Frequently Asked Questions About Professional Caterers

Posted on February 13, 2024 by cateringfft17

Entertaining season is around the corner, and the pressure is on to throw the dinner party, bridal shower, or wedding of the year. At the heart of any memorable event is the food—a feast to the senses that delights every palate. But what happens when the idea of preparing that feast starts to devour your precious time and frazzle your nerves?

Professional caterers emerge as the heroes of hospitality, here to save the day with their culinary prowess and service par excellence. Here’s your guide to everything you want to know about the unsung stars of the party-planning world.

Call 678-340-0510 For Professional Caterers in Peachtree City GA — Call 678-340-0510 For Professional Caterer Service in Peachtree City GA

FAQS About Professional Caterer Services

Events, whether social or corporate, rely heavily on the quality and service of the catering. It’s not just about feeding the attendees; it’s about creating an experience that complements the spirit of your gathering. Professional caterers are equipped to handle crowds big and small, ensuring that the culinary aspects of your event are not just taken care of, but exceed your guests’ expectations.

What is a Professional Caterer?

Imagine a master planner, a head chef, several sous chefs, a sommelier, and an event coordinator all in one—now you’ve got the essence of a professional caterer. Their role goes beyond simply preparing food; they curate menus, provide service staff, and manage all catering logistics from kitchen to table.

Catering companies come in various forms, from boutique caterers specializing in intimate events to large firms capable of hosting galas and conventions. They often offer packages including food, drinks, service, rentals, and even the cakes for many occasions.

What are the Benefits of Hiring a Caterer?

Quality of Food and Presentation

One of the most significant benefits of professional catering services is the commitment to quality. They use the freshest ingredients to prepare dishes that are not just delicious, but also a feast for the eyes. Professional caterers take presentation seriously, turning each plate into a work of art that complements your event’s theme or colors.

Expertise and Experience

Years of experience have honed a professional caterer’s ability to manage various cuisines and dietary needs. They can offer advice on the type and quantity of food based on your event’s format and guest list, ensuring it neither runs out nor goes to waste.

Time and Stress Saving

By outsourcing the food and beverage aspect of your event to caterers, you free up your time to focus on other preparations, and spare yourself the stress of meal planning, shopping, cooking, and serving. Isn’t peace of mind a priceless addition to your event?

How Do I Choose the Right Caterer for My Event?

Selecting the right caterer is akin to appointing a partner who shares your vision for the event. Start by browsing caterers’ portfolios to see if their style aligns with what you have in mind. Seek recommendations, read reviews, and always sample the food when possible. Lastly, make sure you feel comfortable with the team—they are the ones who will be representing you on the big day.

What Should I Consider When Discussing Menu Options?

Your catering manager should be flexible and willing to personalize a menu that reflects your tastes and those of your guests. Consider the dietary restrictions and intolerances of your attendees, the seasonality of ingredients, and the event’s theme. Discuss serving styles as well—buffet, family-style, plated dinner, etc.—and the flow of your event to keep the energy up.

Can a Professional Caterer Accommodate Dietary Restrictions and Preferences?

Absolutely. Professional catering businesses are versed in handling a spectrum of dietary needs, from vegan and gluten-free to religious restrictions, diabetic menus, and more. When planning, communicate your guests’ requirements clearly, and work with the caterer to create a menu that’s both inclusive and delicious.

How Far in Advance Should I Book a Caterer for My Event?

The optimum time to secure a caterer is typically as soon as the date and venue are confirmed, especially for popular event dates such as holidays or wedding seasons. It’s not uncommon to start approaching caterers at least six months before the event, and for larger functions, a year or more in advance.

How Does Pricing Work for Professional Catering Services?

Catering pricing is a multifaceted beast, influenced by the number of guests, menu complexity, staff required, and event duration. Many caterers offer a base price per person which includes the main dish, sides, and service. Additional costs come in for add-ons like appetizers, desserts, and specialty stations. Always get an itemized quote and ensure you understand what is included.

