How to Keep Your Catering Costs Low for Big Events

Posted on May 30, 2023 by cateringfft17

When it comes to throwing a big event, catering is one of the biggest costs you’ll face. Whether you’re hosting a wedding, corporate function, or birthday party, keeping your catering costs low can be a challenge. But with the right planning and preparation, it’s possible to keep your catering budget in check while still providing delicious food for your guests. Continue reading to learn some helpful, real-world tips on how to keep your catering costs low for big events.

Call 678-340-0510 For Large Event Catering in Peachtree City Georgia

Average Cost of Catering a Large Event

Hosting a large event is undoubtedly a significant undertaking, with many details to consider: the venue, decor, and most importantly, catering. Catering costs can quickly add up, and setting a budget is crucial when planning. The average cost of catering for a large event can vary greatly depending on factors such as the number of guests, type of cuisine, and level of service required.

Although it is not the only business model used among catering companies, most large event catering prices are calculated on a per-head basis. Using this model, catering prices might range anywhere from $15 to $150 per person. It’s essential to work with a trusted Peachtree City caterer who can help guide you through the process and provide a realistic breakdown of the catering price sheet. With careful planning and consideration, your large event catering can be both memorable and cost-effective.

Effective Ways to Reduce Event Catering Costs

Organizing a big event entails significant catering expenses, whether it’s a wedding, corporate event, or birthday party. It can be challenging to control catering costs, but with proper planning, it’s achievable. Here are some tips to keep your catering expenses to a minimum and still serve delightful food for your guests:

1. Research the Catering Services in Your Area: There are lots of catering services out there, so do your research and find one that offers reasonable rates for the quality of food they provide. Ask around to get referrals from friends and family members who have used different caterers before. Make sure you read reviews online too, so you can make an informed decision.

2. Opt for Local Food Vendors: Instead of going with a catering service, see if there are any local restaurants that offer delivery or catering services at competitive prices. This way, you’ll be able to support small businesses while potentially saving money on your event’s budget. It’s always a good idea to call ahead and find out if they offer discounts for larger orders.

3. Reduce Waste: Order only as much food as you think your guests will eat to avoid wasting money on uneaten food. Also, try to choose menu items that don’t require a lot of preparation and decorations, which can add up quickly in terms of costs.

4. Consider Bringing in Your Own Food: If you have the time and skill set, consider bringing in some of your own food or ingredients to use in your catering service’s dishes. This is a great way to save money while still providing high-quality food for your event.

5. Opt For Buffet-Style Service: Buffets are usually cheaper than sit-down meals and are a good way to feed large groups of people. Guests will be able to choose the dishes they like, which can help keep food waste at a minimum.

In Summary

By doing your research, you’ll be able to find the right catering service that fits within your budget. With some creative thinking and proper planning, you can save money on catering costs while still providing delicious food for your guests.

Looking for full-service event catering that meets the budget requirement? Contact Food for Thought Catering at 678-340-0510 for professional large event catering in Peachtree City, Georgia. We also help with décor, themes, vendors, and more. Request a consultation today!

How to Properly Store Your Catering Leftovers

Posted on June 21, 2022 by cateringfft17

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

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.

Enhance Your Event With These 3 Catering Tips

Posted on May 5, 2022 by cateringfft17

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.

Event Catering Peachtree City Georgia 678-340-0510

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!

Top 3 Options for Effortless Corporate Seminar Catering

Posted on March 10, 2022 by cateringfft17

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

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.

Top 4 Catering Styles to Choose From for Your Event

Posted on August 5, 2021 by cateringfft17

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.

You Should Also Enjoy:

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

Suggestions for Planning an Off-Site Catered Event in Georgia

Posted on September 11, 2020 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.

First…Decide on 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 Georgia, 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.

Set a Realistic 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.

Select a Suitable 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.

Choose Your 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, nothing will render 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 and Party Catering in Georgia

Call Food for Thought Catering at 678-340-0510 for professional Georgia catering services for parties and events of all occasions and sizes. 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 aid 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!

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!

The Benefits of Catering Trays

Posted on October 26, 2018 by cateringfft17

Whether you are hosting a small party, or planning a magnificent wedding, catering trays are an excellent choice for your occasion! Continue reading to learn the various benefits of catering trays, as well as, some helpful tips for incorporating them at your special event.

Georgia Catering Services 678-340-0510

The food portion of any event is one of the most anticipated, which also makes it very important. What better way to satisfy the tastes of all your guests with a wide selection of easily-accessible finger foods? Catering trays offer your event this very advantage, and will certainly please even the pickiest of palate.

There are many additional benefits to using catering trays too. As finger foods go, they are always a crowd pleaser, regardless of how formal or informal the event. Here’s what catering trays can offer your upcoming occasion:

✔ A Variety of Options

Catering trays can contain virtually anything you want, and at any size. There are endless options to choose from, and they can be customized down to the smallest detail. They can all be personalized according to theme, season, personal preference, ethnicity, religion, food allergies, dietary restrictions, and more. Common selections for catering trays include fruits, raw or pickled vegetables, cured or smoked meats, cheese, crackers, breads, nuts, finger sandwiches, hot skewered foods, cookies, brownies, cupcakes, and chocolates.

✔ Great For Virtually Any Event

Catering trays are great options for both informal and formal events. Informal events like business meetings, company picnics, girl’s night, game night, birthday parties, family reunions, baby showers, and more, are all perfectly suited for a spread of catering trays. Events that are more formal, such as weddings, engagement parties, anniversary parties, class reunions, charity balls, and more, are also well-suited for a deluxe spread of catering trays. Whether you are expecting 10 guests, or hundreds, catering trays are a great choice.

✔ Convenience and Peace of Mind

Catering trays will give you ample peace of mind because they are instant crowd pleasers, and they are very cost-effective. Furthermore, ordering and planning for catering trays is easy and stress-free since virtually everything is handled by the catering provider. This gives you more time to coordinate the music, guest list, venue, and décor. This convenient and efficient approach to catering an event is something to truly relish!

Where to Find Reputable Georgia Event Caterers

Food for Thought Catering 678-340-0510

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!

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.