A Simple Guide to Afternoon Tea Service Catering

If you are planning a special occasion or event that is fast approaching, but you are still unsure about the catering menu, perhaps you might consider afternoon tea service. Afternoon tea service catering is the perfect choice for birthday parties, bridal showers, baby showers, business meetings, luncheons, and more. It delivers an ambience of elegance and sophistication, plus serves as a responsible and cost-effective way to stave off hunger before the main meal is served.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about afternoon tea service catering, including how to choose a tea selection, which items to consider for your food platters, and most importantly, where to find trusted professional catering company that can bring your afternoon tea vision to life.

Tea Party Catering Peachtree City GA 678-340-0510
Tea Party Catering Peachtree City GA 678-340-0510

What is Afternoon Tea?

Established by the English back in the early 1800s, hot afternoon tea quickly became a highly civilized and sophisticated ritual among the British elite. It was traditionally served prior to a meal in order to satisfy hunger without filling up too much. You may have heard of afternoon tea, as well as high tea and cream tea. And believe it or not, there is a difference. Afternoon tea is also referred to as Low tea because it is meant to be served seated, and at a low table. It is traditionally served around 4PM with a lighter selection of foods, such as finger sandwiches, sweets, and scones.

High tea, as you have probably guessed it, is served at high tables, and typically following a workday, around five or 6 o’clock in the evening. With high tea, heavier selections of foods are served, like baked beans, stewed vegetables, meats, and casseroles. Cream tea is tea that is served with clotted cream and scones. It can also be served with biscuits or cookies. It is traditionally served following a meal, more like a dessert tea, or even for breakfast.

Tea Options

Did you know that all tea is derived from the same plant, which is scientifically known as Camellia sinesis? Interesting; right? Well, when it comes to serving tea at your catered event, you have the liberty of choosing whichever teas you prefer. Traditionally, breakfast teas or black teas are selected, however you can also throw in decaffeinated tea options, such as chamomile or other types of herbal teas too.

You can also choose your own selection of tea accompaniments, such as lemons, milk, cream, sugar cubes, sugar substitutes, cinnamon sticks, cinnamon, nutmeg, and more. With the help of your Peachtree City catering company, you can also select your own China and table settings. It is recommended to pair your tea service with bouquets of flowers and soft linens to create a truly authentic and memorable experience.

Side Note: Get creative and serve iced tea instead of hot tea for a summertime event!

Food Pairings For Afternoon Tea

When it comes to afternoon tea, the hot tea is not the only focus. The Food pairings that go along with your afternoon tea are just as important. Most often, you can expect tea service to include finger sandwiches, crudités, miniature quiches, small sweets, biscuits, and scones. Within these primary categories of afternoon tea foods, you can create all sorts of flavor combinations for each. Traditionally, afternoon tea foods are served on a tray with 3 to 4 tiers. Each tier should showcase its own category of foods.

The lowest tier, or the bottom tier, is generally reserved for foods like finger sandwiches. These are generally the first foods reached for once afternoon tea is poured since they are the savory ones. Finger foods can be sandwiches with egg salad, cream cheese and cucumber, deli meats, jams and dried meats, and any other combinations you so desire.

After you have a few sandwiches, that is when you want to start reaching for the scones, which should be placed on the second or middle tier. Scones are denser pastries with a biscuit-like consistency. They offer a little bit of savory and little sweetness. But as we all in one, making them the perfect snack in between finger sandwiches and sweets. It is traditional to serve scones with clotted cream, fruit preserves, lemon curd, and even some herb-infused butter.

Finally, on the top tier should be the sweets. Traditionally served sweets at afternoon tea include combinations of mini cupcakes, fruit tartes, canapes, shortbreads, macaroons, cream puffs, cake bites, petit fours, mini eclairs, or similar miniature sweets.

Are you in for a professional caterer in Georgia who can bring your afternoon tea service vision to life? Contact Food for Thought Catering at 678-340-0510 to speak with a friendly and experienced Peachtree City catering service manager, today. We serve all of Peachtree City and its surrounding locations.