Conclusion

Professional caterers bring more to the table than just a delicious meal. They are event partners that infuse your gathering with an air of sophistication and seamless service. As you gear up for your next soirée, remember that the right caterer can turn good events into great ones, and great events into epic memories. So, take your time to seek out reputable caterers who take pride in their craft and are passionate about making your event unforgettable.

In the realm of hospitality, we strongly believe that the food is the centerpiece that completes the story of your celebration. Contact Food for Thought Catering at 678-340-0510 to learn more about hiring professional caterers in Peachtree City and its surrounding areas. Our caterers offer comprehensive catering services for birthday parties, from custom menu curation and preparation to delivery, setup, breakdown, waiter service, and more.

Top Advantages of Professional Catering Services

Posted on December 9, 2020 by cateringfft17

If you have an event or party to plan, it is wise to consider professional catering services to optimize the occasion in every way possible. A catering company can provide much more than just food service; they also have the skills, resources, and industry connections to deliver a much broader range of party planning assistance than one might think. From customized menus and beverage station selections, to venues, table settings, entertainment, and more, a professional catering service has everything you need to make party planning as easy as pie.

Continue reading to learn the top advantages of professional catering services, and where to find the best caterers in Peachtree City, Georgia.

Why Professional Catering is the Way to Go

Often times, planning the catering section of a party is complicated considering all the other aspects that need organized and calculated. This is the number one reason why hiring professional catering services is a highly beneficial choice for anyone throwing a big party or special event. Their expert assistance will get you through the party-organizing drama and eliminate the stress that generally accompanies it. As for the catering part of organizing a party, there is a lot to consider.

If catering on your own and without any help, you must consider menus, main courses, appetizers, beverages, desserts, cooking schedules, entrée timings, serving dishes, napkins, silverware, glassware, utensils, cooking supplies, ingredients, food allergies, tablecloths, condiments, and much more. Any of these tasks can be easily forgotten among the chaos of planning an event or party. By hiring a professional catering services, you can check all of these chores off your list because they handle it for you!

The Benefits of Hiring a Catering Service

Some catering companies only prepare the food and drop it off to you. This is a good choice for smaller parties and occasions. For larger events and celebrations, you can opt for a full-service cater that provides all of the needed catering supplies, ingredients, foodstuffs, dinnerware, wait staff, bartenders, and more! You can have one server collecting coats, while several others are cleaning, serving, and setting up during your party. And a professional bartender is a highly-esteemed privilege to have at a party. They know how to create all sorts of cocktails that taste good and look good. Just another wonderful advantage of professional catering services.

When it comes to the advantages of hiring a professional catering service, one of the most valued benefits is the assortment and professionalism of the menus and service. Most catering companies offer their food service in a variety of ways, like full-service wait staff or buffet-style serving. And they provide the tastiest meals that can be customized according to theme or preference. Not only do they have endless menus to choose from, but you can also request special dishes as well!

Atlanta Georgia Catering Services and Party Planning Assistance

Call Food for Thought Catering at 678-340-0510 for Georgia catering services that are guaranteed to exceed your expectations for excellence! 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!

Why You Should Hire a Catering Company for an Important Occasion

Posted on November 11, 2020 by cateringfft17

With any important or large event, catering can certainly enhance the theme and ambience for your guests. Whether it is a birthday party, wedding, or other celebration, hiring a professional catering company can be extremely beneficial for the host.

Continue reading to learn the most valuable reasons to hire a professional catering company for your event or celebration this year!

Holiday Catering Services in Georgia 678-340-0510

Organization of Catered Events

Managing meals for an event, especially a large one, can be confusing, stressful, and very time consuming. If you had to handle all of the details for the food portion of the event, you would have to quit your job in order to remain sane! This is because a professional catering company, when hired on, will handle absolutely everything as far as organizing the meal segment of the event. They will provide a pre-planned itinerary for their employees, staff, venue managers, and guests. Also, the catering company will organize all the arrangements for the menus, meal preparation, dining room set up and breakdown, and delegate to the staff and managers properly.

