Imagine your big day.
You have delicious food stations and buffets wrapped around your venue, overflowing with hot food.
But to make it perfect, you need one thing:
Chalkboard food signs.
So in this post, we’re going to indulge in 129 food sign ideas for your mini buffet labels or food tables.
Let’s dive in. 🍽
(it’s free)
Since I share a lot of how-to ideas with creative people like you, naturally my content may contain affiliate links with resources I love — this means if you click on a link and buy, I will earn a tiny bit of chalk money which I promise to use to create even more design inspiration. 😁
Are You Hungry?
Well, get ready for 129 food sign ideas.
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Taco Station
Tortillas and toppings. Doesn’t get much better than that.
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Pizza Station
Build your own pizza or flatbreads.
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Late-Night Snack Bar
Put all the bride & groom’s favorite treats here.
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Soda Bar
A self-serve station with all your nostalgic soda pops and floats.
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Mac & Cheese Bar
A warm bar with various mac and cheese combos.
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Sushi / Raw Seafood Bar
All your favorite rolls, sashimi or poké.
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Oyster-Shucking Bar
Shucked oysters with all the condiments.
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Charcuterie Station
A wide assortment of Italian meats (or any meats you like).
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Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup Bar
Serve hot grilled cheeses with its best friend — tomato soup.
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Martini Bar
Appletinis and other vodka creations.
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Asian Dumplings
Steamed or fried with different stuffings and dipping sauces.
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French Fries Station
Hot fries or poutine tossed in a ton of different spices, sauces, and gravies. Heck, why not go all-in with truffle fries?!
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Things on a Stick
Kabobs, shrimp, club sandwiches, bacon, veggie skewers…
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Snow Cones / Shaved Ice
Have a small shaved ice machine with liquid flavorings.
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Slider / Burger Station
One of the most popular interactive sandwich and condiment stations.
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Pasta Bar
A warm bar with all the best noodles and sauce combos — carbonara, alfredo, scampi… or even gnocchi.
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Brunch Buffet
Your favorite breakfast dishes… not uncommon to find an eggs benedict here.
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Waffle Bar
Fresh waffles with fruit toppings and syrups.
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Candy Station
Usually in bins, these stations serve up snackable sweets, like jelly beans.
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Donut Bar
Different donuts with all the sprinkles and toppings you can imagine.
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Bagel Bar
A variety of toasted bagels and cream cheese options.
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Ice Cream Sundaes
Scoops of ice cream (or gelato) with waffle cones, toppings, and hot chocolate syrup. 🙌
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Cookies Only Station
Think chewy goodness, M&M cookies, cookie dough, butter and oatmeal cookies…
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Cotton Candy
Have a cotton candy machine to make your guests feel like they’re at the carnival.
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Milkshake Bar
Blended creations with your choice of ice cream, fillings, and all the fixins.
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Punch Bar
Fruity drinks of all flavors (don’t forget the umbrella ⛱).
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Carnival Eats Station
Any of your carnival favorites, from caramel apples to funnel cakes.
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Cheese Bar
All types of cold cheeses with a bunch of garnishes (don’t forget the toothpicks).
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Fondue / Queso Station
A hot cheese station, usually served in small bowls or cups, alongside chips or bread.
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Chips & Dip Bar
Crunchy chips, healthy kale chips, salsas, artichoke dips, spinach dips… you get the idea.
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Corn on the Cob
Imagine hot corn rolled in butter, with little handles to take on-the-go.
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Biscuits & Gravy
Hot buttered biscuits, with homemade gravy, smothered on top.
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Popcorn Station
A bunch of flavor varieties with cute vintage popcorn containers.
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Cereal Hangout
Bins of different cereals with pints of milk to choose from.
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Carving Station
A traditional meat station — prime rib, roast beef — with a professional wielding the knife.
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BBQ Pit
If you have the budget for this one, it’s worth it — have an open BBQ pit with ribs and brisket. Showstopper.
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Bruschetta / Crostini Bar
A handheld favorite with a TON of different flavor toppings (my favorite is goat cheese 🧀).
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Chicken Wing Station
Hot wings tossed in any number of sauces, usually with blue cheese or ranch sauces for dipping.
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Veggie Station
A lighter station with fresh veggies and maybe a dip or two.
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Omelet Station
A chef-run station with made-to-order omelets. Think breakfast for dinner.
