Catering Ideas
Ideas for a catered event can go in many different directions. There are various considerations that will influence the choice when coming up with the best menu choices for a specific event. A small group of people will be easier to serve a sit-down meal, where a buffet might work better for a larger group. A luau or a barbecue might work best at an outdoor event. Buffets work well for any size group, but the cuisine of the buffet can vary. Does this Spark an idea?
Appetizers Only
Appetizers can be easy to prepare for a party or special event. They can be as expensive or inexpensive as the host chooses. Fruit trays offer slices of apple, orange, kiwi, pineapple and melon. A cheese tray can hold an assortment of crackers and small cubes of a variety of cheeses. Fill dinner rolls with ham, turkey and cheese, tuna, chicken salad or egg salad. Puff pastries can be purchased or made by hand.
Full Meals
The sit-down meal is usually offered at more elegant affairs. This catered meal will usually start off with a green salad or fruit salad, and a basket of bread or rolls. After the first course is finished, the servers will bring the main course. The main course will usually have a choice of meat, a side of potatoes or rice, and a vegetable medley of some sort. The final course will be dessert, with offerings of pie, cake, and other desserts.
Buffet
A buffet-style meal is a good way to serve a variety of food to a large number of guests. The choices are limitless. The caterer can offer an Italian buffet complete with several choices of pasta and sauce, a Mexican buffet with make-your-own-taco fixings, or a traditional buffet with casseroles, meats, vegetables, fruits, etc. A pizza buffet offers several different varieties of pizza. A salad bar can also be offered with different choices of toppings.
Barbecue
Catered barbecues can be a lot of fun. Ribs, pork and brisket can all be slow-cooked in a large smoker. Hot dogs and hamburgers can be added just before the event. Large pans of baked beans and tubs of coleslaw, macaroni and potato salad make easy-to-serve options for the sides. If the event is outdoors, large tables can be set up under tents or in the shade where the guests can fill plates with their favorite foods.
Hawaiian Luau
A Hawaiian luau staple is the roast pig, steamed in an underground oven, which brings with it an aroma that will set all mouths to watering. For some variety, teriyaki chicken can be served alongside the pork. Poi, a luau staple, is a Hawaiian starch that can be seasoned with salt or sugar, depending on preference. Fish, fruits and salads can also be offered. Desserts may include custard, coconut cake, chocolate macadamia cake or guava cake.
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