Professional Resources and Equipment

If you were to self-cater an event, especially for a large crowd, you would have to purchase all the necessary equipment and supplies to carry out the job successfully. Supplies and equipment could include pan carriers, silverware, dishes, hot plates, ice caddies, tablecloths, chafing dishes, cooking supplies, groceries, and more! They also have chefs and staffs that manage and work the event to serve the food smoothly and elegantly.

Assorted Menu Options

With a professional catering company, the food menu options are often times endless. On your own, you would be limited to choosing what you can cook and what is available to you for the event. A professional caterer has menus and food item options to choose from, so all you have to do is decide what food you want served from a list. The chef, staff, and company will take care of everything else.

Where to Order Custom Party and Event Catering in Newnan, GA

Call Food for Thought Catering at 678-340-0510 for quality party and 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! Request a free estimate, information, or advice, today!

Common Catering Mistakes That Can Easily Be Avoided

Posted on July 15, 2020 by cateringfft17

When it comes to planning a formal event, like a wedding or baby shower, there are several common catering mistakes to avoid. For occasions such as these, it is normal for the catering expenses to make up nearly half the total budget; or more! The level of investment is what makes it such a valuable part of party planning. Guests always remember and discuss the food portion of parties, so great catering can truly upgrade the pleasure and entertainment.

Continue reading to learn how to avoid common catering mistakes before planning your next special event.

Do Not Cater on Your Own

Many people think it’s a great idea to just cook the food themselves, perhaps to cater a party on a tight budget, or to impress guests with their culinary skills. Either way, both reasons will not be good enough when catering a special occasion. There are so many aspects of catering that non-professionals are not aware of, such as maintain safe food temperatures, hot plates and other catering equipment, plate ware, silverware, napkins, re-fills, cooking times, and more. All these aspects of catering are lost to the DIY type. If you plan to cater a party on your own, you can also plan to not be a part of that party because all your time will be used up cooking, cleaning, re-filling, and maintaining the food for guests.

Not only can catering your own event take up all your time and drive you mad, it is much more expensive than hiring a catering service. You must keep in mind that you will be expected to provide everything from food, serving trays, silverware, napkins, condiments, ice, drinks, alcohol, catering dishes (i.e. hot plates, cold plates, etc.), and possibly even tables and chairs. A professional catering company can provide all these things, as well as a staff, to coordinate catering responsibilities for your party. All for one inclusive price! In most cases, catering a special occasion on your own gives a party an unrefined and informal ambience. It is highly advised to always outsource professional catering services.

Keep the Menus Simple

Although you may have a well-refined palate, the guests at your event may not be so cultured. A common, but understandable, mistake people make when catering a wedding or other formal party, is choosing a menu of foods that are too sophisticated for most people’s tastes. It is understandable because a lot of people want their events to be elegant and formal, but it is still important to “cater” to everyone’s penchants for food. Also keep in mind that children might be present, and people may have food allergies.

Choosing a formal but simple menu can please everyone’s lunch, dinner, or snacking needs. Foods such as duck or quail, and roasted turnips and tamarind glaze, are a little too exotic for most people, and will go uneaten, wasting the money spent on such extravagant catering. Take in mind the general “culture” of people attending your party and use that idea to put together a menu. Keep it simple with popular fruits, vegetables, entrees, meats, appetizers, and desserts.

Hire a Skilled Company

It happens all over the country. Families hiring caterers that are not what they claim to be. Be sure to hire the right catering company that can satisfy all your catering needs. It is important that the catering company is extensively experienced and has a good reputation within the community. Read customer reviews and ask for references before hiring a catering service. Many people hire a catering service expecting certain amenities, only to find out too late that they don’t offer what they need. If you need staff, equipment, and a full service catering job, ensure that the company can offer more than just food that you have to pick up yourself. Food delivery, food maintenance, staffs, dinnerware, all the way down to the tablecloths, can be provided by a reputable and well-established catering company. Be sure you are getting what you paid for.

