talking about how well everything worked together long after the last bite. Here’s how to think about it:
- If your app is creamy or fried, consider a bright salad or light entrée to follow.
- If your main is bold and savoury (hello, braised short rib), keep the dessert light and simple.
- Include a mix of textures, temperatures, and proteins.
- Always have at least one option for vegetarians, one gluten-free dish, and something dairy-free if possible.
And just as important as what’s on the menu is how it’s served. The style of service sets the pace, the tone, and even the energy of the room. A plated dinner brings structure and a sense of formality – perfect for events with a touch of elegance. Buffets, on the other hand, keep things relaxed and flexible, encouraging guests to mingle and move. And food stations? They add a fun, interactive element that naturally sparks conversation. Each format offers something different, and choosing the right one can really enhance the flow of your event.
Let’s Talk Mains: The Star of the Show
Your main course is where you deliver impact. It’s the part of the meal your guests will remember most, so aim for a dish that’s satisfying, elevated, and fits the tone of the event. Some timeless favourites we often recommend:
- Herb-crusted chicken with seasonal vegetables
- Grilled salmon with citrus butter and wild rice pilaf
- Mushroom ravioli in sage brown butter sauce (a hit with vegetarians and meat-eaters!)
Keep in mind: While big flavours are fantastic, presentation and portioning matter just as much when it comes to event catering. No one wants to feel overstuffed or underfed – your guests should leave feeling pleasantly full and excited to dance, mingle, or head to the bar.
Don’t Forget Dessert (Or the Late-Night Snack)
Now let’s talk sugar. Cake is classic sure – but your dessert offerings can (and should) be more fun than just slicing up something pretty. Some couples go with dessert stations, offering everything from mini pastries to freshly baked Portuguese custards. Others invite their guests to get it on the fun with interactive options like Cannoli filling stations. And if your event carries into the evening, consider adding a late-night treat:
- Poutine bar (Canadian fave!)
- Late-night pizza bites
- Sliders and fries
- Mini grilled cheese and tomato soup shooters
Trust us – after hours of dancing and celebrating, guests will be raving about this menu addition.
Tastings: Try Before You Commit
One of the most exciting (and delicious) parts of planning your event menu is the tasting. It’s your chance to sit down, sample your options, and really start to picture how it all comes together. At Winona Vine Estates, event and wedding catering tastings are a thoughtful part of our planning process. You’ll have the chance to explore your options, share feedback, and fine-tune the details alongside our experienced culinary team. It’s not just about choosing what tastes good – it’s about building confidence in your choices and creating a menu that feels like you.
Planning with the Venue in Mind
Your menu choices don’t exist in a vacuum — they have to work with your event space. At Winona Vine Estates, we take your entire venue layout into account when planning your event catering experience. Our indoor space is elegant, spacious, and designed to transition smoothly between ceremony, dinner, and dance floor. Whether you’re planning a cozy celebration or a 200-guest reception, our kitchen and service staff are prepared to deliver flawless food service from beginning to end. And because Winona Vine Estates is located in Stoney Creek — a quiet residential community in Hamilton — we offer an added layer of privacy and convenience, without the distractions of a bustling city venue. That means a smoother timeline, no parking hassles, and a peaceful atmosphere that lets your menu shine.
Weddings Need Something Extra
When it comes to weddings, food becomes more than just a meal — it’s a way to share your story. Every course, every bite, is an opportunity to create moments your guests will remember. That’s why so many couples are moving beyond the traditional and embracing more personalized, meaningful approaches to wedding catering. From family-style meals that bring everyone closer together to globally inspired stations that reflect your roots, the possibilities are endless. At Winona Vine Estates, we love working with couples to infuse their menus with personal touches — whether that’s a signature cocktail, a dish inspired by your heritage, or desserts that bring back nostalgic memories. Craving an Italian dessert table? We’ll help bring it to life. Dreaming of a late-night shawarma cart or a sushi station? Let’s make it happen. Your wedding day should feel like you — and that includes the food. We’re here to help make your wedding catering menu as unique and memorable as the celebration itself.
The Role of Professional Event Catering
You can choose the best recipes in the world, but without an experienced team to bring them to life, your menu may fall flat. That’s where we come in. Our experienced event catering team handles every detail — from prep and plating to pacing and presentation. We accommodate dietary needs, troubleshoot issues, and make sure every course is delivered hot, fresh, and with a smile. And because we work exclusively on-site at Winona Vine Estates, we’re fully aligned with the space, the timeline, and the flow of your event. That makes a big difference in ensuring your day is seamless and stress-free.
Let Your Menu Be a Reflection of You
When you take a step back and look at your menu — how it flows, how it tastes, how it makes people feel — it should feel unmistakably yours. That’s the beauty of thoughtful planning and true collaboration. And it’s exactly what we aim for at Winona Vine Estates in Stoney Creek. Whether you’re hosting a wedding, anniversary, milestone birthday, or any special gathering, we’re here to help you create a menu that feels meaningful, intentional, and completely tailored to your event. One that brings people together sparks conversation, and leaves a lasting impression — long after the plates are cleared. Ready to start planning your perfect event menu? Get in touch with our team — we can’t wait to help you bring your vision to life.