Catering for Large Private Events

Large Private Events are a special occasion as they are a great chance for us to celebrate with a large number of family and friends.  These events can go for one night or a weekend to make the most of your time together.

Large functions require more planning than a normal function, typically the same preparation however on a larger more detailed scale.  More numbers means larger spaces, more of everything.

When starting to plan your function it is good to determine an approximate number of people in attendance, so you can hire a venue or marquee to accommodate everyone.  Venues can be hired to cover all aspects of your function or offer the possibility for you to setup and organise private catering.  Marquees are great if you have a large private property for privacy.

Speak with your local party hire company as they will be able to provide tables, chairs, glass ware and bulk amounts of equipment you will require.  This may range from lighting, generators to cold rooms.  When planning for large numbers a cold room is an excellent idea, as this will save numerous eskies and plenty of ice.  Drinks can be stored easily, along with any platters or cake for your function.

A mobile caterer is perfect for large private functions if you don’t wish to use an in-house caterer.  This may also save time and money as a professional caterer will take most of the planning, preparation and cleaning up as part of their responsibility.  When looking for a caterer for large events it is important to confirm they have experience, necessary equipment and skill to cater for your function.

Drinks are another important consideration when planning for large events.  The storage, setup and service will need to be well planned and executed to ensure a smooth and efficient service for the duration of your function.  A large space for storage of glassware, cold drinks and plenty of rubbish bins to ensure mess and rubbish is kept to a minimum.  A separate self service area for water and non-alcoholic punch and soft drinks is a great idea, and will keep the bar area solely for alcoholic drinks.  This will allow families and children to access drinks at any time during the function.

Planning ahead will ensure you have everything organised, and know that your suppliers will work effectively to your schedule of events.

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Corporate Catering for Large Businesses

As a large business, there will be many meetings during the year that require catering.   Corporate lunches, business meetings with interstate staff and in-house staff are enquiries that are very popular on the internet.  Finding a local catering company that can deliver platters at a prearranged time, with quality food is a good asset for you.  Anything from fruit and cheese platters, sandwiches and quiches, muffins and biscuits are great fillers for small breaks between meetings.

When planning for larger meetings, corporate events or end of year Christmas Parties, find a caterer that specialises in catering for high volume numbers.  This way you can do all your planning in advance, and on the day let the caterers provide and organise the food and service.  Nothing is worse than running around trying to organise last minute shopping, ice etc when you should be mentally preparing any notes or guest arrivals.

Catering is a specialised service, than can run very smoothly and run to your set timings.  A good caterer will know that you would like food served at a certain time, and not 30 minutes late!  Having suitable equipment is an integral part of catering, as presentation can be just as important as the taste.  If you don’t have a regular caterer that you can rely on, ask questions to ensure they understand exactly what you require and expect.

If you have 200 staff attending your end of year break-up party, it can run like a well oiled machine, or completely ruin your party for the year.  Say your drinks are ready; all your gifts have been presented and before all your staff has eaten…the food runs out.  Ask about food portions, and if there are any restrictions.  Most caterers will over-cater to ensure that guests are welcome to second on buffets. 

When catering for large functions, it is important to offer a wide selection of dishes and ingredients.  This will ensure that guests are not limited to one or two items.  Mention if there are any vegetarians or dietary requirements, this should not be a problem for your caterer, with options available.

Enjoy your functions, and remember that you don’t have to rush around organising things, when you have a professional caterer for the day.

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Catering for a Large Relaxed Corporate Dinner

Planning for a Corporate Dinner can be relaxed, fun and casual.  Once work has finished for the week, a corporate dinner is a great way for work colleagues to socialise and have a little fun.  Catering for larger numbers does not have to be extremely formal.  Working with the flow of the evening, incorporating different stages of food throughout the night will ensure there is plenty of food.

When catering for a large corporate dinner, it is important to understand the type of night planned.  If work and meetings is involved, then food service will be required to work with certain time schedules.  Say the night is more about allowing staff to enjoy themselves without set meetings; the catering can be more social and integrated.

Starting the evening with nibbles and Finger Foods will allow guests the chance to talk and socialise.  A table centrally located will ensure guests see that food is available if hungry, especially if alcohol is being served.  Finger Foods can range from chips, dips and nuts to Anti-Pasto Platters and a selection of Hot Options walked around on platters and directly served to guests.

Finger Food catering is very social and can be as filling as required.  Generally the number of options served will depend on the length of time service is required.

Once guests have been at a Corporate Event for several hours, it is important to serve food that will fill guests till the end of the night.  Talk & Fork Menus are great for larger guest numbers, and can be served buffet style.  Guests can select the food options and quantity they feel like eating, without having to sit down. 

Finger Food followed by Talk & Fork Options will ensure your guests have an abundance of food for your Corporate Dinner.

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