Catering for a Birthday Party

catering birthday party delicious meal

Planning a birthday party, especially a for a milestone year, may seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! If you want to wow your guests with a fun and memorable birthday party in San Diego, the first and most important step is choosing a theme.

Whether you are considering a superhero theme for your son or daughter’s 10th birthday, or if you are hoping to surprise your husband or wife with the most memorable 40th birthday party, an experienced caterer can help you create the ultimate dream party everyone will rave about for years to come!

Choosing a Theme

The first step to planning the ultimate birthday bash is choosing a theme. Once you have the theme down, everything else such as the style and type of food, style and type of drinks, table scape, décor, music and entertainment will all fall into place.

An experienced San Diego caterer can help with much more than just the food! If you choose a reputable caterer, this company will be connected within the community and can introduce you to other vendors to bring your full vision to life.

Here are a few things to consider when choosing the theme:

  • Age/gender — who is the party for and how old is he/she turning? Clearly a party for a 10-year-old will have a much different theme than a party for a 30, 40, 50 or 60-year-old.
  • Time of year — the time of year will help a lot when choosing a theme. For example, you may consider a beach side Hawaiian-themed luau if your party falls during the summer or you may want to go with a magical winter wonderland if your party is during the winter months. The time of year will also determine the location and if the party will be in or outside.
  • Who will attend? When choosing a theme, it’s helpful to think about who your guests will be and what will appeal to them as well.
  • Budget — it’s helpful to think about your budget before choosing a theme, because a circus-themed party with live performers, circus tents and whimsical food and drinks will have a different price tag then a carnival themed party with face painters and a hot dog bar.
  • Style — even if you’re unsure of the theme, it’s helpful to think about how casual versus fancy you want the party to be. For example, are you thinking about daytime BBQ, evening cocktail party with a DJ and tray-passed appetizers or formal wear and sit-down dinner?

Types of Themed Birthday Parties

There are so many fun themes to choose from when planning a party! Of course, the type of party you choose to have will depend on several factors such as those outlined above.

In addition, here are some fun ideas your San Diego birthday party caterer can help with:

  • Circus theme — live performers, large circus tents and dry-ice cocktails
  • Zoo theme — a petting zoo, nacho bar and stuffed animal take-aways
  • Alice in Wonderland — magical tea party with small sandwiches and face painters
  • Winter wonderland — have guests wear all white or silver; decorate with fake snow and trees with sparkling lights; serve tray passed appetizers and champagne with cotton candy finishes
  • Summertime Hawaiian-themed luau — have live Hawaiian dancers, tiki torches and Hawaiian BBQ
  • Baseball themed party — have guests dress in their favorite baseball gear; serve hot dogs, nachos, peanuts and beer
  • Casino night — have casino tables and poker games, servers walking around with tray passed appetizers and fancy cocktails and a buffet serving steak and seafood
  • Partisan getaway — Paris-inspired party with a crepe bar and fancy cocktails; have the guest wear stripes and berets
  • 80s party — have guests wear their favorite 80s style outfit; decorate with cassette tapes; hire a DJ to only play 80s throwback music and rent a photobooth
  • Prom — have guests come in formal prom wear with corsages and boutonnieres; decorate with kitchy balloon arches and hire a photographer to take pictures of all the couples at the door; serve spiked punch and a have your caterer whip up a buffet style dinner with finger foods

Need Help with Catering Your San Diego Birthday Party?

Planning the ultimate birthday party may seem overwhelming, but that’s where an experienced caterer comes in. A trusted caterer can help you focus your theme and execute every detail to ensure this birthday party is the most memorable party yet!

San Diego Wedding Catering Guide | 5 Helpful Tips

san diego wedding catering event - personal touch dining

When you are preparing for your San Diego wedding, you will likely have a checklist of items you want to complete as priority. Although it may seem overwhelming at first, you’ll find that once these fundamentals are set, the rest will fall into place relatively easily. Along with dress fittings and selecting a photographer, one of the first to-do’s typically involves choosing a wedding catering company that best fits your event needs. As the local favorite San Diego wedding catering company, here are five helpful tips to working with your caterer to create the wedding you’ve always dreamed about.