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

The Value in Buying Local Foods

What does it mean to buy local? When you are shopping for meats and produce, buying locally-grown and processed products is the act of “buying local.” The general rule of thumb is informally measured by time and distance. To be considered local, products must be raised and produced in a location that is within one day’s drive. This is also referred to as farm-to-table, which is basically the consumption of local products and goods.

Continue reading to learn all the wonderful benefits of buying local meat and produce in your town and become a farm-to-table believer yourself!

Local Catering Peach Tree City GA 678-340-0510
Local Catering Peach Tree City GA 678-340-0510

The Benefits of Purchasing Local Meats and Produce

From pristine freshness and superior nutrition standards to absolute quality control, economic support, comforting transparency, and all the seasonal harvest pleasures, there are many reasons why buying locally-grown fruits, vegetables, grains, meats, and even textiles is so valuable.

Freshness

One of the more obvious advantages of buying local products is the element of freshness. When you live on the coast, seafood is at its freshest, making it taste its best. Just like the coast, when meat and produce are procured locally, they also retain maximum freshness and flavor. And when food is fresh, it’s healthier, which leads us to our next point.

Quality and Nutrition

One of the best advantages of purchasing local goods is the quality of taste and better nutrition. Because local goods do not travel long distances to reach its consumers, they can be harvested at their ripest state. Fruit and vegetables that have time to fully-ripen retain higher quantities of minerals and vitamins. Not only does this make them more nutritious, it also makes them taste their best.

Economic Boost

Purchasing products that are raised and harvested nearby helps the local economy. Not only does your money stay within your community, but it also helps keep local companies in business. Altogether, this keeps the cash flow good in your town and prices at reasonable rates. Accordingly, buying locally is personal because it helps the community by supporting local farmers, gardeners, and independently-owned businesses. This makes your meals that much more meaningful!

Seasonal Harvests

Rather than buying the same products over and over again, you can buy locally and enjoy the changing seasonal harvests. Not only does this keep cooking and mealtime fun, but it also makes your meals tastier since you are consuming goods in their peak season. Produce in season tends to be less expensive, so it’s cost-effective as well!

Are you looking for qualified farm-to-table catering services for your upcoming holiday event or special occasion? Contact Food for Thought Catering at 678-340-0510 to request a free estimate for Peachtree City GA catering, today. We cater all events and occasions, including Thanksgiving and Christmas.

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Food for Thought Catering 678-340-0510
Food for Thought Catering 678-340-0510

How To Make Your Own Candy Apple Buffet Bar at Home

Halloween may be over, but caramel candied apples are still all the rage. Now is a perfect opportunity to visit your local farmers’ market or apple orchard and take advantage of their final harvest haul. You can bring home dozens of fresh, locally grown apples of all varieties for as little as pennies on the dollar.

The best part is, there is so much you can do with an apple surplus! But why not try something different this year? After all, apple pies and cobblers are so conventional. So, put your apple hoard to good use and good fun by entertaining your children and guests with a homemade candy apple bar spread!

Continue reading to learn some tips on creating an easy and entertaining candy apple buffet bar that you can do with your friends and family any time of year!

Dessert Catering Peach Tree City Georgia 678-340-0510
Dessert Catering Peach Tree City Georgia 678-340-0510

How to Build Your Candy Apple Bar Spread

The most exciting part of building your own candy apple bar spread for your friends and family is picking out all of the fun ingredients. If you think about it, you can basically dress up a candied caramel Apple anyway you like. From traditional garnishes like sprinkles and nuts to extravagant garnishes like crumbled Oreo cookies and chopped up Snickers bars, you can really let your imagination fly free when it comes time to shop!

For the base coat toppings, you can stick with the traditional caramel topping, which you can make yourself by melting butter and caramel candies on the stove, or you can purchase ready-to-heat caramel topping specifically designed for candied apples. In addition to caramel, consider hot fudge topping, white chocolate topping, or toffee topping! Both are great for both drizzling and dunking!

