Weddings, fundraisers, corporate events, and the like all require a number of moving parts to ensure a good time is had by all. Food is naturally one of the highest of priorities when organizing a special event, leading many to turn to professional event planning and catering services. Every event is unique and ought to encapsulate some meaning; this means that the best event catering ideas are those that conform to the event’s purpose while ensuring that guests feel the menu is appropriate given the attire, guest list, and event host — here are some tips to help anyone plan out the right meal for any event.
Freshness as a Priority
The idea of food has changed drastically over the past century in what many scholars are referring to as the commodification of food. People expect consistency over quality as food has become transformed into a readily available commodity. Despite the hundreds of thousands of products that line store shelves, many Americans are rejecting processed food in favor of fresh, local foodstuff. For this reason, many catering services are partnering with local vineyards, ranches, and farms to bring the freshest local ingredients to your event. As organic and sustainable ingredients become more widely available, many people are redefining their relationship with the food we eat.
Less is More
Although it may be tempting to plot out a multi-course meal for your event, many experts are instead suggesting that event planners stick to a limited hors doeuvres menu. An hors doeuvres menu is a stark alternative to the heavy cream sauces, fatty meats, and deep-friend appetizers that are typical of many events; hors doeuvres menus allow guests to enjoy flavorful samplings of elevated appetizers such as little antipasto skewers with a grape tomato, a ball of mozzarella and an olive drizzled with fresh basil oil, or mini lettuce wraps with chicken in a savory Thai peanut sauce. Another alternative to an hors doeuvres menu could be a catered food bar that allows guests to make their own plate from a selection that can include salsa or guacamole bars, taco bars, slider bars, and sundae bars among others.
Finding Quality Special Event Catering Services
Planning an event is stressful due to the sheer number of details that event planners need to take into account. Finding a good caterer can help to significantly reduce the stress and worry caused by these events. A good caterer will be able to successfully manage cooks, servers, cleaners, and dishwashers while simultaneously ensuring that their team is aware of schedules, place settings, serving customs, and food safety regulations. Many caterers are also in charge of table decor, arrangements, and food presentation should the event planner determine that they are qualified. Finding professional, quality catering services can help establish your event as once-in-a-lifetime!