Many of us wait all year for the Christmas season. When the time comes to host the holiday event of the year, it takes careful planning and the right team to pull it off. A Christmas party catering company can make or break any event, so it is critical to choose the right company for the job.
Our San Diego party catering company has tips on questions to ask a prospective caterer to ensure the best team for the job is hired.
1. What is Your Specialty? Are Tastings Available?
Most caterers offer a wide range of menus, but they also have their specialties they are known for providing. Since this fare will likely be some of their best, it is good to find catering for a Christmas party that offers the best menu for the event.
Tastings allow potential clients to sample the food to ensure it will meet the standards of the guests. It is helpful for clients that have not tasted food from this caterer in the past. Tastings also help in narrowing down a menu when working with a Christmas party catering company that offers an extensive array of options.
2. What is Included in the Final Price?
When comparing prices for catering a Christmas party, make sure the comparison is apples to apples. There are numerous items that might not be included in the quoted price, such as:
- Additional Fees: Taxes and gratuities can add up quickly if they are not included in the initial quote.
- Bar Costs: Make sure the cost for non-alcoholic beverages, bartender services, and drink service during the meal are added into the cost.
- Equipment: If rentals for tables and chairs are needed, make sure they are included in the initial price. Other extras might include dishes, linens, and serving ware.
- Set Up and Take Down: These steps require a lot of labor, so make sure they are included in your quote to avoid sticker shock at the end of your event.
It is not uncommon for a Christmas party catering company to make sure these fees are accounted for to the price. However, it is important to know the extras to budget accordingly.
3. Can I See Examples of Your Food Presentation?
Tasting the food is the first step but seeing how the food is presented is also important. When planning a holiday party, this can be particularly critical since the presentation of the food needs to match the festive, seasonal feel of the event. It doesn’t matter whether it is a formal, sit-down dinner or a buffet, presentation of the food needs to be both enticing and appropriate to the gathering.
4. How are Dietary Restrictions Handled?
This is a common concern today, as many guests may be vegan, gluten-free, or have other dietary restrictions. If children are included, it is also appropriate to add a menu that caters to the younger guests. Even if the Christmas party caterer is known for handling special requests with ease, letting them know the specifics of the guest situation is helpful for avoiding chaos in the kitchen on the day of the event.
5. How are Tips Handled?
The tip question can create an awkward situation if it is not addressed before the event. In some cases, tips may be included in the final cost breakdown. Other Christmas party catering companies might prefer hosts to tip at the end of the night. If hosts choose to leave a tip, it helps to know how this is handled. Is it a single tip for the entire team, or individual tips based on the job description?
If a bar is included, find out if guests will have the opportunity to tip at the bar as well. Some companies encourage this practice, while others avoid it as a rule. By knowing what is included and how the setup works, it is easier to prepare guests for what they can expect when they arrive at the event.
6. How Will the Staff Dress?
It is important to know that staff will reflect the mood of the occasion. So, staff dress code is another important factor to discuss early. If the event is a formal one, staff should be dressed accordingly. For example, they should dress in white shirts, black pants and bowties, if appropriate. If more festive dress works better, make sure the Christmas party catering company knows that ahead of time.
7. What is Done with Leftover Food?
Christmas catering companies have different policies for end of the party matters. In some cases, the Christmas catering company might box the food up and leave it with the host. Others might leave extra food behind if the host providers containers. Still other companies might make a practice of donating leftover food to a local non-profit. There is no right or wrong answer here, but make sure the company chosen has a policy that satisfies the host and guests.
Need help planning a holiday event. Our team is ready to help create the most memorable celebration of the season. Contact us todayto learn more.