In addition to all of the delicious toppings and garnishes for your candy apple bar, you will need the basics, which include your apples, wooden chopsticks or kebab skewers, dinner sized paper plates, two medium-size serving bowls, and a muffin tin for all of your topping selections.

This is a messy project, especially if you are entertaining children, so be sure to have plenty of napkins and moist towelettes handy as well! If you want to mitigate the mess, consider slicing your apples for custom dunking and decorating.

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

What You Will Need:

❑ PLENTY OF APPLES!
❑ 2 Medium-Size Bowls for Your Caramel & Hot Fudge Topping
❑ Muffin Tin for Your Toppings
❑ Wooden Chopsticks or Kebab Skewers
❑ Dinner-Sized Paper Plates
❑ Napkins & Moist Towelettes
❑ Caramel
❑ Hot Fudge

Topping Inspirations:

■ Edible Glitter or Gold Flakes
■ Edible Pearls
■ Cake Décor Lettering
■ Rainbow Sprinkles
■ Chocolate Sprinkles
■ Chocolate Chips
■ Graham Crackers
■ M&M’s Candy
■ Pop Rocks Candy
■ Shredded Coconut
■ Nuts Of Any Variety
■ Cereal
■ Marshmallows
■ Raisins
■ Dried Fruit
■ Crumbled Cookies
■ Chopped Candy Bars
■ Chopped Peppermint Candies
■ Chocolate Drizzle (White, Dark or Milk)

Set Up is Simple!

Set up your candied apple buffet bar on a table or countertop, placing the paper plates at the front of the line. Pre-poke all of your apples with your chopsticks or kebab skewers since this can sometimes be distracting for guests and potentially hazardous for children. When it comes to building a custom candy apple, simply dip an apple into your choice of melted topping, then place on a paper plate and sprinkle on your desired garnishes!

Are you looking for custom catering services that can provide the personalized menus you have in mind for your upcoming occasion? Contact Food for Thought Catering at 678-340-0510 to speak with a friendly and experienced Peachtree City catering service manager, today.

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The Top 4 Dessert Catering Trends So Far This Year
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Food for Thought Catering 678-340-0510
Food for Thought Catering 678-340-0510

Nutritional Facts About Lamb Meat

Nothing celebrates the Fall and Winter seasons like a juicy, indulgent entrée. This time of year, lamb takes a center seat at the table with its decadent and cozy palate offerings. If you have ever tasted lamb, you know it is a delicious red meat that is loaded with flavor. But it is also nutrient-rich, providing a wide source of essential vitamins and minerals, including B12, selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn). Plus, lamb meat is an all-natural, organic, and hormone-free food, which means you can feel great about making a healthy and responsible meal choice for the upcoming holidays and seasonal occasions!

Continue reading to learn more facts about lamb meat nutrition and consider it for your next event or special occasion.

Peach Tree City Georgia Catering Services 678-340-0510
Peach Tree City Georgia Catering Services 678-340-0510

Basic Numerical Nutrition for Lamb Meat

3 Ounces of Boneless Cooked Lamb Meat:

Calories = 248
Calories From Fat = 159

Fat = 17.66 grams – 27%*
Saturated Fats = 7.447 grams – 37%*
Polyunsaturated Fat = 1.274 grams
Monounsaturated Fat = 7.439 grams      

Protein = 20.68 grams
Carbohydrates = 0 grams

Cholesterol = 82 milligrams – 27%*
Sodium = 335 milligrams – 14%

Fiber = 0
Sugar = 0

Vitamin A = 0%
Vitamin C = o%
Calcium = 1%
Iron = 9%

CALORIC ANALYSIS = 66% FAT and 34% PROTEIN

SOURCE: Fatsecrete.com

✤ Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Daily values may be higher or lower depending on your individual caloric needs.