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Ceviche Bar
Similar to a raw bar, but this station is a bit fancier, with smaller plates piled high with citrus-marinated shrimp or scallops.
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Chili Bar
Who doesn’t love hot bowls of chili or jambalaya?
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Burrito Bar
Hand-rolled burritos stuffed with any goodie you could imagine.
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Pretzel Station
A rising star on the wedding scene, this station is perfect for those wanting a salty or sweet snack!
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Smores Bar
A more intimate dessert station that’s well suited for outdoor wedding venues.
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Peanut Butter Station
Don’t even get me started. 😂
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Risotto Station
Your fancy rice station that’s usually interactive with a chef.
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Panini Bar
Another chef-run station, with made-to-order hot sandwiches on the grill.
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Condiments Bar
Imagine mason jars, with little spoons, full of all the condiment mainstays.
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Sushi Live Bar
If you can, devote a station exclusively for a live sushi chef.
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Mashed Potato
Also known as a ‘spud’ bar, you can also offer twice-baked potatoes and potato skins.
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Cupcake Station
Cupcakes are an easy, portable treat. Support your local bakery, and have them whip you up a big batch.
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Chocolate Station
Bars, kisses, and molten ecstasy… you don’t want to miss this station.
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Hot Dog Station
Toasted brioche buns, charred dogs, and the condiments to finish em’ off.
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Food Trucks
Food trucks rock. If you have one at your event, don’t forget to make an awesome menu sign.
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Fruit Bar
Bowls of fresh fruit as a lighter option for your guests.
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Hot Chocolate Bar
Hot drinks with whipped cream and cocoa.
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Potato Chip Station
Crunchy and salty bowls of all your favorite chip types (I love salt & vinegar 🤣).
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Kids’ Station
Fish sticks, chicken tenders or keep it simple with Goldfish and gummy bears.
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Pimento Sandwiches
Cheesy Southern goodness between bread. Um, yes, please!
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Pancakes / Crepes
Entertain everyone with ready-made pancakes or crepes, hot off the skillet.
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Guacamole / Avocado Smash
A shrine to the healthy green fruit. Serve an array of avocado-based dishes.
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Nacho Bar
A fun station with big bowls of chips, meat toppings, queso, and much more.
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Deep Fry Station
Choose your goodie and the chef will fry it to perfection. Think everything from onion rings to Oreos.
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Trail Mix / Granola Bar
Hand your guests a little bag, and tell them to fill it with a snack for their evening adventure.
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Spice Rub Roundtable
A hands-on table where guests can roll their meats in the favorite spices, then pass it over to the chef to grill or pan sear.
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Quinoa / Lentils / Grain Station
For simpler palates, this is a universally appealing option.
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Empanada / Samosa Fry
An international fry fest. These unique treats will truly make your wedding memorable.
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Southern Station
Serve the southern classics — fried chicken, chicken & dumplings, shrimp & grits, pot pie…
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Pie / Cheesecake
Your ultimate sweet station. Just imagine apple, pecan, pumpkin pies.
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Casserole Station
All the oldies but goodies — sweet potato casserole to Shepherd’s Pie.
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‘Buffalo’ Station
Basically, anything smothered in buffalo sauce.
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Short Ribs & Meatloaf
A hearty option that appeals to both the modern and traditional meat eater.
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Cinnamon Rolls
Warm, sweet rolls, that are perfect for dessert time.
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Popsicles
A cold dessert station you can roll out towards the end of the night.
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Garlic Bread / Any Bread 😊
Who doesn’t love bread? Focaccia, rolls, soda bread, and more go here.
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Lasagna
Trays of your layered pasta favorite… or you can serve lasagna rolls.
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Bread Pudding
Different styles of this classic dessert with whiskey sauces and dried fruits.
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Brownies
Soft, warm… and serve them with ice cream! 🍨
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Citrus Station
If you love acidic food, this station is a must, with dishes like chicken piccata and ceviche.
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Gravy
A place at the end of the line to top anything and everything!
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Brittle Bar
Add some texture with a selection of sweet brittles.
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Soup Station
Hot bowls of flavorful goodness. Think French Onion soup.
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Crab Cakes
Don’t overlook the crab cake station — super popular, especially when made-to-order with an Old Bay sauce.
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Stuffing / Dressing
It doesn’t matter where you’re from, stuffing and dressing are comfort food at its finest.
