A step by step guide to the food for your event
In any event, the food is the main staple. No matter where you are, what you do and who’s there, everyone looks forward to the food. Having nice catering always leaves guests happy and is something they remember and rave about. Of course, there’s a variety of things you can do for an event. Getting the right is always important. We’ve put together a guide on the catering for your event.
Consider the location
The first step is to consider what’s feasible for the location you’re at. If you’re having a woodland party in the middle of nowhere, a three-course sit-down meal might be a struggle. Check your resources and see what you are able to provide. If you’re having it at a set venue, likelihood is they have catering options which you can take advantage of. Ask them for their availability, whether they can provide canopies, a Buffett or a full meal. If you are looking for a flexible event venue in Nottingham, look no further than Eastwood Hall. Our events are fantastically catered by our talented chefs. Get in contact for more information. If you have the budget for it, hire caterers for the event. This way you can decide on a range of different things, for example hiring a fish and chip van so people can help themselves. Depending on the event it can be fun to get creative and have something a bit different.
Who’s on the guest list?
This is easier if you have a smaller guest list. Consider if anyone coming will have special dietary requirements such as gluten-free or vegan. If so, this will obviously affect the catering. You want to ensure everyone has food you enjoy. If your guest list is longer consider doing a range of more generic options so delegates have a choice, but it isn’t too taxing for you. Use stickers or flags on toothpicks to label the food so people are aware which has meat, is vegetarian and so on. If you’re on a budget or just enjoy a potluck dinner, ask each guest to bring their favourite food or a meal they’ve cooked. This way, everyone’s happy and will be catered for.
Think about the theme
If there’s a specific theme for your event, its always impressive to tailor the food. For example, if you are throwing an engagement party, have blue cupcakes with Haribo rings, heart-shaped sandwiches and canopies with floral, edible decorations. You don’t have to be a caterer to create simple yet effective foods. The internet is your friend with this one so utilise it and research if you haven’t got any ideas.
Work it around the event schedule
Consider how long the event will last. If it’s an all-day event, you’ll need several intervals of food throughout the day. Even a few light refreshments and coffee is a good idea to keep delegates filled up ready for their main meal. It helps if you create an itinerary for the day so you can plan exactly when things will happen. If you are having catering staff, ensure they have a copy too so everyone’s kept in the loop.
Presentation
If you are providing a buffet or any kind of meal which your delegates will help themselves too, get creative with the presentation. It’s the little touches of an event that make all the difference so small things like this are effective. Also, consider how things will be tidied away after everyone’s eaten. No one wants to be sat for hours with their half-finished dinner in front of them. Plan ahead and remember your event team, or friends and family are likely to be happy to be asked to help out. Request this ahead of time so they can step in throughout the day and keep things running smoothly.
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