Summer has a way of inspiring us to plan parties and gather with friends. It’s a time we remember as being free, full of leisure, and a time to relax. Summer is also a time to enjoy the beach and take a dip in the pool. 

But, every get together with friends must have delicious refreshments and food. So, if you’re trying to create the perfect Orange County catering menu for your summer party, then you’ll need some planning tips. 

Creating a catering menu is no easy task. There are many factors to consider before making your final decision. Your guests may have different tastes or they may need a special order because of dietary requirements.

But, planning a catering menu is achievable when you research and prepare ahead of time. 

Catering food, however, will help you to be able to enjoy the party to the fullest. Instead of being stuck in the kitchen, you can be laughing and chatting away with friends. You can also allow everyone to get food as they please instead of waiting. 

Want to learn how to plan a catering menu? Read on to find out how to create a catering menu. 

Creating the Perfect Orange County Catering Menu

Parties require a lot of time and planning. You have to select a location, send out invites, decorate, and plan party activities. If you’re choosing to cook the food yourself, then you’re adding a huge task to your plate. 

A task that could prevent you from being a part of the party altogether. However, catering can help to take this huge responsibility off your shoulders. Catering can easily help you to serve guests incredible food without needing to be stuck in the kitchen for hours on end. 

After all, it’s already very hot in California during the summer without the grill or oven running. So, if you’re convinced that you need a high-quality catering menu, then you’ll need to figure out how to plan ahead.

Explore the following tips for creating an incredible Orange County catering menu. 

1. Budget

To plan a great catering menu, you need to stick to a budget. Determine your budget well in advance so that you can comfortably make catering menu decisions. Your budget should cover your venue, decorations, and party favors. 

Select a maximum amount that you are willing to spend, then consider what caterers and types of food fit that budget. For example, if you have a strict budget, then prime rib and crab legs will be too expensive. An authentic taco bar, on the other hand, would likely be a better fit. 

2. Guest List

Who is invited to the party? Is it just adults? Or will there be children and teenagers in attendance? 

Different age groups tend to have different tastes. Try to account for all these tastes by having simple and more complex food options. If possible, select a catering menu that adults, teenagers, and children will all enjoy. 

3. Guest Needs

Guests of all ages can have different dietary needs. Some may be allergic to some foods whereas others may not eat certain foods at all. On your invitations, request that your guests outline their dietary needs. 

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Generally speaking, you should have food items that meet most dietary needs. There should be vegan and vegetarian options. There should also be a gluten-free dish that guests can delight in. 

If foods need to be separated because of severe allergies, make sure this is known to the caterer. 

4. Creating Variety

The more variety to your Orange County catering menu, the better. People love variety and they love to try new things. So, instead of having one option for each food group, have multiple options. 

For example, to have a variety of meats you should include steak, chicken, and shrimp. This allows guests to mix and match so they can try new things. If you have a summer party with Mexican food, then you should also include a variety of salsas from mild to hot. 

5. Party Set Up

When planning your catering menu, consider the location and setup of the party. Will tables be set up? Will the occasion be formal or informal?

You should also make note of how much space you have. If it’s a summer soiree near the pool, for example, you won’t have as much space for food set up as you would in a hotel conference room. 

The food choices should also match the venue and set up. If the party is a fun, low-key together, then easy-to-eat foods like tacos and nachos are a more appropriate option than steaks and mashed potatoes. 

6. Time of Day

The time of day your party is taking place will greatly affect your catering menu. Different times of day will call for different food choices and amounts of food. The time of day will also determine the best places for you to set up the food if the party is predominantly outside. 

For example, a dinner time party may require you to also provide a dessert. A mid-afternoon party may call for appetizers and then dinner as well. 

What’s important when considering the time of day is to not let your guests go hungry. You also want them to enjoy their time by matching their cravings. 

Orange County Catering: What Will You Choose?

Finding a high-quality Orange County catering company is your next step. Use these tips to help you select the right caterer for you. 

Each catering company has different food and refreshment options. To start, visit the company’s website to determine if their offerings match your needs and tastes. 

Then, read online reviews to learn more about the company’s food, service, and reliability. These are all important factors when hiring caterers since they will be in charge of providing for you and your guests. The caterers will also be inside your home so they need to be trustworthy as well. 

Once you have some companies in mind, call them directly to learn more about their food products and catering service. Make note of their customer service skills and response times. They should also be willing to answer all your questions and be patient while doing so. 

Need a high-quality caterer for your summer soiree? Contact us today to plan your SOHO TACO catering menu.