FAQS About Hiring a Wedding Caterer

Posted on September 28, 2022 by cateringfft17

Hiring a wedding caterer in Peachtree City, Georgia is not a responsibility that should be approached lightly. After all, the food-and-beverage service is one of the most anticipated features of a wedding celebration aside from witnessing the actual nuptials. For this reason, it is important that you are well-informed before making any final decisions on a catering plan. Get started on the right track by reviewing some of the top FAQS about wedding catering, including how to find

Wedding Catering Peachtree City Georgia 678-340-0510

Wedding Catering FAQS You Need to Know

What Does a Wedding Catering Company Do?

Wedding caterers have many jobs, but their top priority is to coordinate the food and beverage portion of your wedding to your expectations. This may include developing a menu, arranging table linens and plate ware, allocating bartenders and wait staff, and managing all aspects of delivery, setup, breakdown, and customer service. Basically, you tell them what you want, and they make it happen so that you can enjoy your special day!

How Much Will Wedding Catering Cost Me?

The total price to cater a wedding depends on numerous factors. Every bride, groom, and couple are different, which makes all weddings unique. Factors that influence the overall cost of catering a wedding are similar to the factors that contribute to the overall cost of your wedding altogether. Such factors include the guest count, number of staff required, type of catering service, type of food, bar service, add-on amenities (i.e. ice luge, chocolate fountains, breakdown service, table linens, china, etc.), and much more. On average, you can expect the cost to cater a traditional wedding to be between $25 and $45 per person. For a customized estimate, you would need to talk to your catering company of choice.

What are Some Catering Options For Weddings?

There are infinite types of wedding catering services available since they can be customized according to each client. However, there are four common styles that seem to be popular choices for traditional weddings. These include hors D’oueuvres buffet, dinner buffet, seated plated dinner, and food stations. As for beverages, open bars, closed bars, and even BYOB programs are often used for weddings. It all depends on your personal preference, guest count, and budget.

Can I Taste Test Food Before Hiring a Caterer?

If a catering company tells you that you cannot test the food before hiring them as your wedding cater, do not consider them as an option. This is not a good sign. Any reputable and professional catering company provides food testing services for any potential clients. After all, how else can you be sure the food will taste great? Just keep in mind that it is common for companies to charge a fee for this service, especially during the busy season.

How Much Food Will I Need For a Wedding Reception?

You can gauge how much food you will need for your wedding reception by asking yourself, How many people are attending my event?, What type of event is it?, and How long is my event? Use your answers to figure out how many people you are feeding, and how long you will need to feed them for. Then meet with your Peachtree City caterer for professional guidance on completing the final order.

Which Catering Company in Peachtree City Should I Hire?

A professional Georgia catering company has the resources necessary to accommodate a large gathering of people for dining. Preparing food for a large crowd requires extensive preparation, research, time, and concentration. In order to do this correctly, particular resources are necessary. A catering company has these resources. Be sure to hire a Peachtree City GA catering company that is capable of meeting your wedding event needs. Confirm that they can handle the expected number of guests, as well as the location, setting, timeline, and budget. Go with a caterer who can manage the size and scope of your event, especially if it is an especially large wedding. Furthermore, it is important that the staffs are experienced to handle the number of guests attending the party and can prepare and serve the food accordingly.

Are you looking for a professional and experienced wedding catering company near you? Contact Food for Thought Catering at 678-340-0510 for quality Peachtree City GA wedding catering. We also help with décor, themes, vendors, and more! Request a consultation, today.

How to Properly Store Your Catering Leftovers

Posted on June 21, 2022 by cateringfft17

Catering service is an excellent and reliable asset to use for your party planning needs, so long as you choose the right company, of course. The right caterers can customize your event menus, prepare all foods and meals, plus provide a wide range of vendor procurement, food delivery, waitstaff service, and cleanup options. Professional catering is the convenient and cost-effective approach to pulling off a memorable and successful event.

But when you cater a large group, you are bound to have all sorts of leftovers. From salads and hors d’oeuvres to breads, sides, main courses, desserts, and more, catering leftovers are a food-lover’s dream. But in order to take full advantage of them all, you must know how to properly store them. Not only does proper food storage extend the life of your leftovers, allowing you to enjoy them until they are done, but is also avoids the chances of food-borne illnesses.

