Ringing in the New Year is easily the biggest event of the holiday season. As such, it is imperative to choose a great New Year’s Eve catering service. Your San Diego caterer should be able to handle any celebration to the satisfaction and delight of the host and guests. When looking for New Year’s catering, there are a few basic factors to keep in mind. The advice below will help you to choose the right caterers for any party.
Start Early
As mentioned, New Year’s Eve is one of the most celebrated events of the entire year. Because of this, the best New Year’s Eve catering services tend to book up quickly. As a result, plan early to ensure you are able to schedule a top catering company in the area. By planning early, you will be able to send out invites to be sent out early. Guests will love this, because they will be able to plan accordingly during this busy season. The larger and more complex the event, the earlier hosts should begin the process.
Get Recommendations
It’s likely that you may be choosing a New Year’s Eve catering service for the first time. If so, it can be very helpful to rely on references from previous clients. Ask friends or family members whether they have used a company in the past with great success. Any company that comes highly recommended should be at the top of the contact list. Also, be sure to check online reviews. This is another way to determine whether a catering service can deliver on its promises.
A Menu that Fits the Evening
The menu for any New Year’s Eve bash can vary considerably. Typically, the adjustments to the menu are based on the time of the event. They can also be influenced by the preferences of the host. Some hosts choose to host a formal sit-down dinner at the event. This can be scheduled earlier in the evening with appetizers or dessert selections throughout the rest of the night. Another option is to provide finger foods early, with a later dinner just in time to ring in the New Year.
No matter what type of menu fits the event best, the New Year’s catering company should be able to accommodate the request. In addition, a top catering company will have plenty of knowledgeable feedback to help hosts design a night that works best for guests.
The Best Beverage Plan
New Year’s Eve is a night for celebration and revelry, so the right beverage plan is just as essential as the appropriate menu. Most catering companies offer bartending services, which can range from whipping up magical drink concoctions to sticking with the basis well drinks like wine and beer. Hosts need to make clear who is providing the liquor as well as gratuity policies. Make sure the company also has a broad selection of nonalcoholic beverages as well.
More Variables to Consider
Food and drink may be the top considerations when planning a New Year’s Eve celebration, but they are not the only ones. Other factors to discuss with a catering company might include decorations, table settings, music and other entertainment. In some cases, the catering company might coordinate these additional features, while others will work with other contractors or even family and friends to ensure the entire party is a success.
New Year’s decorations can be an elaborate affair, depending on the specific type of event. In addition to the general décor for the room, it is common to include small party favors for guests, such as hats, confetti, and noisemakers. Hosts often supply these items themselves, placing them at tables or in baskets throughout the venue for easy access for guests. Plan for decorations and favors so the catering company knows precisely what is expected of them and what will be provided by the host.
The Package Deal
With multiple services covered by a single vendor, one of the biggest considerations for the event may be the budget. Hosts need to make sure all costs are included in the estimate to avoid sticker shock later. Some of the specifics to ask about might include:
- Tables and Chairs
- Table Linens
- Dishes and Place Settings
- Staffing
- Gratuities
Once the package is determined, hosts need to be sure they have a signed a contract that states exactly what services to expect during the evening. This ensures hosts can stick to a budget as they plan their event while not leaving any of the details of the evening to chance.
Changes and Cancellations
Even the best laid plans can go awry from time to time and hosts need to know their responsibilities in case they require last-minute changes to the menu or venue. Guest cancellations can also be a problem for hosts and caterers alike. Discuss these issues ahead of time, so hosts know whether last-minute changes might be accommodated, and cancellations are eligible for refunds. This allows everyone to plan accordingly should any unexpected issues arise.
New Year’s Eve catering is an excellent choice for people who love hosting their own parties but want to enjoy the festivities themselves. Our San Diego party catering company offers a wide range of menu options that allow us to tailor any event to the specifications of the host and guests.
Contact a member of our team today to find out how we can help you create the occasion that will leave them talking well into 2020.
