What to Look for in a Large Event Caterer

Posted on July 26, 2019 by cateringfft17

If you are catering an upcoming event, it is important to know that the food will be one of the most memorable portions of the evening. No one ever remembers what guests are wearing, and people hardly think twice about the music, china, and tablecloths. Food speaks the loudest among all other amenities at a catered event. This is why it is so crucial to hire a well-qualified and reputable catering company to get it right.

Continue below to learn some vital tips for hiring a caterer for your big event.

Experience

Experience is the most important requirement when choosing a catering company. It is very difficult to organize food and serving crowds of 100 people or more. Experience means the caterers have learned through years of practice how to handle any situation at any type of event. They come more prepared, organized, and ready for anything. They can keep their heads above water and fix a problem if something goes wrong at the last minute, as well as, come prepared with proper equipment and staff.

Reputation

Along with experience, reputation is a big deal breaker when choosing a catering company for your party. Any business with a great reputation and following advertises that aspect openly. If you cannot find any reviews or testimonials from previous customers, it is not a good sign. If a business cannot give you any testimonials or reviews about their services when you ask, then they are probably not a reputable business, or they are just too new in the industry to have any; which is also not desirable.

Product Samples and Reviews

Since food is such an important part of planning a great event, it is crucial that you sample the caterer’s food before choosing to hire them. Taste test the menu and samplings they provide and determine for yourself if the food is what you are looking for. You can never be sure what to expect when it comes to food, so taste testing is highly recommended. If the caterer does not offer sampling consultations, then you might want to move onto another company. Any professional caterer knows to let their clients sample food in order to make an educated and informed decision.

Entertain Your Options

It helps to interview or test multiple caterers to see who has the best food and amenities. 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!

Trusted Event Catering in Georgia

Call Food for Thought Catering at 678-340-0510 for quality event catering 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 provide assistance with décor, themes, vendors, and more! Call 678-340-0510 to learn more about our Newnan catering services, or to request a free estimate, today!

An Eco-Friendly Approach to Catering

Posted on July 9, 2019 by cateringfft17

“Going green” has become an influential and positive trend over the past decade, promoting healthier living and the conservation of our natural resources through every day practices. To “Go Green” implies the decision and commitment to using and practicing actions and inactions that support our eco-system, both locally and as a whole. One of the greatest elements of green practices is that it can be applied to almost everything you do in life. This includes catering and the methods used to cater an event!

If you plan to cater an upcoming occasion or event with an Eco-conscious agenda, continue reading to learn some of the best tips for green catering, including who to call for professional help!

Basics of Eco-Friendly Catering

? Eliminate Disposal Utensils

There are several easy ways to start out when choosing to cater with an Eco-friendly approach. One popular choice you can choose to incorporate is trading in plastic utensils for real cutlery. Plastic forks, knives, and spoons are a familiar site at family barbeques and graduation parties, but we tend to forget that they are also non bio-degradable, which negatively impacts the environment. By avoiding disposable utensils, you are one step closer to helping the Eco-system around us!

? Use Chemical-Free Cleaning Products

Another form of green catering is the use of chemical-free cleaning products. Household cleaning agents like glass cleaner, multi-surface cleaner, and dish soap are full of toxic chemicals that are harmful to the environment and one’s health. Inhalation of these chemicals can cause respiratory complications and illness in children, adults, and animals. If these chemicals come in contact with the outdoor environment, it can kill plants, grass, animals, trees, and pollute water sources. By switching to chemical-free and all natural cleaning solutions, harm can be avoided.

⚡ Avoid Using Electricity

Using open fires rather than electric grills and stoves is an excellent way to “Go Green” when catering an event. Incorporating fire pits, outdoor rotisseries, and wood burning ovens can all reduce the amount of electricity consumed while preparing food. These are also great ways to add more originality and flavor to your catered food, thus rendering a more memorable event!

Overall, anything that promotes the conservation of our natural resources is an act of going green. So simply apply any of these ideas towards catering, or any other need, and you will quickly discover how simple it really is to make healthy and environmentally-conscience changes to everyday life!

Custom Catering Services in Georgia

Call Food for Thought Catering at 678-340-0510 for professional custom catering 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 provide assistance with décor, themes, vendors, and more! Request a free estimate, information, or advice, today!

A Classic Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe You Can Count On

Posted on June 24, 2019 by cateringfft17

Chocolate chip cookies bring back the fondest and happiest memories for anyone who has the pleasure of indulging in a rich, gooey, fresh-from-the-oven, homemade cookie. But since there are infinite ways to bake these tasty treats, and even more ways to make them unique, finding a go-to recipe can be quite overwhelming. Do you stick to the family’s conventional recipe? Or should you risk trying a new one? The stress of turning out a perfect batch of cookies can really take the fun out of the whole process.

