Category Archives: Food

Choose the Right Catering Service for Your Fundraising Event

When food is a part of your fundraising event you must choose a catering service wisely and it must be considered as a night meals. How your guests remember your fundraiser will greatly depend on what they thought of the food and service. Those memories, good or bad, will influence them when it comes time to think about attending your next fundraising event.

Advance preparation is the key. Many venues that you select will have a restricted list of catering services that may be used. Some may insist you use their in-house catering service. Others may have no restrictions at all. No matter which position you find yourself in, you must allow sufficient time to explore your catering options before you make your choice.

When you have many catering choices I recommend that you keep your notes in a centralized location. A notebook with pockets or an expandable file folder would be ideal. Besides keeping yourself organized, it will allow you to include this valuable knowledge with your event information which should be passed down to next years event organizer.

Here are the main considerations in choosing a catering service:

List Your Catering Needs

In order to receive accurate bids for your fundraisers meal you must provide a listing of your catering needs. Important items to include are:

  • Date and time of your event.
  • Location of your event.
  • Indoor or outdoor.
  • Is there a kitchen on site?
  • How many guests (check for minimums with your catering services)?
  • Dietary concerns (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, kosher, etc.).
  • Alcohol needs.
  • Serving needs: buffet style, traditional sit down dinner, family style, food stations or cocktail reception.
  • Time available to set up and to break down the event?

Your Catering Budget

Let your caterer know your budget up front. Be clear about what type of event you are planning. Alert them to any theme or style for your event that could or should be reflected in the menu.

Don’t assume that a buffet or food station is less expensive than a sit down dinner. It all depends on the type of food served, not how it’s served.

Some lower cost options include Hors d’oeuvres Reception or Deli/Party Trays Reception, a Salad Luncheon, a Dessert Party, a Tea Party, or a Cake and Punch reception. If you are not planning to host a full meal, it’s best to schedule your reception or party during a non-standard meal time (between 2-4pm or after 7pm).

Menu

Some catering services are more ridged in their menu choices and options. Good questions to ask are:

  • Do they have set menus or can they customize menus according to the style of your event?
  • Are they able to accommodate guests with food allergies?
  • Do they work with fresh or frozen foods?
  • What are my beverage options and cost: water, milk, soft drinks, coffee, tea, etc.?
  • When will I need to finalize the menu?
  • When will they need a final head count?

Portion Sizes & Presentation

Ask to see photographs of the food that has been served at previous events. You are looking for portion size and presentation. Nobody wants to be surprised with small serving sizes or a sloppy looking plate. A picture of a set table (silverware, dishes, glasses, napkins, butter dishes, salt & pepper, and salad dressings) should be checked to make sure it is up to your standards.

Taste Test

If you are using a new catering service you should ask to sample their menu. Ask if there is a fee for a sample tasting?

If you feel the need, you may also request a tour the catering facility, especially the kitchen. This could be combined with the sample tasting.

Some even go so far as to make a surprise event site visit to judge the catering service in action.

Alcohol

If you are planning on having alcohol at your event it is generally recommended using the same catering service provide the bar and service to keep things simple.

You will have to decide whether to have an open bar or cash bar. Will the beverages be served at the bar, buffet style, and do the wait staff refill drinks at the tables?

If you are supplying the alcohol and they are bringing the mix & set-ups, what is the price per person? If you are providing the alcohol, will the caterer charge you a corkage fee?

There are many other issues for you to consider when serving alcohol at your fundraising event. An experienced catering service will guide you through all the hurtles.

Who’s In Charge On Site?

Ask your caterers who will be in charge of the meal being served. Hopefully, but not always, your caterer will be on site. If not, make sure and secure the name of the person in charge. In case of problems or difficulties you will need to work with this person closely. Make sure you are introduced to the person in charge before the event or on the day of the event.

Wait Staff

Good service, like good food, has a way of making an event memorable. Slow service can also adversely affect the pace and time table of your event.

Ask what the ratio of servers to guests will be for your event. A good rule of thumb for a sit down dinner is one server for every 8-10 guests.

Get a commitment from your caterer for how many waiters, busers, and bartenders will be provided. On the day of the event check and make sure they all show up. If they don’t all make it you have a good case for asking for a reduction in the price you are paying.

