Drop Off Catering Creates Casual Events

Drop off catering can be the answer to hosts' or hostesses' mealtime quests for casual parties. There are a wide range of styles for putting together a party from the fanciest black-tie affairs to a laid back potluck ambience. None of the options are better than the other. It all depends on the atmosphere a party-thrower is trying to create. A graduation celebration for high schoolers, for example, will be much more casual than a retirement banquet for the head of a large corporation. Here are some things to think about.

- Fancy affairs: The fanciest of banquets to be catered are usually sit-down dinners with waiters. The attire for servers is often black tie, white shirt. The utensils, platters and china are usually of high quality silver and fine china patterns. Silverware to eat from may include a regular fork, salad fork, soup spoon, dessert spoon, coffee stirring spoon, steak knife and butter knife. The napkins are often made of cloth and folded into impressive origami-like shapes. There will likely be multiple choices, courses and the event will likely include speeches at a podium. For these events, bars usually stock premium beers, wines and cocktail mixers.

- Lavish but not over-the-top: For more average level affairs that are still elegant but not quite so over-the-top, buffets are popular. At these functions, it’s common to have a few waiters and waitresses thrown into the mix to serve appetizers during happy hour. A bartender may be manning the bar, pouring one or two drink selections in addition to house wine and beer on tap. Popular spreads include potato and pasta bars, with ice cream sundae make-it-yourself stations to wrap up the meal. The utensils may be silverware but often in just the basic fork, spoon, knife trio. Dishes are often ceramic and glasses glass.

- Casual catered dining: For a more casual party or event, drop off catering is the perfect solution for a less costly yet still lovely and easy-to-provide meal. This is similar to take-out except that the food is often delivered like a pizza. Easily transportable fare such as sub sandwiches, casseroles, barbecued meats, breads and side salads are perfect as delivery cuisine. Trays of appetizers are usually contained on disposable platters with snap-on lids. Utensils may be plastic forks, spoons and knives. Plate and bowls may be Styrofoam or paper in a variety of colors and patterns. Many items are attractive and recyclable, too, in keeping with the popular mindset of eco-friendliness.

- Potluck: The most laid back and inexpensive option of all is the good old-fashioned potluck. At these parties, each guest arrives with a food item and everyone shares. Hosts and hostesses often provide the place, the serving utensils, cups and plates, but other than that, everyone fends for themselves. Many potlucks are also BYOB which means: bring your own bottle.

Whether a party-thrower chooses to host a fancy affair, a lavish buffet, have drop off catering or opts for potluck, a joint meal can be memorable and enjoyable. Having happy energy and camaraderie are the most important ingredients.