So if you want to avoid sifting through the endless chocolate chip cookies recipes online the next time your kid comes home with a last minute bake sale order, just use this simple, fail-safe recipe that won’t let you down!

Classic Oven-Baked Chocolate Chip Cookies

What You Will Need:

? 3 Cups All-Purpose Flour
? 2 Cups Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chip Morsels
? 1 Cup Packed Brown Sugar
? 1 Cup Standard White Sugar
? 1 Cup Softened Butter
? 2 Eggs
? 2 Teaspoons Vanilla Extract
? 2 Teaspoons Hot Water
? 1 Teaspoon Baking Soda
? ½ Teaspoon Salt

Optional Ingredients:

? Peanut Butter
? Oats or Granola
? Chopped Walnuts
? White Chocolate Chips
? Macadamia Nuts
? Chocolate-Coated Candies
? Dried Cherries
? Raisins
? Shredded Coconut

Directions:

❶ Preheat oven to 350 degrees (175 Celsius).

❷ Combine butter, white sugar, and brown sugar. Mix until smooth

❸ One at a time, beat the eggs into the butter/sugar mix.

❹ Add the vanilla extract and stir.

❺ In a separate bowl, combine baking soda and hot water. Stir until the baking soda is completely dissolved.

❻ Add baking soda/hot water mix to the batter.

❼ Add salt.

❽ Slowly stir in flour, chocolate chips, and any additional ingredients of your choosing.

❾ Drop large spoonful-sized scoops of batter onto an ungreased baking sheet.

✨ Bake Time = 10 – 11 Minutes

❿ After the cookies come out of the oven, allow them to rest for a few minutes before using your spatula to transfer them to a container or serving platter. And don’t forget to enjoy with a cold glass of milk!

Got a Crowd to Feed But Don’t Want to Bake?

Call Food for Thought Catering at 678-340-0510 for professional catering in Newnan, Georgia you can trust! We are skilled culinary professionals who specialize in full-service catering, including decadent desserts like made-from-scratch cookies! You can customize everything down to the very last detail, from menus and service, to themes, décor, venues, and more. Request a free consultation, today!

Top Considerations for Catering an Event

Posted on June 14, 2019 by cateringfft17

There are so many occasions that benefit from professional catering services. Popular events to cater include weddings, reunions, graduations, communions, anniversaries, holiday parties, and so much more. Catering adds a creative and memorable touch to any ceremony, making a fantastic impression on all guests. If you have decided to hire a caterer for your gathering, be sure to consider some particular matters that could either make or break your catering experience.

Continue reading to learn the top catering factors to consider.

The Budget

You have to determine a budget from the very beginning. As the catering process flows on, it is easy to get carried away and go well above your initial budget plan. Set a rational budget based on influential variables; such as the finalize guest count, size of venue, location of the event, and degree of formal to not formal. Based on these numbers and conclusions, you can accurately calculate the amount of money needed to properly cater your party. From there, you can make suitable arrangements within your set budget.

The Theme

After figuring out a budget for hiring a caterer, you have to determine what kind of event you are organizing. If the party, event, or ceremony already has a basic and obvious theme, then the job is done for you! In other cases, such as birthday parties and weddings, you can freely choose a theme that best represents the guest of honor’s personality, wants, or desires. In such a circumstance, be sure to set a theme before making any other catering decisions. This is because caterers can prepare beautiful spreads based on a theme of an event, upon request. Whether it is an Asian themed wedding, or a Disney Princess birthday celebration, definitively decide before choosing a caterer and creating a menu.

The Source

Once the budget is set and the theme is discovered, it is time to start looking for a catering company. At this point in the process, be sure to do your due diligence. It is important to choose the right company for your event. To do so, read online reviews from past clients and customers. This is often times one of the most resourceful ways to find out if a company is reputable or not. Catering is costly, especially for larger happenings; so it is crucial to pick a business that has experience and good customer referrals.

Another way to choose a caterer is to call around and conduct small, over-the-phone interviews with local companies. Never be uncomfortable asking for references, estimates, and special services. Calling around 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! This is another great way to find a reputable catering company in your area and one of the last things to consider when choosing to cater your event.

A Georgia Catering Company You Can Trust

Call Food for Thought Catering at 678-340-0510 for customized event catering in Newnan, 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. Request a free quote, today!

