How to Host the Perfect Party

Our Experts Recommend These 3 Key Steps!

Now that certain areas of the country are reopening–hopefully for good this time–are you in the midst of picking out a professional San Diego Party Catering company? Since the start of the pandemic, we’ve missed so many celebrations of big milestone events. We all miss getting together, but the elephant in the room lingers, and you wonder, “will parties ever be the same?”

We’ve got you covered. You’re likely hoping that your event will help ease your guests into both a safe and “normal” feeling gathering. This is where a reliable and time-tested San Diego Party Catering company can make all the difference. By choosing an experienced and trusted company, your food and beverage menu will be sure to please all the guests present at your party. Plus, their dedication to the safety and wellness of your guests is sure to shine through. Here are a couple of tips to remember when planning your perfect party and finding your ideal caterer nowadays.

 

Step 1: Don’t Forget To Count Heads!

When deciding upon catering providers and selecting the menu, estimate the guest count that you expect will attend your big event. This way, you can prepare for various options that are sure to please the crowd. Your caterer will help you properly estimate your headcount and explain how to account for any family or guests who confirm very close to the event. By hiring a company with extensive experience, your catering team will make the best menu recommendations to accommodate your entire party.

 

Step 2: Know Your Budget

You may likely have a designated budget set aside for catering services. If you have a general understanding of your budget, that will help you identify the best San Diego Party Catering company within your price range. It will be useful to share your budget with each vendor so that every creative opportunity can be expanded upon within your set parameters. Depending on your preferences, you may want the dining to be casual and light fare. Or, you may want a grand meal that is the centerpiece of your entire event. A great catering company will help you make this determination and review all the available choices.

 

Step 3: Consider The Entire Package

Beyond catering services, a proficient catering company can custom build an entire event package that best fits your needs. For example, you may benefit from an all-inclusive package covering all the details like linens, china, and décor. Your caterer of choice may be well connected within the industry. They can help you make advantageous connections with other vendors that are high in demand. By helping you easily assemble your entire event team, narrowing down all your services at once, your caterer will bring value far beyond the delicious meal itself.

Feeling inspired?

Reach out to us about the next step in planning your upcoming party!

2020 Reflections And Thanks

Our 2020

Finally, the time has come to wave goodbye to 2020. As we breathe a sigh of relief–and gear up for the coming year—we reflect on the year’s joys and accomplishments despite the challenges.​

New Years Eve Party Decor | New years eve table setting, New years eve decorations, New year table

After 32 years in business, we never thought we would see anything like the last 9 months.

We were sure this was going to be a spectacular year for our company. With many major holidays falling on weekends, the wedding industry flourishing, and our momentum from 2019’s many successes, we were ready to celebrate! Unfortunately, even our wildest dreams couldn’t have predicted the reality that was to come. Granted, the world itself hasn’t seen the amount of turmoil, such as the last year has brought. It took our little work family, and beyond, deep into the scramble of constant uncertainty. Within a few months of New Years’ celebrations, we saw empty grocery store shelves and hand sanitizer shortages. We learned to meet with friends and share milestones through computer screens, and we put many of our plans on hold. Yet, we also found hope as we came together with our communities to care for one another.

We feel blessed to have such wonderful staff and fabulous clients.

In the San Diego Business Journal, we made their list of Fastest-Growing Companies of 2020. Positive news such as this reminds us that we owe so much to our loyal staff and vendor partners’ faith. To show our gratitude, we hosted “Virtual Family Meals” for our staff to enjoy. It was so good seeing familiar smiling eyes over masks when we placed each packaged meal for four in their car trunks during the pick-up drive-through. Our trusting clients know about our constant struggle to do right by their needs (as well as we have been allowed), and we are so thankful for their continued support and understanding.

We’re looking forward to the new year.

We kept our crews busy updating everything from our menus to our managed event locations during the shutdowns. We’re taking all of our hope and determination into this coming year to make the best situation out of what 2020 has left us with. We can’t wait to celebrate this coming year and be with the amazing vendor partners we have missed working with as soon as possible.

If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that we can’t know what next year will bring. But whether it’s smooth sailing or rough seas, one thing remains constant: Personal Touch Dining’s dedication to providing life-changing events and experiences for its clients.

Goodbye, 2020; hello, 2021!

 

Our Top 4 Favorite Buffet Entrées

Your Guests Will Go Crazy For These Incredible Entrees!