Professional Event Catering for All of Georgia

Call Food for Thought Catering at 678-340-0510 for professional event catering in Newnan, Georgia. We offer a wide range of catering services for all social events, occasions, industries, 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 help 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!

Learn How Professional Catering Will Enhance Your Event’s Theme

Posted on June 8, 2020 by cateringfft17

One of the most anticipated moments of an event is the time in which guests get to eat and drink. In many cases, the food and drinks have the most powerful and lingering impression on guests. For this reason, professional catering is a wise consideration for any event or party. But when it comes to planning an event that also has a theme, professional catering is undeniably the best choice, as they can guarantee a memorable and successful outcome.

Continue reading to learn exactly how a custom catering plan can enhance your upcoming event’s ambience, philosophy, and overall quality, by bringing together the theme and the food, harmoniously.

Catering to Enhance Your Theme

One of the greatest things about catering is that it can be like a chameleon to any theme, event, or season. Let’s say a person would like to host a chocolate lovers’ party. It would be possible for them to have a catering company provide a beautiful chocolate buffet, with a menu spread unique to its theme. Catering services allow the possibilities of opening with a selection of hot chocolate beverages and adult chocolate-flavored cocktails for appetizers, followed by a beautiful spread of dessert finger foods for a chocolate fountain. You can even opt for a 4-course chocolate dinner if you wanted! These are fun and creative ways catering can add pizazz to a great party or event.

Healthy Events

The same custom catering service could be provided to a person hosting an event to promote healthy eating. The only difference is that healthy fruits and vegetables would take the place of chocolate. Catering services can step it up a notch by creating amazing carved fruit displays and elaborate fruit trays. There could be a juice bar blending fresh smoothies and juices or grilling station firing up chicken and veggie kabobs. The options are endless when a catering company is outsources for any event.

Formal Events

Custom catering can also be perfect for formal events, like weddings, memorials, conferences, and graduations. If there is an underlying theme behind the ceremonies, the food can reflect that theme. If a couple is getting married on the beach and wants a luau wedding reception, a catering service can produce an entire tropical-themed menu for the guests. Imagine a whole roast pig turning over an open fire, mango pineapple salsas, and guava margaritas! Key lime chicken entrees and grilled Mahi-Mahi could accompany the tropical spread as well! Again, the options are endless when it comes to creative catering ideas.

Where to Get Professional Party Catering Services in Newnan, Georgia

Call Food for Thought Catering at 678-340-0510 for customized party 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!

Top 2020 Catering Trends to Consider for Your Next Event

Posted on May 26, 2020 by cateringfft17

It seems as though every year, newer, fresher trends emerge in the food and beverage service world. When it comes to 2020 catering, this year is no different from the rest! There are several bright and creative catering trends that satisfy guests, ensure budget accuracy, and most importantly, make planning an event simpler for you!

Continue below to review some of the top 2020 catering trends to consider for your next special occasion.

Catering Trends for 2020

Whether you are planning a birthday, graduation, retirement, or work party, there is no better way to both impress and satisfy your guests than by hiring professional caterers. Not only does professional catering make you look good as a host, it guarantees simplicity, convenience, and peace of mind. It also helps control budgets since you have a team working with you to calculate and prepare all related costs, upfront.

Looking for some cool and ingenious catering ideas for an upcoming event? Here are the top trends taking the lead in the catering world this year:

Sustainability and Farm-to-Table Ingredients

More than ever, consumers want to know where their food is coming from. Furthermore, they want to know how it has been grown and how much the process impacts the environment. For this reason, sustainable catering is a current demand. Factors like eco-friendly catering practices, sustainable packaging, farm-to-table ingredients, organic and non-GMO farming, and more are all popular trends for catering clientele.

