Full-service event catering ideas for hosting a perfect Corporate Holiday Party

Planning a corporate holiday party can be a daunting task, as it is more often than not the biggest event of the year. It is a morale-booster and a way to develop the company’s culture. It can be overwhelming to plan such a large even around the holidays. However, with the right planning and resources, it doesn’t have to be.

Here are some full-service catering tips for the perfect corporate holiday party.

Corporate Holiday Party Dining Options

During the holiday party, it is essential that all team members feel included as part of the festivities. Elect teams to manage different aspects of your event, to keep everyone engaged and feel valued. Set up a drink and souvenir station upon entry (silly hats?) to welcome guests and set the mood for a fun, holiday event. Once guests approach the main area, you’ll want to plan the logistics of how guests will dine at your event. Options are always a good choice. They ensure a stress-free experience for all guests to let them enjoy the festivities and take everything at their own pace.

Variety Is the Spice of Life

Employees will feel appreciated and part of the team by offering menu items and holiday traditions based on your employees’ backgrounds.You could have a sushi and ramen station across from a tapas bar, followed by meditarranean offerings at a third station.

Label Everything

Food allergies are very common. In fact, an estimated 32 million Americans have at least one food allergy. To accommodate for employees with allergies and food sensitivities, clearly label all of your menu offerings. Also, be sure to offer a wide assortment of menu items. This will ensure a stress-free holiday experience for those with allergies.

Team-Building

White Elephant

It is common practice across many organizations to host holiday party gift-exchanges between employees. They are a way for employees to feel valued, and for the company to encourage the holiday spirit. Each participant supplies a wrapped gift (the organizer should determine gift criteria prior to the event.) Players determine which order they will take turns selecting gifts. The first person opens a wrapped gift, ending their turn. Each subsequent turn, a participant has the option of unwrapping a new gift, or stealing another player’s. Consider having one at your corporate holiday party to entertain your guests.

Choose a Theme

A theme goes a long way, as it sets the mood for decor and dining options. Subtle details, like table decorations, can establish the tone for the Holiday spirit. A well-executed theme also encourages employees to loosen up, and to enjoy the festivities. When selecting a theme, other elements to take into consideration are lighting, costumes, seating arrangements, and plating, to name a few.

Photobooth for Your Corporate Holiday Party

Photobooths are increasing in popularity at events, as they are interactive and enable guests to create their own memories. Consider including one at the entrance of your event or in a designated area beside the bar. This way, guests can snap an impromptu photo while waiting for their order. Consider staging the photo booth with holiday decor to match the theme of your event.

Decide on Drinks

You may want to narrow down your alcoholic beverage options to limit intoxication while still letting guests enjoy the event. For example, prepare a Signature cocktails in small taster size glasses. This enables your invitees to enjoy the taste of a holiday drink. It also minimizes the risk of over-indulging. Another option is to limit your beverage menu to wine and beer only, eliminating the hard alcohol altogether..

Build-Your-Own-Dessert Bar

Giving your guests the option to create their own dessert offers an unparalleled experience, as no two creations will be the same. Allowing such customization options and engagement will be sure to entertain your guests.

The Space

Finding the right venue to host your party is essential, as it ensures your party will be executed to its full potential. Choose a venue that is appropriate based on the size of your event and projected number of attendees.

Timing

Will your event need to be on a weekday or will it work best on a weekend? Consider which option will work best for the majority of your guests. This decision will make considerable impact on other details, and planning the date as early as possible will ensure plans go as smoothly as possible.

To Buffet or not to Buffet

Holiday parties are typically served buffet-style or by wait staff. Once you determine the menu items and number of attendees, you may find that one works better for your needs. For example, if you are planning a corporate holiday with a large number of guests, consider opting for buffet-style. Lines will move relatively quickly, enabling guests to socialize and dine at their leisure.

If you plan on serving a buffet, consider menu items that tie in with the holiday season. This could include cheese platters with a wide assortment of crackers and preserved fruit, as well as finger-foods that are easy to eat with minimal mess.

Instead of one long buffet, you may want to set up different stations that serve various small plates. This will reduce the risk of long lines. Guests will appreciate quick access to various freshly-made small portions. They will also be able to try everything your party has to offer.

Summary

We at Personal Touch Dining bring extensive experience and resources to execute your perfect corporate holiday party. We are a premier San Diego catering company that can provide you with all of the options above and more. Whether you need a full-service holiday catering event, or prepared meals, we are here to accomodate to your needs. Bring us your ideas! We will not only bring them to fruition, but use them as a foundation to inspire our own creativity and recommendations. You are only limited by your imagination.