Tip 1: Ask Questions of Your Caterer

Part of our initial meeting is getting to know you as a couple, and learning your specific tastes and preferences. We anticipate you’ll have questions for us during this process too! Please feel welcome to ask us anything, as we will be more than happy to talk about your objectives and even challenges you’re facing with your event. For example, if you are wondering how to best schedule the reception around the meal, when to serve dessert, and how to deal with dietary restrictions, these are all things we can help with. You may even want to write your questions down beforehand, so you remember what to ask. Knowing which questions are top of mind will help us make the best recommendations, and help alleviate any concerns you may have. Even if you think your situation is unique, chances are we’ve heard it before, and solved it!

Tip 2: Use Your Caterer as a Resource

Over time, we have built up strong connections that have proven very helpful to our wedding couples. This is because of our extensive knowledge and experience as a San Diego wedding catering company, and our longstanding reputation within the San Diego wedding community. We work with the top vendors in each category, and are always ready to make recommendations. More than likely, your request is either something we do in-house, or we will be able to pair you with a local expert. Even if you need a highly specialized service, or a last-minute replacement vendor, it never hurts to ask us. We always come through for our wedding couples! The more we can help accomplish for you, all in one place, the easier your wedding planning will be.

Tip 3: Share Your Ideas with your San Diego Wedding Catering Company

As we talk over your event in more detail, we will have insight and suggestions about your catering options, and what will work best for your event. We welcome you to use this opportunity to share your own thoughts, and to be a collaborator in this process. Many couples give us a few ideas for inspiration, and then entrust our expert catering team to take over. This way, they are able to relax and focus on other aspects of wedding planning. Other couples are more involved with the menu creation and decisions made. If there is a particular seasonal ingredient you are hoping to include, or a signature cocktail preference, please let us know! That way, we will know that your “wish list” items have been addressed and that your final menu is a reflection of your personality, along with our ‘personal touch.’

Tip 4: Enjoy Your Wedding!

One of the many benefits of choosing an experienced and reputable wedding caterer is peace of mind. By working with a top-level event professional, you will know that your event is in good hands. We provide wedding catering for every venue in San Diego, and have likely catered at your selected location many times before. This is helpful because we know the ins and outs, have worked with the staff, and know exactly what to do. We also frequently work in ‘temporary’ venues like estates or tents, and understand the specific challenges, and how to approach them. We are constantly presented with scenarios that would be daunting to a less experienced San Diego wedding catering company, who would be relying on you for help and advice throughout the wedding day. Because we know how to overcome the obstacles, you are able to relax and enjoy your big day!

Tip 5: Give Insight to Other Wedding Couples

After the wedding, you will have built up a great deal of insight about the wedding planning process, and things you learned along the way. It’s a great idea to let others know about your experiences, because it will help with their own wedding planning. If there was a particular recipe you enjoyed, or we came through for you in a big way, we’d love for you to pass this along. Not only would it mean a lot to us, but your recognition helps connect us with new clients who would love working with us. You can tell from online forums such as Yelp, The Knot, and WeddingWire, that we have a long history of happy wedding couples. We also welcome you to share feedback with us personally so we can commend our team members for a job well done!

San Diego Event Catering | Creative San Diego Caterers

If you are looking for a San Diego Event Catering company, you have come to the right place! Our knowledgeable and creative catering staff is ready to produce an amazing event for you. Here are a few ideas to get you started :

Start Planning Your San Diego Event Catering Early (if Possible)

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We’ve managed to pull off amazing events with very little lead time. However, if you are able to give us time to prepare, it goes a long way. From the initial conversation or meeting, we start coming up with ideas and  recommendations. By having this discussion far enough in advance, you have time to weigh the options and make informed decisions. As a result, you can move forward with peace of mind 🙂

For large events, we suggest reaching out at least 6-8 months before for the detailed planning. This is because you’ll have more of the wish list finalized as the event draws near, and we can make suggestions that are more on target. For smaller events, and scenarios where you prefer to leave the decisions to our team, 2-3 months or so lead time should be sufficient.

