April 14, 2025

More and more, clients are asking the same question when planning events: How can we make this beautiful and sustainable?

Whether it’s a corporate mixer, outdoor wedding, or elevated backyard gathering, expectations are changing. Guests want Instagram-worthy aesthetics without the waste. And caterers? They’re feeling the pressure to deliver sustainability without sacrificing style—or efficiency.

That’s where Verterra steps in.

We’ve created the ultimate toolkit to help modern caterers build an entire setup using compostable, stylish, and eco-conscious essentials. Here’s how to design a clean, cohesive event setup that checks every box for form, function, and environmental responsibility.

Why Sustainability Matters More Than Ever

Sustainability isn’t just a trend—it’s a decision-making filter. Clients are actively seeking out caterers who can offer low-waste solutions without compromising the experience.

From venues to vendors, the industry is shifting toward materials that feel good to use and feel even better to throw away (in the compost bin, of course). Verterra’s dinnerware is made from fallen palm leaves and responsibly harvested wood—no plastic, no guilt, and no compromise on presentation.

Your Event Setup, Simplified: The Must-Have Items

We’ve handpicked five products that make it easy to execute an elegant, sustainable event from start to finish.

6” Palm Plates

These are your go-to for hors d’oeuvres, cocktail hour bites, or individual dessert portions. Durable enough to hold weight, but light enough to stack and transport with ease. Pro tip: pair with linen cocktail napkins for an upscale touch.

9” Palm Plates

A main-course MVP. These sturdy square plates hold up under steak, salmon, pasta—you name it. No soggy collapse, no plastic feel. Just a clean, modern presentation for plated meals or buffet service.

3.5” Palm Bowls

Perfect for tasting menus, sides, or grab-and-go snacks like nuts or olives. These compact bowls add visual variety to your table setup without going overboard.

Medium Weight Wooden Cutlery Kits

Everything your guests need in one compostable kit: fork, knife, spoon, and a napkin. No more scrambling for utensils or wasting single-use plastics. Great for stations or passed service.

14”x14” Covered Catering Tray

Elegant, sturdy, and functional. This tray is ideal for transporting or displaying baked goods, sliders, or charcuterie. The fitted cover keeps things fresh and protected during setup or delivery—and looks 100% better than foil or plastic wrap.

Design Tip: Sustainability Can Still Be Stunning

Just because it’s compostable doesn’t mean it has to feel temporary or plain. Layer in textures like linen runners, wildflowers, or wooden risers. Think: eco-luxe rather than eco-basic. And always aim for a cohesive color palette to keep things visually elevated.

Verterra products are designed to blend seamlessly into any aesthetic—minimalist, rustic, coastal, or black-tie.

Ready to Upgrade Your Next Event Setup?

Whether you’re catering for 20 or 200, these five items are your building blocks to a more sustainable event.

Download “Verterra Sustainable Event Setup Checklist” to make sure you have everything you need—plus a few extras that impress your clients and your guests.

Let your food shine. Let your values show. And let Verterra handle the rest.

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