The holidays are coming and people are already planning both corporate and personal parties. Now is the right time to start looking at what you will serve and how you will manage all your guests’ needs.
According to Google trends, November and December is the peak time to do research in advance of your party, to decide what type of event you want to host.
There are three ways to cater to an amazing holiday party and each way depends on your personal style and the occasion. Here are some ideas, complete with suggestions on all the catering supplies you’ll need for your event.
Formal and Fancy
This is where you pull out all the stops. Take a queue from Martha Stewart, and save money on your formal party by planning the guest list and the budget in advance.
Your food is higher end, whether you call a professional or do it yourself. It consists of hors-d’oeuvres and some dramatic decorating. This type of party requires china, glass and silverware, a bar and hot food along with passed appetizers.
A good bar requires obtaining all the bar supplies like mixers, various glassware, stir sticks, lemons, limes, cherries, and tonic water for starters. You should also have bar towels, a wine opener, a cocktail shaker and a bartender who knows both how to mix drinks and be entertaining.
Presenting hot food requires chafers, as they keep food hot for the entire length of your party. While you can rent them, it is less expensive over the long term to buy them if you plan on entertaining regularly.
Informal and Fun
This style can save you money because you can opt for disposables rather than china. There are many types of high-quality plastic disposables today that are great substitutes for china and there are also plastic cups that look just like glass tumblers and goblets. Disposable silverware also comes in a bright silver finish that adds sparkle to any table.
A sense of informality allows you to get creative with color. You can go bright with red or use non-traditional colors like turquoise. An informal event also opens some food options because you can include things like sliders, macaroni and cheese, and various dips.
The Comfort of Home
These type of parties are primarily for close family and friends. There is no pretense in these events where you provide the entree meat and family members bring side dishes. Making sure you have enough often space and chafers is the most important thing because there will likely be a lot of food that will need to be kept warm for an extended period of time.
Whatever style you choose, you will need to clean up afterward, but by planning in advance, even clean up can be a breeze.
After a quick clean up, you’ll be able to rest and dream about the next party!