Everybody gets excited, seeing a buffet set up at an event. Create the formal ambiance of a sit-down affair without the structure of a scheduled dinner. Ideas for a buffet might include an assortment of tantalizing and sophisticated options designed to please the most discriminating palates. Build your buffet with a choice of a few different vegetables, a starch or two, and top off your carefully crafted menu with the perfect entrees sure to thrill your hungry guests!

Here are just a few of our favorites that everyone always asks us about, but if we’ve piqued your interest, ask for our Full-Service Buffet menu!

Our Harvest Chicken is hearty and fits every season!

Guests rave about the mountain of savory toppings artfully melted together to coat each piece of grilled chicken breast. This entree is one of our personal favorites for its “homemade” feel and elevated combination of flavors you’d find in any fine dining restaurant.

Buffet Entree: Rustic Chicken

Rustic Chicken under a melted blanket of Cheddar & Jack Cheese, Bacon, and Scallions. Topped with a Chipotle Cream Sauce.

For a familiar buffet classic and a constant crowd-pleaser, we love suggesting our Teriyaki Salmon!

Elegant and familiar, this entree goes well for any classy affair. We love pairing this dish with our Carved Tri-Tip, seen below, for a little “surf-and-turf” fun!

Buffet Entrée: Teriyaki Salmon

Teriyaki Salmon Topped with Green Onions and Sesame Seeds.

Nobody skips our Tri-Tip Station.

Traditionally placed at the end of our buffets, the Grilled Tri-Tip is carved-to-order there in front of your guests. Topped with savory Au Jus, fresh Cilantro & Corn Relish, and Creamy Horseradish Sauce, this is the item that gets the most attention. (It’s also what everyone comes back to, over and over again, for more!)

Buffet Entree: Grilled Tri-Tip

Grilled Tri-Tip accompanied by Creamed Horseradish, Au Jus, and Sweet Corn Tomato & Cilantro Relish.

Who can resist Roasted Veggies drenched in cheese??

Our Grilled Veggie Lasagna tempts even the most devoted carnivores to come back for seconds. Packed to the brim with grilled and roasted veggies, this entree isn’t just for the Vegetarians. Our homemade Marinara is sure to win over everyone, and we guarantee that your guests want this secret family recipe!

Buffet Entrees: Grilled Veggie Lasagna

Grilled Veggie Lasagna with Fresh In-Season Vegetables, Homemade Marinara, and sprinkled with Shaved Mozzarella.

 

Thanks to True Photography for all these mouth-watering photos of our favorites!

Holiday Custom Cocktail Inspiration

How To Have The Happiest Holiday From Home This Season!

This holiday season looks a bit different, but a way to brighten your spirits is with Spirits!

It’s not like we’ll be needing to leave the house, so a bit of custom cocktail inspiration–and responsible drinking–are just what the doctor ordered to spread some cheer at home this year. If you’re like us, we’re looking to take the nostalgia of a perfect Christmas and mix in a little extra fun. Growing up, the holiday desserts were our favorite part of the season. Inspired by these sweet treats, we took a few classics and transformed them into some custom cocktails!

Ordinarily, the festive cocktails we offer our clients are Spring or Summer themed signature drinks that complement their event. We get rave reviews over our Watermelon Cucumber Coolers and now offer “Logo Cocktails.” We take a signature logo for your event, print it on thin sheets of sugar paper, and float these custom cocktail discs as a garnish on the top of your guests’ drinks. It’s an inventive way to think outside the cheesy logo bar napkins while delighting your impressed guests! Imagine each of these holiday drinks with your signature logo on top for the perfect viral social media post. Make your friends Grinch-green with envy over your immaculate custom cocktail presentation this season!

 

Rudolph’s Nose (Raspberry Hot Cocoa)

A steaming cup of hot chocolate is the epitome of childhood holidays. Take yourself back with this fun spin that is sure to make you glow with happiness! Try substituting hot coffee for the hot chocolate if you’re looking for that extra pick-me-up after a holiday feast.

Ingredients:
1 oz. raspberry liqueur (Chambord if you’re feeling fancy!)
1 oz. white crème de cacao
8 oz. hot chocolate
whipped cream
1 fresh raspberry 
Preparation:
  1. Pour raspberry liqueur and white crème de cacao in your favorite holiday mug.
  2. Add hot chocolate (or coffee) and stir.
  3. Top with a dollop of whipped cream.
  4. Finish off with a fresh raspberry for Rudolph’s signature look!