Additional lamb Meat Nutrition Facts

The Food and Drug Administration declares that a 3 ounce portion of cooked lamb meat meets the requirements for lean meat. That is because it has less than 10 grams of fat and less saturated fats and cholesterol.

In lean cuts of lamb, 40% of the fat is monounsaturated, which interestingly enough, is the same type of fat in olive oil.

A mere 3 ounces of lamb meat is enough to provide 5 times the omega-3 fatty acids and alpha linoleic acid in an equal portion of beef. In fact, this portion of lamb meets the daily fact and cholesterol recommendations of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

Eating 3 ounces of lean meat a day can reduce overeating and provide longer periods of felling full, which assists greatly with weight loss plans.

Are you thumbing through a wide selection of meaty options for your upcoming event or special occasion? Contact Food for Thought Catering at 678-340-0510 for customized catering in Peachtree City, Georgia for corporate events, social events, wedding events, and more. We deliver full-service catering for small and large gatherings.   

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Food for Thought Catering 678-340-0510
Food for Thought Catering 678-340-0510

The Top 4 Dessert Catering Trends So Far This Year

When it comes to any special event, whether a birthday party or a large corporate conference, the catering is often the most anticipated element. For this reason, it is important to put more thought into your dessert bar as you plan your catered menu for your upcoming event or special occasion. Currently, there are four super trendy catering styles for desserts that are perfectly applicable to any event, formal or informal and everything in between.

Continue reading to review the top four dessert catering trends so far this year, and who to call for trusted Peachtree City GA catering services near you.

Georgia Dessert Catering 678-340-0510
Georgia Dessert Catering 678-340-0510

Popular Dessert Catering Styles for 2021

This year, dessert catering has taken a more innovative and exciting turn with design and creativity. Right now, dessert catering is more about the style in which you serve a dessert than what the dessert may be. However, you always want to make sure the dessert is delicious too! You see, many people really enjoy eating their dessert in different forms and fashions, so many catering professionals have added options to their repertoire like lemon sorbet served out of an actual lemon rind, or tropical fruit medley served out of the freshly carved out pineapple boat.

Little touches like these can really add to the quality of catering and overall guest experience. By incorporating similarly-creative dessert catering approaches to your catering plan, you can really set the bar higher in terms of guest expectations, and most importantly, create long-lasting memories. Below are the top four current dessert catering trends you may want to consider for your upcoming event or special occasion.

Mini Indulgent Desserts

Decadent desserts are often a hard sell a catered event because many people don’t want to fill up their stomachs with something really heavy after already dining on drinks, appetizers, and entrées. To eliminate this obstacle, while still maintaining the integrity of an elegant dessert, catering professionals are introducing petite plated options more and more. This approach is wonderful because it still delivers the high-quality luxury and indulgence you come to expect of such a dessert, but without weighing down the guest afterwards.

Currently trending mini indulgent desserts include miniature crème brûlée desserts served in miniature baking dishes, “pie in a jar” layered desserts served in Mason jars, tiny tiramisu cups, apple pie Ala mode served in miniature cast-iron skillets, mini raspberry cheesecakes served in gold foil cupcake wrappers, and any variety or combination of mini fruity tartlets!

Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream

In the warmer seasons of the year, a catered event is perfectly curated when there is an element of the menu that can cool the guest down. As for dessert, liquid nitrogen ice cream has been a big hit this year. This is partly because catering and food service technologies are more readily available on the market today. Therefore, it is easier for professional catering companies to incorporate liquid nitrogen ice cream service.

Not sure what liquid nitrogen ice cream is? Well, it’s more than just dessert; it is also a pretty impressive show! Liquid nitrogen ice cream is made to order, using liquid nitrogen (-320°F) to rapidly freeze the ice cream customizable textures and shapes. Have you ever heard of the Dip N Dots ice cream company? That is liquid nitrogen ice cream.

Donut Wall or Tower

Well, last year, it was the cupcake tower in the cupcake wall taking up all the catering dessert spotlight. But this year, many catering clients are opting for doughnuts, and for good reason! Not only are doughnuts infinitely customizable, but there are very few people in this world who do not enjoy a donut. Also, donuts are served individually, which makes it easily accessible for guests and promotes a higher level of hygiene among the crowd.