Of course, you are always welcome to contact us earlier to check availability. In fact, we encourage this, especially during busy summer weekends and holidays. But the real in-depth planning occurs closer to the event itself.

Share Your Vision With Your Co-Planners

Banquet table with linens san diego event cateringIf you are planning an event with others, it’s a good idea to talk over initial concepts with them early on. This way, you can put all ideas on the table, and have a shared vision for the event. If one planner wants a taco bar and the other is dreaming of an Italian feast, it’s time to talk it out 🙂 The more unified the team, the quicker the decisions will be made. We’re always happy to give our professional recommendations as well. Perhaps you will both compromise and opt for our delicious Pecan Crusted Chicken!

Surprise Your Guests

When planning a unique event, it’s a nice touch to throw in a surprise for guests. That little something extra can make the event extremely fun and memorable. For example, we can set up a station for root beer floats or S’mores. These classic all-American delights are sure to please. Or for late-night parties, we offer a variety of “midnight snacks” such as donuts paired with milk, or good ol’ homestyle PB&J. We even have decadent chocolate fountains. And for libations, we can do an eclectic mix of potent signature cocktails. There really is no limit to what can be done with our San Diego Event Catering.

Types of Events

We cater all kinds of events! If you have a family function, such as a birthday or anniversary party, we have a wide array of menu choices. We also cater Bar Mitzvahs, charity functions and galas. We work with many schools throughout San Diego, and provide catering for senior proms, and sports banquets. And when the weather gets warm, we have a popular selection of gourmet picnic options. We always use fresh seasonal ingredients, and have a menu for every occasion!

Learn More About Our San Diego Event Catering

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We’d love for Personal Touch Dining to be your go-to catering company. We invite you to browse our website, explore example menus, and see images from past events. Please contact us at any point to talk over the specific details of your event. We look forward to talking with you!

San Diego Wedding Catering | 5 Tips

When searching for a San Diego wedding catering company, there are many aspects to consider. We’re here to help you make an informed decision! We feel that choosing a wedding caterer should be the most fun part of the whole planning process. When evaluating wedding caterers, here are five factors to keep in mind:

1. Experience

Like many other industries, a lot of what you’re paying for is experience. You can tell a lot about a catering company by the length of time they have been around. Take note of how many years the company has been in business, and which venues they work at regularly. This will help give a sense of their place in the industry. There is a respect of industry peers that can only come with time.

Also, a San Diego wedding catering company that has been around for several years will likely be familiar with your specific scenario for your event. They will be able to anticipate your questions, and propose solutions you may not have considered. The more knowledgeable the company, the more seamless the event will be.

2. Creativity of the San Diego Wedding Catering Company

The wedding menu is one way to make your event stand out and be memorable. When evaluating a catering company, consider how creative they are in their approach. Is there care in the presentation? Are seasonal ingredients used in interesting ways? Are classic menu items given a signature twist? These are all things to observe and notate.
One way to get a sense of the creativity is photos. Browse galleries of past events, and you will quickly see the company’s style and presentation If your San Diego wedding will include buffet tables and tray passed hors d’oeuvres, ask to see examples. Based on what was done in the past, you’ll understand more about how the catering company will come through for you. Especially relevant are events like yours, such as at your venue, or with a similar setup as you will have.

creative San Diego wedding catering

3. Enjoyment

When you talk with a catering company, or meet in person, see if they love what they do. Is there a passion for cuisine, and for making guests happy? Ask yourself if the catering company truly enjoys their work. Furthermore, see if they have initial ideas for you that will make your event better than you envisioned. If there is a positive energy and you walk away impressed, it’s a pretty safe bet that you are in good hands.

