The dishes that are served in an event require careful planning because everybody has his or her preferences when it comes to food. It’s hard to ignore the fact that some people are pickier than others. So, what are the ideal dishes for an event?
Before you come up with a list of dishes, you must consider several factors to make your next event a successful one. Even the best in the business needs assistance when planning food arrangements. For instance, if you’re thinking of serving coffee, you’ll need a guide to finding the best coffee beans. The more dishes you plan to serve, the more time you’ll need to prepare.
The following are seven important considerations when planning food arrangements for your next social function, which can serve as your guide to improving your event.
1. Know the demographics of your guests.
The profile details of your guests matter when planning what food to serve. Knowing your guests’ demographics will give you a general idea of what type of food to prepare. Here are some things that you need to determine before the food selection process:
- How old are your guests?If your guests are mainly adults, you may want to serve food with a milder taste. Younger ones would prefer the food to be a bit spicy.
- Will there be kids in the event?If there will be children, prepare high chairs, visually appealing meals, or some food treats.
- Where do they live?Living locations play a considerable part in understanding your guests. Some people would prefer easy-to-eat options because they live in a fast-paced environment. Some would prefer a hearty meal close to their tradition in the rural areas.
- What are their professions?Their careers will give you an idea of what they want to eat. You don’t want to serve a fatty meal to fitness instructors. Get the idea?
2. Give your guests food options.
Provide your guests with two or three main dishes or entree options. Food options will ensure that your guests will have something to eat even if some of your other dishes aren’t to their liking. Also, provide salad dressings and a variety of condiments. Well-fed guests are a huge determiner for a successful event.
3. Plan your food arrangement along with the season.
Your meals should go with the season. If the event is in summer, prepare something cool and refreshing, such as iced desserts, smoothies, and the likes. If the occasion falls in winter, prepare warm and comforting food.
4. Your meal should be in line with the event’s timeframe.
Some dishes require various time lengths to consume. Determine the timeframe of the event so you can serve your dishes in the best way possible. For example, if the gathering is for three hours, you can plan for a buffet setup or a plated meal. If the occasion is short and fast, a boxed meal is your best option.
5. Know the dietary restrictions of your guests.
Be mindful of the food restrictions of your guests. Some of them follow a strict vegan regimen, whereas some have constraints as dictated by their religion. Some guests may have food allergies, so be very careful in planning.
The best way to avoid food restriction issues is to ask. Your staff also needs to be informed, and the buffet meals should be appropriately labeled.
6. Take note of the event’s schedule.
If your event starts at 6:00 pm, your attendees will likely be coming straight from work. They’re most likely hungry. In this situation, you should think of serving appetizers. This approach will be highly appreciated by your guests especially in events with speeches at the beginning. Remember that your guests’ satisfaction levels not only depend on the food they eat but also on the right timing.
7. Once your layout is complete, treat the next steps as equally important.
After considering the above factors, your next step is how to put your strategies together. This stage is relatively easy because you already have the essential elements to ensure an ideal food arrangement. Here, the best recipes will come into play, and the decorations will complete your guests’ experience. Put the same level of importance to the final stages of your preparation.
Planning for a food arrangement can be effortless with the right knowledge and process. Your goal is to satisfy your guests and make them happy. People will always put food in their tummies for the sole purpose of being fed; the satisfaction and happiness that come from the dishes are the things that you should pay attention to. You can meet this expectation through diligent preparation and hard work.
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