Diverse and Accommodating Menus

There are so many diets and dietary restrictions these days, that is it a main focus this year to cater to such needs. Currently, caterers are encouraging and incorporating more diverse menus that meet the needs of a wide variety of consumers, from vegans and vegetarians, to pescatarians, raw food eaters, and more. Other menu trends this year include kosher cooking, plant-based menus, and even specialty diets like keto. One popular trend you see a lot of this year is substituting jackfruit for meat!

Healthy Food Options

There is an ever-growing awareness of health and nutrition, and this year, such principals are being applied even more in the catering industry. Consumers want healthier food options, so in comes this year’s catering trend of “smart menus.” Not only does a smart menu offer healthier options, it also provides portion control to prevent unhealthy overindulgence. So, a smarter menu is something that will be in demand this year, as it is a great option for any type of event or celebration.

Creative Beverages

When it comes to catering, beverage service is a big part of ensuring a quality event. This year, many consumers are asking for unique and creative beverages at their events, especially non-alcoholic versions. Mocktails are a great addition to a catering menu because they can be enjoyed by all, plus served at events where alcohol consumption is not permitted, like work conferences and children’s events. Furthermore, unique drink flavors will be a huge hit this year, such as elderberry, lychee, pomelo, and bergamot orange.

Georgia Event Caterers Who Always Stay Current on Catering Trends

Call Food for Thought Catering at 678-340-0510 for quality social 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 assist with décor, themes, vendors, and more! From wedding catering and formal events, to birthday parties, family reunions, work events, and more, we are fully-equipped and staffed to undertake any catering job regardless of size, scope, race, religion, or ethnicity.

View and Download Our Food Menus Online For Free

Posted on March 11, 2020 by cateringfft17

If you have an upcoming special event or occasion in Newnan, Georgia, Food for Thought Catering is always the right choice. You can trust us for superior professionalism, culinary expertise, and unparalleled customer support. Continue below to learn where you can peruse and download our catering menus for free!

Free Catering Menus for Your Convenience

Here at Food for Thought Catering, we provide both current and potential clients with free online printable PDF food menus to enhance the convenience and efficiency of our catering services. Best of all, you can download our brunch, lunch, and dinner catering menus at no additional charge! So, no more guessing when it comes to choosing the catered spread for your next large group event or party. To get started, simply visit our website’s menu page and scroll down until you see the PDF link.

VIEW OUR PDF CATERING MENUS

Once you view our menus, your next steps are easy! Just contact our office by phone at 678-340-0510, or via email at info@fftcaters.com, to arrange a free initial consultation to discuss your catering needs. We offer consultations both in-person and over the phone to remain flexible with your busy schedule! Keep in mind that our online menus is merely tentative, as we can curate custom orders for any race, religion, occasion, and theme.

Why Choose Us as Your Georgia Caterers?

Food for Thought Catering holds a strong reputation for extraordinary culinary proficiency and customer service in Georgia. We are more than just your everyday catering company. Our staffs are highly trained executive chefs, culinary artists, and expert catering managers. Whether you are planning a simple office luncheon or a grand fundraising gala, we are the catering professionals to trust for unparalleled quality and convenience. Our teams use a strict and concentrated approach to deliver creative and customized catering experiences so that no two events are ever alike. Because we are dedicated to catering to our clients every need, you can rest assure that no detail is ever overlooked.

How to Get Started With a Quote

Here at Food for Thought Catering, we serve all of Newnan and its surrounding areas, including Peachtree City, Raymond, Sharpsburg, Woodsmoke, Wood Valley Estates, Arnco Mills, Fayetteville, Whitesburg, Chattahoochee Hills, Palmetto, and more. Start today by submitting a free online request form, or calling our office directly at 678-340-0510, during regular business hours. Our catering specialists are happy to take your call and answer any questions about catering you might have!