Continue below to learn some tips on how to store catered leftovers so that you can safely and cost-effectively feed your crew for weeks to come!

Catering Peachtree City Georgia 678-340-0510

Your Leftovers Have Value

Although you have no option but to toss out old or expired foods, it still impacts your conscience knowing that you could have prevented them from spoiling so soon. Food waste wastes more than just foods, it also wastes money, and worse, makes you feel guilty. After taking home all of the leftover catered foods from your party or event, it is in your best interest to properly store them in a timely fashion so that you can safely serve and enjoy them for as long as possible. After all, catered food is so delicious, you wouldn’t want to miss out on a single bite!

Food Storage Tips for Leftovers

According to Amy Shapiro, MS, RD, CDN, and owner of Real Nutrition NYC, the biggest error of judgement you can make when it comes to leftovers is letting them sit out for too long. She urges people to “Leave leftovers out for no more than two hours at room temperature. Otherwise, bacteria grows, which is one of the biggest causes of foodborne Illness.”

According to another expert, Angela L. Murad, RDN, wellness dietitian at the Mayo Clinic Healthy Living Program, another common mistake made with leftovers is not marking their containers with labels and dates. Furthermore, try to assign a use for them, like using leftover French fries in a morning omelet or scramble. You can also place notes out to remind you when to reheat them or use them in a recipe.

The Best Way to Store Leftover Food

All leftovers should be broken down into smaller portions and allocated evenly into airtight containers. If you do not have airtight containers, plastic bags that are tightly sealed work well. After repackaging, it is encouraged to label and date the containers for optimal organization. So, where do you store them and how long will they last there? Depending on the type of food, you may need to separate your leftovers between your fridge and freezer, while some good might even be stored in the pantry or on the shelf.

RULE OF THUMB:

Basically, if it has been cooked or cooled, it needs to be refrigerated or frozen when it becomes a leftover. Be sure your fridge is set between 36 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit. If you cannot use these items within the suggested time limit, it is recommended to freeze them. However, it is not recommended to freeze cheese or hard-boiled eggs! Breads and pastries can be transferred to a breadbox or airtight container in the pantry.

Flash Guide for Leftover Food Storage:

◘ Leafy Salads – 1 Day
◘ Creamed Salads (Egg, Chicken, Tuna, Macaroni, etc.) – 3 to 5 Days
◘ Pasta Salad – 4 to 5 Days
◘ Hard-Boiled Eggs – 1 Week
◘ Hard Cheeses – 3 to 4 Weeks
◘ Soft Cheeses – 1 Week
◘ Casseroles – 3 to 4 Days
◘ Mashed Potatoes – 3 to 4 Days
◘ Cooked Pasta (No Sauce) – 2 to 3 Days
◘ Gravy & Sauces – 1 Week
◘ Pizza – 3 to 4 Days
◘ Cooked Seafood – 3 to 4 Days
◘ Vegetarian Rice and Pasta Dishes – 3 to 5 Days
◘ Steaks, Pork & Chicken – 3 to 4 Days
◘ Soups and Stews – 3 to 4 Days
◘ Cooked Vegetables – 3 to 4 Days
◘ Cookies, Pies & Cakes – 1 Week

Are you looking for a professional and experienced catering company to help make your upcoming event a success? Contact Food for Thought Catering at 678-340-0510 for trusted Peachtree City GA catering that delivers above and beyond your expectations. We also help with décor, themes, vendors, and more! Request a consultation, today.

Impress Your Guests With This Easy Greek Lemon and Feta Meatball Recipe

Posted on June 2, 2022 by cateringfft17

If you love a well-balanced, rich, and pastoral meat dish, lamb is a go-to entrée to add to your list of menu items. In fact, try this highly-rated recipe for Greek-inspired Lemon and Feta Meatballs, which are made with fresh mint, ground lamb, and a succulent tomato-based sauce. If lamb is not your thing, you can swap out lamb for ground turkey or ground chicken!

Greek Style Catering Peachtree City Georgia 678-340-0510

Greek-Style Lemon and Feta Meatballs Recipe

Traditional Greek meatballs are called Keftedes. These delicious Grecian crudites are compatible with many pairings. If you want to stick with Greek cuisine, serve your meatballs with sides like Mediterranean salad, lemon orzo, fusilli pasta, toasted pita, hummus, tabbouleh, baba ghanoush, tomato and cucumber salad, french fries, and tzatziki sauce.