4. Reviews

We’ve talked about finding a catering company that’s well regarded by industry peers. Additionally, it’s important to know what past clients think. Online reviews are a helpful way of determining quality. Websites like The Knot, WeddingWire, and Yelp all feature verified reviews by actual clients. Check out many San Diego wedding catering company reviews. Read beyond the star rating and see what people have to say about their experiences. They may offer helpful tips and suggestions, such as a particularly awesome menu item or dessert to request. Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions based on reviews you have read.

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5. Delicious Food

It may sound like a given, but make sure the food is delicious! Consider that in addition to talent and expertise, you are paying for quality ingredients. If a price is super appealing but the food doesn’t measure up, it’s likely not worth the savings 🙂 However, if exceptional food is a priority for your wedding, then a respected caterer is worth every penny. That way, your guests will leave happy and satisfied!

In conclusion, we hope this helps you select your San Diego wedding catering company! With over 30 years in the catering industry, we are prepared for all scenarios, and lots of ideas to make your wedding amazing. We’d love to talk over your upcoming event and how we can give it that “Personal Touch” 🙂

Corporate Catering San Diego | Corporate Events

At Personal Touch Dining, we are your Corporate Catering San Diego experts 🙂 Because we have nearly 30 years of experience, we understand how to produce amazing corporate events. Our team is ready to make your corporate event incredible. Without a doubt, our caterers are sure to impress.

Our Corporate Catering San Diego Menus

Corporate catering san diego appetizer example

Whether your event is themed, formal or casual, our creative chefs have a menu to match. We offer a nice variety of menus for any type of corporate event. We use fresh, seasonal ingredients and time-tested recipes. In addition, we put our own spin on classic favorites.

For appetizers, we have a wide variety of options. Popular items include Caprese Skewers, Sesame Seared Ahi, and Panko-Crusted Salmon. Salads include Orzo Spinach, Walnut and Grape, and the crowd-pleasing Caesar. And with entrees like Herb Chicken, Braised Short Ribs, and Grilled Vegetable Lasagna, there is something delicious for every palate.

Types of Corporate Events

Corporate Catering San Diego Fundraiser EventEvents we cater include awards dinners and grand openings. We also cater holiday parties and benefits. No matter if your corporate event is large or small, we are ready. We aim to create an exceptional dining experience that will have your guests talking.

Our Process

From the first conversation, our dedicated and experienced staff will get to know you and your goals. Then we can start getting ideas for your amazing event! Our goal is to make the entire process easy and fun. Whether it is our first event together, or our hundredth, we bring our full energy and enthusiasm.

Many events have specific needs or requirements. This is where experience really matters 🙂 Our years in the industry have prepared us for all kinds of scenarios. We will help guide the planning process, and answer any questions. We also love a good challenge. So if you’re thinking it can’t be done, try us!

Our Venues

In addition to Corporate Catering, we also oversee the finest venues in San Diego:

Leo Carrillo Ranch - Corporate Catering San Diego Venue

For a rustic event, try Leo Carrillo Ranch. It is just the place for something different. Right outside of San Diego, it has that destination feel without leaving town! Enjoy the native peacocks, charming buildings, and historic site surrounding the venue itself.

Mt Woodson Castle Corporate Catering San Diego Venue

For another quaint, iconic location, check out Mt. Woodson Castle. Located in Ramona, CA, it is also minutes from San Diego. Built in 1921 as a private residence, it is like taking a step back in time. The venue now plays host to unique and memorable events. From picnics to fundraisers, the Castle will wow your guests.

In order to see which one works for your event, we are happy to show you our properties, and talk over questions!

