Small Functions

When we think catering, we tend to think about Big events. Weddings, company parties, and release parties (such as those held to attract attention to the latest album from a band which plays underground music) are some events that might come to mind when you think caterer. However, these events are far from the only occasions when you might find yourself needing to supply food to more than just your immediate family.

The nature of the relationship between food and human beings mean that no matter how small a function might be, there will be some elements of catering involved. Most of the time, this will mean that an event is self-catered; you do all of the food work yourself. You may be having a dinner party for a few friends in your downtown Toronto condominium or planning a luncheon in the office. Either way, you are looking to prepare the meal yourself without having to hire a specialist.

In this series of articles, we are going to look at some of the details that come with catering small functions yourself. It's nice to know that you don't have to worry about the large amounts of food involved with a large function, but some aspects of small event catering can be just as stressful. For one thing, there won't be as much leeway with guests as there would with a large function. You need to make every dish right, the first time, in order to avoid embarrassment.

You also want to make sure that the meal you are planning works for everyone in the small party. The last thing you need is for someone to go into anaphylactic shock or get sick in some other way after a dinner party at your Pier 27 condo. We will take a look at preparing a menu that works, and is safe, for everyone that you want to invite to your small function.

Small events and catering to them is not for personal parties only. Whether you are a sports equipment store or a recreational vehicle dealership, marketing your business through a small event involving food can pay dividends. You probably won't need to hire a caterer, but there are certain things you should know before you start to hand out hot dogs or bags of popcorn to attract business. The information in this series can help you make your event a success and save money on the catering as well.

You might be a real estate agent, Caledon based, planning an open house, or you might be having a personal dinner party for four. Cooking for small events can be just as involved as catering large parties. The information in this series will help make things a lot easier when you self cater your own small function.