This modern take on the classic keftedes recipe will yield around 36 two-inch meatballs. You can store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

What You Will Need to Make the Meatballs:

❏ 2 Pounds Ground Lamb
❏ 3 Tablespoons of Water
❏ 1 Large Egg
❏ 1 1/4 Cup Breadcrumbs
❏ 1/2 Cup Crumbled Feta Cheese
❏ 3/4 Teaspoons of Table Salt
❏ 2 Garlic Cloves – Minced
❏ 3 Tablespoons of Chopped Parsley
❏ 2 Tablespoons of Tomato Paste
❏ 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
❏ Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes
❏ 1/2 of a Lemon for Zest

What You’ll Need to Make the Sauce:

❏ 1 Medium Yellow Onion – Finely Chopped
❏ 1 Garlic Clove – Minced
❏ 1/2 cup of Red Wine or Dry Vermouth (optional)
❏ 1 Can of Crushed Tomatoes – 28 Oz.
❏ 1 Teaspoon of Dried Oregano
❏ 1 Teaspoon Table Salt
❏ 1/3 Cup of Kalamata Olives – Pitted and Chopped
❏ Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes
❏ 1/2 of a Lemon for Zest
❏ Juice of 1 Lemon
❏ 1 Tablespoon Thinly Sliced Mint Leaves – Plus Additional for Garnish
❏ 2 Tablespoons Roughly Chopped Parsley – Plus Additional for Garnish
❏ 1/4 Cup Crumbled Feta for Garnish

Cooking Directions

Start by preparing the meatballs. With the exception of the oil, combine all ingredients into a large mixing bowl.

Wet your hands and begin forming 2-inch meatballs. Place them on a flat surface covered in wax or parchment paper.

Preheat your skillet to medium heat. Add in olive oil and then place your meatballs in the pan. Brown each side for a couple of minutes. Do not worry about cooking them all the way through.

Note: It is normal for meatballs to stick to the pan. This is fine, and in fact, enhances the flavor of the sauce you will be preparing soon!

Once browned on all sides, drain your meatballs on a plate lined with paper towels.

Directions for Sauce

Drain the fat from the skillet, leaving in at least 1 teaspoon for further cooking. Then set your skillet to medium heat.

Once hot, add in your garlic and onion and allow them to cook down for a few minutes.

Note: Now is the time to add in your wine or vermouth if you like. Use this liquid to scrape up the bits of meat stuck to the pan.

Next, add in the tomatoes, salt, oregano, pepper flakes, olives, lemon zest, mint, and parsley. Bring everything to a simmer.

Once simmering, add the meatballs to your pan and cover it with a lid. Cook on a low simmer for 20 to 25 minutes.

Garnish with the juice of 1 full lemon, thinly sliced mint leaves, roughly chopped parsley, and crumbled feta.

Throwing a soiree soon and need someone to do all the cooking and serving for you? Contact Food for Thought Catering at 678-340-0510 for an economical solution to social event catering in Peachtree City and its surrounding areas. Our Newnan Georgia caterers offer comprehensive catering services, from custom menu curation and preparation to delivery, setup, breakdown, waiter service, and more.

Enhance Your Event With These 3 Catering Tips

Posted on May 5, 2022 by cateringfft17

If you in charge of coordinating a special event for work, an organization, or your own family, take it to the next level with smart catering. Continue reading to learn 3 essential catering tips that will guarantee a successful outcome for your event or party.

Event Catering Peachtree City Georgia 678-340-0510

Focus on Food Above All Else

Let’s face it the most anticipated part of any special event or party is the food. Everybody’s hungry and everybody wants to eat. If you are serving alcoholic beverages at your event, it is imperative that you provide a selection of foods to balance out the celebratory environments. Because food is the most important part of your event, do not be afraid to put most of your focus on catering. If you’re catering is smartly coordinated, the remaining elements of your event should naturally fall into place. After all, guests mostly remember the food and entertainment portions of an event.

The Top 3 Catering Tips You Should Know

❶ Avoid the Most Common Catering Mistakes

Many party planners to make the same kinds catering mistakes. Fortunately, this allows people like you to learn from their mistakes before making them yourself. By avoiding common catering mistakes, you can ensure that your event is streamlined and successful.

Do Not…

► Fall short on establishing a strict RSVP policy. By knowing how many guests you can expect to be in attendance, you can better calculate how much food and beverage is required.

