More often than not, the food served at a corporate meeting makes all the difference to those attending. A well-chosen menu can leave them feeling satisfied and appreciative of the effort put into making the event a success. Of course, putting on a spread everyone can enjoy takes some careful planning.
To help, here are a few steps on creating an outstanding menu for your next company get-together.
Step 1: Make a Detailed Plan
Whether you’re hosting an important client at the office or celebrating the holidays, the first step is to narrow down the details of the event. You need to know the type of meeting, the number of guests, location and all the other little things relevant to the plan before you can select the right food catering services. Having all this nailed down is useful for both forming a realistic vision and bringing it to life.
Step 2: Set a Budget
Having a budget to work off of is essential. By understanding the price range for catering, the venue and other service charges, it makes researching the options easier and helps prevent potential headaches down the line. Furthermore, it’s often beneficial to discuss budgetary limits with potential catering companies as they may be able to offer solutions to better fit your budget.
Step 3: Pick a Venue
Next is deciding where to host the gathering. Depending on the size of the party and occasion, this step could be a little tricky. Start by researching appropriate locations and evaluating whether or not your choices fit the situation and budget. A helpful tip is to ask questions such as “Does the venue provide food?” and “Will catered food be kept at the right temperature?” These can help with menu planning by eliminating options and maybe inspiring new ideas.
Step 4: Partner With a High-Quality Caterer
Once you have selected the venue, established the event’s needs and picked the type of food you want to serve, you can concentrate on finding a caterer. Doing so may entail checking references, reading through online reviews and even scheduling time for a taste test. You may also want to inquire about the particulars of food preparation and serving to ensure the necessary safety precautions are going to be followed.
Step 5: Consider Guest Accommodations
Nowadays, it’s standard practice when planning an event to understand and accommodate the dietary needs for each attendee. From food allergies and intolerances to religious requirements, these various dietary needs must be considered to make the event as inclusive as possible.
In the event invite or as you get confirmation of attendance, inquire about any limitations or preferences regarding the menu. Be sure to communicate this vital information with your caterer well in advance. Otherwise, the caterer may not have time to incorporate specific needs into the menu. If the guest list is large, you could opt for buffet-style or a plated menu with several selections including a “safe” dish that omits milk, egg, wheat, soy, nuts and other foods commonly known to cause allergic reactions.
You can also design the menu based off your group’s general background. For instance, younger guests may be excited to dig into adventurous fares, while seasoned guests might be more comfortable with traditional dishes. Fortunately, many catering companies offer flexible menu options and a variety of choices to keep invitees satisfied.
Bringing It All Together
Planning an event is challenging, especially when you want it to be impressive and showcase your professionalism. As you create the menu, contemplate cocktails and choose a professional caterer, keep in mind the event as a whole and its goal. That way, you can cook up a well-themed, food-filled experience everyone will relish.
Author bio:Ryan Zaritsky is the owner and operator of MGM Roast Beef. Founded in 2008, MGM Roast Beef is a gourmet sandwich shop located in D.C. that is dedicated to providing the freshest product possible.
