Food isn’t just something we eat. It’s the centerpiece of any event, and that’s why presentation is at the forefront of everything we do. From selecting the freshest produce to choosing the best serving ware, every dish, platter and garnish is carefully considered so the food looks as incredible as it tastes.
When we set up a buffet, the food is always the star. Every element is thoughtfully arranged to draw the eye and create a sense of harmony. Our chafers keep everything perfectly hot while also looking polished and elegant with our sleek, custom chafer covers, the kind of subtle detail that elevates a table without ever shouting for attention.
Toppings and condiments get the same attention. From our signature mango aioli to our house made salsa, each comes beautifully bowled, ready to enhance the dish. Even our disposables are thoughtfully selected, because who says casual can’t look amazing?
Our appetizer boards are where we really get to flex our artistic muscles. Each tray, whether it’s fruit & cheese, veggie, antipasto, or charcuterie, is meticulously crafted in-house. Charcuterie meats are rolled by hand, cheese is sliced by hand, and all fruits and vegetables are hand-cut, often with garnishes from our own garden at JMC. Even the fruit peels are sculpted to create color, texture, and visual interest. Boards can include dips like hummus, ranch, or spinach dip, adding another layer of flavor and flair.
For upgrades to grazing boards, we take it up another notch: brie drizzled with honey, scattered nuts, berries, seasonal fruits, and layered elements that create abundance and invitation. We carefully play with height, tiers, textures, and color contrasts, so every board is visually captivating. And our team personally transports and arranges every item on-site, making sure every piece complements the rest of the display. Sometimes creativity requires a little improvisation, like the time we needed a basket to magically float in the display. A few ramekins, some duct tape, and a strategically placed napkin later, and voilà, it looked like it was defying gravity.
We love playing with height and depth. Different tier levels, cutting boards, bowls, and trays make tables dynamic and interesting. Selections like caprese skewers, vibrant fruit, and colorful garnishes draw the eye, creating a sense of movement and energy. It’s not just food on a table, it’s a mini work of art.
Presentation adapts to the tone of each event. Weddings get extra polish and “wow” moments. Corporate luncheons, family parties, and fundraisers are elegant but approachable. Funerals are treated with care, respect, and professionalism — beautifully presented without being over the top. Seasonal ingredients and fresh, local items are incorporated whenever possible, adding both flavor and color, and environmental consideration.
At John Marshall Catering, we believe presentation is everything. Every spinach feta puff, every sauce drizzle, every spoon is placed with intention. Every improvisation, every creative touch, every hand-cut piece contributes to a table that delights the eye as much as the palate. Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about feeding people, it’s about creating moments that are memorable, beautiful, and fun.