Beyond catering, we offer venues to host your event, bar service, and a large list of partner vendors. This helps you to bring sophisticated events together, all in one place. Drop us a line today, and let’s talk about your upcoming holiday party!

Wedding Themes We Love! | Part Two | San Diego Catering

Welcome back for

Part Two of our “Wedding Themes We Love” Series!

Last time, in Part One of our series, we focused on Formal/Traditional and Modern themes, and while their elegance will never falter, we’re kicking our heels off for this post!

Vintage

Softer than a modern look, a Vintage theme can express old-world elegance minus all the polish of the two previous ideas.

With the clever use of repurposed antiques, Accessory Tables can add to the overall feel of a rare collection brought back for your special occasion.

Bringing in classic cars, or vintage dresses can add that flair for the refined charm you’re seeking.

A new trend that fits perfectly with this theme is the bold lounge areas with well-loved furniture we keep seeing!

Let your guests lounge in luxury, taking iconic social media pictures on these gorgeous styled sets!

Don’t forget the vintage bus!

The dining style to best fit this theme is a couple’s choice, meaning anything could fit beautifully because of the flexibility of the motif.

Try a buffet-style service and include a gorgeous antique visual focal point to bring cohesion to the room.

Art Deco!

Great Gatsby-esque parties are a fantastic inspiration for the vintage, yet glitzy, couple who want to really wow their guests.

This lavish, golden glamorous motif is a blend of vintage, modern, and formal.

So feel free to have that seated dinner style and keep the dance floor alive with a full jazz band!

For invitations, you can’t go wrong with zippy fonts, intricate geometric shapes, and sharp lines.

Think “vintage allure,” try to seduce your guests with luxurious champagne promises, and hypnotize with glitter.

Don’t be afraid to think outside of the box with this theme!

Exquisite hotels don’t have to be the only option for this motif; we’d love to see someone recreate an “Orient Express” experience for their guests.

For the dining style, we suggest Small Plate entrees at food stations around the room.

This motif is all about being young, vibrant, and lively!

Keeping the dining style more socially inclined with some smaller cocktail, or belly-bar, tables for quick bites on the go will suit this energy the best.

More themes are yet to come, so keep an eye out for Part Three of this series, coming soon!

Venue Appreciation Post | La Jolla Women’s Club | San Diego Catering

The La Jolla Woman’s Club

Photographer: Sutography Weddings

According to the official website, this historic venue was established, and the club created in 1914.

The organization’s objective is “to work in all ways and at all times for the welfare of the world at large and the community of La Jolla, CA and to be a center for educational, cultural, artistic, moral and social betterment.”

Photo by: Alex and Jana Photography

With its timeless elegance and rich charm, it’s one of our favorite venues to make the magic happen!

Photo by: Alex and Jana Photography

The ample space available allows for flexibility both indoors and out for the ceremony and reception!

Photographer: Sutography Weddings

Historic stained glass windows, like heavenly bodies, watch from above as the stage hosts live bands and DJs ready to keep your dancefloor popping!

Photographer: Sutography Weddings

Working with this incredible venue for as long as we have, we’ve always appreciated the refined elegance they incorporate into their daily practices.

Photo by: Alex and Jana Photography

We just wanted to give them a little shoutout for keeping us in mind for all these years of wonderful memories and incredible events!

We’re so honored to be considered part of the past, as well as a future!

Wedding Themes We Love! | Part One | San Diego Catering

Motif, Theme, or Inspiration: Express Yourself Throughout Your Event!

With so many avenues to go down, deciding on a single theme for a wedding to fit a couple’s personality can be tricky.

We’ve brainstormed and come up with 12 general themes that can be tweaked to represent any combination of unique combined personalities as accurately as possible.

We’ll dive into the most theme-appropriate decor choices, best dinner service methods, entertainment options, and more for each!

Formal/Traditional

When asked to picture a wedding, most would visualize something huge, fluffy, with white everywhere.

In reality, the closest to this vision would be a Traditional wedding, but it can be so much more than just clouds of white!

Let’s peek into the lives of the upper class with this “White Wedding” everyone imagines!

Photo by: Lindsey Marie Photography Florals: Breezy Day Florals Venue: Harbor View Loft

Start with a “Black Tie” dress code.

This theme can be the perfect excuse to dress to the nines, and why not look like a red carpet movie star on your big day?

This type of affair is for those couples who want a grandiose and unforgettable night for their guests.