What will the wait staff wear? Make sure the wait staff is dressed appropriately for your event.

Rental Equipment

It’s very important to be perfectly clear about what the needs of your event are and what your caterer will be supplying and how much it will cost.

Does the price include table linens, napkins, dishes, and glassware? Ask to see samples.

Are there any color choices for the table linens and dinnerware?

Some catering services will also have available skirted tables, tables, chairs, furniture and other rental items including tents too.

Decorations

Some catering services will provide table decorations, usually for an additional price.

Centerpieces, flowers and candles may be available.

You may wish to have a menu board provided for the guests that describes the ingredients of the dishes being served.

License, Permits & Insurances

A catering service that is licensed and has the appropriate permits and liability insurance always tries their best to follow safe food handling practices and health code guidelines. Obviously, this is in your best interest. Nobody wants a sick guest as the result of the food that was served at your event. And if there is a problem, your caterer’s liability insurance should cover the problem. Make sure the caterer’s employees are covered by workers’ compensation so if something goes wrong the caterer is liable, not your organization.

Many un-licensed and un-insured catering services will have lower prices because they don’t have to cover these overhead costs. Be wary of any bids or quotes you receive that are significantly lower than the others. This may indicate a fly-by-night company or an inexperienced one.

References

Ask your potential catering services for recent past references. Make sure and call these references! Ask about the caterer’s food, professional skills, personality, and ability to handle anything unexpected.

Check with the Better Business Bureau in your town and inquire if they are a member and if there are any complaints against the company on file.

Hidden Costs

Are gratuities included in the food prices? If not, what is the gratuity charge? What is the policy for payment? Some caterers request cash, others accept checks or credit cards.

Make sure your pricing includes any taxes to be paid.

Know what your catering services overtime policy is and how overtime charges are calculated. If your event runs long or has a delay these charges may kick in, even if the cause is not your fault.

Financial Arrangements

Each catering service may calculate your fundraising events meal differently. To ensure you are comparing apples to apples it would be wise to create a simple check list. Use the check list to confirm that each catering service is providing the same services.

Always inquire how much deposit is needed and when the final balance is due.

After you have selected your caterer, they should provide a written contract for you to sign. You should also be provided a copy of the contract signed by your caterer.

This should be a fully detailed contract that reflects all the specifications you desire (event date, time, & location, menu, cost per person, date to finalize the head count, set up and tear down times, tipping policy, payment policy, rental equipment and decorations included, type and number of staff provided, overtime policy, and any other relevant services provided).

The contract should also detail the cancellation and refund policy.

Conclusion

Finally, always look for a catering service that you can be comfortable with. Having confidence in your caterer is important. You don’t want to preoccupy yourself with second guessing their every decision.

Look for enthusiasm. It’s important to find someone who will treat you like their most important customer, no matter what the size of your event.

Deane Brengle is a nonprofit professional who enjoys helping organizations become more successful. He writes for the Fund$Raiser Cyberzine [http://www.fundsraiser.com] on a variety of subjects like fundraising events [http://www.fundsraiser.com/fundraising-events.html] and fundraising ideas

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Deane_Brengle/181731

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What Not To Wear To Your Company Picnic

I discover that Putney Park is a very popular for someone having a Sydney picnic spots. It’s that time of year again. Every morning you are forced to make that difficult decision of whether you are going to melt on your commute to work or freeze in your igloo (I mean office) all day.

When you work in an office all day with the AC set on 68 degrees, sometimes you can forget that it is over 90 degrees outside. (That is until you leave for the day and you run smack into that wall of humidity and sweltering heat that awaits you on the other side of that office door.)

It’s summertime! And in the Ohio Valley, that means record breaking temperatures combined with that evil thing called humidity whose only purpose is to melt your face off and make your hair look like Richard Simmons’.

So we felt the need to write the obligatory “Summertime Office Dress Code” article. But let’s be honest, it’s been done before. Actually, we already wrote that article two years ago.

In an attempt to bring you some fresh summer content, we’ve decided to tackle the deceiving beast also known as the Company Picnic.

What’s tricky about this event is that it is a company event trying to disguise itself as a fun, relaxing summer party. Do not be deceived!