► Skip planning your budget. Budget is everything when it comes to catering plans. If you want to be cost-efficient, it is important to know how much catering budget you have to work with.

► Failing to compare catering options. There is more than one catering company out there, so be sure to interview a few in order to get the best

► Forget to incorporate dietary restrictions. Think about dietary restrictions and preferences like gluten-free, lactose-free, vegetarian, vegan, peanut allergies, fish and shellfish allergies, and other common food allergies and intolerances.

❷ Curate a Tasty and Diverse Menu

There are endless items you can add to your catering spread, just be sure to choose a well-rounded assortment of appetizers, soups, salads, entrees, and sides that will meet the palate of the average guest. Try to avoid too many exotic or fancy foods when feeding large crowds. Instead, aim for popular and universally-liked foods and drinks. Basically, skip the escargot and stewed ostrich, and opt for more conventional trimmings like beef, chicken, potatoes, and pasta. Don’t forget about dessert and coffee selections. Work with a professional caterer to coordinate the perfect catering menu for your event.

❸ Hire the Right Professional Caterer

Caterers and catering companies are listed everywhere around you. So, how do you know which company is the right one? To find a trusted and qualified catering service, look for the key industry credentials: good reviews, experience, proof of culinary skill, and flexibility. Be sure to have consults and interviews with a few different companies before landing on a decision. Never be uncomfortable asking for references, estimates, and special services. Interviewing allows you to get to know the attitude and ambience of the company, learn the services they can provide, and even hear some creative ideas they have on the tops of their heads!

As for cost, many people do not realize that professional catering services are often more cost-effective compared to purchasing groceries, products, and similar provisions yourself. Think about it; you can have all the labor, service, food, and cleanup all taken care of by one team of catering experts! Do not be tempted by low prices; these prices speak directly to the type of food you’ll be getting. It there is anything to go over budget on; it would be the food every time. Do not take short cuts when catering a party or event!

Are you looking for a professional caterer in Georgia to use for event catering? Contact Food for Thought Catering at 678-340-0510 to speak with a friendly and experienced Peachtree City catering service manager, today. We offer boxed lunches, delivery service, buffets, plated meals, food service, and more!

3 Easy Dinner Party Menu Ideas That Will Please Your Guests

Posted on February 22, 2022 by cateringfft17

So, you’re hosting a dinner party for a large crowd? Well then, you will surely want to know the secret to making dinner party planning and hosting easier than getting a manicure. That secret is to skip out on the cooking part! Hiring a professional catering service to prepare and deliver your dinner party menu will save you time, frustration, and more importantly, money.

Not only will a qualified caterer manage the planning, preparation, and if you so choose, the delivery of your dinner menus, thus eliminating stress and giving you more time to focus on other important aspects of your party, but they will also save you money by selectively curating a menu that will not render any excessive waste. When you have a skilled catering team helping you with your dinner party spread, the only decision you need to make is regarding the actual food!

Not sure what to cater at your upcoming dinner party? Continue below to review 3 top-recommended dinner menu ideas that are proven hits among party guests!

Taco Bar Catering Peachtree City GA 678-340-0510

Try These 3 Menu Ideas for a Deliciously Satisfying Dinner Party

Tacos

You can never go wrong with tacos. Everyone loves tacos! They are extremely universal, capable of being glammed up to a fine-dining level or kept traditional and authentic. A taco bar can be perfectly customized to offer all sorts of options, allowing guests to be creative, plus build a taco to their personal liking.

Base options include corn shells, stand-alone shells, taco bowls, burrito bowls, and a selection of tortillas, like corn, flour, whole grain, low carb, and street style. As for fillings, you have endless options, like ground beef, chicken, steak, pork carnitas, refried beans, black beans, grilled fish, ground turkey, and shrimp.

When it comes to toppings, your options are vast. Traditional toppings to consider are lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickled jalapenos, chili peppers, fajita peppers, shredded cheese, cojita cheese, queso, guacamole, sour cream, salsas, hot sauces, cilantro, avocado, and radishes. Compliment your tacos with a selection of sides like nachos, tortilla chips, Mexican rice, refried/black beans, green salads, elote, churros, flan, fried ice cream, and more!

