There are a lot of things to think about when you’re hosting an event, but one thing that’s always important is making sure that your guests have a great time.
There are five catering ideas that we would highly recommend if wowing your guests is a top priority at your next event.
1. Hiring a Professional Bartender
If you’ve never seen a professional bartender in action, it’s something you need to witness. Making a great drink is considered by many to be an art form in and of itself. It takes a lot of expertise and experience, but it also takes a lot of creativity to come up with something unique to offer your guests.
Instead of having someone just tend the bar, you might want to bring in a professional bartender if you’re serious about impressing your guests. It will lend the whole evening a feeling of sophistication that is guaranteed to lead to a good time. Don’t forget, there are big differences between flair bartenders and mixologists, so make sure you know what type of bar fits into your event the best and look for a qualified professional.
2. Having a Unique Theme
When you throw an event, it’s likely that you will have a unifying theme that ties everything together. Whether it is a certain style or decade, a pop culture reference or a general vibe, themes have a great way of making a party stand out.
Make sure your food reflects your theme! A thematic menu can bring the whole vision of your event together.For example, if you have a French theme for your event, the catered meal is an excellent opportunity to carry out that theme. Not only will this help tie the feel of your event together, it also allows for guests to try foods that they might not otherwise have been able to try. Above all, it’s a great way of making your event unforgettable.
3. Offering the Unexpected
Most people, when they attend an event, come to expect certain types of food. From the standard finger foods to the chicken-and-rice plated meal, the catered food at events is usually unsurprisingand standard.
There’s nothing wrong with offering traditional fare at your catered event, but if you’re looking to set yourself apart from the crowd, it might be time to break with tradition and offer the unexpected. Go for an exotic dish (or two) that will give guests something new to try. Include some offbeat and fun choices, from chef-style carnival foods to beautifully presented charcuterie. The best way to go about offering the unexpected is by working closely with your caterers. They’ll have some great catering ideas that go outside the box. Don’t be afraid that an exotic dish may push your budget over the top. There are tons of unique, flavourful dishes that are out of the ordinary!
4. Having Dessert Stations
Have you ever noticed that when there are leftovers at an event, it’s almost never the dessert? People genuinely look forward to the dessert at the end of their meals, and these days the dessert options are becoming more and more creative.
Dessert stations include a larger variety of choices, from cookies to cupcakes, and macaroons to the more traditional cake. People can choose their own desserts based on what treat they’d like to have. Offering your guests multiple options is a great way of leaving a good impression.
5. Focusing on Presentation
No matter what food you offer at your event, the presentation should always be one of your top priorities. The presentation counts for a lot more than we often give it credit for. Even if the food is immaculately prepared and delicious to eat, if the presentation isn’t on point, then there’s a good chance it won’t impress your guests in quite the way you may be hoping for. Remember, we eat with our eyes first!
Great presentation takes into consideration the aesthetics of the food, offering a creative presentation that showcases the artisanal quality of the chef’s creation. When you pair with a catering company, be sure to emphasize that you’re committed to great presentation.
