Whether you're hosting a formal evening event for colleagues or a casual afternoon summer party for loved ones, great catering is key for impressing your guests. Here are some tips on getting it right.
1. Think carefully about catering options
There are various options for catering including sit-down full service or a 'help yourself' buffet. Consider what will work best for your event, the guests and the layout of the venue.
2. Plan your menu
Think about the menu well in advance so you have time to work with your suppliers on seasonal, local and available ingredients. Consider your budget, the nature of the event, the audience and the overall theme you are working to.
3. Remember dietary preferences
Gather preferences for any special diets from your guests beforehand. These could include vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free and nut allergies. Where preferences are related to allergies and health issues, ensure special care is taken to avoid cross-contamination of food in the kitchen and during service.
4. Have alternatives
Remember to consider young guests, too, if babies and toddlers will be present. Their parents will welcome suitable snacks and drinks for little ones and ready access to bathrooms and wipes for cleaning fingers!
5. Think about presentation
Remember to dress tables appropriately for the event, whether it's a formal white linen and silver cutlery event or a more informal party with balloons and fun decorations. Flowers, sparkles and table settings always look good.
6. Have staff on hand
Successful catering requires sufficient staffing, so make sure you have plenty of people on hand to provide food and drink service and to help guests with any requests.
7. Remember the ambience
When guests are enjoying their food and drinks, provide music for background sound, and consider comfort aspects, such as lighting and warmth. Avoid seating guests too close to draughty doors, and cover windows to keep out glare.
8. Consider Health & Safety
Food and drink service must be organised in a safe way, considering elements such as clear walkways and access points, hot food service and dietary needs. Consider these well in advance and do a run-through and walk around of the venue to check everything is in place beforehand.
9. Make it memorable
Consider adding little elements that make the food and drink more memorable, such as table favours, mini bon-bons or elements of personalisation. These needn't be expensive, but they can create an extra buzz around your event and provide conversation starters.
10. Allow enough time
No one wants to be rushed through a meal, especially at a special event. So allow plenty of time for food and drinks within the schedule, so that guests can relax and enjoy the food and each other's company.
These tips will help you to cover everything you need to plan for a memorable event with fantastic catering.
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