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!

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

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!

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!

Top 3 Reasons to Hire Professional Caterers for Your Special Occasion

Posted on December 11, 2018 by cateringfft17

Whether it is a wedding, Bar Mitzvah, family reunion, or similar noteworthy occasion, food is generally a focal point, and even highly anticipated. As the appointed party planner, this leaves you with a few options for food service. You can either cook the food and prepare the setup yourself; go with a “pot luck” approach and request that each guest contribute a dish of their own; or you can skip all the hassle and outsource professional catering services.

Although the first two options are not terrible ideas, they are not as sophisticated and tasteful dining selections for special occasions like weddings and other significant milestones. Self-catering and potlucks are great for informal events like backyard barbecues and family picnics, but not formal enough for a traditional ceremony or elegant gathering.

And this is just the introductory reason as to why you should hire professional caterers for your special occasion. Continue reading to learn the top 3 reasons why professional catering is best for formal events.

Georgia Catering Services 678-340-0510

❶ You Will Save Time and Avoid Hassle

Every detail of the preparation, presentation, menu, serving, and more are all thought out and taken care of by the professional catering company. Not having to waste time considering all of these details can truly reduce the stress and pressure a person can feel when planning a large event. Professional caters are extensively experienced in controlling the entire food process; from menu options to serving staffs.

Not only do they care for all the food planning and preparation, caters bring their own supplies, equipment, and often times, linens. This means napkins, utensils, plate ware, glasses, table cloths, condiments, serving dishes, and more are all provided by the catering service. Not only does this save loads of time and energy, it can save money as well. Purchasing all these items for one event can cost upwards of thousands of dollars. By outsourcing a catering company, they bring their own supplies and you do not waste money on items you will only need for one day or night.

❷ Professional Wait Staffs Take Care of Guests

Not only does having a professional serving staff scream elegance, it cares for many aspects of the catering job. For example, all catering servers are highly trained waiters and waitresses that have extensive experience in banquet-style serving. They come in full uniform, cleaned and pressed. They are there to cater to every guest’s needs; from refilling drinks to serving course after course, pre-bussing, re-stocking salad bars and serving dishes, and much more. Also, they are there to ensure there is enough food for everyone, and that everyone gets a hot plate no matter what happens.

❸ Breakdown and Cleanup is Covered

Professional serving staffs can also handle breakdown and cleanup. They will remain after the gathering to cleanup dishes, bus tables, remove dirty linens, replace chairs and tables to their original locations, break down serving stations, vacuum, dust, spot clean, and again, much more. Not having to wash dishes and cleanup after a party is a reason in itself to hire professional caterers for special occasions.

Professional Event Catering for All of Georgia

Food for Thought Catering 678-340-0510