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Meatballs
Charred on a stick or in a bowl with one of your favorite sauces.
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Deviled Eggs
Try different filling flavors and toppings, like prosciutto, chives or caviar.
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Scones
Chocolate chip and blueberry scones coming right up!
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Mexican
The Mexican classics — usually devoted to enchiladas and quesadillas, with a side of sour cream and guac of course! 🥑
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Lettuce Wraps
Wrap anything in these green bad boys — tuna or chicken salad, shrimp, or any Asian delight.
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Tofu
Give your guests a simpler option. Tofu can be grilled or served in a salad.
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Cakes
Don’t forget about cake for your guests — banana cake, chocolate cake, fruit cake, tiramisu, coconut, carrot…
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Roasted Veggies
Warm caramelized veggies, like asparagus, brussels, squash or fennel.
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Stuffed Peppers Station
Bell or hot peppers stuffed with rice and meats.
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Fajitas Station
Sizzling soft tortillas with chicken, steak or shrimp (and yes, some veggies).
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Scallop
Sea or bay scallops seared in a hot pan, served with capers, herbs, and citrus.
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French Toast
Syrupy bread topped with a powdered sugar storm.
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Cheese Sticks
Fried mozzarella in cute handheld containers… and don’t forget the marinara sauce.
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Pickling Station
More of a condiment hub, put all your acidic accoutrements at this table towards the end of the line.
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Chocolate Fountain
Think lava cakes or another delectable gooey chocolate concoction.
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Peanuts
A salty station… or boiled peanuts if you’re from the south.
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Salmon Board
Salmon is super popular for a reason. But mix it up, and offer everything from grilled hot options to chilled lox.
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Champagne
The most popular drink station, that everyone can toast to. 🥂
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Coffee / Espresso
Give your guests a pick-me-up, especially during the late hours.
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Mimosa
A station devoted to the mother of all brunch drinks.
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Frozen Drinks
This station serves up daiquiris, piña coladas, and every other frozen drink you can imagine!
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Beer Bar
Your favorite beers on tap. Cheers to that. 🍻
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Seltzer Bar
White Claw® beverages and other bubbly cocktails.
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Signature Cocktails
The couples’ favorite liquor drinks, usually renamed after something (or someone) special.
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Margarita Bar
Rev up the blenders and pour your favorite tequila. This is an epic drink station.
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Juice Bar
Mostly fruit juices — for your alcohol-free guests — but you can also serve vegetable juices depending on the crowd.
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Hummus Table
An assortment of different flavored hummuses, crackers, pitas, and vegetables.
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Whiskey Bar
A selection of your favorite whiskey spirits (usually on the groom’s side).
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Tequila Bar
A fancy tequila selection, but you can also liven it up with cheaper tequila shot options.
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Creole / Cajun
If you have a low-country, southern theme at your event, definitely go with a Creole / Cajun station with crawfish, grits, and the like.
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Chai Tea
Relax with some tea. This is a popular station when the crowd is winding down.
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Keto / Gluten-Free / Paleo / Vegan / Vegetarian
This is your special request table (make sure to poll your quests to know exactly what they need).
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Iced Tea
A southern classic. This station is all about paying tribute to the beverage itself.
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Bacon
This is heaven for the bacon enthusiast. Offer glazed, spiced or other flavor options. 🥓
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Tater Tots
A unique twist on finger-foods, tater tots can be served with salsas, quesos, and many other creative snacks.
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Local Catch
This is all about where you live – source ingredients from the sea or your local farm to add a personal touch.
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Ramen Station
Noodle heaven (I wish I had this at my wedding, just sayin’).
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Wok Station
It’s about to get hot! Pick your meat and serve it Asian-style with fried rice. 🔥
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Grilled Bar
Charred and smoky vegetables, lobster tails, and steak. Perfect for the outdoors.
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Mother Sauces
A station dedicated to the 5 French mother sauces — Béchamel, Velouté, Espagnole, Tomato, Hollandaise — that your guests can top their buffet dishes with.
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Chimichurri Station
Pick your ingredients and have a chef make a homemade chimi to top off your meal.
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Rotisserie Fire
Imagine succulent meats and vegetables slow roasting over an open flame.
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Paella Party
Choose from an assortment of ingredients to enhance this traditional Spanish rice dish.
