“Build-Your-Own” at Your Next Catered Event

Catering is one of the most important elements of any catered event. Why not try something that’s a step above a traditional menu for your next event?

Most cocktail parties consist of passed hors d’oeuvres and/or stationary displays in large baskets or platters. One way to make your event standout and more memorable is to provide a unique catering experience. “Build-your own” stations are becoming more and more popular at events. They give your guests an interactive activity by assembling their own meals, and it’s a fun experience for them to pick and choose different flavors and toppings. Next time you are planning a meeting or reception, consider these ideas before opting for a traditional buffet station:

1. Taco Bar

A “build-your-own” taco bar can be a fun way to provide a light dinner for your guests. Guests could start with beef, chicken or a grilled vegetable option, and go down the line adding their favorite toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, shredded cheese, guacamole and salsa. This would be great for corporate companies and even children’s birthday parties.

2. Mashed Potato Bar

This is a spinoff of the traditional baked potato bar, and even that isn’t common at most events. Providing a mashed potato base makes the dish easier to eat, even for standing cocktail receptions with minimal seating. Toppings could include butter, shredded cheese, sour cream, bacon, chives, broccoli and even gravy.

3. Biscuit Bar

There’s something cozy and inviting about having a biscuit bar at an event. It’s a classic southern tradition, and it never gets old. Southern comfort food is becoming more popular around NYC, so why not provide it at your next cocktail reception? Throw in some fried chicken in the menu, too! You could provide different flavored butters, from strawberry to cinnamon and maybe even one with brown sugar. Another sweet topping could be honey. If you want to provide some savory toppings, you could provide the classic white peppered gravy and one with sausage in it. Mushroom gravy is also excellent, especially for the vegetarians.

4. Donut Bar

So many of us grew up eating fun-flavored donuts as kids, so having a “build-your-own” donut bar is sure to bring some smiles out at the end of an event. Start with a plain, glazed donut and let your guests choose additional flavored frostings, like strawberry frosting, a chocolate frosting or even a caramel sauce. Some other ideas are a Nutella spread and peanut butter. Toppings could include sprinkles, sea salt, chopped nuts, chocolate chips, cinnamon, chopped fruit, crushed graham crackers, M&Ms and one unique one is crushed potato chips. Yum!

5. Ice Cream Sundae Bar

This one is an oldie but a goodie. You basically start with vanilla (or chocolate) ice cream and provide similar toppings as the donut bar (some new ideas are: fudge, whipped cream, maraschino cherries, candy, etc.). Perfect for all summer events!

Photo: Bree Hester of BakedBree.com

Need some more ideas for your next event? Download our eBook - Essential Event Tips You Can't Forget or Contact Us for an event consultation.

Event Floor Plans - 4 Tips to Get Yours Right

There is one thing that is new for everyone planning an event - choosing the venue floor plan in a new venue or for a new event. The space layout is an essential component both in how things look on event day and how your guests' experience's play out. When making decisions about where your guests will meet, mingle, learn and celebrate, remember to consider the following items.

1. First, ask the venue what layouts they recommend. 

Experienced venues should have plenty of recommended floor plans to share with you. The more specific you are in speaking about your event needs and goals, the better they will be able to recommend layouts that will suit your particular objectives and guests. Below are just a few of the floor plans we offer, depending on the type of event, guest count, and event objectives. Looking at past ideas may bring inspiration and new ideas of event configurations and elements.

2. Ask yourself: What experiences would you like your guests to focus on?

All events present guests with competing choices such as what activities to partake in, what companies to speak to at networking fairs, or whether to spend the night on the dance floor or by the bar and photo booth. Setting the room up in specific configurations can make these choices easier for guests. Before you decorate and design your event, know what you want your audience to do. Maybe they will be listening to speakers without much time for socializing. Maybe there will be time for networking and socializing before speakers. Or maybe you do not have presentations. All of these situations should factor into your decision of how to arrange the furnishings.

3. Remember, food and bar areas are natural focal points.

Food and drink are not just the domain of the caterer, consider the location of the bar and catering stations when thinking of how people will move through the venue on event day. Placing catering stations in separate areas of the space will reduce lines, meaning less time waiting and more time enjoying the event for your guests. The furniture you place in the space should always reflect the food you're serving. If the menu involves small plates or hors d'oeuvres, a mix of high tops, lounge furniture, and small low cocktail tables will likely provide adequate seating. Buffets and plated meals require more traditional seating with rounds.