Photo by: Lindsey Marie Photography Florals: Breezy Day Florals Venue: Harbor View Loft

Visualize your dining tables with complete table settings, traditional proper cutlery, and glassware for a full sit-down style meal.

Tables should also feature posh decor with gorgeous flower arrangements.

Finally, a magnificent head table as the focal point of the room is necessary, and don’t forget lots of crystal!

Modern

Photo by: Shane and Lauren Photography Florals: Green Fresh Florals Venue: Harbor View Loft

A step down on the scale of traditional extravagance, with the same formal air, a Modern event is for the new-age Formal couple.

Always in-the-know with current events, the grand florals are replaced with clean lines in geometric shapes to provoke a minimalist mindset.

Photo by: Aubree Lynn Photography

Your guests should notice how sleek and polished everything is, and a venue can enhance this with exposed structural beams or lighting for an industrial edge.

Photo by: Jessica Schultze Photography Florals and Decor: Organica Flora Designs

Stick with a seated dinner as a nod to the feel of elegance reminiscent of the old traditions, or go with a moving-style dinner service!

Also called a small-plate style, it allows guests to serve themselves from different food stations.

It’s a fabulous combination of the fashionable plated meal with a buffet amount of food.

Our next topic themes will be Vintage and Art Deco in Part Two of this series, so keep an eye out for those on the way!

10 Clever Fall Party Ideas for Your Cozy Outdoor Event

Cozy bonfires. Warm toasty marshmallows. Good friends and great times. The right outdoor fall party ideas can help you take your event from casual get together to an unforgettable and Insta-worthy night.

Need some inspiration for your holiday party catering, theme and ambiance? Consider these fall outdoor party ideas for décor and food for your next gathering. From hot chocolate to rustic décor, these fall outdoor party ideas will set the tone (and make for some striking photos too.)

1. Chalkboard Pumpkin Menus

Pumpkins don’t just make great centerpieces – you can also put them to work. A little bit of chalkboard paint can turn a plain pumpkin into a functional menu board.

Since pumpkins come in all shapes and sizes, you can find extra-large ones if needed. Or, pick up several for each portion of your menu, including drinks, appetizers, entrees, and desserts.

2. Hot Chocolate Bar or Cider Bar

Is there anything better on a crisp fall night than curling up around a bonfire with a piping hot mug of hot chocolate? Bring some excitement to your outdoor fall party with a custom crafted hot chocolate bar. Guests will love choosing between different mix-ins and toppings.

You could also go the same route with cider. Start with a jug of hot cider and set up a table filled with cinnamon sticks, mini rum shots, apple slices, dried cranberries, whipped cream, salted caramel, and mini donuts. Or have your bartender prepare a cinnamon infused cider cocktail!

3. Hay Bale Seating

Play up the fall theme with a rustic hay bale seating arrangement. You can make these bales extra comfortable by stacking them into couch shapes with backrests, and cementing them into place with stakes.

Throw some comfy quilts over the hay, and you’ve got picturesque and practical seating for plenty of guests!

4. Branch Out with Your Color Scheme

Orange, brown, and black – these are the holiday standby colors. Instead of sticking with the same old fall color scheme, expand your décor with trendy options.

Bold colors work well for the colder fall nights. Royal blue, deep purple, emerald green, burgundy, bronze, and mustard all put a fresh spin on traditional fall themes. Don’t worry, you can still include some bright orange pumpkins or squash with your outdoor fall party ideas.

5. Keep Cozy Blankets Nearby

Blankets are a must for fall backyard party ideas. You could add to the décor by draping blankets over tree branches, fence posts, and anywhere else you think a guest may reach for one.

You could also pick up a galvanized steel bucket and heat bricks in an open fire. Place the hot bricks at the bottom of the bucket topped with a layer of aluminum foil, roll up the blankets, and fill the bucket.

Instant warm blankets!

6. Design a Hearty Fall Menu

Isn’t food the best part of any unforgettable get-together? A mac n’ cheese bar filled with BBQ pulled pork, sautéed mushrooms, crispy bacon, jalapenos, truffle oil, parmesan, and blistered potatoes has a little something for everyone.

You could also opt for a pumpkin or squash-themed spread. Ham and swiss sliders with spiced pumpkin sauce for dipping are sure to get people talking. For a meatless choice, try butternut squash chimichangas with roasted corn, sugar carrot, ranchero sauce, cheese, and black beans. Don’t feel like you have to come up with all the menu options yourself. Your professional holiday party catering team will have ideas to share!7. Candy Corn Décor

Plenty of people aren’t fond of candy corn but it still makes a great focal point for your décor. Fill the bottoms of clear glass vases and bowls with candy corn and use them to prop-up your utensils or other decorations.