More Services

If rentals are needed, we arrange everything from tables and chairs to tenting and décor. Also, we provide many levels of bar service, including beer and wine, signature cocktails, and full service bar stations. Additionally, if there is something you need outside of our company, we have a large network of partner vendors. You are welcome to view our online directory, or ask for a specific recommendation.

Contact Us for Corporate Catering San Diego

With this in mind, we’d love to talk with you, and learn about the details of your corporate event. Consider us your Corporate Catering San Diego team! Please get in touch with us and we’ll start planning your amazing corporate event!

San Diego Wedding Panel

San Diego Wedding Panel - Jan 21, 2016

We are so excited to announce that Personal Touch Dining is hosting a San Diego Wedding Panel on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 6:00pm. If you’re in the process of planning a wedding, this is the perfect time for you to learn everything you need to know! We will have a DJ, Photographer, Florist and Event Coordinator to talk about all the important details of planning your upcoming event. The panel will feature DJ Artistic, Walter Wilson Photography, The Dainty Lion Florals, Coastyle Events and Personal Touch Dining to answer all of your questions. This is a great opportunity for you to hear from local vendors and learn more about how to make your San Diego wedding flawless. Tickets are only $10 now and $12 at the door, so be sure to reserve your spot today!

Yvonne & Cory – Marina Village – Tim King Photography

On September 26, 2015, Yvonne and Cory celebrated a day together that they will never forget! Their ceremony was located at the lovely Marina Village with many amazing vendors to help create Yvonne’s dream day, and also special thanks to Veronica Carr!! Tim King, the marvelous photographer, captured every moment beautifully. Florist, Moments in Bloom, lit up the room with her lovely arrangements and bouquets! And DJ Musik gave their family and friends a night to remember, with tons of dancing and laughter. This truly was a wedding that we will never forget! Congratulations Yvonne and Cory!!

Other Vendors to Note: Personal Touch Dining, Twiggs Bakery 

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Samantha & David- A Naturally Beautiful Wedding

On October 11, 2015, Samantha and David tied the knot at one of our favorite venues, Leo Carrillo Ranch. This all natural wedding was absolutely gorgeous and could not have gone any lovelier. Samantha wore a beautiful, free falling dress and lit up the room! Bright and beautiful flower arrangements made by Flower Frenzy made the ceremony pop with excitement.  Aaron Wilcox caught every special moment, giving the bride and groom a way to reminisce on their blissful day.  The deliciously healthy choices of food, including a Whole Foods cake, was one of the many creative ideas Samantha had for her special day. DJ Sage created a exciting environment with lots of dancing and memories! We are so excited for the life Samantha and David get to spend together!

Other Vendors to Note: Personal Touch Dining 

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Jessie & Steven: A Rustic Wedding

On September 6, 2015, Jessie and Steven were the center of attention at one of the most beautiful ceremonies we have seen. Their rustic/bohemian style wedding made for a absolutely gorgeous setting.  With the help of Andy King, the amazing photographer, we are able to see all the hard work that was put into this wedding. He captured everything charmingly. The photos, along with everything else, came out flawless, with the help of their lovely friend Becca Corrizosa. The private home venue was the perfect place for the friends and family to feel at home, and help create a blissful day for the newly married couple!

Other vendors to note: Personal Touch Dining, Music in Notion

 

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Eileen & Curtis Tie the Knot!

Eileen and Curtis tied the knot on August 29, 2015 at La Jolla Women’s Club with lovely weather and even better company!  What better way to celebrate the union of two amazing people than in beautiful La Jolla!?  With the help of wonderful vendors, this event could not have been more fun! To capture the blissful moments True Photography truly didn’t miss a thing. Eileen walked down the aisle holding her absolutely gorgeous flower arrangement, made by Tessfresh Flowers. Everyone looked so amazing with the help of Flawless Beauty, leaving everyone in awe! Hannah Smith Events and Personal Touch Dining did a perfect job at coordinating this stunning event for Eileen and Curtis, giving them a day they will never forget!   

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Talk With A Professional Event Catering Expert

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