4. Consider the furniture and design elements that will enhance your guest's experiences.

Remember that floor plans should take into account not only the furniture in the space but also elements like branding installations such as hanging art or signs, entertainment areas (e.g. performers, dance floors), and visual separators like curtains. Design is just as much about the aesthetics of the space and furniture as the event 'flow' or how guests move throughout the space.

“Event furniture can contribute significantly to the feeling and flow of an event and completely transform a venue. Using a variety of unique and comfortable pieces will impress your guests and allow them to circulate effortlessly through the event experience.”

— Essential Event Tips You Can't Forget eBook [link below]

Want to Learn More about Planning Your Next Event?

Download our eBook - Essential Event Tips You Can't Forget or Contact Us for an event consultation. 

Event Planning Series: Lightning Round!

Over the past few weeks, we've challenged some seasoned event planning professionals to reveal their hottest tips and insights as part of our Event Planning Series. To wrap up the series, we're bringing you an Event Planning Lightning Round. We asked each of our featured experts to choose the One Thing that Every Event Needs. Below are their thoughts!

What is the One Thing that Every Event Needs?

“A Coordinator. Someone who’s good at coordinating to make sure the event is successful and going in the right direction.”

— Brian Rosenbaum, The Entertainment Company

“Three elements of organization: coordination, communication and a plan. This should detail how the event is going to come together before during and after the event and should include all the parties working on the event from the planner to the event marketing team to the signage designer and printer to the day-of staff.”

— Peter Zalezsak, Atlas Print Solutions

“Every event needs a production person or event planner.”

— Rhonda Cosaluzzo, AFR Event Furnishings

“A strategy. I always want people to take a step back and establish their goals - when the party is done what do you want to accomplish? If you can only have one thing, what is it? If money were no object, what would this party look like? People are often limited by money even when they don’t even know what things cost.”

— Lindsay Landman, Lindsay Landman Events

“When you plan an event, you’re designing an experience for people. It’s really a combination of elements that make an event ‘great’. It is the surprises and the personal touches in terms of food or entertainment that set an event apart. The setting (lighting and music), the orchestrated flow, professional and friendly service, and thoughtful menu are all the elements that come into play not to mention the right mix of guests along with an engaging host. Lastly, some cocktails never hurt!”

— Jessica Alton, Thomas Preti Caterers

“Lighting. You can take a room and put a thousand roses in it and you’ll have a room with beautiful flowers. You can take a room and light it beautifully and take one rose and you will make much bigger impression.”

— Zev Greenfield, Milk & Honey Productions

Want to Learn More about Planning Your Next Event? Download our eBook - Essential Event Tips You Can't Forget or Contact Us for an event consultation. 

Event Planning Series: Doing Event Signage Right for Maximum Impact

Great signage can transform how guests feel at your event. Signage is an essential element in branding a space and when done well, can encourage guests to share their experience beyond the walls of the venue. If you’re unsure where to start, read on as Peter Zalezsak of Atlas Print Solutions provides essential tips and examples of state-of-the-art signage.

Great signage comes in all shapes, sizes, and places. Below is an example of how a client branded their event at HELEN MILLS:

Signage Tips to Rock your Event

SIGNAGE COMES IN MANY FORMS
Signage can take many forms other than posters. Consider ordering or reusing swag items as signage, décor or favors for guests on their way out. It will be a welcome surprise.

THINK OF THE VENUE WHEN CREATING SIGNAGE
Consider the special layout and architecture when creating signage, the most unique signage takes advantage of the venue where it’s displayed.

MIX DIGITAL AND PRINT SIGNAGE FOR MAXIMUM IMPACT
Consider mixing video displays with print signs for the ultimate combination of cool, interactive and effective.

...FOR MORE TIPS, Download our eBook - Essential Event Tips You Can't Forget

Q&A With a Professional

HOW DOES DIGITAL SIGNAGE FIT INTO THE MIX?
Digital signage is increasingly a part of the event marketing mix, along with print, depending on how tech savvy the company is. We did the Guess? fashion week event and it was like no other show we’d ever been a part of…They had digital signage elements that included two huge screens – maybe 30’ x 10’ - playing a montage of video clips on the screens that you couldn’t really achieve through print. But not everything was digital. We also printed 40’ x 15’ high panels of step and repeats with a hundred polaroid’s printed on each, showing the Guess? lifestyle. If you got up close to it you could see each individual one and people were really engaging with this graphic. Digital and print met and succeeded.

