What’s Included in Christmas Party Catering
Christmas Party Catering: What’s Included in the Price? When you’re booking a Christmas party, it can seem like a simple task to get a quote for your Christmas do. However, it’s worth looking into what’s included in the price of your catering for your Christmas party.
The Standard Set Menu
While many venues will offer a variety of dishes, the bulk of their parties are booked on a set menu for a three course meal to be served to all guests at the same time. While there will be a starter, main and dessert to choose from, this is not a buffet where guests can serve themselves throughout the night, and is usually offered to groups of 15 or more. While the cost per head of a set menu may appear higher than a buffet, the kitchen’s portion size and timing are generally more under control.
Choice Menus And Pre-Order Deadlines
Most venues offer a ‘choice’ menu for their Christmas parties. This allows guests to choose from two or three different dishes for each course of their meal. Guests’ choices must be received by the venue two to three weeks prior to the date of the party and guests should inform the venue of any special dietary requirements at the time of booking.
Handling Dietary Requirements
The meal provided will list the 14 major allergens against each dish. Many venues will now offer to swap Vegetarian, Vegan and Gluten Free options into a meal and inform you of the alternatives before you order. It’s always best to confirm with the venue what alternative dishes they will provide as a substitute rather than them simply removing the meat from the dish.
Festive Extras Usually Bundled In
Many Christmas party menus will include extras such as crackers on the tables, mince pies served with coffee, and a selection of small dishes such as the plate of petits fours in the image on the right. These are often included in the price of the meal but sometimes have to be specifically asked for. Others are charged as extras and can often inflate the overall cost of the meal. See also Christmas Parties Llandudno.
Drinks: Included Or Extra
What’s included in your booking? Some venues include the welcome drink in the initial booking price but charge for extra drinks from the bar. Other venues include a glass of wine with the meal but this is usually a house wine. Ask the venue about their bar service in advance to find out what you’ll be expected to pay for in addition to the initial booking price. The venue will also be expected to serve alcohol in line with licensing regulations covering the service of alcohol at parties and events and will have guidelines covering matters such as serving hours and responsible service of alcohol.
Table Dressing And Decorations
Table dressing (i.e. crackers, candles, ice buckets etc) will usually be included in the price of a Christmas party. Festive decorations, centerpiece, themed table runner and themed place settings will usually be included but this is where it ends. So named cards, special favours, customised luggage tags, do not form part of the price of a typical Christmas party. You can ask the venue if they can provide anything extra and if they can allow you to bring in your own items to personalise your party.
Timings And Room Turnaround
How long will my table be booked for and what time will I need to leave the room? Many venues book two sittings an evening and have a 3 hour time slot for each sitting. This does not have to be an onerous occasion but if you are used to having a longer occasion then find out if there is any flexibility. Also do not forget health and safety advice for event organizers during the busy seasonal period. The main points to consider are capacity of the function room and safe exit from the room.
Deposits, Minimum Numbers And Final Counts
Be aware that most venues require a non-refundable deposit to secure a booking and also have a minimum number of guests to book a package at the advertised price. Also be aware of the ‘final numbers’ date, usually 1 – 2 weeks prior to the event, at which point you will be charged for however many people are attending, whether that be more or less than originally anticipated. Check with local council for Health & Safety for events such as these in Llandudno, in case of outdoor functions, late opening etc. that fall under special event rules for large groups.
Confirming the details in writing prior to paying a deposit for a booking will save much heartache on the day. It will also mean that all participants know what to expect prior to the event.