Tips for Safe Summertime Food Preparation

Posted on May 31, 2019 by cateringfft17

Summertime is the time for park picnics, backyard cookouts, campsite grilling, and outdoor cooking fun! It is one of the many joys of beautiful Georgia summer weather. We Georgians love to cook outdoors. Although fun and even traditional, it is important to remember how to safely prepare food for others; and especially in the summertime heat.

Continue reading to catch up on some advice on safe food preparation for outdoor cooking.

? Wash Your Hands

This is the first, and most obvious, step to preparing food for people outside is washing your hands. Consistent 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 Work Station

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 work stations. Using a clean wet rag dipped in a light sanitizing solution helps eliminate this possibility.

? Maintain Food Temperatures

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.

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. For more tips on how to prepare food for outdoor cooking, call a professional for advice.

Who to Trust for Safe Georgia Catering

Call Food for Thought Catering at 678-340-0510 for Georgia catering services that won’t disappoint! We are skilled culinary professionals who specialize in full-service catering. You can customize everything down to the very last detail, from menus and service, to themes, décor, and more. Call 678-340-0510 to request a free consultation, today!

Unique Events Perfect for Professional Catering Service

Posted on May 14, 2019 by cateringfft17

There are certain events that simply go hand-in-hand with professional catering. This includes weddings, banquets, conventions, galas, graduations, reunions, and even birthday celebrations. However, there are countless occasions that we as a society take part in, all of which can benefit greatly from professional catering service. Unfortunately, we tend overlook these opportunities to use professional caterers because most people assume catering companies only accept large bids.

But this is not true!

Just think about all the social gatherings you have personally held in your lifetime. Now from those gatherings, how many of those would have been much easier with a professional catering company handling all the food delivery, setup, breakdown, and cleanup? Most people say, “Sure, catering would be much easier, but it also costs a lot more.”

However, the reality is that you have paid hundreds of dollars buying food and supplies for your each one of your social gatherings, which is basically equivalent to the cost of professional catering. They supply all the necessary plate ware, serving dishes, cutlery, to-go containers, and more, along with all the food and beverage.

Here are some common events that are perfectly-suited for professional catering:

? Wakes

A wake is like an informal gathering to celebrate the life of a loved one who recently passed away. These are generally more light and happy occasions, compared to funerals, which tend to be a bit more morose. For this reason, professional catering is a perfect asset for a wake. Friends and family gathering together to honor and remember the life of their loved one is best done over food, beverage, and libations.

? Game Day Celebrations

Have a big game coming up? Sports fans go all out for their favorite teams and the most important tournaments, matches, and games of the season. But instead of visiting the party store and spending endless amounts of money on game day props and décor, and then going to the grocery store to purchase mounds of meat, side dishes, beverages, snacks, produce, and plate ware, you could just enlist the services of a professional caterer to handle all aspects of your game day. Just tell them your vision and they can make it happen for you at the budget you have set.

? Civil Unions

As an alternative to matrimony, many folks opt for a civil union. This is a legally recognized, informal domestic partnership between two people that is similar to marriage. These ceremonies are very special and intimate, and celebrated with close friends and family. This makes it a perfect occasion for professional catering services. Mark your special union with your favorite cuisines and dishes crafted by a skilled culinary professional. Don’t worry about hosting, and enjoy being your own guest!

Additional Examples:

▻ Sip and See’s

▻ Trophy Ceremonies

▻ Golf Tournaments

▻ School Sports Tournaments

▻ Baptisms and Christenings

▻ Quinceaneras

▻ Fundraisers

▻ Charity Events

▻ Garage Sales

▻ Holiday Parties

▻ Think Tanks

▻ Picnics

Professional Event Catering for All of Georgia

How to Hire the Right Caterers for Your Event

Posted on April 23, 2019 by cateringfft17

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.

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!

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

Posted on April 9, 2019 by cateringfft17

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!

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

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.

FAQS About Catering a Party

Posted on March 25, 2019 by cateringfft17

With any important party or special occasion, professional catering can enhance the theme and experience for your guests. Whether it is a birthday, graduation, Bat Mitzvah, or other type of celebration, hiring a skilled catering company can be tremendously beneficial for the host. If you are still unsure whether or not catering is right for your event, continue reading to review some frequently asked questions and answers about party catering to help you make an informed decision.

Do I Need a Caterer?