...FOR MORE Q&A, Download our eBook - Essential Event Tips You Can't Forget

Want to Learn More about Planning Your Next Event? Check out our other event planning blog posts or Contact Us for an event consultation. 

Event Planning Series: How Planners Can Save you Time, Money and Your Peace of Mind

Hiring an event planner is often more than just a nice-to-have service. Today, the costs and complexity of planning an event have many people turning to a planner, helping them save time and have a better event for their investment. Why? Read on for details and words of wisdom from Lindsay Landman who founded Lindsay Landman Events in 2001.

Reasons To Hire an Event Planner

YOU WANT TO REDUCE YOUR EVENT COSTS
This is the opposite of what most people expect because the assumption is that by simply having to pay an event planner, you’re spending more money. Not so. Once you develop the budget with an event planner, the planner can save you money by working with vendors to cut costs in a variety of ways.

BETTER VENDOR AND VENUE OPTIONS
Planners have a rolodex full of partners, a wealth of knowledge about their pricing, and advantages/disadvantages. This knowledge will save you hours of time when planning an event and insure you get what you need to fulfill your vision at the best price.

...FOR MORE TIPS, Download our eBook - Essential Event Tips You Can't Forget

Q&A WITH A PROFESSIONAL

WHAT’S A COMMON EVENT PLANNING MISTAKE PEOPLE MAKE?
People are often limited by money without knowing what things cost. I have to educate clients all the time about what the investments really are. Don’t make the assumption that red costs more than purple. Don’t let what you think are the costs limit your imagination - when you’re first planning, think, if money were no object, what would this party look like?

ITEM WHICH IS MOST WORTH THE MONEY?
I think the best investment in an event is staffing. It enhances the guest and client experience in every way. I would rather have a limited bar that is well staffed, than fewer bartenders with a full bar that the guests can’t reach. The product has no value without gracious service.

...FOR MORE Q&A, Download our eBook - Essential Event Tips You Can't Forget

Want to Learn More about Planning Your Next Event? Check out our other event planning blog posts or Contact Us for an event consultation. 

Event Planning Series: Rethink Your Event Catering - S'mores, mason jars and fresh flavors

As many people who have planned events know, catering can be one of the biggest expenses. Having good quality food is also one of the most important elements of a successful event. Poor food can leave guests with a literal bad taste in their mouth, and complaints that might ruin guests’ overall memory of the event. We spoke with Jessica Alton of Thomas Preti Caterers for advice on how to have food that will make your guests happy and your event a standout.

Catering Tips to Inspire

REMEMBER THAT PEOPLE EAT WITH THEIR EYES
If your caterer cares about how their food looks, you can rest assured that they care even more about how their food tastes. Confidence in flavor typically leads to confidence in presentation.

CONSIDER A CREATIVE DESSERT TABLE
Instead of serving traditional desserts, which are costly and usually go uneaten, win over your dessert lovers with a fun dessert table. Some crowd pleasers include a chocolate fountain with dipping treats, a candy bar table for guests to fill small bags, or mini cupcakes on a pedestal. All of these options require little staffing, and create a ‘wow’ factor, while being cost effective.

...FOR MORE TIPS, Download our eBook - Essential Event Tips You Can't Forget

Q&A WITH A PROFESSIONAL

WHAT’S A CATERING CONVENTION YOU THINK SHOULD BE CHALLENGED?
Often clients are looking to do choice entrees or duet entrees. We recommend not offering a choice (we always have a silent vegetarian option) and providing instead a wonderful meal that you select for your guests. As you are the host, this shows your guests that you care about them and have chosen for them what you think they will enjoy.

WHAT ARE SOME POPULAR CATERING OPTIONS RIGHT NOW?
We’re always out there looking to create new things. Some great ideas include:
• Fun, thematic cocktails. It works great to match your cocktail with the menu, season or the preferences of the guest of honor
• Presenting things in a mason jar - it’s fun and people love it.
• S ‘mores are everywhere. S ‘mores cupcakes, cookies, brownies, open faced and cheesecakes.
• I’m a fan of black and white cookies. It’s a perennial favorite. They’re always going to be fabulous.