8. Play Up a Dessert Spread

Fall party ideas wouldn’t be complete without some sweet treats. A ‘smores station fits the occasion nicely. Let guests put together their own marshmallows, graham crackers, chocolate bars, and peanut butter cups.

9. Go All-Out with the Centerpiece and Décor

Autumn provides great themes for centerpiece options so there’s no need to be shy here. Pumpkins, ribbon, candy, leaves, candles, twinkling lights – pick a theme and run with it.

Since the days are shorter, consider including unique lighting into your fall outdoor party ideas like white, gold, or orange Christmas lights, hanging lanterns, or flameless candles.

10. Don’t Forget the Late-Night Snacks

For parties that run through the late evening hours, consider serving guests a late-night snack before wrapping up the event.

You don’t need to make every effort to impress here – just offer a little something to hit the spot. All-American sliders with American cheese, secret sauce, and pickles should do the trick. You can’t go wrong with classic peanut butter and jelly sandwiches with smooth chocolate milk either.

Follow that up with a round of donuts and ice-cold milk or warm cider to send your guests off satisfied.

Start Planning Your Outdoor Fall Party

All great fall party ideas start with amazing food. Our company, Personal Touch Dining, sits atop the list of trusted catering companies in the San Diego area. From themed gatherings at event spaces, venues, and private locations, we’re prepared to handle anything you can dream up with an incredible fall menu and an expert event team.

Start planning your outdoor fall party now with Personal Touch Dining.

5 Tips For Perfecting Your Family Holiday Party

The end of the year often means get-togethers with extended family to celebrate. As a result, you may find yourself hosting one or more parties within the next few months. If so, how can you ensure that the event you host runs well? Check out these five tips for hosting the perfect family holiday party this season.

1) Invite Your Family With Advance Notice

To make sure your family knows that you are hosting a holiday party, invitations are critical. Otherwise, they may make other arrangements, or plan a similar party on the same day. For your invitations, it is best to have a confirmation feature. This way, you know who will be in attendance.

Also, give your guests the option to note any dietary restrictions. Remember to include an “RSVP” by date so you can meet all necessary accommodations. By coordinating with family ahead of time, it will help build momentum for your party. It will also ensure that all calendars are marked appropriately.

2) Accommodate for All Ages

One of the biggest challenges of coordinating a family party is planning for a variety of ages. The age range of your guests can affect several key decisions. For example, it can determine whether you will have alcohol at the party, and how to serve it. Also, it can affect meal decisions. This is because children have different eating habits than adults. Therefore, it is important to bring on a San Diego holiday party caterer with menus that appeal to all your guests.

If you are planning to have games, you will want to ensure that they are family-friendly. Or, consider having holiday-themed music in the background for guests to dance to. If you want to plan something more structured, plan to play limbo or freeze dance. To encourage guests to get involved, give prizes for winners. Prizes are a great way to get guests of all ages excited to take part.

3) Be Flexible About Your Family Holiday Party

It can be easy to want things to go a certain way when planning a party. This can mean wanting everyone to take part in an activity or stick to a time schedule. Yet, as mentioned above, family parties often include people of many ages. As a result, it is likely that your family will want different activities, geared towards their specific interests.

To accommodate, it is best to keep most activities unstructured. This will allow you, as the party host, to enjoy things at your leisure without feeling like a cruise director. For example, consider having tables set up ahead of time. These could be loaded with coloring books, or take-home crafts for the kids. Tables can also have games for small groups to play together. This will allow your guests to interact and spend time with each other. Some guests may decide they prefer to sit around and be social. But children will likely need activities so they stay busy and engaged.

4) Ensure There Is Room For Everyone

With all of these activities, you will need to have plenty of space. This is why a proper guest count is so important. It will help you figure out whether you should hold your function at home, or at a holiday party venue, for example. By ensuring you have plenty of space, everyone will be able to get along and enjoy all of the holiday festivities.

If space is a limitation, or you have an especially social group, you may decide not to have a seated meal. Instead, you may want to set up appetizer stations. This will allow people to eat as they please while they mingle.