The great thing about donut walls and towers are that they are more than just a dessert, they are also a wonderful focal point for any party or special occasion. Best of all, this option tends to be one of the more economically priced catering dessert approaches compared to the others and can be customized on a wide spectrum of size and scope.

Popcorn Candy Bar

Candy buffets are always a huge hit, whether an adult or child. This year, many people are expanding their candy bar horizons by incorporating popcorn to their catered dessert menus. Not only is popcorn so versatile, delicious either sweet or savory, or both at the same time, but popcorn is also economically priced, making it quite affordable for budgets of all sizes.

From traditional caramel corn and kettle corn to white chocolate drizzled, pecan nut medley, strawberry yogurt, and much more, the popcorn innovations of 2021 are quite impressive. Consider adding a popcorn caper to your upcoming catered event or special occasion!

Are you looking for professional company to help you with a customized catering plan? Contact Food for Thought Catering at 678-340-0510 to speak with a friendly and experienced Peachtree City catering service manager, today. We serve all of Peach Tree City and its surrounding locations.

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Food for Thought Catering 678-340-0510
Food for Thought Catering 678-340-0510

How to Cater a Safe Outdoor Picnic in Spring

Spring has sprung! So, that means that outdoor activities are back in the books! One of the most favored pastimes are spring picnics, as they are a fantastic way to spend time outdoors with the people you love most. And to honor the privilege of keeping such good company, it is important to plan a safe picnic experience for everyone. Proper planning and preparation will ensure your picnic is both memorable and fun!

Continue reading for picnic catering tips you can use for your next Spring picnic or family day!

Atlanta Georgia Outdoor Catering Services
Atlanta Georgia Outdoor Catering Services 678-340-0510

Warm Weather Picnic Catering Tips

Curate a Menu That Compliments the Season

When it comes to planning a picnic, the first step involves selecting a menu. Choose Spring-seasonal fresh foods, like ripe fruits and crispy vegetables. These are perfect for hot Spring days because they fuel you with energy rather than weigh you down, allowing the family to stay active and enjoy the day together. Also consider whole-grains and lots of protein-packed courses: like black bean salads or club sandwiches.

In-Season Spring Fruits and Veggies:

Apricots
Artichokes
Asparagus
Avocados
Chives
Fava Beans
Fennel
Leeks
Mangoes
Peas
Pineapples
Potatoes
Rhubarb
Spinach
Watercress

Select a Location Well-Suited for Outdoor Dining

Next, you will need to choose a suitable location. Be sure to choose an area with access to trashcans with lids, fresh running water, public restrooms, shady areas, clean grilling space, and tables. If you prefer a more relaxed version of picnicking without restrooms and tables, great! But the other commodities should really be sought after in terms of picnic location.

Review Some Helpful Picnicking Tips and Tricks

The third step to planning a safe and enjoyable picnic is to follow the rest of the picnic catering tips below. And the first tip is to start the picnic planning process a few days in advance to coordinate the perfect family occasion. Here are some more tips for picnic catering and planning:

Always wash your hands before, during, and after handling food.

Pre-season and pre-patty burgers and raw meat before packing them.

Do not thaw your meat on the counter at room temperature. Either thaw overnight in the fridge or cook from frozen.

Keep raw food and prepared food in separate coolers. Keep drinks in a third cooler.

Be sure to pack and plan for plenty of ice. Better yet, take a separate cooler just for clean ice.

Bring enough utensils for cooking and dining. This includes plates and cups.

Always pack hand soap and clean towels for handwashing and cleaning.

NEVER leave food outside exposed to sun for more than 2 hours. Bring lids to cover dishes on the table.

Keep all raw or cold food under ice, not on top.

Be sure all raw meat is cooked to temperature. Bring a meat thermometer to check.

Pack a big umbrella for extra shade on the ground.