...FOR MORE Q&A, Download our eBook - Essential Event Tips You Can't Forget

Want to Learn More about Planning Your Next Event? Download our eBook - Essential Event Tips You Can't Forget or Contact Us for an event consultation. 

Event Planning Series: Extending The Life of Your Event with Photography

Choosing an event photographer and/or videographer can be challenging – they must be able to tell a strong visual story while capturing important moments. Photographer Zev Greenfield of Milk & Honey Productions outlines questions to ask and things to keep in mind when recording your next event.

Think Beyond the Moment

MAKE EVERYTHING EASILY SHARABLE
From signage to venue setup, make sure your event lends itself well to being photogenic and easy to share on social media. In this day and age, lots of photographers offer interactive photo-sharing technologies so attendees can share photos on-site during your event. If you want guests to share photos during the event itself, be sure to bring this up during your initial conversations to see if this is an option.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF GREAT PHOTOGRAPHS AND VIDEO TO EXTEND THE LIFE OF YOUR EVENT
Events are a huge investment, make sure to get the greatest return. Have compelling photographs and beautifully told stories on video to make the event memorable and engaging for guests who aren’t able to attend. Photographs can also help to increase interest in future events.

...FOR MORE TIPS, Download our eBook - Essential Event Tips You Can't Forget
 

Q&A With a Professional

WHY INVEST IN VIDEO?
Video is often a second thought, however, people should consider using a videographer for any event where there’s a speech involved or a message being given to people. While it’s easier to upload and share pictures and videos, video captures words, emotion, movement and sound in a way that photography simply cannot. It takes skill and expertise to tell an event story. It’s easy to shoot images but to tell it in such a way where there’s a thought process, beginning to end, and also convey a message, that takes talent and experience.

HOW CAN GOOD PLANNING ENHANCE EVENT PHOTOGRAPHY?
Plan how and when you’ll use your event photos before the event. People often want photographs and video immediately. Go in knowing the timing you’ll need post-event and be clear about this schedule with the photographer.

...FOR MORE Q&A, Download our eBook - Essential Event Tips You Can't Forget

Want to Learn More about Planning Your Next Event? Download our eBook - Essential Event Tips You Can't Forget or Contact Us for an event consultation. 

Event Planning Series: Event Entertainment To Wow Your Guests

Entertainment can make the difference between a unique and memorable event and one that
guests forget once they step out the door. Never considered having entertainment at your event? Read on for recommendations and a Q&A from event entertainment expert Brian Rosenbaum. Brian is the President of The Entertainment Company and has 25 years of experience in the event entertainment industry working with 1,000's of clients.

Do Something Different

TAKE A RIDE ON THE MOBILE BANDWAGON
Encourage your guests to interact with the event by using mobile technology. Some ideas to consider:

1. Set up a projection screen with a twitter wall of live tweets from the event.

2. Set up a projection screen that displays photos taken at the event in real-time.

3. Set up a hashtag print station where guests can print photos from the event that they have posted on social media. This type of interactivity will keep your audience engaged throughout the event (as well as publicize your event on social media).

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX
Hire entertainers that your guests won't expect. Some crowd pleasers include dancers, acrobats, stilt-walkers, magicians, graffiti artists, and balloon artists. These entertainers will liven the vibe of your event, and make your event stand out.

...FOR MORE TIPS, Download our eBook - Essential Event Tips You Can't Forget

Q&A with a Professional

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST UNCONVENTIONAL ENTERTAINMENT YOU'VE PROVIDED?
We’ve had aerial performers with high ceiling venues. We’ve also done indoor ice-skating for winter themes, complete with professional ice skaters doing performing a show for guests.

ENTERTAINMENT OPTION YOU MIGHT NOT HAVE THOUGHT OF?
Strolling performers are great when there are a lot of people at an event. These performers are like the street performers you see in New York City. They are extremely talented and will circulate throughout the room, doing a number of performances a night for small groups of people. They create intimate performances that don’t disrupt the flow of the event. 

...FOR MORE Q&A, Download our eBook - Essential Event Tips You Can't Forget

Want to Learn More about Planning Your Next Event? Download our eBook - Essential Event Tips You Can't Forget or Contact Us for an event consultation.