Barbecue

Like tacos, almost everyone is a fan of good barbecue. How could you not? Smoked meats, hearty sides, sweet and tangy sauces, and Southern desserts are universal comfort foods. For your upcoming dinner party, consider a barbecue spread! Your catering company might be able to offer on-site spit roasting and barbecuing too! This just adds to the fun and flair of serving barbecue for your dinner party guests.

Some main options for barbecue catering include beef brisket, smoked chicken, pulled pork shoulder, smoked sausages, whole hens, and burnt ends. As for sides, you can go as traditional or innovative as you like, but the classics would be cornbread, macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, sweet corn, corn on the cob, baked beans, collard greens, coleslaw, and pickled peppers and onions. For dessert, think pies, parfaits, and cobblers! Fried apples and cinnamon are always a hit too!

Pizza

We know what you are thinking; pizza? It’s been done. But when it comes to serving a large crowd for a dinner party, pizza is always a safe option and it’s super simple to plan. Even if a person doesn’t think they are in the mood for pizza, they tend to eat and enjoy it, nonetheless. Best of all, pizza is highly-versatile.

Not only can you offer a wide selection of pizza styles and combinations, but you can also incorporate a build-your-own pizza station that allows guests to have little fun with their food. Choose one style of pizza or offer many, like Chicago style, Detroit deep dish, New York thin crust, Italian wood-fired pizza, or flatbreads. With toppings, you know the drill, choose as many as you like!

Offer traditional toppings like pepperoni, sausage, steak, chicken, and veggies, as well as more daring toppings, like fried egg, hot peppers, rare cheeses, pickled or caramelized onions, cured meats, marmalade, honey, balsamic glazes, fresh herbs, and more. You can also offer a selection of base sauces, like olive oil, marinara, red sauce, pesto, and Alfredo. Pair your pizza selections with desserts like cannolis, tiramisu, cinnamon rolls, chocolate chip cookies, and gelato.

Looking for a Georgia catering company that can deliver an exceptional spread for your upcoming occasion or party? Contact Food for Thought Catering at 678-340-0510 to learn your options for custom dinner party catering in Georgia. We serve all of Peachtree City and its surrounding locations.

How to Safely Cater Meals for Your Staff

Posted on January 11, 2022 by cateringfft17

Feeding your employees shouldn’t be a hassle. More importantly, it shouldn’t be unsafe. With professional catering services, you can ensure both of these standards are met. Continue below to learn some effective and progressive ways to cater lunch and dinner for your staff, safely, and without posing any health or safety risks.

Business Catering Peachtree City GA 678-340-0510

Protect Employees From Food-Related Illnesses With Safe Catering

Safe food handling and preparation are crucial elements to apply when serving food to any size group. But when they are your employees, an additional level of liability rests upon your shoulders. It is your duty to ensure their safety, and protect them from any foreseeable harm, like food-borne related illness, allergic reactions, and any other dangers related to consuming unsafe goods.

Safe Catering Tips for the Office

Safe catering methods focus on reducing touch-points, or places people put their fingers and hands. The less your staff has to use their hands on anything other than their own plate and cutlery, the better. This approach can diminish the transmission of harmful bacteria and more. Here are some top-recommended ways to safely cater lunch and dinner for your staff, year-round:

Boxed Lunches

Served hot or cold in the catering industry, boxed lunches continue to be a popular and effective way to safely feed your staff. Because they are all separately portioned, there is no potential for cross-contamination, nor the possibility of touching another person’s food. Best of all, boxed lunched can be customized to infinity, from gluten-free and peanut allergies to paleo, kosher, veganism, and more.

Appoint Food Servers

If you are catering a large staff, you may opt for a buffet-style catering service, which is an excellent choice. But to improve on food-handling safety, consider appointing food servers. You can hire your catering company to send food servers to portion out mains and sides to your staff as they make their way down the buffet line. You can also use your own company managers. Reducing the number of hands handling the portioning utensils significantly cuts back on the possibility of germ and bacteria transmission.

Provide Hand Sanitizer or Gloves

If you cannot appoint servers for your catered buffet, try placing hand sanitizer stations at the front of the buffet line and encourage staff to use it before building their plates. A simple sign usually does the trick! If sanitizer is not your preference, place boxes of gloves and ask your staff to wear one on the hand they will use to portion out their food. This works really well.

