Common Elements of a Catering Service Agreement

If you are planning to hire a professional catering company for your special event, you will have to sign a service agreement, which is essentially a contract with the caterers. Although these create a legally-binding relationship between caterer and client, there is nothing to be intimidated about, especially if you prepare yourself by researching what to expect in the terms and conditions of the contract.

Continue below to learn the most common elements of a catering contract, plus which Georgia caterers to trust for superior service that fits the budget.

Catering Company Peachtree City Georgia 678-340-0510
Catering Company Peachtree City Georgia 678-340-0510

General Information Included in a Catering Contract

Understanding what to expect from a catering contract will help you feel more confident in signing on that dotted line. Once you sign a catering service agreement, you are responsible for your part in the process from start to finish, and so are the caterers. A catering contract benefits both company and client by clearly detailing the role and responsibilities of each. The contract helps serve as a single source of accountability when something like a dispute or error arises.

In a standard catering service agreement, you should find detailed information regarding:

Menu and Services

The catering agreement should clearly specify all food, beverages, and services to be provided. This includes all menu items, substitutions and alternatives, type of service style, and additional materials and services to be provided, like linens, tables, cutlery, cleanup, and more. It should also describe procedures for leftover consumables, staffing affairs, and similar administrative matters.

Payment Arrangements and Fees

On top of any base prices, all other fees and payment arrangements should be detailed in a catering contract. Fees should include everything from food and beverage procurement to hourly staff wages, cleanup and breakdown fees, and even coverage for additional, unexpected guests that attend at the last minute. In addition to monetary obligations, payment methods and schedules should also be detailed in the contract.

Basic Terms and Conditions

Like all contracts, a catering service agreement will also cover the basic terms and conditions between both parties. This includes fundamental information like the names and contact information of the client and catering company, date and time of event, and venue location, as well as additional specifications on matters like insurance, health and safety regulations, cancellations, postponements, contract breaches, and deadlines for menu and service changes.

Are you interested in learning more about having your upcoming event catered? Contact Food for Thought Catering at 678-340-0510 to speak with a friendly and experienced Peachtree City catering service manager, today. We also serve the Newnan, Raymond, Sharpsburg, Woodsmoke, Wood Valley Estates, Arnco Mills, Fayetteville, Whitesburg, Chattahoochee Hills, and Palmetto areas.

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How to Properly Store Your Catering Leftovers

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
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.

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Enhance Your Event With These 3 Catering Tips

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.

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!

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Top 3 Options for Effortless Corporate Seminar Catering

So, your company has a corporate seminar event coming up in a few weeks and you are in charge of planning the meal service? No need to panic. Corporate catering services are here for you. However, you will need to decide on a type of corporate catering service. Fortunately, that’s simple too.

When you want an easy and effortless catering plan for a company conference or seminar, choose from these top 3 corporate catering options!

Corporate Catering Peachtree City GA 678-340-0510
Corporate Catering Peachtree City GA 678-340-0510

Informal Catering for Corporate Luncheons and Seminars

When it comes to corporate catering, the setting is generally less formal, making it much easier to plan and execute a catering plan. The top 3 corporate catering options that will make your life easier and please all guests are buffets, boxed lunches, and party trays. Whether your company seminar is scheduled for the duration of a weekend, an overnight stay, or a portion of a day, these top 3 corporate office catering services are convenient and compatible!

How do you know which style of office catering to choose from? Choose one based on the number of people you are feeding, the location of and setting of the seminar, the length of time for eating, and your company’s budget. A professional corporate caterer can help you with all of these decisions and more! For instance, if your company seminar is just a few hours, party trays would make an excellent pre-meeting or post-meeting catering option, but it would not be best for a weekend long company event.

Party Trays and Platters

As just mentioned, party trays are the most informal and simplest office or corporate catering option. They are most compatible for corporate events that are smaller and shorter, like business luncheons, team meetings, afternoon training seminars, networking events, think tanks, and similar company occasions. Party platters are easy and effortless, plus they offer infinite versatility. You can arrange all sorts of combinations of party trays, from a selection of sandwiches, pinwheels, and wraps, to a wide variety of vegetables, fruits, crackers, cured meats, cheeses, charcuterie, breads, and desserts. They are also the most cost-effective option of the three.

Boxed Lunches

Boxed lunches are another perfect corporate catering option for the less formal company event or seminar. They are also compatible for events that last a bit longer, like an entire day or an overnight stay. You can even cater corporate boxed breakfasts, lunches, and dinners for an entire weekend. They are served in an appealing container fashion that is both elegant and sanitary. They are also easy to pass out and can be customized according to dietary preferences or restrictions. As for budget, they are in the middle of the range, being affordable and worth the cost, but pricier than party platters.

Buffets

For a semi-formal, formal, or lengthier corporate seminar, a buffet or selection of buffets is an excellent catering option to choose. Like all catering, they can be 100% customized to your liking, or you can simply choose a theme and let the catering company take the liberty of planning a balanced offering. Buffets are also great for company events because they are self-serving, which is easier and often preferred by guests. Best for dinner service, buffets can offer a wide selection of hot foods and cold foods. When it comes to pricing, you can expect buffet catering service to be a bit more, but always worth the cost.

