champagnetower

Did someone say canapés?

What kind of catering style do you need for your event?

 

If there is one thing we know to be true, no matter the event, everyone always remembers the food. Whether it was the best arancini you have EVER tasted, if there was too much food (though, is this even a thing? Doubt it!) or whether there was not enough, catering becomes a topic of conversation before, and during an event, while also leaving a lasting impression.

From large corporate functions, to intimate sundowners, catering should be one of the first things you put on your planning to-do list. But what kind of catering is right for your event style? Let us break down your options so you can be sure your guests are left happy, and not hangry.

Before we dive into the different catering styles, here are a few things to keep in mind when deciding which style is best suited for you…

Image: @shannon_stent_images

Type of event:

The nature and formalities;

– The size: Is your event small and intimate or large and OTT?

-The Style: Are you hosting a presentation night, something glitzy like the ARIAS or something still formal, but a bit more low-key like your local Footy club B&F night?

-Are you having guest speakers or speeches?

-Seated or cocktail?

-And we can’t forget about the numbers – how many people are you inviting? 

 

What is the vibe?

Choosing food for the mood;

-Time of day: is it a Lunchtime soiree vs dinner kind of vibe?

-What’s the dress code? Casual, smart casual, formal, black tie?

-The location: Are there onsite facilities for a full service kitchen? Or does your caterer need to bring their own?

-The age group: is your event kid friendly or adults only?

 

We aren’t done yet, here are a few more things for you to consider:

-Dietary requirements. Hint hint*, put this on the invitation so you know well in advance what kind of dietary requirements you need to cater for.

-What’s in season? Be sure to keep in mind that ingredients are seasonal, so your menu choices may have to be a little flexible too.

-Last but not least, keep in mind your set up plan of attack and run sheet. Whatever catering selection you choose to go with, will need to fit into this plan!

Okay, now let’s get into the fun part! What catering style is more your style…

Image: @weareallstardust_

 

COCKTAIL

Includes:

-Roaming canapes

-Grazing tables

-Oyster bar

-Seafood station

-Dessert table

 

Style: The social option. For events where guests are encouraged to mingle and move around the room. Cocktail catering can be more of a budget conscious menu style, with smaller dishes and no hire fees for dining furniture and table wares.

 The downside of cocktail catering? The classic case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Guests may not cross paths with catering staff, or they may be too busy mingling that the grazing table is empty by the time they get around to paying it a visit. We suggest, if you are opting for a cocktail style function with a cocktail menu, that you make this known to guests prior to.  

 

Image: @alexcohenphotography

 

FOOD VANS

Includes: 

-Yep you guessed it, food vans! Paella, pizza, soul food?

-Psst, did you know you can also hire cocktail vans?! Check out some of our faves @mintevents  @caravanandtonic  @thefrosecart  @allurechampagnecart

 

Style: Social, casual and relaxed. Another option for a cocktail style event, with food choices designed to be easily devoured while mingling. Food vans are a great option is your event is taking place at a venue where there isn’t a service area, as the kitchen literally comes to you.

 

Image: @victoria_barker_photographer

 

BUFFET

Style: A ‘relaxed’, sit down affair. If you are wanting a catering menu that is a little more hearty, than a canapés, but your budget may not stretch to include table service, then a buffet might be a good fit.

This catering style works well on a ‘seats yourself ’  basis, where your guests can easily serve themselves up a plate from the buffet, and seat themselves. Another pro, buffets tend to include more food options, meaning more variety for fussy eaters.

 

Image: @madlovenation

SIT DOWN TABLE SERVICE

Includes:

-Banquet style

-Alternative drop

-A la carte

Style: A more formal affair; formal, black tie, gala style vibes. Whether your event is a fundraiser with an auction, a formal presentation night or awards night or a wedding, a sit down table service catering option will totally elevate your overall event. Think beautiful table styling, seating charts and place cards, and waiters to match.

