So you’ve been tasked to order a buffet for the bigwigs. Tread careful, for this perfect opportunity to shine could easily turn into the career-ending move you never saw coming.
While the food’s important, remember that it’s but a social conduit for your guests to network. With that in mind, let’s look at some smart hacks that’ll help everyone in the room to stay professional while indulging their palates.
1. Cater food that no one has to wrestle with.
It’s hard to look credible while de-shelling a prawn, even if you’re talking about your most passionate project. The same goes for chicken wings and corn on the cob. If you’re looking for a premium seafood delicacy to charm guests, we suggest Soft Shell Crab from our Nara Thai catering menu.
2. Let your guests – not the stains – leave lasting impressions.
White bespoke shirts look impressive – until they get stained by innocuous-looking fruits and gravies. Our advice: Avoid foods such as blue berries, beetroot and red dragon fruit. Curry noodles and spaghetti bolognese are a no-no as well.
3. Help your guests maintain the right kind of aura.
Professionalism is the name of the game. No one will appreciate gas-inducing dishes that upset their tummy – and your company’s all-important client. We suggest that you strike off garlic bread, beans, onion rings, and anything that’s heavily spiced.
4. Make a statement. Brand your buffet.
What’s your business function saying about your company? Inspire employees and clients alike by selecting table skirting and floral décor that match your corporate colours. Catersmith provides even greater customisation for anything between $150 and $500.
5. Your corporate identity can taste delicious too.
Don’t limit your corporate colours to your marketing collaterals. Get your logos and colours on cake bites and dessert cups with the help of Catersmith’s dessert table partner, Bloomsbury Bakers.
6. Spend less time queuing, more time networking.
Here’s an easy way to keep buffet lines short. Pay a small fee to have your food pre-portioned at DIY stations such as assam laksa, kueh pie tee and beef pho. Better still, top-up for a live station chef to whip up the food. You can also get servers to serve your buffet line, cafeteria-style. Get all of this done for just $50-150.
7. Bring on the food only when it's time to eat.
Business functions come with their fair share of speeches and activities. Be sure to get your caterer to set up before guests arrive; but bring in the food only when the programme is wrapping up. This ensures that guests are greeted by hot and fresh dishes.
With this little guide, you’re well on the way to delivering a first-rate corporate buffet – and getting that nod from upper management. Now, let us help you perfect your order. We’re a premium caterer that really means business.
