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Deciding on what to serve guests at a catered event shouldn’t be a source of stress. If you know what you should include, you won’t have to spend much time figuring out what to select. That being said, it’s also not just a matter of pointing at options on a catering company’s menu.
When you plan out the menu, start by selecting five specific types of dishes, and then build from there. A caterer with an extensive list of options can help you create something that attendees will enjoy very much.
1. Vegetarian and Vegan Proteins
First, your menu’s main protein dishes should include both vegan and vegetarian proteins, along with meat-based dishes. Keep in mind that some vegetarians may be allergic to soy, legumes and other vegan proteins. Having a main meat dish, a main vegetarian dish containing eggs and a main vegan dish like mushrooms covers all your bases.
Ask attendees to let you know about their food allergies and specific dietary needs so you can plan the menu more effectively. Also, a myth you need to be aware of if you’re planning a catering menu for a large gathering is that vegan dishes aren’t automatically kosher or halal. They can be, of course, but if you think some of your attendees will need kosher or halal dishes, ask your caterer about those specifically.
2. Plain-Cut Vegetables and Fruit
Two dishes that blend very well with small and large catering menus are plain-cut vegetables (crudites) and plain-cut fruit. Place dips and dressings on the side for those who want them, but have the dishes themselves left without any additions. These healthy items work well for attendees who aren’t very hungry or who may have food allergies. They’re tasty and refreshing, and having in-season fruits and vegetables available is also economical.
3. Non-Spicy Food Dishes
Another type of dish to always have on hand is one that’s not spicy at all. Not even black pepper should be in these dishes. Several health conditions are aggravated by hot and spicy foods, and for the sensitive, even a little spiciness can set off symptoms.
Rather than assume that your guests will tell you about private health concerns, have part of the catered meal be mild instead. That will also help people who technically can eat spicy food but just don’t want to.
4. Non-Alcoholic Drinks
Always have a good selection of non-alcoholic drinks available, even if the attendees are all 18 and older. People may not be able to drink due to health conditions or medication use, some may have religious prohibitions to follow and others may simply not want to drink alcohol.
General catering may go well with just coffee, tea and soda, but for fancier events, consider having mocktails made, if the catering company you choose offers those. The number of mocktail recipes available keeps growing, so speak with the catering company to see if they offer their own range, or if they want you to provide them with recipes.
5. Comfort Food
Your catering menu can always benefit from having some comfort food, even if the event being catered isn’t that stressful. Having a nice chicken and rice pilaf, cheesy pasta, spaghetti and meatballs or another such dish offers that comfort aspect while also being very filling. These dishes form a satisfying anchor to the meal, especially if the other foods are very light, like salads and lean lunchmeat.
If the event being catered is stressful, people will appreciate having the comfort food. But even if the event isn’t stressful, you still need to have something that can be filling and satisfying. You want people to feel that they’ve eaten well when they leave the event.
If you need catering in or around Perth, Temptations Catering has an extensive selection of foods. Plan your catering menu early to ensure you’ll have dishes that people crave and that give them good memories of the event.