 

Pumpkin Pie Martini

Pumpkin pie is one of the most beloved desserts of the holiday season. It seems the nation as a whole can agree that pumpkin spice flavor should be added to pretty much everything, so why not your holiday cocktails?
Ingredients:
1/2 oz. Stoli Vanilla (optional to give it kick)
1 oz. pumpkin spice liqueur (such as Hiram Walker)
1/2 oz. Kahlua
1/2 oz. Butterscotch Schnapps
1/2 oz. half-and-half
crushed graham crackers
sprinkle of cinnamon as garnish
Preparation:
  1. Rim edge of a martini glass in crushed graham crackers (for that “perfect crust” taste). Set aside.
  2. In an ice-filled shaking-glass, combine all liquids. Shake well.
  3. Strain mix into the rimmed martini glass.
  4. Top with a dash of cinnamon for a little extra spice!

 

Peppermint Bark Shot

If we’re talking about childhood holiday memories, we can’t forget the iconic peppermint candy cane. We got this custom cocktail idea from Tipsy Bartender.com, and we can’t rave about it enough! It’s bright, creamy, and super festive with the crushed peppermint rimmed on the glass. If shots aren’t really your style, sip this minty treat in a tumbler over ice! Click HERE for their fun video with assembly instructions.

1/2 oz chocolate vodka
1/2 oz peppermint schnaps
1oz white chocolate liqueur
Melted chocolate and crush candy canes for garnish
Preparation:
  1. Rim edge of the glass in melted chocolate and crushed candy canes. Set aside.
  2. In an ice-filled shaking-glass, combine chocolate vodka, peppermint schnapps, and white chocolate liqueur. Shake well.
  3. Strain mix into the rimmed shot glass.

 

All we ask is that you enjoy these drinks responsibly and remember to share the love, not our germs, this holiday season!

 

 

Lawn Game Inspiration!

Jumbo Games for Maximum Fun!

Lawn Games are timeless and perfect for any event.

Lawn games are great accessories to any wedding reception, family gathering, or corporate event! Now that most events are outdoors use them to fill up some of that extra space. Guests will be looking for excuses to break the ice with unfamiliar faces and for leisurely entertainment while socializing throughout the night. Toss some out during the night to give them an alternative to dancing or being stagnant at a table. 

 

Cornhole: Lawn Games for All Ages!

All That Room For Activities!

From corporate events to weddings, guests love extra outdoor activities! Lawn games fit right in with the DIY craze that is going on now. Customize or personalize each game any way you like with your names, event colors, pictures, or cute sayings. Your guests will recognize your hard work during the cocktail hour or throughout the entire event. Afterward, these games can become a signature part of your home for future gatherings!

 

Giant Jenga: Lawn Games for All Ages!

Try popular lawn games like Giant Jenga, Cornhole, or Giant Connect Four!

When you hear lawn games, you automatically think corn hole, but we’ve seen other games you can play around with, such as Jenga, latter golf, ring toss, bocce ball, and croquet. Mix and match them up, depending on your favorites! Placed outside, there’s no need to worry about appropriate playing space. The games will add so much enjoyment to the entertainment through the evening because your guests will feel confident playing these familiar activities.

 

Giant Connect Four: Lawn Games for All Ages!

 

Just as our fantastic team of coordinators, which outdoor activities they recommend for your event!

 

 

Japanese Friendship Garden Wedding | Client Event Review

Customizing Your Event Is Our Big “Flex!”

We know we’re good at what we do. Bethany was thrilled with our responsive help and flexibility during her planning process. We loved working with her and the Japanese Friendship Gardens in Balboa Park to create her perfect wedding experience.

Her glowing event review below helped our team of hard-working staff know they did a stellar job!

 

 

If you need a detail customized for your big event, we can’t wait to work with you to find the best solution!

San Diego Event Coordinator Appreciation! | Ann’s Plans

“This is your wedding, so it should reflect your personality and fulfill your dreams.”

 

We love working with Ann’s Plans! Clients can always trust her to make their event plans her own. Ann’s Plans specializes in stress-free brides. Ann works tirelessly to make sure your wedding will reflect your personality and fulfill all your dreams, all while presenting your family and friends with a fantastic celebration they’ll never forget.

You can choose services from complete event planning, month-of assistance, and day-of coordination. Ann’s experienced skill set can provide you with a personalized planning checklist, calendar, and wedding day timeline for effortless organization. She is knowledgeable in a spectrum of customs and etiquette for any occasion, and her repertoire of industry contacts provide referrals for high-quality wedding vendors for your future event.

 

Your Dream Event is in good hands with Ann.