Seated table service also brings efficiency to your event, allows for conversation between your guests, and of course your desired table service.

 

Image: @oviscreative

For a more modern take on traditional, a banquet style menu might be more up your alley. A bridge between a full-plated service, and a serve-yourself option, your guests will still experience the formal, seated dining style, yet they have the option to taste it all!

This catering option is a great conversation starter, we can guarantee the table dynamics will change when you have to ask someone you have just met to ‘pass the carrots’.

Image: @annimariaphotography

Are you hungry yet?

Here are some of our favourite catering suppliers in the South West: 

Tiller Dining @tillerdining

Supper Road @supper_road

Formaggio @formaggioformaggio

Hide & Feast @hideandfeast

Yallingup Cheese Company @yallingupcheese

Kirby’s Atelier @kirbys_atelier

Pepper & Salt @pepperandsaltrestaurant_wa

Wood Fired Catering Co Instagram: @woodfiredcateringco

Mint Event Collective @minteventscollective

Your Turn Events @yourturnevents

 

 

Champagne Towers – How to master the basics

They are big, they are beautiful, and they are bold. Champagne towers are a showstopper, and a (somewhat) easy way to add a level of opulence to your event.

A fancy New Year’s Eve party, wedding, or 50th Birthday celebration, whatever your occasion, is there really any other way to celebrate than with yummy bubbles trickling down a majestic tower of champagne saucers?

Like with most great things, there is still some science behind building a dazzling tower that will totally WOW your guests. So, if you are considering showing off to your friends and family with one of these bad boys, keep reading. Because let’s face it, no one wants to be the next ‘champagne tower fail’ hit on tok-tok. 

Image @katiegrantphoto

WHAT YOU NEED:

–   A super sturdy base or table of some sort

–   Spillage tray & a fancy tea towel or napkin – spillages are a risk

–   Coupe champagne saucers, NOT flutes

–   Bottles of bubbly!

 

THE STEPS:

 

1.Determine your tiers & number of glasses

First thing is first, figure out how many tiers you want your tower to be. The number of tiers will determine the number of glasses you need. We suggest you start from the top and work your way down!

For example:

Top = 1 glass (1×1=1)

Tier 2 =  4 glasses (2×2=4)

Tier 3 = 9 glasses (3×3=9)

We have put together a little cheat sheet for you:

Image: @peterthephotographer.co

 

2.Start with a base

Your base must be solid, sturdy and not on wheels!

Be sure your base has enough room to hold enough coupes without it being too squishy, though still within arms reach.

It’s also a good idea to think about its placement. Try and keep the tower out of congested areas, as there would be nothing worse than someone accidentally knocking it as they walk past.   

 

3.Build from the bottom up

Create the bottom later – then build her on up!

Your tower should consist of squares that get successively smaller as the tower rises.

For example, if the base was 6 x 6 coupe glasses, then the second bottom tier will be 5 x 5 glasses, the next  4 x 4 glasses and so on until you finish with one solitary glass sitting at the top.

NOTE | The glasses must sit snug and touch, creating a diamond shape in the middle of every 4 glasses. The glasses need to be placed directly in the centre of the diamond below it.

DOUBLE NOTE | Remember to use coupe style glasses, not flutes. Also be sure that all of your glasses are the same size so they balance easily when stacked on one another. 

Our ribbed champagne saucers & premium champagne saucers are the perfect option.

Image: @emmamacaulayphotography

 

4.Watch the magic happen

IT’S TIME TO POUR THE CHAMPAS!

Start slowly with a steady hand and let the champagne trickle down the tower.

TIP | Top up the side coupes as you go to make sure there is an even weight throughout the tower to avoid it collapsing!

If you can’t reach the top, grab yourself a small step ladder so you can pour from the top and not knock any glasses in the process. Or rather, as your 6’ft friend to do the honours!

Image: @photogerson

THE TAKEAWAYS:

  • Coupe style champagne glasses
  • A solid, sturdy base
  • A steady hand