In the Kitchen

Organising a cocktail party can be a stressful experience, but with this helpful guide, we hope to make the journey easier for you. There are many things to consider when putting together an event and the suggestions below will help you to find the right solutions to your catering needs.

Timing and number of guests

It is general practice for business or corporate cocktail parties to run for between 1 and 2 hours, and usually, on a weeknight – most people like to keep their weekends free of work commitments. Cocktail functions are very flexible by their nature, and can cater for a small number of guests, up to….well the sky is the limit! You may have a small networking event of 50 guests or a large celebration function of 200. Catering companies often have different kinds of menus and packages available to suit, depending on your number of guests and the timeframe of the event.

Don’t forget the objective of the event

When catering for a cocktail party it is essential to keep in focus the objective of the event. Is it to celebrate a special occasion, or for informal networking? Is it a product launch? Is it to pay tribute to a particular person or organisation? Knowing the type of occasion will help you with catering preparations. The food and the service should match the event. For formal events, for example, you should be considering high-end canapes and small bites. If it is an informal or themed event, you can experiment and have a little fun with your choices. Your chosen caterer should be able to give you guidance and have flexibility to work in with your event objectives.

A word about beverages

Many caterers offer beverage service, either as part of a complete food & beverage package, or a separate add on. Depending in the size and duration of your event, you may be able to choose between an hourly package or have beverages on consumption. Remember that you must always have ‘lite’ and non-alcholic beverages available for your guests, along with the usual beer and wine, and service staff must hold an RSA (responsible service of alcohol) certificate.

Cocktail parties need not be intimidating. Knowing how to cater for cocktail party will surely minimize the stress. If you’d like some help to select the best menu for your next cocktail party, give us a call! We are here to make your event as successful as possible.