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!

Catering Tips for Buffets

Posted on August 27, 2018 by cateringfft17

Many people planning a party or event opt for buffet-style service over plated meals. It is a common and popular options because it provides several benefits in terms of convenience, efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and much more. However, not every event is best suited for buffet catering, so be sure you know the difference.

If you choose to have buffets at your event, there are some important tips you need to know in order to ensure the best experience possible. Continue reading to learn these tips, including how to determine if your event is a good fit for buffet-style catering.

Buffet Catering Services 678-340-0510

Types of Events

As mentioned, not all events are good fits for buffets. For instance, if you are dressing up in black tie and formal wear, you wouldn’t expect to navigate through a buffet and serve yourself at dinner. So to help make the determination between plated meals and a buffet simply consider the type of event you are planning. The general rule of thumb is that the more formal the event, the more you should lean toward plated meals. If your guests are dressing up in jackets, dresses, gowns, or tuxedos, a plated meal service would be more appropriate. However, more laid back events, are well-suited for self-service.

There are some exceptions to this rule, however. The higher the guest count gets, the less practical a buffet will be. Large events with hundreds of guests would not do well with a buffet, regardless of how formal or informal. The amount of time and space needed would be too much. Another exception are weddings. Weddings can be formal, but receptions are usually more informal. Wedding receptions would be well-suited for buffets, so long as the guest list doesn’t exceed 100 guests; then it could become less practical.

When to Choose a Buffet

Buffets are great options for parties that are offering more than one entrée option. This is especially helpful if you are unsure of the dietary restrictions or preferences of all the guests expected to attend. Another example of when buffets are a good choice is when you are planning an event that is not centered on a dinner. For instance, if you are hosting an event with a focus on a certain activity, such as a poker tournament or networking social, a buffet would be the perfect fit since it comes secondary to the main activity.

Quasi Buffet

For some events, having both plated meal service and buffets can be beneficial. This works by having salads and desserts on each place setting prior to guest arrival, followed by a buffet selection of appetizers and main courses. The advantages of a hybrid buffet approach is mostly centered on efficiency and convenience. Not only does it reduce the amount of foot traffic carrying plates from line to table, it makes certain a consistent start time for dinner.

Another optional approach to this type of buffet-service is to incorporate a “captain’s call”, which means that wait staff will alert each table when it is time to take their turn in the buffet line. This is especially helpful for events with a large guest count.

Professional Event Caterers You Can Trust

Food for Thought Catering 678-340-0510

Call Food for Thought Catering at 678-340-0510 for Newnan event catering at an affordable price. We are seasoned culinary specialists with a passion to serve excellent meals with the highest level of professionalisms. 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.

Tips For Tipping Your Caterer

Posted on May 4, 2018 by cateringfft17

In our country, it is customary to tip your server. However, in the catering industry, the obligation to tip is somewhat different from the standard restaurant and bar service industry. The rule of thumb in the service industry is 10% to 20% of your total bill, but when it comes to catering, there is no universally-accepted industry guideline about how much or when to tip.

This does not mean that you should not tip your caterers; in fact, although tips are not mandatory, they are always greatly appreciated in any hourly-paid, service-oriented position. On the other hand, the rules of tipping in the catering industry vary depending on certain factors, including how well they provided their service, what you have already paid for, and much more.

Continue reading to learn some important advice about tipping your caterers.

Georgia Catering Services 678-340-0510

What’s in a Tip?

Tipping is a customary act that is meant to tell a person or company “thank you.” They are most commonly given in the food and hospitality industries because many people who work for restaurants and bars are paid a lower-than-average hourly rate (around $3 or so). This means they rely mostly on tips to supplement their income.

In contrast, most caterers are not paid the same as restaurant servers and bartenders. Instead, they are usually paid a reasonable hourly wage, so they are not dependent on tips. So although many caterers are making the state-minimum wage, it is perfectly acceptable (and kind) to tip them if you feel they went above and beyond your expectations.

Gratuity Included

When it comes to tipping caterers, first be sure you have not already been charged for tips. Some catering companies include gratuity on the bill. Whether or not gratuity is automatically added into a catering bills depends on many factors, primarily guest count and the particular business model the company uses. Inclusive gratuity is usually a standard for large events with numerous guests.

It is also important to know that many catering companies also add in a fee called a “service charge” or “production fee”, which is intended to cover any incidental costs. However, these types of fees do not go toward paying servers, bartenders, or caterers. So do not mistake a service charge fee for added gratuity.

Deciding to Tip

When asking yourself whether or not you should tip your caterers, it is important to think about the service they provided. If they did a good job, showed up on time, arrived neatly dressed and ready to work, and met all of your expectations, it is nice to offer a tip. How much to tip is a different consideration, but the standard amounts range between $40 and $150, depending on how many caterers worked your event and the cost of your total bill.

When in Doubt…

If you ever find yourself in doubt about tipping your caterers, just consult your point of contact at your catering company of choice. They will provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision, including what the charges are on your bill and how many employees will be working your event. After that, it is all up to you and how you feel about their service.