Pack a few blankets to sit on the ground, and a tablecloth for any picnic tables.

Pack a first aid kit and a fire extinguisher.

Bring plenty of drinking water for each person attending.

Immediately pack up and put away unused food or leftovers. Throw away any contaminated or over-exposed food. If in doubt, throw it out!

ALWAYS clean up the picnic site when done.

For large-scale outdoor parties and events, consider professional catering services instead.

Do you have a large-scale picnic, family reunion, or corporate luncheon to plan in Georgia? If so, contact Food for Thought Catering at 678-340-0510 to learn how our Newnan, GA caterers can make the large group catering process hassle-free, and ensure an enjoyable event.

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Food for Thought Catering 678-340-0510
Food for Thought Catering 678-340-0510

Catering Tips for Eco-Conscience Party Planners

One of the most environmentally-friendly initiatives that continues to gain moment here in Georgia is the resolve to Go Green. “Going Green” simply means to make changes to your everyday lifestyle habits and practices in a way that promotes healthier living, as well as the conservation of our natural resources. This is usually referred to as “living a greener lifestyle.” When you choose to Go Green, it implies the decision and commitment to using and practicing anything that supports both the safety of the surrounding Eco-system and our own personal health.

A wonderful advantage to adopting a green lifestyle is that it can be applied to almost everything that you do. Take catering and party planning, for instance. You can easily have your upcoming party, special occasion, or event catered with a verdantly Green, Eco-conscience theme with just a few simple ideas and changes. 

Continue reading to learn some fantastic catering tips for those who wish to plan a party with an Eco-friendly ambience!

Custom Menu Catering Atlanta GA
Opt for Eco-friendly disposable tableware made from palm leaf or betel nut!

Environmentally-Friendly Catering Advice for Parties and More

Cut Down on the Disposal Stuff

Catering companies have long been against using plastic disposal forks, knives, and spoons for many reasons, with the environment being one of them. If you are looking to make your catered event “greener”, simply forgo the plastic disposal cutlery, and opt for some metal or wood utensils instead. The same principle applies to serving napkins. Paper napkins and paper towels can be replaced with cloth napkins.

Avoid Using Chemicals

The use of chemical-free cleaning products is a great method to achieving a “greener” position for your catered event. Standard cleaners, like glass and multi-surface cleaner, contain toxic chemicals that are harmful to the environment, as well as our health. Inhalation of these chemicals can cause respiratory complications and illness in both people and animals, especially young children, elderly, and those with suppressed immune systems or preexisting respiratory illnesses. These chemicals can also harm plants, grass, wildlife, and trees, and even pollute water. Avoid using harsh chemical cleaners at your catered event, and instead, opt for chemical-free products, like Lysol Daily Cleanser, which is free from ammonia, fragrances, dyes, and harsh chemical residue.

Minimize Electric Cooking

Although the use of electricity is not harmful to your health, nor the environment (arguably), avoiding the use of electric ovens, stoves, and grills significantly reduces the amount of energy consumption required to cater your event. Increased energy efficiency is great for the budget, plus it is an Eco-conservative practice that only renders benefits. Using open fires and wood burning ovens as an alternative is a great way to reduce the amount of electricity consumed while cooking.

Professional Specialty and Custom Catering in Atlanta, Georgia

Call Food for Thought Catering at 678-340-0510 for customized menu catering in Atlanta, Georgia and its surrounding towns. Our expert catering coordinators and Executive chefs specialize in providing tailored menus and themes for all races, religions, ethnicities, and more. We can also accommodate special dietary requests and restrictions, including Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-free, food allergies, and kosher diets. Contact us to request a free estimate, today!

Food for Thought Catering 678-340-0510
Food for Thought Catering 678-340-0510

Safety Reminders for Feeding a Large Crowd This Thanksgiving

Preparing appetizers, sides, meals, desserts, and beverages for the entire family, and possibly even extended family, is a big job to take on. But you have years of Thanksgiving Day food preparation experience. Nonetheless, it is important to remind yourself of safe food handling, prepping, serving, and storing just to ensure your crowd is protected this year. After all, there is quite a difference in preparing food for a small crowd versus a large one.