Plated Meals

For more formal events for staff, you may want to consider plated meals, which work well for brunches, lunches, and dinners. Plated meals are a safe catering technique because they are portioned out by professional food handlers who are washing their hands according to regulation, plus wearing proper safety gear, like gloves, masks, and hairnets. Waiters or catering staff will hand out plates individually.

Are you looking for a professional catering company in Georgia to use for business catering? Contact Food for Thought Catering at 678-340-0510 to speak with a friendly and experienced Peachtree City catering service manager, today. We offer boxed lunches, delivery service, buffets, plated meals, food service, and more!

The Difference Between a Caterer and an Event Planner

Posted on October 13, 2021 by cateringfft17

When preparing to plan an important event with food and beverage service, you are likely thinking about the professionals you will need to enlist to ensure a successful and streamlined outcome. For most, an event planner is the go-to option for designing, organizing, and arranging a medium to large-scale special occasion. But hiring a caterer is also a major element in the event planning process. So, what does the catering company do that the event planning company cannot? Or vice versa? Do you need a caterer and an event planner? Does the event planner hire the catering company?

If you are asking yourself these types of questions, it is important to understand that the roles of a caterer and event planner are much different. However, they form a unique partnership, working together to deliver a memorable celebration or reunion for their client.

Continue reading to learn more about the differences between a caterer and an event planner, and how to get started on your special occasion preparations today.

Large Event Catering Peach Tree City 678-340-0510

Catering Versus Event Planning

It is true that in most cases, an event planner will take the lead with hiring the catering company. Once they have chosen the caterers they wish to work with, the partnership begins to form. From menu planning to on-site service, they work together as a team to create the best event outcome possible.

The Role of the Caterer

The catering company is in charge of all food and beverage preparation, service, and breakdown. They are also responsible for managing all on-site service, including chefs, bartenders, and waitstaff, as well as all necessary bar stocking, buffet or food station setups, and more.

This is all quite obvious, but here is where the confusion comes into play: you see, many reputable and large-scale catering companies also provide decoration planning and setup, vendor outsourcing for tables and linens and such, and even audiovisual equipment setup. So, if a catering company can do all this, what is an event planner for?

The Role of the Event Planner

The role of the event planner is more comprehensive compared to the catering company. They work more as a single-source of accountability, overseeing all event planning aspects, from budget planning and cost analysis to venue selection, theme or culture design, entertainment outsourcing, guest lists, invitations, seating arrangements, transportation, on-site parking, and all other event logistics.

How They Work Together

Event planners typically meet with the caterers ahead of the scheduled event. This meeting entails a detailed discussion on all aspects of the menu, service, and pricing. The event planner knows the specifications and unique needs of the occasion, allowing them to work with the caterer to create the perfect menu within the constraints of the budget. During the event, they will both work within their roles, while also staying in constant communication to ensure a perfect guest experience.

When you are planning a smaller event, you may only need to hire a local catering company to plan and manage the project. For larger-scale events like weddings, an event planner is a wise choice.

Are you looking for a local and trusted catering company for your upcoming event? Contact Food for Thought Catering at 678-340-0510 for superior large group catering in Newnan, Georgia and its surrounding counties. We cater social gatherings, weddings, large parties, corporate events, and more.

You Should Also Read:

How to Buy Enough Alcohol For Your Event

Posted on September 16, 2021 by cateringfft17

Indulging in alcoholic beverages and cocktails is just one traditional way we like to celebrate and honor important occasions. For your upcoming party or special event, be sure to properly plan your alcohol and bar accommodations well ahead of time. It is important to have enough alcohol and accoutrements to satisfy every guest while also keeping them safe.

No clue where to begin? Continue reading for your premium alcohol buying guide!

Alcohol Catering Peach Tree City GA 678-340-0510

How Much Alcohol is Enough Alcohol?

You can ask every caterer in the country how much alcohol is enough alcohol for a particular event, you will get a different answer depending on various factors, including what you’re serving, how much are serving, and how large your event is going to be. However, the general rule of thumb for providing alcoholic beverages for your guests is one beverage per person, per hour. This is the safest alcohol buying guidelines you can follow. Be sure to also include a sufficient amount of water and other nonalcoholic beverage options, such as soda and juice, for guests to drink in between their alcoholic beverages.

GENERAL RULE OF THUMB: 1 BEVERAGE – PER PERSON – PER HOUR

☑ Beer should be served and 12 ounce portions.
☑ Wine should be served in 5 ounce portions.
☑ Liquor should be served in 1.5 ounce portions.