Just like office holiday parties: what happens at a company event doesn’t stay at a company event. This isn’t Vegas people. We’re talking about people you work with everyday. And these people should not see you in your summer club wear.

Okay, so company picnics or office park/pool parties are tricky. You have to cover up enough to be appropriate, but you also don’t want to die of a heat stroke. So today, we’re bringing you, “What Not To Wear To A Company Picnic.”

Men, you may think that you’re off the hook. Oh no, some of you are the biggest offenders. “I’ll just wear shorts and a shirt. No big deal. Right?” Wrong.

Let’s start with you, businessmen, since you are often the forgotten gender when it comes to fashion advice.

For The Men: What Not To Wear To A Company Picnic

Anything with holes in it. Okay, so those jeans are really nice for painting the house or working on your Mustang, but no one needs to see your Hot Tamale boxers peeping out of those frayed holes. And even though you think no one will notice that little hole in the arm pit of your favorite polo, we all saw it when you high-fived Bob from Accounting after he won the potato sack race. Here’s the gist: The only holy piece of clothing you should wear to a company picnic is if you work at a Church and your garments have been blessed by the Pope. Stick to shorts and jeans that do not allow you to feel the breeze in places you shouldn’t.

Jorts. Do we even need to go here? No grown man should wear jorts (jean + shorts). This isn’t even about being appropriate; this is just common fashion sense.

Graphic Tees. Unless you want to be “that guy,” stay away from the Ed Hardy tees. (This should really be a general life rule, not just for company parties). Now is not the time to bust out your “Beer Pong Champs 1996” t-shirt from college (even if you are really proud of that accomplishment). Sports team pride shirts can also be a little hazardous, especially is this area. Wearing a UK national champion’s shirt with the matching hat is the equivalent of begging people to push you into the pool. To stay safe, stick with a nice colorful polo shirt. Sick of wearing collars? A plain colored shirt with a rounded neck (or even a v-neck if you’re feeling a little hipsterish) is your best bet. Do stay away from grey unless you want the whole office to know how much you sweat.

Ratty shoes. Unless you are one of the 10% of men that admits to getting pedicures, then maybe you should stay away from open toe shoes. But please, do not dust off your gas-mowing shoes just because you are going to a park or a backyard party. Nice tennis shoes or even man sandals will do. Just promise us that you won’t wear socks with your mandals. Really, that’s all we ask.

Okay, so the men have it easy. They really don’t have that much to choose from. As long as they keep it clean, ironed, and in one piece, they’re good to go.

Now let’s tackle the women. Oh yes, the fashion forward gender. There are so many new trends and old trends trying to make a comeback just in time for summer. But just as men don’t want to be “that guy,” you don’t want to be “that girl” who shows too much. So let’s break it down.

For The Women: What Not To Wear To A Company Picnic

Booty Shorts. It seems that these days there are two types of shorts for women: “Pot Holders” and “Safari Down Under.” Just as with most clothing, you want to leave something to the imagination. And shorts are no exception. Luckily some stores are realizing that all women don’t like have their rear hanging out or the alternative: unflattering cargo Capri’s that cut you so wrong that your legs just lost five inches. If you’re going to brave the short department, shoot for a happy medium (walking shorts, Bermudas or Capri’s for example). Maybe even use the finger tip rule. If it works for the private schools, it can work for you too.

Belly shirts/Tube Tops. The trend this summer: Belly shirts. I’m not even joking. I lost count of how many belly shirts I saw at a church picnic last weekend. The only time you should bust out that belly shirt is if you’re dressing up as Kelly Kapowski from Saved by the Bell for Halloween. The same goes for tube tops. Any clothing that you look at on a hanger and you have to ask yourself, ‘Is this a shirt or a skirt?” you should stay away from. However, don’t be afraid to wear sleeveless tops. Just be sure to avoid tanks, cropped tops, backless and halters. The last thing you want is to be reaching for some more of Marge from Human Resources’ special five-layer dip and accidentally slip out of your top. Everyone will be calling you Janet Jackson for at least sixth months.

