In NYC? In charge of event planning and catering for a special occasion?
Start thinking about event catering ideas and corporate menus in four main categories:
Location, dietary needs, current trends, and timing.
Location
Where are you having your event? Good caterers and event menus take a lot of preparation. If you’re taking your event outside, remember whatever corporate catering company you choose will need space and time to prepare. Ranches, farms, vineyards, parks — more rural locations — usually come with less facilities for the professional catering services to use. The best NYC catering companies will work with you on the best options for your event. Having pre-plated, and pre-ordered meals is often the easier and less expensive option, but most outside catering services can also bring in the necessary equipment and stations for additional cost.
Dietary Needs
In a world and city more and more aware of what we’re putting into our bodies, it’s important to plan for a variety of dietary restrictions, needs, and wants. Be aware of religious needs (both in type of food and in prepping and cooking methods), food allergies and restrictions, and personal preferences. Always tell your caterer as early in the planning process as possible about the entire events’ dietary restrictions, needs, and wants, playing close attention to the needs and wants of those the party is looking to celebrate and honor.
Current Trends
Special event catering services are always improved with a theme. And anyone who knows anything about the catering business can help you decide between what’s in, and what’s on its way out. Once you know your theme, your food catering menu will easily follow. If you go with the posh glitz of the Roaring Twenties (think “The Great Gatsby”), you’re already on your way to glittering champagne towers, tasty tea sandwiches, and cocktails with a little sparkle. Sustainable and organic ingredients are currently very popular, so request your caterer uses local, seasonal options and offers at least one green course on all your future corporate menus.
The ways in which we eat and the size of what we’re eating has changed when it comes to planning your hors doeuvres menu and any corporate menus. Current trends show the best parties are offering smaller, complete bites rather than large portions of a big dish – like cake pops or cupcakes instead of a traditional tiered cake, and food bars (Tacos! Salsa! Sundaes! Guacamole! Sliders!) instead of buffet lines with rich, heavy entrees.
Timing
If you go with a daytime event — more and more popular when planning for corporate menus and the best wedding menus — commit to daytime! Don’t simply move your night-themed and planned party earlier in the day. Talk to your caterer about brunch menus, omelet stations, waffle bars, and the full array of daytime cocktails like Bloody Marys, mimosas, and fresh-squeezed juices.
For evening events, plan for late night. Often the difference between a successful event attendees will talk about for years to come, and just another party where most folks leave early, is when the food runs out. Around 10 p.m. add something to your corporate menus that will keep the dancers dancing, the storytellers entertaining, and the party going.
