HOW TO PLAN A CATERED EVENT MENU
If you are tasked to provide a menu for a successful event – well, you will technically be the one to make it successful by planning a high menu that is all-inclusive and has provisions for delicious meals and drinks. But, on the other hand, you wouldn’t want to do sub-standard food or, even worse, inedible meals that otherwise spoil the event.
This article discusses some of the simple tips you need to get acquainted with to make stellar menus for a perfect event. However, if you feel this is out of your repertoire, do not forget to hire an entertainment specialist to take care of this for you.
Master the guests’ profile
Among the most critical aspects is you get to know the profiles of the guests you have invited. By identifying their patterns, you are, in other terms getting closer to what they like in food and what they don’t. In simple terms, you will be looking to find out the professional level of your guests, how often your guests attend events, and the frequency at which they participate in similar circumstances, the residences of the guests, and their ethnic backgrounds.
You don’t want to serve pork to guests who are affiliated with Muslim culture. Getting to know your guests allows you to understand and be prepared to pick a menu that reflects the guests’ profile in attendance. Some general notions about event attendees are that the younger ones like adventurous foods. Also, they fancy it spicy. The older ones, on the other hand, would prefer mild food. In contrast, those who are mindful of their health and fitness levels prefer vegetarian meals alongside seafood.
Tapping on the guests’ preferences gives you an edge. However, one entrée will never be sufficient to please all the guests you have. Therefore, it is wise for you as the planner to have different menus to widen your choices. Generally, you are instructed to offer at least two menus, have at least three salad options for the course, and have two desserts to choose from- one should be healthy and another at least indulgent.
Prepare for individual needs.
Make sure you consider people’s dietary needs due to health reasons and allergies as much as possible. For example, people with certain conditions are unable to eat gluten or dairy. In addition, nuts present can cause severe allergic reactions, especially if an attendee can suffer a response due to airborne allergens.
Seasons and time of the day should be factored in
Menus should be built by actively considering the time of the day or the time of the year. Furthermore, you should find as well the part of town you are in or the region. These factors will tell you the most favoured foods by the inhabitants and the type of foods to serve in certain areas depending on the season. You will then look to incorporate fresh foods that are locally made or produced.
If you are hosting an event during the warmer seasons, then why not consider adding a deluxe dessert menu with a variety of products and accompaniments from a Dessert Parlour to wow your guests and give them something to satisfy their sweet tooth and enjoy in the sunshine.
Event schedule
The time of the day strongly dictates the kind of menu you develop. Therefore, the type of meal you serve should reflect the time of days, such as breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Final presentation
Whichever service method you choose, whether plated or buffet, your food must be colourful, appealing, and fragrant. The way you present your food should be attractive so that everyone can’t wait to have a bite. The smell itself should announce the presence of food.
The bottom line
It’s been said that the aroma of the food introduces the best cook. Likewise, meals are a critical component in any event. The way you set and plan your menu will determine the happiness of your guests. Following the tips mentioned above and adding a few standard practices will do the day for you.
