Hosting an office party is hard enough. Make it an impromptu one, and you have a mammoth task at hand. This is especially true when it comes to catering for the event. How do you manage to pull off an impromptu office party then? Let’s find out.
Table of Contents
#1 Understand Your Audience
The first step in planning any successful office party, impromptu or not, is understanding your audience. Are there any allergies or dietary preferences you should be aware of? Some might be vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or have religious dietary restrictions. A diverse and accommodating menu will ensure that every team member can enjoy the spread without any concerns.
According to Statista, around four percent of the US population follows a vegan diet. If you have people who follow such a diet at your workplace, you’ll need to cater to their diet and taste buds. That means you have to opt for a variety of greens and other non-animal protein options for the party.
The US also has 8 million halal consumers, according to Business Wire. For people who only eat halal, a good portion, if not all, of your food options must be halal-certified. Most restaurants these days mention whether or not an item on their menu is halal. Thus, you should have no trouble figuring out which food items to get.
#2 Opt for Versatile Menu Options
Impromptu office parties often arise unexpectedly, leaving limited time for extensive menu planning. When selecting catering options, focus on versatile dishes that can cater to a variety of tastes.
Finger foods, sliders, wraps, and fresh fruit platters are excellent choices, as they offer a mix of flavors and are easy to enjoy. Opt for dishes that are easy to share and don’t require elaborate setups. This way, you can ensure that the catering process is smooth, even when the event is spontaneous.
#3 Balance Healthy and Indulgent Choices
While office parties are a time for indulgence and relaxation, it’s essential to strike a balance between indulgent treats and healthier options. Including a mix of both will cater to different preferences and dietary considerations. Incorporate a variety of salads, grilled options, and fresh fruits alongside more decadent offerings like mini pastries or dessert bites.
This approach ensures that your colleagues can enjoy a guilt-free treat while still having the option to indulge in a bit of indulgence.
#4 Consider Dietary Restrictions and Allergies
One of the most critical aspects of successful corporate catering is accommodating dietary restrictions and allergies. Before placing your catering order, communicate with your catering provider about any specific dietary needs within your team.
Make sure that all ingredients are clearly labeled so individuals can make informed choices. Cross-contamination should also be considered and prevented, especially when dealing with common allergens like nuts or gluten. This attention to detail will not only create a safe environment but will also show your team that you genuinely care about their well-being.
#5 Find a Good Online Catering Service
In most cases, you might consider a regular food delivery service to handle your party’s group order. After all, group ordering makes sense for multiple people, where you can compile the entire order based on people’s preferences and place it. However, group orders on such apps might not always work out.
Take the DoorDash app as an example. DoorDash is a popular online food ordering app and company. EarthWeb reports that the platform has over 20 million active monthly users. Thus, there’s no doubt that DoorDash is a good food delivery app.
That being said, in case of a group order, DoorDash might seem like a good option. DoorDash will let you place multiple orders, but it isn’t necessarily a group ordering app. Since you’re catering for an office party, you should instead opt for a dedicated online catering service.
According to CaterCow, a good online caterer must have a wide selection of different restaurants. At the same time, the service should have an app with a dedicated interface for placing office group orders. While DoorDash has the first of these two qualities, it doesn’t have the second one. That’s why this app might not be an ideal solution here.
#6 Efficient Setup and Presentation
Impromptu office parties demand efficiency, and this applies to the catering setup as well. Opt for catering options that are easy to set up and present attractively. Choose disposable, eco-friendly plates and utensils to streamline the cleanup process. Consider incorporating themed decorations or signage to add a touch of festivity to the event.
A well-presented catering spread adds to the overall ambiance. This makes the impromptu gathering feel well-planned and thoughtfully executed.
#7 Engage Your Team
While catering plays a significant role in the success of an impromptu office party, engaging your team is equally important. Encourage your colleagues to share their food preferences and feedback after the event. This not only helps you understand what works well but also fosters a sense of involvement.
Consider involving your team in the decision-making process for future catering options. This could be through quick surveys or open discussions about menu choices. When employees feel that their opinions are valued, they become more invested in the success of these impromptu events.
Conclusion
As long as you can incorporate all the suggestions discussed above, rest assured, your office party will be a success. No matter when you start planning, following these catering tips will allow you to pull off an amazing office party. Most importantly, as everyone got their say in the food, they’ll love the overall dining experience as well.