5) Eliminate Stress At Your Family Holiday Party

Even without planning a holiday party, the holidays can be overwhelming at times! If you do intend to host a party, allow plenty of time to prepare. It is ideal to keep a checklist to make sure you take account for all aspects of your party. This will ensure you budget your time to avoid last minute preparations. To reduce some of the stress, it can help to co-host or to use professional event services that your caterer recommends or provides directly.

Regardless of all preparations, the hours leading up to party can be the most hectic. This is because hosts want to please their guests. They feel the need to ensure everything is running well. As a result, they may spend most of the party time multi-tasking. This can lead to you being your feet the entire time, without a moment to rest.

Ultimately, it is crucial that you enjoy the party as well. Managing your stress level as a host is important, as it can easily affect party guests. For example, your family members may not be able to enjoy themselves if they see you are solving problems and running from room to room. But, if they see you relaxing and socializing, they will be more likely to follow suit.

When planning your party, make decisions that enable you to take a step back, and to enjoy the family bonding. For example, consider opting for a catering company that provides a wait staff for your party. This will offload much of the work, giving you the opportunity to mix and mingle!

10 Small Plate Corporate Catering Ideas for Your Next Party

When planning a corporate event for the holidays, you will want to wow your guests with flavor sensations. At the same time, you’ll need to please a wide range of palates and diet restrictions. For example, older guests may prefer less spice and sodium. You may also consider including a gluten-free option and pork-free choices to meet unique dietary restrictions and religious preferences. Rest assured, your professional San Diego catering company will put together a menu that all guests will enjoy! For a bit of inspiration, browse these corporate catering ideas for your next company get-together.

1. Butternut Squash Chimichanga

2019 is all about unique flavor combinations. Sweet and savory blend well together in several dishes for satisfying and flavorful bites. A vegetarian spin on the classic chimichanga, butternut squash, roasted corn, sugar carrots, and black beans take center stage in this flavorful and colorful dish. Ranchero sauce and cheese top off each bite with just the right amount of creaminess.

2. Spinach and Artichoke Grilled Cheese

As far as corporate catering ideas go, you can’t go wrong with classic grilled cheese and tomato soup. Spinach and artichokes add an adult spin to this comforting dish, which includes tomato bisque shooters for dipping.

3. Buttery Garlic Shrimp

Another favorite comfort food, creamy cheesy grits serve as a base to hold each buttery garlic jumbo shrimp. Every shrimp and perfectly portioned dollop of grits comes served on an individual spoon to easily enjoy as guests mingle through the crowds.4. Chili Relleno

Chili relleno provides a wholesome and flavorful option that guests may not even realize is meatless. Each serving includes a satisfying blend of fontina cheese, ranchero sauce, ranchero sour cream, and avocado cream. Finally, fresh cilantro adds an extra layer of flavor, and refried black beans round out the dish.

5. Kalua Pulled Pork Sliders

Kick traditional pulled pork sliders up a notch with smoky and sweet Hawaiian kalua flavor. Rainbow slaw brings a much-needed crunch to each bite while sweet Polynesian sauce brings all the flavors together. Don’t forget the crispy waffle fries.

6. Ham and Swiss Sliders

Ham and swiss sliders are the perfect choice for fall and winter corporate events because they’re served with a spiced pumpkin sauce for dipping. A side of perfectly battered sweet potato fries complement the pumpkin flavors. As far as corporate catering ideas go, these sliders are sure to get people talking.

7. Argentinian Grilled Flat Iron Steak

A flavorful gluten-free choice, Argentinian grilled flat iron steak includes classic chimichurri for acidity and extra authentic flavor. Whipped purple potatoes and delicate broccolini make this a small yet satisfying dish for any luncheon or dinnertime corporate event.

8. Braised Beef Short Ribs

You can’t go wrong with classic braised beef at a winter event. Each plate includes a savory demiglace and goat cheese whipped potatoes that are sure to wow guests with flavor.

9. Mini Chicken Tinga Tostadas

Mini chicken tinga tostadas offer another hearty gluten-free choice. Bursting with authentic flavor, each tostada includes rich crema, tangy cotija cheese, and fresh cilantro. Mini tostadas make another excellent option for action-packed events because they come in individual portions served on a platter.

10. Chicken Salad Bites

Instead of sliced bread, these chicken salad bites come served in convenient, buttery, and crispy phyllo cups. Cranberries add an extra level of tangy sweetness while apples and walnuts break up the creamy salad with some crunchy texture.

A Few Corporate Catering Ideas for Morning Events

What about morning events? Sure, bagels, donuts, and scrambled eggs are always a fallback option, but why not go above and beyond for your guests? Consider the following interesting corporate breakfast ideas to switch things up and please every palate.