Professional catering companies offer infinite menu ideas, themes, services, food, and more. You can customize your catering at a professional company because they retain the ample resources and training to provide the ultimate catering experience. Whether you are looking for something intimate and small, or plan to cater for an entire football team, professional catering services can make it happen at a price that pleases. See our blog, “Top 3 Reasons to Hire Professional Caterers for Your Special Occasion” to learn why you should trust a professional catering company for smooth, hassle-free service.

How Much Does Catering Cost Per Person?

The total cost of catering services are unique to every client. It all depends on several factors, including guest count, menu selections, bar and alcohol service, and more. It also largely depends on your chosen amenities, such as décor, tables and chairs, linens, cutlery, plate ware, wait staff, tray service, delivery, cleanup, and more. On average, you can expect a small to medium-sized party to cost anywhere from $20 to $70 a head, depending on the type of catering style you choose.

For example, cocktail parties with minimal food service may cost less than a large family reunion. And a buffet style service may be cheaper than a 5 course plated dinner and wait service. The total cost really all depends on you and want you want for your party. See our blog, “Cost-Saving Advice for Catering a Party” for more tips on how to better budget your catered event!

What is “On-Premise” and “Off-Premise” Catering?

When you are having your party at a venue that will also be preparing and serving the party’s food, you are paying for “on-premise” catering. On-premise catering is food preparation and service facilitated on the premises of the venue location. The opposite applies to “off-premises” catering.

Off-premise catering occurs when a professional food service company (your caterers), prepare the food at their own commercial kitchen headquarters, and then transfers the food to the location of your party. See our blog, “Tips for Planning an Off-Site Catered Event” to get a better understanding.

Where Can I Find a Quality Catering Company in Georgia?

Call Food for Thought Catering at 678-340-0510 for Georgia event catering you can trust! We are skilled culinary professionals who specialize in full-service party catering. You can customize everything down to the very last detail, from menus and service, to themes, décor, venues, and more. Request a free consultation, today!

Tips for Planning an Off-Site Catered Event

Posted on March 12, 2019 by cateringfft17

To plan a successful off-site catered event, it is important to start early on and give yourself plenty of time to hammer out all the details. Although this will take some patience and a bit of finesse on your part, proper party planning is the key to a smooth and successful outcome.

Continue reading to learn where to start, what to do, and how to get the best results for your catered event.

Setting a Date

Setting a date is the first thing that should be on your to-do list. Once you have a date set, you can move forward with the remaining party-planning tasks. Be sure to set your date within a reasonable time; not too soon but not too far out. Give yourself a realistic amount of time to pull off a great event, while also making sure to not set it so far in advance that people become forgetful or unenthusiastic about it.

It is also important to consider seasonal factors like weather and climate. If you have your heart set on an outdoor event in Indiana, you don’t want to set the date in late November. Likewise, avoid rainy or humid seasons for outdoor events. Not only does rain and humidity affect food and beverages, it affects a long list of other things, like clothing, hair, windows, and more.

Planning a Budget

Discuss what your total budget will be before planning anything else so that you and your team are on the same page in terms of finances. Knowing your budget up front helps you stick by it, and makes the selection process much easier. Let your services know what your budget is, and they can provide the options that fit best.

Choosing a Venue

As soon as the date is set, the very first thing you need to do is find and reserve a venue. Be sure to due ample research, and see what all the local indoor and outdoor venues have to offer in terms of location, aesthetics, packages and amenities. Choose a place that makes sense for the size and type of the group attending.

A space too small will create a cramped and hot event, and a space too large will feel empty, which can cause a disconnection among guests and make your event appear like it had a poor turn out. For a group that is elderly or handicapped, you don’t want to book your event at a place with lots of stairs, or without safety ramps, elevators, and other necessary conveniences.

Deciding on Entertainment

If you were to ask the guests, the catered food and beverages are the best part of any event. In fact, it is often the focal point of a party! For this reason, an exceptionally catered event doesn’t need much more entertaining. But if you do want to spice things up a bit, noting makes a party more memorable than music.

Hire a live band, or provide a platform for guest karaoke. You can also choose to hire a professional DJ, violinist, cellist, harp player, piano player, dueling pianos, and more, depending on the theme of your event. For events with children, bouncing houses, clowns, face painters, magicians, and exotic animals are a fun way to go.

Professional Event Catering in Georgia

Call Food for Thought Catering at 678-340-0510 for professional event catering in Newnan, Georgia and its surrounding areas, including Peach Tree City, Raymond, Sharpsburg, Woodsmoke, Wood Valley Estates, Arnco Mills, Fayetteville, Whitesburg, Chattahoochee Hills, Palmetto, and more. We offer a wide range of catering services for all industries, occasions, and events. 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! Request a free estimate, today!