Published On: 30 November 2021Categories: Blog7.6 min read

Hosting a party can be very stressful when you consider the immense amount of planning and commitment involved with getting it just right. In many cases, hosts and hostesses take full responsibility for parties and the tasks required to be prepared for the day often leaves them in a spin. A DIY approach to parties and catering can be achievable, however there are many benefits of working with professionals.

Party planning has to first have the guests in mind, working to provide a fun atmosphere that will be remembered for years to come. Especially coming out of the recent lockdown restrictions, there is a great value in getting friends and family together and the last thing you should want as a host is to be stuck behind the stove, unable to enjoy the celebration for yourself. 

Asides from bearing the brunt of all the organisations behind parties, there are a number of ways that hiring caterers for private parties can be beneficial. 

#1 A Wide Variety of Menu Options – Caterers for Private Parties 

Even the most confident of home chefs can often feel limited in the options of meals they can comfortably prepare for parties. By working with an experienced expert chef, you will be able to provide guests with a variety of meal options that will wow them without the stress of preparing it all yourself. 

Professional caterers will know exactly how to time each dish so that they can come out in the best possible condition. The years of experience that caterers have in organising, planning and catering parties ensure that you will receive the best service possible. 

Caterers are often up to date with all the latest catering trends and can provide top quality food regardless of any guests specific requirements. They can cater for vegetarians, vegans, gluten-free, kosher and provide child-friendly options as well. 

#2 Staff and Equipment 

You already know the huge toll organising and planning party events can have on your peace of mind. Private caterers have all the tools already in place and know exactly how to shop for a perfect menu. 

We have all experienced the annoyance of being midway through preparing a meal only to find you do not have all the ingredients you need. Private caterers are always prepared, employing well trained and skilled members of staff who work diligently to ensure that food is prepared on time and at the highest quality. 

#3 Experience – Caterers for Private Parties 

No one knows how to pull off an intricate party menu better than professional private caterers. They understand the work involved and immense planning for perfect execution. They will listen carefully to any needs and concerns that you have surrounding the catering to bring you peace of mind on the day. The weight of the party is taken off your shoulders, leaving the heavy lifting to a team that is reliable with a history of success. 

#4 You Won’t Even Have To Clean Up! 

The party’s just one part of the job. After all the fun and the last guest leaves, you may often find yourself surrounded by several hours of cleaning up to do. Fun I know! From scrubbing dishes to the wiping down of surfaces, post-party cleaning can be a heavy task. However, by using private party catering, all the dirty dishes are accounted for and will be out the way when the caterers leave. 

#5 Less Work, More Party! 

Often with private party events, the hosts and hostesses get the short end of the stick. The guests often have a whale of a time, eating food, drinking and dancing whilst the poor hosts are left cleaning up and preparing all the food. Hosts often spend days or weeks planning and preparing yet have no time for their own self-enjoyment. 

It is important to remember that as a host or hostess the guests came to the party with you! By considering party catering for your party you can allow more time for socialising, dancing and enjoying all the tasty meals and snacks for yourself. Furthermore, after the party, you will be able to remember the night for all the fun you had and not just feel glad that it is over because of how hard you worked.

caterers for private parties

Party Catering Ideas 

By using private caterers, you open the doors to a wide variety of options in terms of food and snacks that may not have been possible when organising it alone. Here are some ideas that catering companies can help you provide for a memorable party, making you the host with the most! 

Canapes

For those wishing to bring an element of elegance and class to their private parties, why not stun your guests with a variety of tasty canapes. From a saddle of lamb, pumpkin polenta with fresh mint and pea pesto to squid ink calamari, canapes can be a really exciting element to a fancy private party and can really set the tone. These tasty treats will often spark conversation between guests and can help raise their appetite for any main meals coming after. 

Afternoon Tea

Who doesn’t love a tea party? Perhaps there is nothing more British than sitting out in the garden on a hot summer day with friends and family conversing over a selection of teas and coffees with sandwiches and cakes. This is a simple idea that will satisfy even the most fussy of eaters, providing a variety of different nibbles to choose from. 

Starters

When hiring a private caterer for your dinner party why not go all out with a selection of mouth-watering starters to build the appetite for the following courses. From Chicken and burnt onion ballotine to lobster cocktails and roasted guinea fowl, caterers can provide you with a wide range of options that will amaze your guests and bring an element of class and elegance to a wonderful party event. 

Main Courses

If you are considering the main course as part of your private party event, private catering can provide a range of options that will leave your guests in awe. From tandoori monkfish chops to fillets of cod and seared duck breasts, private catering can provide you with all the options for a fabulous party meal. As your guests indulge on the top quality food provided, you can maintain peace of mind knowing that you will not be left with a huge pile of washing up. Once the guests are done with their food, there is no better time for a few drinks and a dance.

Themed Parties 

A great way to add an extra layer of excitement to a party is with a set theme and food that matches it. For example, perhaps you are a festival lover and want to bring a festival atmosphere to your party complete with music wristbands, lighting and decoration! Why not complete the atmosphere with festival food such as a BBQ supplied by a private caterer. You could even set up a home bar complete with a range of cocktail selections. 

Winter Parties

It is that time of year where we all must wrap up warm and brace for a cold Christmas season. Whether you are throwing a Christmas party or simply a birthday party this winter, private catering can help provide some warmth and joy for your party. Caterers can work providing warm seasonal produce that will ensure that your guests are cosy and comfortable and most importantly, well-fed. 

Conclusion 

Hiring private caterers for your party can be a great way of reducing the workload as a host or hostess allowing you more time to be present at your party and remember it for the right reasons. By not having to worry about the time spent in organising and preparation of dishes, you will have more time to be creative and consider a wider range of catering options that previously may not have been possible when preparing alone. Whether you are organising for a cosy warm winter party or an elaborate themed garden party, private caterers will always be prepared with all the tools needed for a smooth operation. 

You won’t even have to worry about cleaning up as all the dirty cutlery and plates will be dealt with by the time the caterers leave, meaning you can simply sit back and relax. The current pandemic has prevented many families and friends from being able to hold party  events on a large scale throughout much of the last year so why not make the most of the opportunity now you can? Get in touch with a private catering company today and arrange a spectacular party that your guests and yourself will remember for years to come. 

More About Vanilla Bean 

Our dedicated Vanilla Bean team has been in the industry for over 30 years, so we’ve certainly seen our fair share of event trends! We can seamlessly incorporate personalised trends and themes into your event, wowing your guests with our innovation and creativity! To find out more about us and what we do, please visit our website by clicking here, or get in touch to discuss your upcoming event.