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Island Bites
Caribbean fare, calamari, tropical fruit, coconut drinks… let your imagination run wild. 🌴
See these ideas in action in my custom Google album.
That’s a wrap.
I hope you and your tummy found some food inspiration! 🤣
(And don’t forget the printable.)
When you get a sec, tell me what you think in the comment section below. 👇
I could look at chalk food signs all day long. You do great work!
Thanks! I love them, I want to make them for every meal 😂
Such good ideas! Can’t wait to help my friend with her wedding coming up in March!
Thanks Paige! Keep me updated, love to make a welcome wedding sign.
I love your master lists! Such inspiration, and yes, now I’m hungry! Lol.
I love these ideas, and got hungry reading it all 😊
Hopefully, once parties start happening, we can indulge in party foods again 😂
These Ideas are awesome! Definitively will use some at our next family event!
Yay! Hopefully it can happen soon 🙂
I love the ramen station idea! Will definitely use for future get-togethers!
Doesn’t that sound delish!! So simple, but SO good.
This sounds so yummy…and FUN! I can’t wait for COVID to pass to we can start getting together again. I guess that means I have some time to plan the menu and practice making signs!
Yes for sure! It’s definitely a good time to start planning & preparing for whenever the time comes. 🙂
OMG! This is a PERFECT idea for my family’s version of the Mongolian BBQ grill!! I can list out all the proteins, veggies, sauces…lol I just got excited!!
Oooh if you make signs, I wanna see! Tag me on IG or share at reddit /r/chalkboarders 😆♥️
This post looks and sounds amazing! I’m so hungry! Now i want to open a restaurant..
Haha! Or start a catering biz 😂
These are amazing ideas and if people are looking for shops to open they can look through here as well hahaha since a lot of food are being mentioned
Yes definitely! I hope to make many more food signs for restaurants = they’re so much fun!
Dreaming of post-COVID life! Love all these ideas – so great!
Same!! 🙋♀️ A girl can dream!
Would be so fun to do just to practice my hand lettering. But any sort of food bar party mmmmm…
Right?! Let me know if you try any!
A corn on the cob station sounds amazing! Even if this summer is…less than ideal, corn on the cob is a must.
haha! You can enjoy them even if there’s not much to celebrate!
Wow sounds really good. I’m going to do something like this for my moving helpers❤️❤️❤️
What fun and creative ideas, I love them!!!
Thanks Rebecca! 🙂 Glad you found some inspiration!
These sign ideas make me want to get way more into decorating for my upcoming wedding reception.
Also, they’re making me pretty hungry.
Ha! Right?! And yes, surely you’ll be able to find some fun ideas here. Let me know what you decide to do!
Cute ideas! As soon as we can get back to entertaining this would be fun to do. Thanks!
You got it Jay. Thanks for the comment. 👍
Just amazing. You are so much fun to watch you do so many talented things.
Aw thanks Bette! There’s definitely more to come 🙂
Wow, these are amazing, I need to buy chalkboard maker to practice (I have just regular thick chalk sticks which not meant for lettering…)
Yes! It’s definitely not the easiest method to pick up, but chalk markers are great! I like the Chalk Ink brand 🙂
I am officially hungry. I think I should I start a bingo board and try a few of these🍦
Love it! 🙌 You should!
I love these ideas ❤️ I will DEFINITELY be using them to keep my family and I busy! Thanks so much for the great ideas and tips – I will make sure to use the cupcake – I love my baking and also my art – win win 😉 💜🤗😁😅
I LOVE IT! This made my day. Have fun making chalkboards with the kids and send me some cupcakes. Just kidding (kinda 🤣).
Makes me hungry! yum!
Sounds delicious!
Haha. I know right? It makes me hungry too Brandy!
Good Food is Good Mood…good food signs are good mood signs 😉 Amazinggg work…
I need to make a kitchen sign that says that. Great idea Neha!
Amazing Idea, made me hungry and eager to try it. 🙂
Thanks LM!
Great ideas! Now I’m hungry and want to letter!
Haha. I think this post is making a lot of people hungry. 😁
These look like so much fun. Great for holidays when all the family is here.
Yes! Counting down!
I love those signs. It can make a
Normal dinner at home cute for the kids. I think it is a very unique idea.
Thanks! There’s so many ways to create on a chalkboard with kids 🙂