Planning the perfect event can be stressful, but catering does not have to be. We have created a quick reference for when you decide which catering style will work best for you and your guests.
“No rule of etiquette is of less importance than the fork we use.” ~ Emily Post
Cocktail Style Reception
An inspired cocktail party provides the ultimate social revelry with various food options. Feast on cocktail-sized meals, seasonal hand-crafted hors d’oeuvres, and bountiful food stations. Eclectic flavors and aromas culminate into a multi-sensory culinary experience. Your Event Producer will also guide you through exciting craft cocktail and mocktail selections.
Passed Hors D’oeuvres
Coconut Shrimp Cakes
Gold Baby Beets with Honey Ricotta
Poached Local Lobster, Grilled Cornbread
Bite-sized Meals
Roasted Halibut with Artichoke Puree
Indian Butter Chicken, Basmati Rice, Cilantro
Sushi + Dumpling Station
Pan-fried Vegetable Dumplings, Seaweed Salad, Vegetable Lo Mein, Teriyaki Tofu Lettuce Wraps
Bruschetta Bar
Marinated Cherry Tomatoes, Fresh Mozzarella, Spicy Goat Cheese, Minted Zucchini, Roasted Artichoke Hearts, Tuscan Bread with Garlic, and EVOO
Passed Sweets
Crème Brulé Doughnuts, Colorful Waffle Pops, Salted Caramel Tartlets
Seated Dinner
A seated dinner allows you to entertain with a traditional approach to dining. Guests enjoy a reception before being seated for a first course, entrée, and dessert. Guests enjoy artistically prepared courses served precisely by polished waitstaff while enjoying conversation and laughter.
Passed Hors D’oeuvres
Lamb Lollipops with Preserved Lemon Chutney
Grilled Zucchini Ribbons, Herbed White Beans, Mint, Red Chili Crunch
Fried olives, Duck confit, Smoked Gouda
First Course
Summer Melon Salad, Prosciutto, Pine Nuts, Feta, Currants, Mint, Spiced Chili Vinaigrette
Entrée
Tenderloin, Romesco, Confit Eggplant, Harissa Aioli, Crisp Garlic
Confit Eggplant, Harissa Aioli, Crisp Garlic & Brown Butter Crumb
Dessert
Chocolate Crémeux with Salted Caramel Popcorn, Red Berries, Chicory Coffee Ice Cream, Caramel Sauce
Dinner Buffet
A buffet lends itself to a more informal feel than plated meals. A significant benefit of a buffet is that the variety of catered foods is guaranteed to please diverse palates. Elevated food displays, beautiful linens, and textured place settings make the buffet look even more special.
Dinner Buffet
Chicken Milanese with Arugula and Parmesan
Wild Striped Bass, Coal Roasted Leek, Baby Kale
Wild Mushroom Risotto with Leeks, Black Truffle Oil
Salad of Mixed Baby Greens, Aged Sherry-Shallot Wine Vinaigrette
Assorted Iggy’s Rolls and Sweet Butter
Dessert Table
Mini Jar Pies Boston Cream; Lemon Meringue, Banoffee Pie, Fluffernutter Chocolate Crunch
Now that you have settled on a style, you will enjoy working with an Event Producer to determine your catering style, choose the floorplan, and select all the fine details. With a relentless passion for brilliance and innovation, The Catered Affair elevates an average event into an extraordinary and unforgettable experience, and it is our pleasure to serve you.
Written by: Kori Carter Gillespie is the Director of Brand Marketing @thecateredaffair in Boston, Massachusetts. Kori is a content writer passionate about crafting brand stories for boutique lifestyle brands.