Newnan Event Catering

Food for Thought Catering 678-340-0510

Call Food for Thought Catering at 678-340-0510 for quality event catering in Newnan, Georgia. We provide a wide range of private and business catering selections, from party trays and boxes lunches, to buffets, dinner service, and much more. You can count on us to make your corporate event exactly what you intend for it to be because we customize our catering services around your specific needs. Call 678-340-0510 to request a consultation, today!

Cost-Saving Advice for Catering a Party

Posted on March 9, 2018 by cateringfft17

Planning a memorable and exciting event with limited cash flow is not an impossible feat. If you need to cater a party on a small budget, set your worries aside and rely on these terrific money-saving tips!

Georgia Catering Services 678-340-0510

Catering costs can quickly add up. Fortunately, this means they can also be strategically whittled down to fit your desired budget. There are many cuts and adjustments you can make to your catering program in order to meet your needs and remain within a particular spending limit.

Here are some helpful tips to do just that!

➀ Rethink the Style of Your Party

If you are working with a very limited budget, you may want to consider rejecting the idea of catering a 3 course meal at your party, and instead, planning a more casual event, such as appetizers, hors d’oueuvres, and cocktails. This can still add value and elegance to your party, but without breaking the bank. For an enhanced version, consider small plates, canapes, and self-serve food stations. To better encourage networking and nibbling, couple this style of catering with pedestal tables and tall chairs.

➁ Cut Out Labor

An easy way to cut your catering costs is to cut as much labor as you can. This means you would have to opt for things like customer pick-up, delivery and drop-off service, and pass up selections like set-up, wait staff, bar service, breakdown, and cleanup. By choosing a self-service route, such as buffet-style or boxed meals, you can reduce the total cost of your catering program by as much as 50 percent.

➂ Limit Appetizers and Hors D’oueuvres

It is common to have a large selection of appetizers trays passed around or set up at a party. However, if you really want to cut some extra costs, you should consider limiting the amount of hors d’oueuvres and apps at your particular event, and instead, turn your focus to the primary meal, or perhaps a bar station. Although you cut out introductory snacks and nibblers, you are not taking away from the quality of your party since there will be additional courses, and possibly dessert, served later on.

➃ Forgo the Venue

To save money without restricting your desired catering program, you can make cost cuts in other places. Forgoing an expensive venue for one that is much cheaper, or free, is a great way to do this. You can save hundreds of dollars by choosing to hold your event at a more humble location, such as a park, a restaurant, or a friend’s house. You can cut costs further by cutting back on your table linens, china, cutlery, and more, especially if you choose a free venue that provides these amenities at no extra cost, like a bar or restaurant.

Georgia Catering

Food for Thought Catering 678-340-0510

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!

Types of Occasions Perfect for Professional Catering Service

Posted on February 9, 2018 by cateringfft17

There are several parties, events, and celebrations that are made better with professional catering services. Basically, if you have an occasion coming up that involves entertaining more than 6 guests, you have the perfect opportunity to cater the event with professional food and service!

Think it’s out of the budget?

The truth is, professional catering services are not just affordable, they are 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!

Need some more inspiration on which parties to cater?

Continue reading for a list of events and occasions that call for professional catering!

Georgia Catering Services 678-340-0510

🎂 Birthdays

Birthdays are simply a given when it comes to a perfect party to cater. Most people will have at least 6 to 10 guests at a birthday party, which is a perfect catering occasion. For parties that have dozens of guests, catering is almost a must if you want to enjoy yourself. This is especially true for large birthday parties with 50 to 100 guests or more.

🎉 Celebrations

When you want to celebrate something important in life, a party is the way to go. As for catering celebratory parties, occasions like national holidays, religious holidays, weddings, civil unions, reunions, bachelor/bachelorette parties, engagement parties, wedding showers, baby showers, school dances, block parties, welcome home parties, and even family movie nights, are the perfect match.

📚 Initiatives

When you are holding an event to accomplish a goal, it is better done with delicious food! Events like educational panels, conventions, charity balls, fundraisers, office conferences, and even auctions, are a great match for professional catering.

🎖 Achievements

Achieving anything positive in life is worthy of praise and acknowledgement. Parties are a great way to convey praise for someone’s accomplishments, and professional catering can really up the ante. Common examples of such occasions include retirement, graduations, promotions, awards, grants, scholarships, housewarming parties, and more.

🕆 Rites of Passage

Many people eventually earn a rite of passage or have a coming of age moment in life. These rites of passage and coming of age moments are often celebrated with a large group of friends and family, making them the perfect occasion to cater professionally! These include communions, baptisms, confirmations, religious inductions, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, Quinceaneras, Sweet Sixteens, and more.

Georgia Catering Services

Food for Thought Catering 678-340-0510

Call Food for Thought Catering at 678-340-0510 for professional caterers 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 full-service catering, along with a wide selection of authentic, custom-made menus and packages, for all corporate and private events. Request a free estimate, today.