Platter Perfection: The Art of Canapé Service
Because great events aren’t just about what you serve; they’re about how you serve it.
Canapé season has officially arrived, and while the menus might change one thing remains constant: presentation is everything. Whether you’re serving 20 guests or 200, your trays are the unsung heroes of the evening.
At Dalebrook, we believe the right platter doesn’t just carry canapés; it completes them. Here’s our edit of four styles of canapé service and the trays designed to match.
1. The Refined Classic — SlateLook Gastronorm & Slate Effect Trays
Perfect for timeless, understated service with a modern edge.
When it comes to clean lines and effortless sophistication, SlateLook and Slate Effect trays are the industry’s go-to. Designed in premium melamine with a realistic, textured slate finish, they give your service that chef’s-table confidence without the back-breaking weight.
From black-tie banquets to cocktail receptions, these trays deliver drama and durability in equal measure. Lightweight, stackable, and dishwasher-safe, they handle everything from prep to presentation seamlessly.
Explore the SlateLook Gastronorm Tray
Shop the Black Slate Effect Tray
2. The Organic Luxe — Pigment Oval Tray
For service that looks like art and feels like luxury.
If your event is all about texture, tone, and storytelling, the Pigment Melamine Oval Tray is your creative partner. Designed to emulate the softness of hand-thrown ceramics, it offers a natural, artisanal look with all the resilience of melamine.
This is where rustic meets refined, perfect for canapé tables with layered presentation, neutral palettes, and a touch of modern minimalism. Ultra-premium, ultra-lightweight, and endlessly reusable, Pigment trays make organic elegance effortless.
3. The Artisanal Edit — Marl Rectangular Plate
For when you want warmth, texture, and a touch of handmade charm without the fragility.
The Marl Melamine Rectangular Plate brings the charm of pottery to professional catering. Its soft matte finish and gently uneven surface mimic the tactile beauty of stoneware while keeping things light, strong, and practical.
Ideal for canapés served tableside or passed at intimate gatherings, Marl makes every bite look intentional. It’s proof that performance and personality can absolutely coexist.
4. The Modern Minimalist — Glazz Gastronorm Trays
All the glamour of glass. None of the nerves.
For sleek, contemporary service that sparkles without the risk of shattering, Glazz is your star player. With its crystal-clear finish and icy textured surface, it’s the event caterer’s best-kept secret for achieving high-end presentation that actually lasts.
Reusable, freezer-safe, and dishwasher-ready, the Glazz Collection moves effortlessly from prep to plate to performance. Whether you’re serving colourful crudités or dessert shooters, it gives a polished finish that makes every tray feel like centre stage.
5. The Urban Edit — Frame Trays in Black
Structured, stylish, and built for the pace of modern catering.
For those who prefer clean lines and architectural edge, Urban Frame Trays are the definition of contemporary service. Their matte black melamine finish creates contrast and composure; ideal for plated canapés, sushi bites, or modern grazing displays.
Designed to move seamlessly between kitchen and front-of-house, they’re lightweight, stackable, and professional to the core. Minimal effort. Maximum impact.
The Final Touch
Every Dalebrook tray is designed with both front and back of house in mind; lightweight, durable, and made to make service look effortless. Because when the food looks good and the team feels confident, everything else just flows.
From sleek slate to ceramic-inspired pigment and glass-effect Glazz, these are the foundations of flawless canapé service. Proof that design and durability can (and should) go hand in hand.
Discover the full Dalebrook Event Catering Range →