Stilettos. Okay, so we don’t think anybody would actually wear stilettos to a company picnic but you never know! As always, consider the amount of activity you will be engaging in as you pick your shoes. Flip flops may be comfy, but you don’t want to break an ankle in the three-legged race. Heels also don’t play well with grass or mud. Oh and if this is the first time your feet have seen the sun in years, you may want to do some trimming and painting before they make their debut. Stick with comfortable yet adorable sandals that have backs to them. Luckily those are also trendy this summer so they won’t be hard to find.

Anything You Would Wear To A Club. That pretty much sums up everything we just described-shorts, tops, shoes. But there is one more tricky piece of clothing that can get you in trouble: dresses. Who doesn’t love a fun summer dress? When looking through your closet, find a dress that is still an appropriate length for work. If the top of it is a little “showier” than it should be (as most summer dresses are), simply put a camisole under it. Do the sit down and bend over test to make sure everything stays where it should. If you still have concerns, don’t wear it.

We’ll leave the accessories up to you. Did you know fanny packs are making a comeback? Okay, so it’s more a bunch of hipsters mocking the 90s, but still. To be safe, let’s avoid those too.

In the end, just remember you are still at a work function even if it has fun name like “Annual ABC Company Summer Picnic Extravaganza.” You may be out of the office, but you are still in the company of your boss, supervisors and co-workers. So keep it classy.

Make sure your employees know what to wear and what not to wear by including a summer dress code policy in your handbook. Read more about that here.

For more expert HR advice, visit Integrity HR’s Human Resource Blog. We update our blog every week with HOT HR issues that influence your business.

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Amy_Letke/555635

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6 Ways to Ensure You Order Enough Food for Your Wedding Reception

A good party needs good snacks and indeed finger food and canapes are perfect for your guests. It is estimated that just under half of your wedding budget will go toward paying for your total reception costs — and a large portion of that involves food. Ordering food for your wedding can be a daunting task. After all, how do you know how much food to order? Will some guests go without food? You have a strict wedding budget; therefore, you need to stick to it, but you don’t want to order too little or too much food either. To make sure you get the right amount, consider these six tips before you place an order with your caterer.

#1: Require RSVPs

On your invitations, give a clear RSVP deadline and ensure you include a guest count with the RSVP so you can plan your food order. You need a guest count and one that is somewhat accurate in order to get your food. Remember though, even with an RSVP deadline, everyone who shows up may not actually RSVP.

#2: Use the 25 to 50 Rule

Typically 25 to 50 percent of your wedding invitations sent out will not have anyone show up in their place. If you have a large majority of out of the area invitations, that could be even higher. So, add up your total guest count and plan on feeding 50 to 75 percent of that count. If you think only 50 percent will show up, then plan on 50 percent. So, for example, if you have 200 guests you only need to order enough food for 100.

Don’t forget to count your guests and their guests. Invites may bring a spouse or significant other, which needs to be accounted for.

#3: Decide the Type of Catering You’ll Be Doing

Are you going to do a buffet style or plated meal? Buffets are easier to stretch and guess than plated meals. With plated dinners, you need an accurate guest count because your caterer is creating plated meals for each individual guest. If you’re unsure who is showing up to the wedding, you may want to go with a buffet just to stretch the food as much as possible, however in our opinion buffets are outdated and your guests wont thank you for it, check out some inspirational wedding catering ideas here

#4: Consider Adding Appetizers

Adding appetizers can help feed everyone without going over budget. This will also help accommodate those who show up, but didn’t RSVP. If you’re on a strict budget, skip full meals and serve all appetizers instead. That way you can order more to feed any additional guests, but also ensure you’ll have plenty of food without breaking the budget.

#5: Order Extra Fillers

Fillers, such as side dishes (potatoes, rice, vegetables, etc.) are cheaper than meats and desserts. Order extra of your filler items to accommodate your guest count — and anyone who shows up and plans on eating for two.

#6: Adjust for Children and suppliers

Children only eat about half of what an adult will eat. So, if you know of any children coming to the wedding, make adjustments to the order. Also, don’t forget to serve your suppliers — such as your DJ< photographer, etc. They are working for your wedding all day and it is customary to feed them for their services.

Ordering food for your wedding can be easy as long as you take time to calculate your guest count. Also, rely on the expertise of your caterer when ordering food. They know how to stretch your food budget and still ensure your guests are fed.