There is the kind of catering that is designed to fill your guests’ stomachs and leave them pleasantly satisfied, and then there is a whole other kind of catering all together. One where expenses come secondary and the primary goal is to delight and impress your guests with an all-encompassing food experience.
Sometimes it can be a challenge to create a buzz and get the attendance you’re looking for at your big event, but one way to do so is to implement great catering ideas that are sure to impress your guests.
To help get the wheel turning, here are a few Toronto event catering ideas to consider that are guaranteed to make a lasting impression on your guests.
Hire a Top-Notch Bartender
For a while, pre-mixed cocktails were taking over the beverage scene, but now it’s safe to say the handmade cocktail is firmly placed back on top. Classic cocktails with a twist, or house-made bitters and cordials displayed with flair and finesse will wow your guests.Not only do guests love seeing a skilled bartender mixing and shaking behind a bar, but they also love to have the power of choice behind their beverages.
Hire an expert mixologist for your event and you’re set to have a room full of happy guests all holding handcrafted, quality cocktails that they’re sure to enjoy. You can even take this trend one step further and turn the bar at your event into a piece of eye-catching entertainment in itself by incorporating a dazzling flair bartender.
Do the Unexpected
So many events all follow the same general format: arrival, cocktails, appetizers, dinner, and dessert. It’s traditional and comforting, but it can be a little predictable. Guests love to be surprised by something unexpected, so consider shaking up the format of your event.Explain to your guests in their invitation that things are changing and it will be a unique experience that they won’t want to miss.
There are plenty of ways to do this, including some bold ideas like serving breakfast/brunch favourites for dinner, or adding some sort of make-your-own element to dinner. There is also a growing trend of foods that look like one thing, but taste like another, which is always a fun surprise for the taste buds! Ask your experienced caterer about what kind of surprise elements they can create for your event and you’ll have your guests captivated from the moment they walk through the doors.
Choose an Engaging Theme
Another engaging idea for Toronto event catering is to choose a fun and engaging theme that you know will resonate with guests and design your whole event around this theme. Everything from the decor to the food should be carefully crafted with your theme and guest experience in mind.
In the winter, your guests’ minds are likely going to be dreaming of sunny vacation destinations, so consider something like an exotic Indonesian or Bali theme. You can also choose a theme centered around something that’s really topical, which will give your event a leg up as more people are likely to be engaged with the subject before they even arrive at your event.Décor, menus, and entertainment can all be focused on this theme.
Presentation Is Key
Of course the food at your event has to taste good, but one of the best ways to make a lasting impression on your guests is to create eye-catching food displays, because after all, we eat with our eyes first, and first impressions count for a lot.
Speak with your Toronto event catering company and brainstorm some creative ways to display the food at your event. Think about coordinating colours, adding height to food displays with multi levels, and don’t forget the finishing touches that coordinate with the theme and ambience of your party.Food is art and can be used as part of your décor!