Chicken and Waffles

Chicken and waffles are always a crowd-pleaser because they perfectly combine savory and sweet with crispy and smooth textures. Each serving comes with maple syrup and a little bit of crispy bacon.

Smoked Salmon Macaroons

Swap out the lox bagels for some smoked salmon macaroons at your next morning event. Flavored with “everything” seasoning, each bite also includes lemon dill mascarpone for added acidity and multiple levels of flavor. Finally, port wine shallots bring some added depth and sweetness to each bite.

Watermelon Skewers

Another excellent combination of sweet and savory, watermelon skewers includes honey goat cheese for creaminess. A blueberry balsamic reduction adds a layer of flavor while pistachio dust creates a unique color contrast.

Honey Ricotta Crostini

For morning corporate catering ideas, switch your traditional toast and jam for some honey ricotta crostini that are sure to please. Topped with fig jam and poached pear, each crostini holds the ideal blend of creamy and crunch to satisfy everyone.

Start Planning Your Corporate Catering Ideas Now

As with all events, start planning early to make sure everything runs seamlessly the day of the event. No one likes last-minute surprises and changes.

Personal Touch Dining is one of San Diego’s most trusted catering and event companies. Our holiday menu includes selections from a wide range of cuisines and beautiful stylings to leave a lasting impression.

Start planning your corporate holiday event with Personal Touch Dining today!

13 Tasty and Functional Snack Ideas for an Offsite Corporate Party

Everyone looks forward to holiday parties: networking, friendly conversation, meeting new people, and of course, delicious bites. The perfect snacks for your offsite corporate party could prove to be the highlight of the event.

A cheese and olive plate is a good starting point. But if your guests will be arriving hungry, they will be looking for a bit more from your office party to pique their taste buds and get them talking.

Consider these office party appetizers your guests won’t soon forget.

13 Delicious and Functional Office Party Snack Ideas

Loaded with unique combinations of flavors, these office party appetizers and snack ideas will surely delight guests and satisfy stomachs.

When planning your menu, make sure to take unique diets into consideration.

Older guests may need low-sodium or less flavorful dishes and some guests may require gluten-free or dairy-free options. Religious guidelines are important as well. Always ask your catering company about specialized menus so you can provide your guests with Halal and Kosher snacks for your office party.

1. Spinach and Artichoke Grilled Cheese

Spinach and artichokes put an adult spin on the traditional grilled cheese sandwich everyone knows and loves. Served with creamy tomato bisque for dipping, this vegetarian choice is sure to please the pickiest eaters.

2. Smoked Salmon Macaroons

Wow your guests with a savory twist on the typically sweet macaroon. With “everything” seasoning and lemon dill mascarpone, these office party snack ideas will be anything but bland.

As an added touch, port wine shallots round out each bite with a tangy-sweet burst of flavor.

3. Ahi Poke Tacos

Fish tacos or sushi? Why not both?

In this dish, tangy ponzu sauce offers a nice contrast to the fresh ahi poke. Meanwhile, the wasabi cream provides the heat everyone loves. A sprinkle of sesame seeds adds a final touch of Japanese flavor.

4. Chicken and Waffles

Chicken and waffles come together to offer comforting holiday snacks for your office party. Smooth maple syrup soaks into the crispy chicken and crunchy waffles with plenty of bacon for a perfect combination of savory and sweet flavors.

5. Lobster Mac n’ Cheese Bites

Your guests deserve the best. Treat them to a bite of luxury with some lobster mac n’ cheese. A truly decadent snack that’s sure to please, each bite includes garlic chive aioli for an extra burst of flavor and freshness.

6. Chicken Salad Cups

Chicken salad bites are perfect for keeping the atmosphere casual. Loaded with apples, cranberries, and walnuts, each chicken salad bite offers the perfect combination of creamy and crunch.

Diverging from the ordinary, a phyllo cup shell provides a buttery crispy finish your guests won’t be able to get enough of.

7. Mini Chicken Tinga Tostadas

Add some zing to your offsite corporate party with mini chicken tinga tostadas.

Each tostada boasts an authentic combination of perfectly seasoned chicken, smooth crema, tangy cotija cheese, and fresh cilantro. Flavor is anything but an afterthought.

8. Risotto Stuffed Mushrooms

A savory vegetarian option, risotto stuffed mushrooms are ideal for meeting dietary restrictions as well.

