How to Hire the Right Caterers for Your Event

For special occasions, it is nice to provide a food portion in addition to the festivities you plan.  Depending on the size of your event or celebration, you might need professional caterers to get the job done to your satisfaction, and everyone else’s as well.  But how do you know which caterer is right for the job?  It is important to choose a catering company with the appropriate credentials and services you require. 

Continue reading to learn some angles to consider when choosing a catering company for your next social gathering, celebration, or special event.

Georgia Catering Services 678-340-0510
Georgia Catering Services 678-340-0510

What to Consider When Hiring Caterers

There are several angles to consider, as mentioned before, that can help determine the type of catering company you need.  Things like budget, transportation services, food themes, people count, food preparation, and more are all areas to think about before ultimately deciding on a caterer for your event.  Not all catering companies offer the same services; they are each individual with different qualities, services, areas of expertise, and qualifications. 

Below are the basic topics to consider before hiring a caterer for your special occasion.  Be sure to figure out what it is you need from a catering company, so it is guaranteed that they can accommodate you before writing that first check!

✅ Budget

The first item on the list to discuss is the budget.  It is important to set the budget ahead of time so that you are not overwhelmed with all the expenses adding up during the process.  If you have an overall budget, this number works as a “safe-place” for clients to do business with potential caterers.  If you are sure of a budget, then you can walk into a catering business and notify them from the start that you cannot exceed this particular limit.  This can avoid having caterers tack on additional expenses and costs your way, once the service is extended.  A company can work with its clients to choose services that will allow them to remain within budget without any problems.  If this is something important to you, then be sure to hire a catering company that can work within your set budget before committing to do business with them.

✅ Head Count

You must figure out how big your event is going to get, and how many people you should expect.  A head count is important so that you can accommodate the people with food, appetizers, and drinks without running out halfway through the night.  Be sure to hire a catering company that retains a staff large enough to service your guests; as well as, prepare the food without delays. Also, some catering companies offer wait staffs and floor service.  This entails servers walking around and passing out appetizers to guests; while refreshing drinks, re-stocking, and anything else needed on the floor.  They may also offer bartender and alcohol services as well.

✅ Food Menu

Another important aspect to consider is the food menus.  Food quality is key; as well as, the dining theme you wish to use.  Be sure the catering company can prepare a menu with the theme you had in mind.  Also, be sure they provide good quality food.  Check references, past clientele, and more for answers about their company credentials and food quality.

For Georgia Catering, skip the hassle and call the right pros the first time!

Food for Thought Catering 678-340-0510

Call Food for Thought Catering at 678-340-0510 for professional catering in Georgia and its surrounding areas, like Newnan and Peachtree City. We offer a wide range of catering services for all industries, occasions, events, and more. Choose from our popular catering menu, or work with our catering coordinators to customize a menu according to your particular needs and interests. We can also provide assistance with décor, themes, vendors, and more!

How to Cater a Corporate Picnic

Spring time is just about here, which means that your company’s corporate picnics are soon to pick up the pace again! Corporate picnics are a great way for businesses to give back to their employees and show their gratitude for all their hard work. If you are in charge of planning your company’s annual picnic lunch this spring, be sure to review some helpful hints that can save time and money, and avoid common catering hassles, all at once! Continue reading to do just that!

Corporate Catering 678-340-0510
Corporate Catering 678-340-0510

Outdoor Pest Control

One of the first things to think about when it comes to planning a large-scale picnic is guest comfort. For example, be sure to consider an insect-proofing strategy to protect both guests and food. This may include mosquito net tents, food covers, citronella candles and repellent devices, bug spray, and more. Create a large enough perimeter around the estimated picnic area with these devices to prevent pest interference. A trick to prevent yellow jackets from hovering over your meat entrees, hand a few strips far from the picnic area and out of reach of pets and children. This will distract them, keeping them away from the food and guests. 

Climate Control

Another aspect of guest comfort is climate. If it is predicted to be a sunny or hot day, it is wise to use tents, umbrellas, and blankets to protect from sunburn and overheating. Grass can get hot, hence the blankets, and umbrellas are perfect for shade-on-the-spot. Tents can protect food from spoiling in the sun. With this comes another quick picnic planning tip: never allow condiments and dairy-based foods to sit in hot sun, as this can cause food-borne illnesses and digestive discomfort.

Budgeting

If you are planning on a corporate budget, stick to chicken, beef, and pulled pork, and skip the hamburgers and hot dogs. After you add-up all the costs of condiments and ingredients needed to serve them, you will find that it is actually cheaper, contrary to popular belief. Accordingly, it is important to know who you are feeding. A group of hardened loggers might love a lunch of hearty meats and potatoes, while a company of mostly women might prefer a lighter lunch cuisine. In another example, a company that focuses on nutrition and healthy lifestyles probably wouldn’t want to eat a cuisine of heavy fried foods and sugar-filled desserts. So be sure to choose a menu that makes sense.

Corporate Catering Company

Food for Thought Catering 678-340-0510

The best advice you can take when it comes to catering a corporate event is to hire a pro. A professional catering company can handle all the aspects of your event, whether formal or information. Call Food for Thought Catering at 678-340-0510 for corporate event catering in Newnan, Georgia and its surrounding areas like Peachtree City. We offer a wide range of catering services for all industries, occasions, events, and more. Choose from our popular catering menu, or work with our catering coordinators to customize a menu according to your particular needs and interests.