Guides

Cocktail sandwich station: Elevate & Enjoy

August 25, 2020

Sandwich? Yes, way! Planning and organizing a wedding? Are you thinking of creating or putting together a cocktail sandwich station, either an appetizer or probably a meal, for your backyard, intimate or micro wedding, or any upcoming event?

NOTE : This site may contain affiliate links in which we may receive a small commission, at absolutely no cost to you, when you decide to purchase through those links. Please see our full disclosure for further information.

Are you afraid it might be tacky? Nope. It won’t be as long as you put it together creatively. Here’s a quick guide to take the presentation up a notch and impress your guests! AND IT’S PANDEMIC FRIENDLY! (also, very budget-friendly and low maintenance!)

Cocktail sandwich station: Elevate & Enjoy. Let’s get started!

The sandwiches, they have to be mini
Level up the presentation
Here are some creative plating ideas!
Want to take it to another level?

Let’s go over these ideas in detail!

1. The sandwiches, they have to be mini.

Repeat it, please. They have to be mini sandwiches! We don’t want to serve the huge and thick for your sandwich cocktail station.

If you don’t have time to make the sandwiches yourself (because *obviously* you’re too busy preparing for a wedding), a quick solution is to order them! You can place an order from Subway catering or any of your local deli. Request for (panini) pressed 6-inch sandwiches cut into 4 slices with no dressing.

If you choose a sandwich (deli, pulled pork, etc.), the easiest and best way to elevate it is to have the crust removed! Yes! Instant high end look! (think high tea effect!)

BUT HOW ABOUT THE DRESSING? We would typically suggest serving the dressing in separate condiment bottles. BUT SINCE WE ARE IN A MIDDLE OF A PANDEMIC, you can purchase small packets (yes! like those fast food gives you!), but elevate it by putting them in a mini bag (see suggested products below!)

PLANNING A BACKYARD WEDDING: 2020 GUIDE

2. Level up the presentation

Prepare the sandwiches, wrap the slices in beautiful parchment paper bags (make sure they are food safe/grade!) and secure with a twine/ribbon (or you can skip this step altogether). To elevate, put the wrapped sandwiches on a tiered serving stand—lovely!

You can wrap the sandwiches and stand them on a tiered serving tray (see product suggestions below!)

Want to do it super easy and extra safe? A tasteful clear plastic tray (see suggested products below) will do the trick! To elevate, you have to add garnishes like shredded pickles, cherry tomatoes, etc. Ensure to put a toothpick through so the sandwich won’t collapse.

Essentially, we are replacing these crostini with individually wrapped or plated (and styled!) tasty mini sandwiches!

Remember, our main goal here is for people to avoid hands touching and having contact with other food and products, especially in your cocktail sandwich station. If they just grab a mini plate (of sandwich!) and go, they they are essentially lowering the contact and keeping it hygienic the whole time!) If you’re serving a variety of sandwiches, you can also add a simple printed out label so your guests know what type they are getting.

Another great option, is to have the sandwiches served in a cute styled plate (see below product suggestions!).

POSSIBLY THE BEST DISPOSABLE PLATES FOR YOUR EVENT

You can hire a server for 4 hours (or however long you need!) to help you execute this part! There are companies like Staff Shop that let you hire a server for your event!

3. Here are some creative plating ideas!

Remember when we advised to have the crust removed? This is why. Another way you can elevate this is to have half side open. Put the other half of the bread at the bottom. Add baby tomatoes and other garnishes on top, and voila! Looks like a gourmet meal!

You can also add vegetables (oven baked or roasted with just salt and pepper!) to make it more hearty. Again, we would recommend to get rid of the crust completely. But look how full this “sandwich” is! Looks like a heavy meal and still Ostylish. (And yes, it is still a cost of a sandwich!)

Okay, so maybe these are not an actual cocktail sandwich station anymore, but plating these babies can also pass as a full meal depending on the type of sandwich meat you choose. So you can actually have a mini cocktail sandwich station and then use the plated ideas as your “main.”

4. Want to take it to another level?

On a smaller (mini) plate, create an individual “condiment” plate with an artistic flair by squeezing out the condiments (from a squeeze bottle!) and lining them up like this! Serve it at the same time as the sandwich!

If you feel extra bold, try a black and gold flatware and plate set (see suggested products below) to make the sandwich stand out. There are tons of plastic utensils and plate options that are tasteful but also disposable. During this time, this will be more hygienic than storing and stacking dirty dishes.

Even if you choose to use plastic utensils and plates, you have to be consistent with the styling. If you set the table nicely, it will still elevate it. Don’t think that you will stack them randomly or put utensils in a plastic cup just because you are using plastic. PLEASE DON’T DO IT! Elevate it; treat it as if you are using the finest china!

If you want to continue your stations’ theme, here are more ideas; food, dessert, and drinks.

Worried about who’s going to help you set-up or serve? If you opt-out of hiring a wedding planner or coordinator but need a server, set-up help, and/or bartender, there are staffing companies like Staff Shop, where you can hire help directly and not worry about other things needed to be executed on the day of the event.

This is perfect for a backyard (DIY micro and intimate!) wedding or event! Pair this cocktail sandwich station with an easy sangria bar, and you will be set!

EASY SANGRIA BAR: DIY GUIDE

Remember that you might want to consider having coverage, like wedding/event insurance, to give you extra peace of mind if you are serving alcohol.

**The execution of your event using our guides will depend on how open you are to alternatives, other options, and unexpected products/design/ideas. It is suggested to do a concept trial and set your comfort level to make it a much easier and faster execution.**

SAFETY PROTOCOL EXTRA TIP: Together with having your guests and yourself wear a mask and practice social distancing, you can also rent stanchions together with signs to ensure physical distancing is practiced. To take things further for extra safety, you can also rent clear dividers (you can also decorate it!) to put in between tables. Another option is to provide clear face shields that they can still wear, should they need to take the mask off to eat and/or drink. Adding extra preventative measures is always a good idea.

Check with your local government and public health officials about any guidelines, protocols, policies, and/or regulations that you need to meet if you will be holding an event.

WELCOME + CARE PACKAGE IDEAS FOR YOUR GUESTS

DISCLAIMER: We’ve rounded up suggestions that are pandemic friendly. However, please note that it is still your responsibility to practice safety protocols, Covid-19 event guidelines, and constant hygiene, and if need be, consult your local public health professional and abide by your government mandates. We do not guarantee that your event will be 100% safe, as all safety practices are ultimately up to you and your guests.

20 CREATIVE WAYS TO SAVE MONEY ON YOUR WEDDING

Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below! xo