Summer is here, and so is a new social season. Whether you’re planning a lunch meeting, an after-work mixer, or a dinner party, it’s important to keep your guests engaged by providing a fun atmosphere of creatively-presented food and drinks. If your guests aren’t interested in the ambiance or the food fare and libations, your gathering won’t be great.
All caterers in the Atlanta area will tell you that there are some rules of thumb that you can follow to ensure that your summer event is a success. These rules can be interpreted in a variety of ways; however, following the basic premise will add excitement and flare to your gathering. Pull suggestions from these five great summer catering ideas for your next event.
Summer Catering in Atlanta — The Top Five
1. Great Libations
Let’s face it: whether they’re spiked or sans alcohol, drinks should be colorful, attractive, and super-tasty.
- Freeze fresh fruit (try blueberries, raspberries or grapes) and use instead of plain ice to add color and sweetness.
- Whenever you can, add fresh herbs such as mint or basil for a colorful edge.
- Canned drinks can be a fun change of pace: present sangria or specialty beers in ice-filled buckets.
2. For the Health-Conscious — Have a healthy variety
- Take advantage of the summer bounty: serve lots of fresh fruit (strawberries, pineapple, mango, kiwi, etc.)
- Veggies don’t have to be boring! Long strips of zucchini can be wrapped around almost anything for a tasty treat. Some quick, healthy ideas include protein-packed hummus, seared scallops or grilled chicken strips.
3. When it it’s not an option to indulge…
- Include dishes made with Agave or other natural sweeteners for those who must avoid refined sugar.
- Talk to your caterer about providing a few tasty gluten-free options; there are many out there!
4. When it’s O.K. to be naughty…
- Burger bar, anyone? Or, consider a variety of sliders (beef, pulled pork, chicken, or lamb) with all of the fixings.
- For an international flare, consider a taco bar.
5. Don’t forget Desert – Or even a Desert Drink!
It’s summer, so how about ice cream? But not just any ice cream:
- Use petite cones filled with summer sorbets topped with fruit, and present them in clear acrylic stands for a picturesque display.
- Provide uniquely-flavored frozen pops, presented in ice-filled baskets. (If it’s for a specific occasion, add special labels!)
- There are also many great “desert drinks” out there—how about a strawberry shortcake cocktail?
Catering a summer event doesn’t have to be stressful or break the bank. With some thought, planning and following these ideas, your gathering will be fun and memorable for all of the right reasons!
Glorious Events Catering 