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Gino Spano

Planning a corporate event takes time and effort. This is especially true if you want to have a memorable event for your guests, whether it’s your employees or business partners you want to thank. You probably organize a few events throughout the year, from staff appreciation days to sales conferences, and everything in between.

Download "25 Tips for Planning the Perfect Event" Tip Sheet

Another event you may be responsible for planning is the corporate holiday party.

What is a holiday party?

These corporate events often happen at the end of the year, near the holiday season. They can be a great way to thank your team for a great year and all their hard work as you begin to look forward to the new year. They also allow your employees the chance to relax and unwind, although you’ll want to be careful to keep a code of conduct.

Even though it’s still warm outside right now, one of the most important catering tips you’ll ever be given is that you should start planning now.


One of the Most Common Catering Tips Is Plan Early

You’ll hear plenty of catering advice, but almost none of it will be as useful as “start planning early.”

This is also one of those catering tips that often goes unheeded, especially in the corporate world. The fall season can be quite busy for many people, which means the holiday party may get shoved to the bottom of the to-do list.

This almost always ends the same way. You’ll leave everything to the last minute and find yourself scrambling to throw together an event in a few days or a couple of weeks.


Book a Venue Soon

One reason you should start your holiday party planning early is so you can book an appropriate venue. You won’t be the only company looking to host a holiday event for your staff come November and December.

Many of the best venues book up months in advance. If you know approximately how many people you can expect, you can start shopping venues.

You may already have a venue in mind. Maybe the one you booked last year was great. Maybe you booked late and missed out on the venue you really wanted. Booking early will help you avoid disappointment.


Work with the Caterer to Create a Menu

Another piece of advice you’re likely to receive is that you’ll need to create a menu. Less common among catering tips is that you should work directly with your caterer to create that menu.

Many people go into event planning with a menu in hand. Others will okay whatever the caterer presents. This is your corporate holiday party, so you definitely should have some say. Your caterer will bring their expertise and experience to the table.

You likely need to consider varied diets for your menu as well. Do you have employees who eat vegetarian or vegan diets? Others may have food allergies or gluten sensitivities. Your caterer can help you craft a menu to meet all these needs while still pleasing everyone’s palate.


Ask What’s Included in the Catering Price

The last of these quick catering tips is to ask what’s being included in the price. Before you book any caterer, you must ask this question. Will they supply flatware and dishes, or will you be expected to pay for that? Is there a bar service and, if so, how will you run it?

You’ll also want to inquire about the number of staff members required for your event, as well as any extra fees.

Even if the caterer offers a fantastic menu, you need to know what you’re paying for before you sign on the dotted line. Knowing this cost early on can help you better budget for the rest of the party and get the costs approved.

Use these catering tips and you’ll be well on your way to planning the most memorable holiday party your company has ever had.


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Gino Spano

Starting with roots in a kitchen at 14 years old, he worked his way up the ranks and by the young age of 17 was responsible for daily events of 50 to 600 people. Gino continued to use his talents to work in catering, banquet and restaurant kitchens across the GTA. His love for Italian, French and Asian cuisine paired with his wide variety of knowledge brought him success in his new venture at Seventh Heaven in 2001. Over the past 12 years, he has cooked many meals for social events, corporate events and government officials. His love for new challenges brought him into corporate sales where he and the Seventh Heaven team won Best Catered Event for Canadian Linen’s “The Great White North” – Facility Grand Opening in 2009.
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