The biggest misconception about catering is that it is only for weddings, corporations, and other large events. Catering is in fact a 12 billion dollar industry with more than 100,000 different businesses bringing employment to more than 200,000 people. Smaller events such as Birthday Parties, Baby Showers, Super Bowl Parties, Tailgate Parties, Tea Parties, Romantic Dinner for two, and so many other smaller and personal events are just as important markets in which the catering business thrives. There may be some caterers who cater to just larger events, however, check with your local caterer (most welcome smaller events as well). Below you will find a few tips for planning certain events along with menu suggestions.
BIRTHDAY PARTIES
The most common food items you will find at any birthday party is the cake and ice cream. What if you wanted to serve a complete meal? What kind of menu should you have? One way of determining that answer is what kind of food does your birthday person like? Your menu could simply consist of all his/her favorite foods.
Menu suggestion:
Lasagna
Green Beans
Breadsticks
Olive Garden Salad
Cake and Ice-Cream
BABY SHOWER
Finger foods and appetizers are the commonly served food items at Baby Showers. Sandwiches are usually cut into cute shapes and sizes. Any other types of food items are also served at sizes smaller than usual. One important thing to find out before planning the menu is what kind of food the mother-to-be may not be able to eat. The most common food you will find is a cake or cupcakes revealing the gender and/or the name of the baby.
Menu suggestion:
Chicken Salad Sandwich
Cold Meat & Cheese Sandwich
Shrimp & Cocktail Sauce
Cheese & Crackers
Chips w/Hot Dip
Vegetable Tray
Watermelon with Blueberries
Cupcakes and/or cake
You may prefer a menu with warmer foods. Your choice might depend on the season (cold winter months may call for a menu like this).
Menu suggestion:
Chicken & Noodle Soup
Chili Soup
Dinner rolls
Cheese & Crackers
Chips w/Hot Dip
Vegetable Tray
Watermelon with Blueberries
Cake and/or cupcakes
SUPER BOWL PARTIES
Many Super Bowl parties may include chicken wings and pizza, however, a little research revealed a surprising fact! According to the NPD group, an independent market research firm that tracks Americans eating habits found that the most popular and common food eaten at Super Bowl parties is vegetables.
A Simple Super Bowl Menu suggestion:
A Hot or Cold Sandwich
Vegetables & Dip
Fruit pizza
Chips & Hot Dip
TEA PARTIES
Back in the Victorian Era, tea parties were very common. It was a great time for ladies to get together and socialize, catching up on all the latest gossip. Mothers also used these as an opportunity to teach their young daughters proper etiquette. They are still a great way to socialize and have become more popular in today’s world as people have begun holding these parties to honor important people in their lives. Tea parties consist of appetizers, delicates, scones, and a variety of finger foods. Tea is the most important item of all. When planning your tea party menu, it is important to know what type of food goes well with what kind of tea.
Menu Suggestion: The Coffee/Tea Expert Lindsay Goodwin gives great advice on planning your menu according to your type of tea.
TAILGATE PARTIES
Football reminds you of tailgate parties filled with lots of laughter, fun times with family and friends, and lots of good food. The common food at tailgate parties is the hot dog, a variety of salads, and so much more!
Menu Suggestion:
Hot Dogs or Kabobs
Hamburgers
Potato Salad
Pasta Salad
Macaroni Salad
Cookies
ROMANTIC DINNER
When planning a romantic dinner, whether it is for your spouse or boyfriend/girlfriend, the pressure is always on about making sure the food and set-up is perfect. You want the best for them. If you know cooking is not your strong point or you are simply crunched on time, contact your local caterer. Most catering companies provide a drop-off service, which makes it convenient for you to order and have it delivered right to your doorstep while you are focused on getting the ambience right.
Menu Suggestion: Plan your menu according to your special ones favorite foods. Good Luck and have fun.