Wine and Beer

If you are serving wine and beer at your event, but no liquor, the general rule of thumb is to purchase 60% beer products and 40% wine products.

Wine, Beer, and Liquor

If your event is planning to serve a full bar of wine, beer, and liquor, the general will of them is a 35-30- 35 ratio. This translates to 35% beer, 35% liquor, and 30% wine.

Beer Kegs

A standard keg of beer will provide anywhere from 140 to 165 servings of beer if poured in the recommended 12 ounce portions.

Wine Bottles

A standard wine bottle is .75 liter which serves 5 glasses of wine if poured in the recommended 5 ounce portions. The larger bottles of wine that are very common in today’s market are known as Magnum bottles, which are 1.5 liters. A Magnum bottle will serve 10 glasses of wine when poured in 5 ounce portions.

Liquor Bottles

A bottle of liquor is referred to as a handle in the service industry. One handle contains 1.75 liters of alcohol and serves 40 drinks when poured in the recommended 1.5 ounce portions. It is strongly encouraged to provide a wide selection of soda, juices, and other nonalcoholic drinks to mix with any liquor served at your event.

Recommended Mixers:

▷ Regular Soda
▷ Diet Soda
▷ Club Soda
▷ Ginger Ale
▷ Ginger Beer
▷ Tonic Water
▷ Orange Juice
▷ Cranberry Juice
▷ Grapefruit Juice
▷ Lime Juice
▷ Pineapple Juice
▷ Tomato Juice
▷ Olive Brine
▷ Grenadine
▷ Bloody Mary Mix
▷ Sour Mix

Recommended Garnishes and Extras:

▷ Olives
▷ Maraschino Cherries
▷ Selection of Fresh Berries
▷ Orange Wedges/Slices
▷ Lime Wedges
▷ Lemon Wedges/Slices
▷ Mint Sprigs
▷ Rosemary Sprigs
▷ Fresh Basil
▷ Edible Flowers
▷ Toothpicks
▷ Umbrellas
▷ Cocktail Straws
▷ Beer Can/Bottle Insulators
▷ Beverage Napkins
▷ Cubed & Crushed Ice
▷ Selection of Cups/Glasses

Are you looking for professional assistance with planning the alcohol selection and catering portion of your upcoming event in Georgia? 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.

You Should Also Read:

How Much Food is Enough Food for Your Event?
The Importance of Alcohol and Bar Safety for Large Group Catering
How to Select Alcohol Service for a Catered Event

Why Signature Drinks are a Big Hit at Any Wedding or Party

Posted on August 31, 2021 by cateringfft17

As you begin to plan your catered menus for an upcoming event or special occasion, like a wedding or birthday party, consider incorporating some more creativity in the beverage department. One of the newest and most popular trends in the catering industry is to create a customized signature drink. There are many reasons why signature drinks have become a big hit for celebratory occasions of all scopes and sizes.

Continue reading to learn the top five reasons why you should consider adding a signature drink or custom drink selection menu at your upcoming event or wedding, as well as who to trust for superior catering service in Peachtree City, GA.

Bar Alcohol Catering Peachtree City Georgia 678-340-0510

What is a Signature Drink?

A signature drink is any type of featured beverage, either alcoholic or nonalcoholic. You can customize it infinitely using a wide variety of liquors, liqueurs, sodas, juices, fruits, vegetables, candy, meat, spices, garnishes, and much more. The options are literally endless, and you can be as creative as you like. The best part about incorporating a signature drink into your catered event is choosing the name! You can name your signature drink anything you want, but usually they are named after the particular theme or focus of the event.

The Top 5 Benefits of Signature Drinks:

A Signature Drink Will Make Your Event Stand Out

Ultimately, your special event will go off without a hitch and be one the most memorable occasions for you and all of your guests. But if you really want an added memorable element to your event, a signature drink will do the trick. Signature drinks are exclusive to a particular event and guests will remember how much of a treat it was to have such a special drink that’s not available anywhere else.

A Signature Drink Makes Bar Ordering More Efficient

When guests arrive to your special occasion or wedding, they often have to wait in line to be served at the bar, and when they get to the bar, they have to decide on what they want to drink. But with a signature drink or selection menu, guests don’t have to waste any time thinking about what they want. They can simply opt for the signature drink and spend more time celebrating with everyone else.

