Gourmet Tarts Catering – Planning Your Catering Menu for an Intimate Gathering

The star of a party is often food. Whether you are gathering your friends and family for brunch, lunch, or dinner, you want to make sure everyone leaves with a satisfied tummy. As a party host, there are plenty of ways you can go about serving food to your guests. Perhaps the best option for intimate gatherings is to look for a catering company that specialises in small groups.  

Catering services aren’t just for weddings and formal events. You can hire experienced professionals to set-up a boozy Sunday brunch, a laid-back lunch, casual afternoon tea, or even a dressed-down dinner. For your upcoming parties, even if with 30 guests or less, you may want to hire a catering company to take care of your meal.  

A caterer can make an intimate party feel grand. Caterers are a more polished alternative to a potluck or a family BBQ. If you want to know how to plan your menu for your next small party, here are a few things you should consider: 

1. The Venue 

Before you call up a caterer, consider the venue where your event will be held. Caterers work best when they are provided the resources they need in a venue like a large family home or event hall. The venue will also dictate the type of food you will order. At home, you can do a stylised grill, have a roast, or set up a dinner table under the stars. A more elegant affair might involve a five-course meal with cocktails. Decide on your venue first and you’ll find deciding on the menu to be a breeze! 

2. The Dinner Set-Up 

Depending on the occasion, you may want a simple buffet set-up or full sit-down dinner. Many catering services provide chair and table rentals so that you can customise your seating based on the theme of the event. Determine which style you prefer, since it will determine what type of food you will serve. A buffet-style will be more casual while sit-down dinner will have plated dishes of steak, seafood, or fancier fare. 

3. The Number of Guests 

Decide how small your intimate gathering will be. Most caterers will have a minimum number of guests to serve, while other caterers will charge by the amount. When you know how many people you are expecting, you can estimate how much food to order. When you write out your guest list, be sure to consider that ten per cent of your invitees will not be able to make it. 

4. The Add-Ons 

The benefit of catering companies is that they can customise your meal however you wish. You can make a small party special with specials like a roast carving or a fresh pasta station where a chef can prepare dishes on the spot according to each guest’s preferences. You might also want to have a free-flowing fancy ice cream cart or a cocktail bar to delight your guests. 

Conclusion – Planning Your Catering Menu for an Intimate Gathering

A catering company will save you the time from preparing food yourself or having to order from various restaurants or vendors. When you have a catering company, you can spend less time worrying about the menu and instead focus on mingling with your guests and making sure they have a good time. 

Are you looking for catering services Northern Beaches? We can help your host memorable parties that your guests will undoubtedly enjoy. We serve fresh and healthy meals with produce sourced from local suppliers. Let us bring our passion for cooking to your next intimate gathering. Send us a message and see how we can help you!