🔥 Hottest LA Catering Trends for 2025 — & How Little Bear Delivers

Little Bear Team

May 22, 2025

Cusine, Events, Latest News

How to Host the Perfect Summer 2025 Event in Los Angeles

Your guide to smart planning, seasonal trends, & how Little Bear Catering makes it All effortless.

Summer in LA is full of sun-drenched parties, rooftop mixers, and backyard celebrations that stretch into golden hour. Whether you’re planning a stylish baby shower, a corporate cocktail hour, or a red carpet birthday bash, the key to success is balancing fun with function. And that’s where we come in.

LA guests love an experience. From build-your-own taco bars to live-action grill stations and bento grazing box walls — our team curates food that’s delicious and entertaining. We provide staffing, signage, and stylish setups so you don’t lift a finger.

At Little Bear Catering, we’re here to help you craft events that are bold, flavorful, and logistically smooth — no matter your guest count or venue.

Top LA Catering Trends for Summer 2025

Los Angeles is a hub for creativity, and this year’s food and drink trends reflect that energy.

1. Interactive Food Stations

Live grill setups, Smokers, taco bars, sushi rolls made to order — guests want food and entertainment. These stations invite movement, conversation, and photo ops. Our chef-led Global taco and carving stations are guest favorites — minimal mess, major wow factor.

Little Bear Tip: Our chef-led Live Action Grilling, and taco and carving stations are Elevated, compact, efficient, and packed with flavor. We staff, set up, and clean up so you don’t have to.

2. Global Fusion Menus

Argentinian Skirt Steak or Tri Tip with Chimichurri. Korean BBQ tacos and Sliders. Birria ramen cups. Mediterranean hummus bowls with zhoug or Mediterranean Wraps With Harissa Aioli. LA guests are craving global flavor combos with a fresh twist. It’s all about bold mashups! We bring the flavor diversity LA is known for, while keeping the menu approachable and fun.

What We Offer: Our menus are customizable — from crowd-pleasers to adventurous bites — with easy swaps for allergies, Dietary Considerations, or kids. We customize every bite to fit your guest list!

3. Wellness-Focused Options

Superfood salads, vegan bites, Acai Bowls, gluten-free snacks — your guests want to feel great and eat well. Light, energizing, and colorful. From grain bowls to seasonal salads and plant-based mains, our menus are designed to nourish — without sacrificing flavor.

Little Bear Favorite: Try our Summer Quinoa Tabbouleh Cups or California Rainbow Salad with citrus vinaigrette. We offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options in every tier you’d like.

4. Dessert Bars That Wow

Dessert as a moment: Mini churros with dulce dip, Handmade brownie bites, lemon bars, lavender shortbread, Ice Cream Carts — desserts are designed for grazing and ‘gramming. Dessert bars are back — and we do them right.

Add-On Option: Our “Petite Dessert Stations” can be added to any proposal — with compostables or upgraded serveware. Build your own!

5. Specialty Mocktail & Coffee Bars

Cold brew bars, sparkling agua fresca stations, and signature mocktails are crowd favorites for outdoor summer events. This year, LA guests are sipping smarter. Cold brew with oat milk? A custom “Spicy Paloma” mocktail? Yes and yes. We offer mixologist-led setups or batched options for easy self-serve.

Pro Setup: We’ll bring the bar, chill the juices, Mix the Brews, prep the garnishes, and handle service…You bring the vibe.

Planning the Perfect Summer Party in LA

Whether it’s 20 guests in your backyard or 200 on a rooftop, here’s how to make it work:

Go Outdoors: Use that gorgeous LA weather! We help plan for heat, shade, and seamless buffet layouts. From Santa Monica rooftops to backyard gardens in the Valley — LA is built for al fresco. We provide buffet setups, shade-friendly food displays, and servers who can keep the flow smooth.
Simplify the Menu: We suggest dishes that shine at room temp and don’t require last-minute fuss. we’ll help you select exactly what works best for your event style and timing.
Decorate with Produce: Our food styling includes fresh herbs, edible flowers, and seasonal garnishes that double as décor. We’re big on edible garnishes, floral herbs, and using your food display as part of the décor. We can even coordinate with your florist or bring in partners for added flair!
Offer One Signature Drink: From a mocktail to a batched cocktail, one house Celebratory favorite adds polish. We’ll help design a fun mocktail or cocktail — and make sure the bar setup looks as good as it tastes.
Plan Just Enough Entertainment: Light music, a grazing table, and a great playlist go a long way. Alternatively, Pair a low-lift food station with a simple photo backdrop or yard game, and you’ve already created a vibe.

Smart Planning for Small Teams

We know many of our clients are working with lean teams — or doing it all themselves. That’s why we’ve built systems that keep things efficient:

Tiered Menus: Clear pricing and flexible packages. Choose a level that fits your budget and add only what you need (no hidden charges).
Drop-Off Options: Delivered, set up, and ready to serve — no staffing required. Beautifully packaged, labeled, and ready to serve with compostables.
Staffing when you Want it, Add-On Support: Need a bartender, buffet table, or bamboo plates? We’ve got it! Our bartenders, chefs, and servers show up polished and professional. We offer seamless service and support.
Custom Add-Ons: From tables and linens to Chargers, and last-minute drink stations, we’ve got your back.
Digital Proposals & Efficient Booking: We keep it quick and easy. We’ll get your proposal ready fast so you can confirm, tweak, and move forward.

Let us handle the behind-the-scenes so you can enjoy the moment. Celebrate Summer!

Let’s Make Summer 2025 Unforgettable

From intimate brunches to bold birthday parties, Little Bear Catering is here to bring your vision to life — with style, ease, and just the right amount of flair. Little Bear Catering is ready to make your summer party feel like you!

Now booking for Summer 2025.
Let’s build something that feels like you.