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Packing a nutritious and appealing lunch for your children is an essential part of their daily routine. A well-balanced packed lunch provides them with the energy and nutrients they need to stay focused and active throughout the day.

While the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich has its place, there are countless creative and healthy options to keep your children excited about lunchtime.

In this article, we’ll explore 15 great packed lunch ideas that are not only delicious but also nutritious and easy to prepare.

Homemade Wraps

Wrap up a variety of ingredients such as turkey, cheese, lettuce, and diced tomatoes in a whole wheat or spinach tortilla. Cut it into bite-sized pieces for smaller kids.

Bento Box Delight

Create a colorful bento box with a mix of bite-sized fruits, veggies, cheese cubes, and whole-grain crackers. Kids love the variety and the opportunity to mix and match.

DIY Pizza Lunchables

Make a health, quick and easy version of the classic Lunchables by providing whole-grain crackers, sliced cheese, mini turkey pepperoni, and a side of tomato sauce for dipping.

Hummus and Veggie Sticks

Pair a generous scoop of hummus with carrot, cucumber, and bell pepper sticks. This combo is not only tasty but packed with vitamins and fiber.

Pasta Salad

Prepare a pasta salad with whole-grain pasta, cherry tomatoes, diced cucumbers, olives, and a light vinaigrette dressing. Add some diced grilled chicken for extra protein.

Fruit Kabobs

Thread colorful fruit chunks onto skewers for a fun and visually appealing treat. Include a side of yogurt for dipping to boost calcium intake.

Quinoa Salad

Quinoa is a nutritious grain that can be combined with various ingredients like diced chicken, black beans, corn, and avocado. Toss it in a zesty lime dressing for added flavor.

Turkey and Cheese Roll-Ups

Roll up turkey slices with cheese and a thin layer of mustard or mayonnaise. Secure them with toothpicks for easy handling.

Hard-Boiled Eggs

Hard-boiled eggs are a protein-packed snack. Add some carrot sticks, cherry tomatoes, and a whole-grain roll to create a balanced meal.

PB&J Alternatives

Swap the usual peanut butter and jelly with almond butter and banana slices on whole-grain bread or try cream cheese and strawberry slices for a delightful twist.

Sushi Rolls

Make mini sushi rolls with sticky rice, cucumber, avocado, and a hint of soy sauce. You can even use smoked salmon or imitation crab for added variety.

Mini Pita Pockets

Stuff mini whole-wheat pita pockets with lean protein like chicken or turkey, along with veggies and a dollop of Greek yogurt-based dressing.

Soup in a Thermos

During colder months, send your child off with a thermos filled with their favorite soup. Opt for nutritious options like vegetable soup or chicken noodle soup.

Muffin Tin Meals

Use a muffin tin to create a mini meal with a variety of ingredients like cherry tomatoes, cheese cubes, grapes, and mini sandwiches.

Quesadilla Wedges

Make whole-wheat quesadillas filled with shredded chicken, black beans, and a sprinkle of cheese. Cut them into wedges for easy snacking.

Tips for Packing the Perfect Lunch

Knowing what to pack is only part of the healthy lunch equation. Knowing how to pack it is the second part. Here are a few tips for how to nail your packed lunch game beyond these tasty and healthy alternatives to traditional lunch items.

Keep it Balanced

Ensure each lunch includes a mix of protein, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and dairy or dairy alternatives to provide a well-rounded meal.

Portion Control

Consider your child’s age and appetite when portioning their lunch. Younger children may need smaller servings than teenagers. Or if you are raising a future hall-of-famer, consider what they might need to fuel up for a practice or a big game.

Food Safety

Use an insulated lunch box with ice packs to keep perishable items safe and at the right temperature. And trusty soup or drink thermos is a great way to keep food hot.

Variety is Key

Keep things interesting by rotating through different lunch ideas to prevent boredom and ensure a diverse range of nutrients.

Get Creative

Use cookie cutters to shape sandwiches and fruits into fun designs. Kids are more likely to eat foods that look appealing.

Providing your children with nutritious and exciting packed lunches is an excellent way to support their growth and development. The 15 lunch ideas and tips mentioned above offer a wide range of options to keep lunchtime interesting and satisfying.