Continue reading to brush up on these safety reminders and more this Holiday season!

Thanksgiving Catering Services Georgia
Thanksgiving Catering Services in Georgia 678-340-0510

Safe Catering Practices Start With Cleanliness

The first rule of thumb when it comes to large scale food preparation is cleanliness. Washing hands, sanitizing cooking stations and surfaces, cleaning dishes, and separating the two from raw and uncooked foods are crucial to safe catering.

Washing hands eliminates the potential for spreading germs and illnesses through food. Our hands touch our faces over 1000 times a day! When serving a large crowd, you never know who is more vulnerable to illness and who is not. Keeping your hands clean while preparing food avoids spreading the flu or a virus through food and possibly infecting hundreds of people. 

Sanitizing all cooking stations, cookware, dishes, and utensils is also a very important component to safe catering.  It is necessary to be sure all skillets are clean and dry, and anything else that contributes to the preparation of food is checked.  Dishes have to be cleaned and dried and utensils need to be clean as well.  It is a good idea to avoid plastic utensils to help the environment!  By having all these items clean and functioning properly, it avoids contamination and the spread of food-borne illnesses.

Be Sure Your Food Stuffs are Fresh

Double checking the food inventory for spoiled or contaminated products is important before preparing food for large crowds. It is possible that a stray animal or insect can gain access to food products during the commute to the venue or store. Fresh food is key to safe cooking and dining. Other than food freshness, it is necessary to ensure that deep fryers have fresh oil in them,  and that all coolers and refrigerators are working properly.

Catering Tips for Children

Preparing food for a large crowd including children requires some extra attention. Since it is such a large crowd, applying majority rules as far as taste preferences is important. Pleasing children’s’ palates can be achieved by using few and simple ingredients. Kids are picky eaters so easy finger foods are a great way to keep kids entertained while eating, and gives the adults a break from having to feed them! As far as safety, eliminating potential for bones or other choking hazards in kids’ food is crucial. Drumsticks should be replaced with chicken fingers, and apple slices with applesauce. Small ideas like these are safe meals for children in large crowds.

Place Your Order for Thanksgiving Day Catering in Newnan, GA

It’s still not too late to let Food for Thought Catering cater your Thanksgiving Day 2020! Contact us at 678-340-0510 to place your order today. You have just enough time for us to prepare a meal large enough to feed a holiday crowd! Choose from our popular catering menu, or work with our catering coordinators to customize a menu according to your particular needs and interests. Call now before it’s too late!

Food for Thought Catering 678-340-0510
Food for Thought Catering 678-340-0510

How to Plan a Last Minute Halloween Party

So, you thought you were in the clear when it came to hosting a party this Halloween, but you’ve just been appointed for the job? Well, you have 2 days to get it together still, and that’s actually plenty of time! Sure, you won’t be able to plan all the stars and bangles, but you can certainly put together a functional and memorable party in your limited time frame.

Continue reading to learn some focus point for throwing an impromptu Halloween party, and better organize your last minute planning!

Halloween Catering Services in Georgia
Halloween Catering Services in Georgia 678-340-0510

Tips for Putting Together an Unplanned Halloween Bash

Make the Guest List

The number of guests coming to your party will be the ultimate determining factor in a lot of your last-minute Halloween party planning decisions. Get your guest list down first, and then move onto your next task. Realistically, you will likely not be able to throw a list minute party with a large number of guests. A reasonable guest list for a barely-planning party would be under 25 people. Any more than that, and you might want to hire local Georgia caterers to handle the job for you!

Set a Budget

Your first focus point is the budget. Set this first, and the rest of your planning will be much easier. To set a realistic budget, consider the amount of people attending your party. Set aside around $5 or $10 a head, at least. If you want more extensive provisions in terms of food, beverage, and décor, increase the head price as you see fit.