Reach Out Today!

Ann Strobel
Phone: 619-206-5676
Email: ann@annsplans.com

 

 

Ann’s Plans Website

Our Event Collaboration!

Testimonials!

Crowd-Pleasing Appetizers For Any Occasion!

“There’s An App For That”

Our wide range of crowd-pleasing appetizers spans the full spectrum of flavor and enticing displays! Tease your taste buds with a few of these appetizing delights. Use these artful morsels to your advantage! Your guests eat with their eyes first, portray a mood or theme through a few choice bites. These delicious mouthfuls will pique your guests’ interest, warming them up for the main course later on.

Our Watermelon Skewers are a small but mighty appetizer!

Bring a hint of summer to any day of the year. An explosion of flavor with Mint, Honey Goat Cheese, Blueberry Basalmic Reduction, and dusted with a pinch of Pistachio, watermelon has never had such a glow-up!

Our Crab Cakes are light, always fresh, and one of our favorite crowd-pleasers.

A little bit of lemon and Herb Remoulade perfectly top off this tasty treat!

Have a crowd looking for the ultimate, savory snack?

The Mini Beef Sliders win over every group with the Sharp Cheddar, Truffle Aoli, and Caramelized Onions!

Be sure to expand your palate!

Explore sweet, savory, and fresh so your guests can experience all sides of their flavor profiles.

Keep your veggie-friendly friends in mind!

We offer several delectable crowd-pleasing appetizers sure to delight your vegan and vegetarian guests.

Try a gourmet spin on classic comforts.

Our Chicken and Waffle Skewers, with Maple Syrup and Crunchy Bacon, take that “mom’s secret recipe” taste, and somehow make this sweet and salty treat better than you remember! We also offer a heavenly Spinach and Artichoke Grilled Cheese with a Creamy Tomato Bisque to satisfy all your childhood dreams.

 

Ask us for our full menu of delicious appetizers!

Whether you’re having a corporate event, holiday party, or celebration, we have the perfect bite-sized appetizer for the occasion. We’re sure each one will excite and delight your hungry guests.

 

Forever Enchanted Events Coordinator Review!

Being “Friendly” and “Efficient” is Our Personal Touch

Kelsey Schwarz, a phenomenal San Diego Event Coordinator, left this glowing review for us!

 

We’re beyond appreciative that Kelsey from Forever Enchanted Events took the time to write this coordinator review for us!

“Sky-rocketing” up to the top vendors on any of our fellow event vendors lists is fantastic! Positive feedback like this, especially from one Event Professional to another, is such a wonderful compliment. Our hard-working Event Teams deserve to know that their commitment to excellence is recognized. She helped us provide that encouragement!

We loved working with Kelsey and her amazing staff. She felt like one of our own with her organized and cheerful demeanor!

Thanks, Kelsey, for this rave review. We can’t wait to work with Forever Enchanted Events again soon!!

 

Distance Party To-Go Boxes!

Party On The Go!

Finally, a safe and easy way to celebrate together! “Party on The Go” is a new venture our team is diving into for the Holiday Season and beyond. Our curated To-Go Boxes are crafted with the freshest items based on our most popular menu options, and they’re perfect for every occasion! Did you miss out on a special event? Or perhaps you’re struggling to find fun, safety-compliant ways to bolster employee morale? We’ve got a Box for that. 

Fun-Filled Party Packs, To-Go!

This creative alternative to the traditional gathering is a distanced spin on nearly every gathering we’ve been sorely missing from a holiday party, company picnic, happy hour, special occasion, or employee incentive! Now, your Alternative Holiday Parties or Distanced Holiday Celebrations can give that fulfilling experience on The Go.

Our Service

We’ve designed this new service with you in mind, keeping everything as easy as possible so you can enjoy the gift of a safe-gathering. All of our Boxes come prepared and ready to be distributed. Just choose the drop-off or drive-through option! Our talented and friendly staff will deliver your chosen POTG Boxes directly to you for self-distribution for the drop-off method. As for our drive-through service, we can help set up a distribution location for your lucky recipients to come to pick up their boxes. Unlike individual delivery services like Uber Eats, our service encourages the feelings of excitement that comes from a special occasion! Your lucky guests will enjoy the novelty and surprise from the gift of these boxes, reveling in the sense of gathering at a distance.

What’s in The Box??

The better question is, “What’s NOT in these boxes?!”

