While 2020 has been a year to forget for so many reasons, the fact is the holiday season is right around the corner. As a result, no matter how hard the year has been on everyone, this time of year gives people a chance to enjoy great memories and of course some great food as well. If you’ve decided to have your holiday plans catered this year, here are five tips to keep in mind that will make your holiday party a bit easier.
Keep It Simple
In the year of the pandemic, keeping it simple when it comes to your catering plans will be just fine. While some holiday seasons may have called for new dishes that everyone could sample, this year’s holiday plans should emphasize simplicity. In fact, one of the most popular catering trends this year is box lunches, which are not only easier to prepare, but also allow people a chance to eat while still practicing social distancing in almost any setting.
Know Your Budget
Since you may be trying to simplify your holiday plans this year, this likely means you may be spending a bit less on your catering needs. However, this doesn’t mean you should just throw caution to the wind in terms of costs. In fact, you should prepare a budget and plan to stick to it during the planning process. In doing so, you can make sure that when you’re speaking to the caterer, you’ll know exactly what you can and cannot afford for your party.
Special Dietary Requirements
If you will be having people at your holiday party who have special dietary requirements or other needs, make sure you keep this in mind when planning the menu. For example, if you have individuals who follow a vegan diet or are allergic to certain foods or ingredients, make sure they have plenty from which to choose as well. In going the extra mile in this area, you will show your guests how much you took their individual needs or preferences into consideration.
Pay Attention to the Details
Whether you’re planning an all-out extravaganza or decided to keep it a simple affair, always pay attention to your holiday party’s details. Though much of your focus will of course be on the food your guests will eat, don’t forget about such things as flowers, table settings, and any activities you may want to include others in as well. Since you may have very specific things in mind for your party, make sure you discuss these in detail with your caterer well ahead of time. After all, you don’t want any last-minute glitches derailing what would otherwise have been a holiday party to remember.
Interview Several Caterers
Finally, because you want to make sure your holiday party is not remembered years from now for all the wrong reasons, always interview several caterers prior to making your final selection. Even if the first caterer with whom you speak seems like the best one on the planet, always speak to a few more before you sign on the dotted line. In doing so, you’ll be able to compare pricing, menu options, and other areas to ensure the caterer you select will get the job done to your satisfaction.
Even if the holidays may feel different in 2020, that’s no reason to think you, your family, and your friends can’t still have plenty of fun. After all, even if social distancing and masks are part of the festivities, having a party that is well-catered will definitely bring a smile to everyone’s faces as we look forward to 2021.