Spinach and artichokes add extra heartiness and flavor to the risotto. Meanwhile, sundried tomatoes provide a burst of color and taste to every bite. You can’t go wrong with risotto stuffed mushrooms at your offsite corporate party.

9. Honey Ricotta Crostini

Honey ricotta crostinis are the perfect office party snack ideas for combining savory and sweet tastes at your offsite corporate party. Creamy ricotta cheese atop crispy crostini will delight senses while sweet fig jam, honey, and poached pear add layers of flavor.

10. Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

For savory vegetarian office party appetizers, you can’t go wrong with buffalo cauliflower bites. Crispy cooked to perfection and smothered in just the right amount of buffalo sauce, guests may not even realize it’s not chicken. Of course, any buffalo dish wouldn’t be complete without bleu cheese sauce for dipping.

11. Smoked Gouda Risotto Bites

Another excellent meatless choice, smoked gouda takes center stage to create a risotto bursting with creaminess and rich flavor. Tomato tapenade gives this dish a perfect amount of acidity while chives round out each bite with a fresh crunch.

12. Watermelon Skewers

Untraditional flavor combinations are all the rage right now, so watermelon skewers are sure to get people talking. Smooth honey goat cheese brilliantly complements the crunchy and juicy watermelon bites.

Meanwhile, mint and a balsamic blueberry reduction sauce add layers of flavor to this complex dish. Delicate pistachio dust adds a beautiful color contrast and a hint of flavor.

13. Mini Beef Sliders

Who can turn down a juicy slider? By dressing them up a bit, sweet caramelized onions and tangy sharp cheddar cheese top off each bite. Special truffle aioli makes sure these mini burgers are delicious and conversation-worthy.

It’s Never Too Early to Start Planning Your Holiday Offsite Corporate Party

A night to remember takes planning! For example, you want to have the best venue, entertainment, décor, invitations, libations, and catering.

Much more than a San Diego catering company, Personal Touch Dining can manage everything from dinner and chairs to décor in any theme to suit your offsite corporate party.

Start planning your holiday party with Personal Touch Dining today!

9 Insider Tips to Hire a Private Caterer for Your Winter Party

Every winter party is unique. That’s why it’s so important to hire a caterer that will create an amazing menu to match.

At the same time, how can you ensure you’re hiring the right San Diego catering company? What little things can you look for and which questions can you ask? Here are a few tips to understand how to hire a private chef and caterer for your holiday or winter event.

How to Hire a Private Chef or Caterer for Your Winter Event

By planning in advance, you can make sure you’re hiring the best catering company and private chef for your party.

1. Find Out How The Company Handles Special Requests

Special requests take on several shapes and forms.

Gluten-free, dairy-free, low-sodium, Halal, Kosher, and other dietary restrictions
Themed events and unorthodox venues
Last-minute additions or updates
On-site adjustments that need to happen day-of

An experienced caterer knows that changes are a natural part of the business and prepares to roll with any unexpected punches.

2. Review Sample Menus Before You Hire a Caterer

If you want a better sense of how the meal will be prepared, ask for a sample menu. This will show you the kinds of dishes that the catering company can prepare, along with specialties or most requested items. If you don’t see your personal favorites on there, be sure and ask!

Also, you may want to schedule a tasting once you have narrowed down your selection. Your catering company will have a specific approach to tastings, and will be able to walk you through the process. If you have a good experience with the tasting, chances are you will be happy with the full event menu.

3. Check References and Read Reviews

Private chefs and caterers should provide a list of references when requested. Ask the references how many times they’ve used the company, what they liked and didn’t, and what they would have changed.

Look for consistency in the reviews. See if others have hired this vendor for events similar to yours, such as at the same venue. As always, check reviews online as well.

4. Pay Special Attention During the Proposal Phase

When meeting with your catering company, make sure the office is clean and organized. Is your sales manager flexible, friendly, and respectful? If so, you can trust that event staff should treat your event with the same professionalism. If the proposal is late, and you’re having difficulty getting calls returned, this should set off some red flags. Look for professionalism in the overall business as a sign of how your event will be carried out.

5. Ask About Additional Services

When you hire a caterer, you’re also hiring a company to provide service to guests – whether you choose a buffet or table service. Make sure to ask about details like china, silverware, and napkin choices.

Many catering companies offer additional services as well. Find out if they can help with décor, equipment, chairs, entertainment, or other rental options. A full-service event catering company makes it easy to plan everything through one entity instead of organizing everything separately on your own.

6. Check with Your Venue about Preferred Vendors or Vice Versa

If you’ve already signed a contract with a venue, check if it requires you to hire a caterer from its preferred list of vendors.