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

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

3 Easy Dinner Party Menu Ideas That Will Please Your Guests

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
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.

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

A Simple Guide to Afternoon Tea Service Catering

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

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

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

What is Afternoon Tea?

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

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

Tea Options

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

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

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

Food Pairings For Afternoon Tea

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

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

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

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

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

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

Top 5 Questions You Should Be Asking Your Caterer

Professional catering service is an important investment that should not be taken lightly. So, when you are searching for a caterer in Peachtree City, it is important to ask the right questions. Using their answers, you can gauge whether or not they are a good fit for your catering needs.

Continue reading to learn the top five questions you should be asking your caterer, as well as how to switch caterers before your big event if they are not meeting your expectations.

Peachtree City Catering Company 678-340-0510
Peachtree City Catering Company 678-340-0510

How to Interview a Caterer

When you are searching for catering companies in Georgia, it is important to have your focus on reputation and capabilities. After all, ultimately you just want a caterer who is well-revered and retains the proper skills and resources to meet your catering needs. So, when calling around to the different catering businesses, focus your questions on experience, scope of service, pricing, dependability, and most importantly, food.

Experience

As you sit down with your first catering candidate, begin your conversation with questions about their experience. How much experience do they have the catering industry? How many years have they been in business as an official company? How many events similar to your own have they done in the past? These are important inquiries that will speak to their ability to meet your catering needs.

Pricing

Next, talk about money. What type of business model to the use? How much are their catering services? What additional fees might be charged? Is gratuity included? Catering costs will be a significant deciding factor when choosing a catering company in Peachtree City, Georgia. Keep in mind that cheaper doesn’t always mean better. Oppositely, watch out for inflated prices or price gouging. Catering costs should be fair, and seem reasonable for all materials, resources, and services provided to you.

Scope of Service

Is important to learn which types of catering services caterer officers. You want to be sure they offer catering services for your particular type of event. For instance, you don’t want to hire a catering company that specializes strictly in weddings for your nephew’s graduation. What type of catering services do they offer? Do they offer catering service for your particular event? These are important questions to know ahead of time before making a final decision on a Peachtree City catering company.

Dependability

Another important attribute to look for in a potential catering company is a good reputation. You want to know that they have a good client following and has demonstrated a high level of dependability among their clientele in the past. How many events do you have scheduled for the rest of the month? Do you have any customer reviews I can see? Can I view a company portfolio? How do you handle client disputes? What is your cancellation policy?

Food

Catering really offers a convenience of service, especially if you’re opting for white glove service, waitstaff, bartenders, off-premises venue, tables, chairs, cutlery, linens, flowers, lighting, entertainment, and more. But what catering is really about is the food. Be sure to ask your potential catering company candidate about their menus. Do you offer customized menus? Do you have a set menu? What types of food do you specialize in? Can you provide options for food allergies and dietary restrictions? Do you offer food tastings?

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

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

Top 4 Catering Styles to Choose From for Your Event

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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Types of Occasions Perfect for Professional Catering Service
Recommended Catering Portions Per Guest
The 4 Benefits of Using Corporate Event Catering

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

3 Things You Should Be Looking for in a Quality Caterer

A reputable and experienced catering company that knows what they are doing will have certain merits and qualifications that sets them apart from their industry contemporaries. Before closing your eyes and pointing to a listing, figure out what makes a caterer a good one. Continue reading to learn the top three things you should be looking for in a professional caterer.

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

How to Find a Great Catering Company for Your Special Event

References

Client testimonials, customer reviews, and word of mouth is a great place to start when it is necessary to find a caterer for your event. No one tells it better than the clients, so the overall disposition of past clientele is usually a big indication of their overall abilities as a catering company. Keep in mind that no company is perfect and there are bound to be one or two less-than-perfect reviews; however, this does not always speak to the true nature of a company’s ability to perform and deliver outstanding service. If there are several bad reviews and testimonies, then it is safe to assume they are not a fitting choice for your upcoming event.

Food Sample Offerings

A good catering company is happy to meet with clients and provide samples from their menu. After all, it is best to taste the food before committing to a large portion of it in the case that it is not good. Do not expect the sample meeting to be free of charge; reputable caterers have to charge a fee for this service to avoid non-serious inquiries that lose them money and resources. Simply give the office a call and request a taster meeting to get started; then sample the food to determine if it is a good fit for your occasion.

Reasonable Prices

Catering is a wide spectrum of service, amenities, and food quality. You can hire your local barbecue joint to whip up some smoked meats and southern side dishes for a family reunion in the park, but you probably wouldn’t hire the same company to cater your wedding reception. You must first decide what your budget is for catering service, and then choose a company that fits within those boundaries. Focus on finding the finest service within your particular price point.

Are you ready to get your catering plan in order for your special occasion or upcoming event? Contact Food for Thought Catering at 678-340-0510 to request a free estimate for Peachtree City catering, today. We cater all events and occasions, no matter the size or scope.

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

Catering Tips for Eco-Conscience Party Planners

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

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

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

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

Environmentally-Friendly Catering Advice for Parties and More

Cut Down on the Disposal Stuff

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

Avoid Using Chemicals

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

Minimize Electric Cooking

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

Professional Specialty and Custom Catering in Atlanta, Georgia

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

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