Picnic Catering
One of the more less formal events that a lot of people enjoy is dining in the outdoors. Picnics and barbecues usually should scream the words relaxation, good food and comfortable atmosphere. That is why in days like these, there's nothing better than cooking out with your family and friends. Brining your marinated meat, getting your grill ready, preparing dozens of other dishes kept in tupperwares and foils and coolers filled with beer, soda and other canned drinks. Nothing can really beat family recipes that are fondly prepared by the whole family. But sometimes, picnics and barbecues can also be a huge alternative for corprorate events. This kind of set up will encourage a more natural relation to your officemates and a good time to show your good natured self to your boss.
Though potluck is a good idea, you really can't expect people to have the time and skills to prepare food so its just right that you hire someone else for the job. The best option would always be hiring caterers
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As fast as the summer seems to have passed you by, the Holiday Season will be here, making it time for holiday parties! Despite signs of a lack luster economy, most employers recognize holiday parties are a great way to show appreciation to employees and clients; to entertain guests, and impress prospects. Even, as early as the beginning of September we have seen the number of Holiday party inquiries in our offices double from this time last year. Companies realize the importance of keeping morale high and the Company Holiday party may be just the thing to do it.
Here are some tips that you should take note of:
Plan Early
Now is the time to talk to caterers, before they get very busy, to secure the best service and pricing. And keep in mind that there are only a few weeks and weekends leading up to Christmas and Hanukah when most holiday parties take place. The best caterers, with the best reputations are sought out and booked early. Any delay on your part could mean not being able to book the caterer of your choice, and unfortunately that can mean a "roll of the dice" in the success of your party and the memory that will stay with your guests. So early planning is vital to hosting a successful holiday party.
Decide on the venue and date. Having the party in the office is most convenient for employees and promotes business familiarity with your clients. Consider the feasibility of the office space and parking; cocktail parties don't require formal sit down seating and encourage sociability. Choose a date in the earlier part of December rather than later to avoid scheduling conflicts with guests. Alternative locations that are not your typical hotel banquet room foster interest in attending that gives you an advantage when guests are faced with many holiday obligations. The company president's home, museums, historical landmarks, building rooftops or atriums, airports, retail outlets, and entertainment centers offer a certain novelty that can add excitement to the party.
Define Party Purpose
Is the goal to thank key stakeholders, clients and/or employees for their help and support throughout the year? Are you hoping to promote team building, motivation, and strengthen relationships amongst employees? Including families in the invitation enables a small group to become more intimate and requires a large group to have specific considerations. Perhaps the goal is to impress clients with the diversity and depth of your services or products outside the traditional sales environment. The company may simply want to celebrate the holidays or their successes for the year. What had been done in the previous years and how well were the efforts received? Identifying these factors will determine your guest list and party format.
Budget
If you're the one in charge of planning the event, and you've been tasked with submitting a budget request to your company, be sure to make plenty of preliminary calls and do your homework to research pricing before you request a budget. If you're going to make an investment in a party; you don't want it to fall short, so prior due diligence is a must. Include décor, & entertainment aspects in your bottom line.
Once you've established a budget your firm is comfortable with, you can evaluate your options. Generally speaking, Friday & Saturday parties are the most expensive options followed by Sunday, then Thursday. Monday through Wednesday party alternatives truly help stretch the value for your dollar. Weekday luncheons or cocktail receptions are also economical alternatives to formal dinners
Select the Right Caterer
As with any business, referrals are always the best source. Other good sources would be to check with some of the more popular venues in your area that rent their facility to host social and corporate events and ask them for a list of preferred caterers. A sure fire way to narrow your list down is if you repeatedly see the same caterer listed on several venues list of preferred caterers.
Now that you have your list narrowed down to no more than a few caterers, note the responsiveness of each caterer. Did they answer the phone professionally, or if did they return your call promptly? Did they listen to you and your needs or did it seem as if they did all the talking? Did they say they would get back to you with suggestions or a proposal and did they indeed do as they promised? If they aren't timely and thorough and do as they promise early on in the process when they're trying to win your business, it's indicative of the level of service they provide if you hire them.
Invitations
Invitations should be sent at least one month in advance. In addition to clearly listing the party date, time, and place it's helpful to specify the type of dress appropriate, directions and parking options. Caterers will require a final guest count one week prior to the event; therefore an RSVP deadline of 10 days before the event should clearly include a contact name, phone number, and email for responses. Listing "Regrets Only" on an invitation is a sure way to waste effort and money on an unreliable final count. It's become popular to email invitations saving postage and paper costs, however attendance may be lower if guests don't get that tangible reminder.
Menu & Décor
Pick a theme---traditional Holiday Party, Seasonal like Winter Wonderland or a cultural or regional influence will give the party parameters that add interest. Don't be afraid to be creative while personalizing the event through the use of corporate colors, company logo, or slogan to highlight branding efforts and encourage corporate identification and pride. The trend is toward informality allowing guests to socialize and mingle to enhance relationship building.
Call party vendors regularly to stay in touch & confirm details. Especially when planning an event over the course of several months, you want to make sure decisions are communicated and details documented. Don't pick a menu based on personal taste when you're trying to accommodate a diverse group. Rely on the catering expert to choose a balanced menu with versatility, and their most delicious items within your specified budget.
Beverages
Most corporate events include alcoholic beverages. Limiting the options to wine, beer, and a specialty drink has become an acceptable alternative to offering a full bar. Limiting open bar to an hour or two and then transforming to cash bar helps curb over indulgers. Ensuring a substantial menu is also an important factor in avoiding embarrassing behavior.
Entertainment & Gifts
Will there be dancing? The budget may dictate whether you choose a DJ, live music, or simply have background music being "piped in". Some kind of music is critical to warm up the atmosphere and make the event more socially conducive and festive. Favors, awards, & prizes are significant components in making an impression with your guests and recognizing their value to the company.
If the budget does not allow for a photographer, appoint a designated photographer (or two depending on the size of the group) to record the event for the company history and perpetuate the goodwill recorded in pictures. The Company President, CEO, Owner or Manager should take the opportunity to welcome & thank guests, as well as mention some highlights of the past year and goals for the future.
Remember the Goals
Once you've made you're decisions, stick with them. If you change the plans for one person, you'll have unlimited individual requests which are impossible to unravel. The event should be memorable, enjoyable, and make guests feel appreciated. Any event you do is going to make a very lasting impression on the people who attend.