Classy catering
Whether it’s dinner for two, Sunday brunch with the family, or a larger gathering, catering can be stressful, unless properly planned.
Limited access to many hospitality venues during the past few years has seen a rise in do-it-yourself functions as people have worked creatively to carry on with lives, celebrating birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, family and friends.
Hiring a caterer is a great way to go. Whether you decide to out-source or DIY, here are some tips to make it easier.
- Choose between buffet or plated food. For more intimate functions, plated is ideal, but for larger groups, consider going buffet-style. This works well with others contributing dishes, and people serve themselves.
- Select a theme based on the event type, and the venue. Casual is good for a barbeque, romantic for an intimate wedding anniversary, mid-winter blues for a winter get-together, cocktails for any celebration.
- Have a signature dish. Make an occasion more memorable using a signature dish or special recipe. It may be island-style raw fish, a gorgeous gateau for dessert, home-made pate, or granny’s famous Shepherd’s Pie.
- If going DIY, make some dishes ahead of time. Don’t leave things until the last minute. Many dishes can be made a day early, and heated on the day. Curries, for instance, taste much better the day after they’ve been cooked.
- Invest in beautiful dinnerware, cutlery and serving utensils. Plating food beautifully adds ‘wow’ to any occasion. Also think about a colour palette, and use fresh herb sprigs, flowers, and chopped nuts
to decorate.
