Whatever type of party or event you’re planning, food plays an integral part in creating an unforgettable experience. Whether it’s a casual get-together, a lavish wedding or a corporate event, choosing the right party food can elevate any occasion from the mundane to the sublime.
Food, after all, is so much more than just sustenance; it’s an art form which engages the senses, sparks conversation and creates a lasting impression on your guests. From the vibrant colours of a well thought out grazing platter to tantalising aromas in the air, every element contributes to the overall ambience of an event. In fact, here at PartyWizz, we consider party food to be an essential part of the entertainment!
But how do you, as party host, meet such high expectations?
This is where the expertise of a caterer comes in. Hiring a professional caterer will not only ensure your food is delicious and creative but will also offer a variety of options that can be tailored to fit your budget, the party’s theme and guest preferences. In short, they can turn your vision into a delicious reality!
In this blog post, we’ll share hints and tips on how to hire a caterer, consider the benefits of using a professional versus doing it yourself, and suggest some ideas for different types of events.
Hire a caterer or DIY party food?
Pros:
- Convenience: A caterer will deal with food preparation, serving and post-event cleanup
- Supplies: Many caterers will supply tableware, cutlery and crockery.
- Professional Quality: Caterers deliver high-quality food and presentation
- Variety and Customisation: They offer diverse menu options and can accommodate dietary restrictions
- Timesaving: Hiring a caterer frees up time, enabling hosts to spend more time with their guests
- Stress Reduction: Hiring professional caterers alleviates the stress associated with meal planning and execution.
Cons:
- Cost: Catering services can be expensive, accounting for a significant percentage of the event’s budget
- Less Control: Hosts may have less control over the specifics of the food preparation and presentation
- Potential miscommunication: Without clear communication, there could be misunderstandings about menu choices or service expectations
- Limited Personal Touch: Some hosts may feel that using a caterer reduces the personal touch conveyed by homemade dishes
- Availability: High demand, especially during peak seasons, may limit your options unless you are able to book well in advance.
Party Food Occasions
Corporate kids
Including family-friendly elements at corporate events is increasingly recognised as an excellent way for companies to foster a positive work environment and enhance employee satisfaction. Engaging staff and their families, especially children, at corporate events creates a sense of community and belonging which is essential for employee morale and retention.
Catering for children at a corporate event requires a thoughtful approach to ensure they are both delighted and well fed, so it’s vital that you choose a trusted caterer with experience of this type of event.
Important points to consider:
- Ensure your caterer offers a variety of options to accommodate different tastes and dietary restrictions
- Check there are sufficient catering staff to avoid long queues; ‘hangry’ kids and frazzled parents are not conducive to boosting staff morale!
- Make sure there are plenty of child-friendly soft drinks available
Getting the food right at a corporate family event can transform the whole experience, especially if your caterer includes some interactive food options. Suggestions include:
- Pizza van – everyone loves pizza, and kids will jump at the chance to personalise theirs
- Fish and chip van – fish, chips, mushy peas and vegetarian options, complete with all the traditional accompaniments
- Cupcake decorating lessons – kids get to have fun and eat the results! Why not turn it into a competition for the best-decorated cupcake?
- Popcorn or candyfloss – kids will love fun elements such as popcorn machines, candy floss carts or even a slushie machine.
Inspired? You can book a provider right here on our website!
Children’s Birthday Parties
Hosting a children’s birthday party can leave you feeling frazzled, so why not alleviate stress by using a professional catering service? We can’t promise a totally stress-free experience (tears, tantrums and uninvited siblings are, unfortunately, par for the course) but at least you won’t have to worry about food allergies and dietary requirements or spend hours creating (insert your child’s current craze here) from a crumbling sponge cake! Here are a few different options you might want to consider:
- Food boxes – individual party food boxes with a selection of items chosen by you – some caterers will even personalise boxes with children’s names
- Kids’ grazing table / buffet selection set up by caterers
- The birthday cake itself
- Hiring a popcorn or candyfloss cart
- Platters – everything from simple sandwiches to mouthwatering dessert platters or a savoury selection
Don’t forget the adults – your caterer can organise suitable food for them too.
Adult parties
While you may be an excellent cook, doing your own catering places additional demands on your time and resources. You’ll need to consider whether you have adequate space in your kitchen, fridge and oven to cope with large quantities of ingredients, plus sufficient time to shop for, prepare and cook them. And don’t forget the time needed to clean your house, dress the table and get yourself ready, not to mention the post-party clean up!
If full silver service catering is outside your budget, consider alternative options such as:
- A catered buffet, with or without serving staff
- Collect and serve the food yourself
- A professional cookery lesson – guests enjoy making something special and then get to eat it!
- Barbecue catering
- Ask whether your favourite local restaurant offers a catering service
- Go casual and hire a food truck – bear in mind that these can take a long time to serve people so are probably best suited to smaller events
- Mobile bar
Afternoon tea party
Hosting a catered afternoon tea in your garden (weather permitting) is a luxurious experience you’ll almost certainly want to repeat! Imagine inviting friends and family to sit in your garden and indulge in an array of delicious delicacies that you haven’t had to prepare yourself. Opting for a catering service allows you to do just that – sit back, relax and enjoy the company of your guests while professionals serve exquisite sandwiches, scones and pastries, accompanied, of course, by tea served in delicate china cups.
Or perhaps you fancy something a little different? We’ve seen several companies offering Alice in Wonderland themed parties, vintage tea parties and even a medical styled afternoon tea.
Like the idea but need something a little more budget friendly? Why not order afternoon tea in individual boxes? Many catering companies offer these at several price points, dependent on what food items you select and whether items such as china, set up and service are included. Some boxes can be posted out to you, while others are available for delivery or collection.
Before you rush to book a caterer though, we wanted to share these hints and tips to help ensure you find the right caterer for your next event.
Hints and tips for hiring a caterer for your party food
- Read their reviews (we have plenty of reviews on our website for each provider)
- Check exactly what’s included in the price – e.g. tableware, cutlery, drinks, serving staff etc
- Check their food hygiene rating
- Request a taste test
- Ask how long they need to set up before the event
- Inform caterers about guests’ food allergies or dietary restrictions
- Share your budget – many caterers will have budget packages or can suggest cheaper alternatives to match your spend threshold
- Book well in advance, especially for larger or more formal events
- Find out how much deposit is required and how far ahead of the event it must be paid
- Check their cancellation policy.
Hiring caterers for various occasions can significantly enhance the overall experience for guests and hosts. Whether it’s a corporate event or an intimate family gathering, a professional catering service will possess both the resources and the expertise necessary to deliver exceptional culinary experiences that are tailored to match your vision. So why not let someone else take the strain while you relax and enjoy your party?
PartyWizz helps you book the best entertainers and party services in UK and Ireland. From magicians and face painters to DJs and photographers, you’ll find those in your area on our easy-to-use platform. Whether you’re planning a corporate event, a wedding, kids or other private party, go to PartyWizz to find the perfect service providers in just a few clicks!