Go Grab Your Décor

A Halloween party is not really a Halloween party without the Halloween décor! So, make decoration shopping a priority in the next three days to ensure you deliver the spooky, festive experience your guests want. Consider delegating some homemade Halloween décor crafting to your kids!

Decide on Food and Drinks

Like décor, a party is not a party without food and drinks. Plan out what types of foods and beverages you want to serve at your Halloween party, and then make a grocery run to satisfy the list of needed items. If you do not have time to cook or prepare food, place a catering order in Georgia, or stick with easy-heat appetizers, like oven-baked and microwavable apps. Dips and appetizers in the crock pot are also quick, set-it-and-forget-it options.

Plan for Entertainment

On Halloween, the costumes are usually entertainment enough, but if you have some extra time, try thinking of some fun, holiday-themed games your guests can play. Also plan for some music!

Looking for Last Minute Catering for Halloween in Georgia?

Call Food for Thought Catering at 678-340-0510 for professional catering services in Newnan, Georgia. 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 assist with décor, themes, vendors, and more! Request a free estimate, information, or advice, today!

Food for Thought Catering 678-340-0510
Food for Thought Catering 678-340-0510

How to Safely Prepare Food Outdoors This Summer

Summer is the time for all sorts of outdoor cooking fun, like picnics in the park, backyard cookouts, campsite grilling, and more! These outdoor activities are all privileges we get to enjoy as a result of the beautiful Georgia summer weather. Although we Hoosiers love to cook outdoors, it is vital to remember how to safely prepare food for outdoor activities in order to protect others, especially in the sun and heat.

Continue reading to learn some important tips about safe outdoor food preparation and cooking, as well as, what you can do to make large-scale outdoor party planning much easier this season!

Outdoor Party Catering Services 678-340-0510
Outdoor Party Catering Services 678-340-0510

Keep Clean With Regular Hand Washing

This is the first and most obvious step to preparing food for people outside is washing your hands.  Regular hand washing can ensure that you are not spreading any salmonella from raw meats, or germs from other places. Keep your hands clean while chopping fruits, handling raw meat, shaping burger patties, and mixing beverages. 

Keep a Clean Workstation

On top of washing your hands, be sure to sanitize all your working stations. This means thoroughly cleansing cutting boards, tables, counter tops, and of course, dishware and utensils. Disease, bacteria, and viruses can easily be spread through dirty workstations. Using a clean wet rag dipped in a light sanitizing solution helps eliminate this possibility. 

Properly Preserve Temperature

When serving food outdoors, especially buffet style occasions, it is crucial to keep certain categories of food at their appropriate temperatures to avoid food borne illnesses and food poisoning. For example, be sure cold foods such as fruits, vegetables, yogurts, dips, anything containing sour cream, cheese, or dairy, and beverages, remain on ice and cool. This prevents bacteria from growing and making someone sick, as well as, keeps your guests and family cool from the heat. Other vulnerable foods should be covered and protected from insects, leaves, bird droppings, and animals.  Cover chips, side dishes, meat trays, and anything else that can be contaminated. 

No Time for Outdoor Food Prep?

If outdoor cooking isn’t for you, no worries! You can still host a fun, outdoor family cookout and fun while keeping all food and buffet items indoors. There is never any fuss about making your plate indoors and eating outside to enjoy a nice summer evening. You can also hire a professional catering company and skip all the related responsibilities altogether. They will set coordinate every detail for you, down to food allergens, outdoor food temperature maintenance, linens, ice, and more.

Where to Find Trusted Outdoor Catering Services in Newnan, GA

Call Food for Thought Catering at 678-340-0510 for personalized outdoor catering services in Newnan, Georgia and its surrounding towns. Our expert catering coordinators and Executive chefs specialize in providing tailored menus and themes, and can bring your vision to life this summer. We can also accommodate special dietary requests and restrictions, including Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-free, food allergies, and kosher diets. Request a free quote while you still have time!

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