A Signature Drink Can Enhance Your Events Theme

Many special occasions, like birthday parties, family reunions, charity events, corporate events, and similar gatherings are often based on a theme. Any theme can be enhanced by customizing a signature drink to go with it. Incorporating your theme into a signature drink will also make your event more memorable. For instance, if you are theme is a carnival birthday party, you can garnish the signature drink with a ball of cotton candy and a red and white striped straw.

A Signature Drink Menu Selection Will Save You Money

Whether you decide to have just one signature drink at your special event or a small menu of signature drinks, you can expect to save a lot of money. When supplying drinks for an event or party, you have to purchase all of the alcohol and subsequent beverages required to make cocktails. This is expensive, and much of the alcohol and beverages are wasted. A signature drink allows for optimal purchasing and planning efficiency, which saves both time and money.

Are you looking for professional catering service? Contact Food for Thought Catering at 678-340-0510 to speak with an experienced catering manager about your upcoming special event or wedding in Peachtree City, Georgia. We specialize in large group catering and weddings but accept catering requests of all sizes and scope.

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Top 4 Catering Styles to Choose From for Your Event

Posted on August 5, 2021 by cateringfft17

The style of dining service you choose for your catered event is an important decision. Whether you are catering your autumn wedding, corporate luncheon, or family reunion, the type of catering style will have a significant impact on the overall success of your event. Continue reading the learn the top four catering styles trending this year, and who to trust for professional Peachtree City Georgia catering services.

Professional Catering Georgia — Professional Catering Newnan Georgia 678-340-0510

Dining Style Service Options for Catering an Event

No matter what type of event you are planning, it is usually the food and beverage selections that excite guests most. For this reason, it is important to really hit it out of the ballpark when it comes to planning your events catering. Along with what’s going to be on the catering menu, you will need to decide the style in which you will be serving your catered items. The top four styles of dining service for a catered event include cocktail style catering, buffet style catering, food stations, and plated dinner service.

Cocktail Style Catering

The cocktail style catering approach, you can expect your guests to have a selection of small plates, handhelds, outdoor herbs, and similar appetizer-style food options, as well as bar and beverage service. You can expect to have a variety of high-top cocktail tables for guests to stand that while they enjoyed their food and beverages, or you can opt for bar stool seating or traditional dining room table seating.

This type of dining style allows for more mingling and socialization, plus it tends to be more economical in price compared to full service catering. It is a great option for smaller venues, small events, and “pre-events” that take place prior to a larger event. Some people have complained that the style of catering does not provide enough food for guests and renders higher liquor costs.

Buffet Style Catering

Buffets are a popular and convenient catering style for virtually any type of event or special occasion. Whether you’re planning a wedding or hosting a charity fundraiser, a catered buffet is typically always a good fit. Buffets are usually more cost efficient, simpler to plan, and tend to make guests much happier because they have a wide selection of dining options. Buffets are highly recommended for large crowds and large catered events, such as weddings and family reunions, because they allow the event planner or host to accommodate a wide spectrum of tastes and dining preferences. And because guests serve themselves, you don’t have to pay additional fees for servers and waitstaff.

Food Stations

Food stations are somewhat similar to buffets and that they offer food and beverage variety. However, food stations are set up in a way that each individual table has a different type of food or beverage option. Raw bars, tapas, hibachi, “you-call-it” omelets, “make-your-own” pasta, “build-your-own” sundae, antipasto, meat carving, and similar food tables are popular and trending food station catering ideas this year. Keep in mind that if you want several food stations you will need a larger venue; but the great thing about food station style catering is that it can be accommodated to any size venue, small or large. Some no downfalls of food station style catering have been suggested to be the need to hire multiple chefs for each station.

Plated Dining Service

Plated dining services another popular catering style usually reserved for more formal events like weddings, fundraisers, galas, and similar ceremonial or official occasions. This type of catered dining service is fancier, more elegant, and therefore traditionally more expensive. Upon choosing this catering style, you also need a plan for plate-ware, tableware, tables and chairs, linens, waitstaff, and if you really want to take it up a notch, white glove service. Plated dining service is served by a waitstaff to all guests at the same time. Dinner options come from a predetermined menu that guests choose from when they RSVP to your event.

Are you looking for professional catering company in Georgia for your upcoming event? 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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