If not, consider choosing a caterer first and asking about the company’s list of preferred venues. Experienced catering companies have special relationships with other organizations in the event planning business and you can reap the benefits when you plan your winter event.

7. Look for Photos Online Before You Hire a Caterer

A reputable catering company should openly supply photos from previous events on the website. You can learn a lot from these photos. Pay close attention to things like plating, serving, and finishing touches to get an idea of what your event could look like.

At the same time, your catering company should adjust depending on what your event requires.

Likewise, you could dig deeper by searching for your catering company on social media and looking at tagged photos from guests or hosts of earlier events before you hire a caterer.

8. Find Out Who You’ll Be Working with On-Site

Leading up to the event, the catering management team and sales staff will appoint a lead person to coordinate with you throughout your event.

You will want to sort out the details ahead of time, so you know who you will be interfacing with. Ask your sales manager who will run the catering at the event and ask to speak with them beforehand, if need be.

9. Review Your Agreement

Give your catering agreement a read-over and make sure it contains everything you need. You will also want to ensure you are covered if you have a change in requirements. For example, what happens if you have to add or remove guests leading up to the event? How does on-site staff handle tips? It may seem excessive to know the finer points of your agreement, but you’ll be glad you took the time. This way, you’ll be able to ask informed questions!

Hire a Caterer You Can Trust

Trust is key when working with a catering company or chef. Dining often makes up a significant part of an event budget and serves as a focal point of the night. With our creatively crafted menus, stellar reputation, and knowledgeable and friendly staff, we will ensure that your holiday party event exceeds expectations.

Browse our 2019 holiday menu and start planning your winter event with Personal Touch Dining today!

5 Tips to Create a Perfect Wedding Bar Menu

At your wedding, the bar will most likely be one of the most popular destinations. So, to minimize waiting and maximize dancing, you’ll want to create the perfect wedding bar menu. Our Personal Touch Dining team has compiled a list of tips to help you create a stunning bar menu. With over 30 years of full-service San Diego wedding catering experience, we have insight into what your guests will want to see. Cheers to that!

Offer a Variety of Drink Options

The key to creating a perfect wedding bar menu is to offer many different drink options. Consider this: your grandmother is not likely drink the same thing as your Maid of Honor. You don’t have to offer everything under the sun, as your guests won’t expect this. Instead, make sure that you have all the bases covered.

At weddings, there are three main groups that you’ll want to account for. These groups are the non-drinkers, the light drinkers, and the partiers. To satisfy the non-drinkers, make sure that your bar menu offers fun options like soda or punch. For the light drinkers, wine or a champagne cocktail is a great option. And for the party crowd, make sure that you have an assortment of beer, cocktails, and liquor options.

Feature a Signature Drink at Your Wedding Bar

A great way to showcase your personality at your wedding is to offer a signature drink. Do you love martinis? Does your significant other only drink Whiskey & Coke? Consider creating two signature drinks, one for you and another for your partner! With two drinks, it’s a good idea to make one lighter and the other one stronger. And don’t forget to include a picture of your signature drink in your bar menu. This way, your guests will know exactly what they’re getting (and your bar menu will look beautiful).

Don’t Forget the Wine

At weddings, wine is extremely popular, as many people enjoy drinking it with dinner. You don’’t have to offer ten different types of wine, but make sure that you have the fundamentals. You’ll want to have a light, sweet option as well as a more robust, darker option. White wine like Pinot Gris is a great light choice, while red such as Cabernet Sauvignon can act as your full-bodied wine. Although it’s not a bar requirement, consider mixing in a rosé. This way, you’ll have both extremes, as well as something right in the middle.

Get Crafty with Your Beer

Your wedding bar menu is almost perfect, but what’s missing? The beer! Like wine, you’ll want to make sure that you have the basics. This includes offering a mix of both domestic and import beers. Everyone has their favorite beer, but one or two brands of domestic and one import will work just fine. If you’re a beer lover yourself, don’t be afraid to get creative! Mix in some local craft beers and IPAs to give your wedding a unique feel (and flavor).

Make Your Wedding Bar Menu Stand Out

Don’t let all your hard work go unnoticed! While it’s great to have the options listed above, they become obsolete if they’re not visible to your guests. So, after creating your bar menu, make sure that it’s set in a prominent location. Display the menu at the front of your bar so that your guests can see all your great, versatile drink options. And don’t forget to make a few copies to be passed around. This way, the bar line will move quickly and your guests will remain happy.