Considerations for Planning an Event

Things to consider when planning an event and hiring a caterer:

What is your budget?

Do you have a limited amount of money you will be able to spend?
Your budget may need to include any or all of the following: food, beverages, alcohol (we offer beer and wine), equipment rentals, servers, delivery.

What type of event are you planning?

There are many different styles depending on the nature of your event. Are you aiming for a formal, high-end catering with multiple courses served individually or more of an informal get-together? We cater anything from the most elegant plated meals to a simple array of tasty treats and everything in between.

What type of service will your event require?

Once you decide what type of event you’re planning we can help you figure out the best way for it all to run smoothly. Some standard options include traditional buffet; family-style, where large portions are on each table and the guests help themselves; formal plated meals, served to each individual possibly in multiple courses. What kind of beverages do you have in mind and how will they be served? Will you have alcohol and if so, will there be an open bar or a cash bar and will a bartender be required? Answers to these questions and others will determine how many servers you would need to ensure your event is as enjoyable as possible for you and your guests.

Where is your event being held?

We have catered several events in many different venues and we also do in-house catering with ample notice (usually two weeks). Make sure that the venue you choose lets you use off-premise caterers. Also, depending on the menu, it’s helpful to know if there are facilities on-site that can be utilized by our staff, including cooking or heating equipment, sinks, refrigerators, etc. We can help you determine any necessary features of your venue. We can also just deliver and set-up so that during the event you and your friends are in control.

How many people are attending your event and what are they expecting?

If your event is taking place during normal meal times people probably will show up expecting a full meal, whereas if it takes place in the afternoon or mid-morning your guests may expect lighter fare. Another important factor is the time of year-for example, if it’s summer people generally don’t want hot soup. Are you having an open house where people haven’t RSVP’d and may show up at different times? And will children be attending? We can work with you to create kid-friendly food for your younger guests if you think this is appropriate.

Have you thought about the menu?

Do you have some favorite foods you’d love to include or is there a theme to your event that extends to the menu? You certainly are not limited to the items on our catering menu and depending on the season, we may have many other possibilities. We enjoy working with our clients to build a menu that exemplifies what we do best-preparing and serving delicious organic food!

What are you going to need besides food and drinks?

Lots of things go into a great meal beyond the food. Again, depending on the style of your event you may need to rent tables, chairs, linens, china, silverware, glasses; or you can purchase informal recyclable tableware. We can provide these things and take care of all the rentals for you but keep in mind that rental costs can add up and you may spend close to half your budget on these items. It may seem steep but if the event is important, it’s worth it; and it’s always your decision.