Our Party on The Go boxes come packed with everything you could need for your celebration. We’ve purposely crafted each themed box to encompass a party’s true feeling so that no more special occasions are lost to social distancing. We believe that everything deserves to be celebrated, so take a peek at our boxes below to see which best fits your event!

Happy Hour Boxes:

Grazing

Distance Party To-Go Box, "Grazing"

Imported & Domestic Cheeses, Seasonal Crudite, Roasted Garlic & Chive Dip, Mixed nuts, Dried Fruit, Salami & Summer Sausage, Gourmet Crackers, Chocolate Covered Pretzels.

Toasting

Distance Party To-Go Box, "Toasting"

Imported & Domestic Cheese Variety, Brie Cheese, Grapes, Olives, Marinated Mushrooms, Artichoke Dip, Salami & Summer Sausage, Sliced Artisan Bread, Gourmet Crackers, Creamy Vanilla or Decadent Chocolate Cake Pop.

Brunch Box:

Sunrise Spread

Distance Party To-Go Box, "Sunrise Spread"

Spinach & Mushroom Quiche, Sliced Fresh Fruit, Overnight Oats, Freshly Baked Muffin.

Picnic Boxes:

Belated BBQ

Distance Party To-Go Box, "Belated BBQ"

Bone-In Garlic & Oregano Grilled Chicken, Smoked Cheddar Potato Salad, Baked Beans, Field Greens Salad, Freshly Baked Bread Roll with Butter, Chocolate Cookies.

 

Long Distance Luau

Distance Party To-Go Box, "Long Distance Luau"

Slow Roasted Pulled Pork with Chef’s Secret BBQ Sauce, Soft Bread Rolls with Butter, Fried Rice, Tropical Coleslaw, Spring Greens Salad, Vanilla Cupcakes.

 

Party Apart Boxes:

Italian

Distance Party To-Go Box, "Italian"

Parmesan Chicken with Garlic Cream Sauce, Pasta Alfredo, Green Beans, Traditional Cesar Salad, Freshly Baked Roll with Butter, Tiramisu.

 

Classic

Distance Party To-Go Box, "Classic"

Braised Short Ribs in a Red Wine Demi-Glace, Chive Whipped Potatoes, Crispy Brussel Sprouts, Farmers Market Salad, Freshly Baked Roll with Butter, Chocolate Cake.

 

South Of The Border

Distance Party To-Go Box, "South of the Border"

Pollo Asada Enchilada Bake, Red Rice, Black Beans, Avo Lime Salad, Roasted Salsa & Chips, Flan.

 

Holiday Boxes:

Greater Gobble

Distance Party To-Go Box, "Greater Gobble"

Herb Roasted Turkey Accompanied by Spiced Cranberry Relish, Goat Cheese Whipped Potatoes, Herb Stuffing, Green Bean Casserole, Field Greens Salad, Freshly Baked Roll with Butter, Pumpkin Tart.

 

Festive Feast

Distance Party To-Go Box, "Festive Feast"

Pecan Crusted Chicken Served with Bourbon Cream Sauce, Rosemary Roasted Heirloom Potatoes, Herb Stuffing, Garlic Green Beans, Cranberry Quinoa Salad, Freshly Baked Bread Roll with Butter, Pumpkin Tart.

 

Kits:

Give Them S’ mores!

Distance Party To-Go box, "Give Them S' mores!

Extra Large Marshmallows, Graham Crackers, Hershey’s Chocolate Squares, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Skewers, Portable Flame with Instructions.

 

Gingerbread Bundle

Distance Party To-Go Box, "Gingerbread Bundle"

Gingerbread Man Cookies, Red & Green Frostings, Holiday Sprinkles, Assorted Candies, Decorating Tools.

 

Classic Cookie

Distance Party To-Go Box, "Classic Cookie"

Fall or Holiday Theme Sugar Cookie Cutouts, Two Frosting Colors (of your choice), Holiday Sprinkles, Assorted Candies, Decorating Tools.

 

Extra Goodies:

Wine, Beer, Champagne, Personal Notes, Labels, or Custom Gifts!

Fine Details:

As we mentioned before, all of our Boxes and Kits come prepared and ready to be distributed. The menus and cutlery kits are included in each box to uphold our promise of complete ease for you and your recipients. We try to be as inclusive as possible, so of course, Vegan, Vegetarian, and Food Sensitivity Substitutions are also available.

 

Interested?

Fantastic! Just reach out to inquire about our prices and minimums!

We’re excited to get this party started with you!

 

Thanks to True Photography for all of these incredible detail shots of our Party on The Go Boxes!

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