Remember to involve your children in the meal planning process to ensure they have a say in what goes into their lunchbox and to teach them some basic cooking skills. By offering a balanced and diverse selection of foods, you can help instill healthy eating habits that will benefit them for years to come.

Need a Whole Lot of Packed Meals?

You are the master of your kid’s packed lunches. Our team at Silver Spoon Catering is the master of tasty packed meals for any special event you may have cooking. Whether it’s a wedding, birthday party, retirement send off, corporate retreat, or even a big school shindig – we have the culinary experience to make it happen.

Contact our Catering team today to get started planning the best made-for-you breakfast, lunch, or dinner for your event.

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Planning an event, whether it’s a wedding, corporate event, or just a celebration, involves juggling numerous tasks and details. From selecting a venue to organizing decorations and entertainment, the list can seem overwhelming. However, there is one aspect that can significantly ease the stress of event planning: catering! Hiring professional catering companies to accompany your event is a great way to provide tasty food with little effort. In this blog post, we will explore ways in which catering can help plan your event and how to plan a catering event, leaving you with peace of mind and more time to focus on other aspects of your event! 

Your Event Goals 

Before diving into event planning, it is important to define your event goals. This includes figuring out how many people are attending, where the venue is, and what type of food best accommodates your group. This will make decisions easier when selecting your catering service. Set a clear budget that includes food, beverages, and service charges. Having a well-defined budget and goal will allow you to align your catering choices and ensure a successful event without overspending! 

Research Catering Services

Researching a catering service that aligns with your event requirements and expectations is very important. Consider the caterer’s experience, the variety of their menu, client testimonials, and their location. Reach out to the company and ask if they have specialized catering for allergies or restrictions. Finally, choose a catering service that not only meets your budget but also understands your vision and can deliver a great catering experience for you and your guests. 

Collaborate on Menu Planning

Effective collaboration and communication with your caterer is another important aspect in menu planning. Clearly communicate your event goals, dietary restrictions, and a desired theme for the food that integrates to the overall event. Consider offering a variety of options, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices. Seek input from the caterers on seasonal ingredients and presentation ideas that can enhance the experience of your event. 

Pay Attention to Presentation and Food Display 

The visual appeal of food plays a vital role in creating a memorable dining experience. Work closely with your caterer to discuss the presentation and food display options. Consider incorporating decorative elements that match your event’s theme. This will create an aesthetically pleasing ambiance for your event. Collaborate on the selection of serving platters, linens, and table settings that complement the overall decor. Pay attention and plan the arrangement of food stations and buffet tables, this will ensure easy access and smooth traffic flow. The presentation of food is a great way to show off the quality and effort you put into every detail of your event. 

Ensure Effective Communication and Coordination 

Effective communication and coordination between all parties involved in the event are key to its success. Maintain open lines of communication with your catering service, event planner, venue management, and other vendors to ensure a cohesive and seamless event. Clearly communicate your event timeline, setup requirements, and any specific instructions to the catering team. Provide them with necessary information, such as the number of guests, expected dietary preferences, and any special arrangements required. Regularly review and confirm details to ensure everyone is on the same page. By practicing strong communication and coordination, you can address any potential issues proactively and guarantee a smooth event flow. 

Consider Guest Experience and Testimonials 

Guest experience is a very important detail to pay attention to when planning a successful event. Pay attention to details such as seating arrangements, traffic flow, and accessibility. Work closely with your caterer to ensure the food is served efficiently and smoothly. Encourage guests to provide feedback on the quality of food and service. This is also important to recognize when you are picking a catering company. Look at testimonials and guest reviews, this is good intel when choosing which company would best accompany your event.

Planning a successful event involves careful consideration of various factors. Using a catering service will surely play a major role in creating a memorable experience for your guests. By following these tips, defining your event goals and budget, selecting the right caterer, collaboration on menu planning, ensuring effective communication, and prioritizing guest experience, you can host an event that exceeds expectations. Remember, a well-executed catering service will leave a lasting impression on your guests and contribute to the overall success of your event! 

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Who says business catering has to cost a fortune? The Coronavirus pandemic has puckered up corporate catering budgets harder than a lemon heavy kombucha. The tough economic fallout has not been lost executive catering companies, many of whom are experiencing their own revenue being sliced and diced. Still, employers are dedicated to providing tasty and memorable feasts for their hard working teams albeit on a budget, and executive caterers are graciously up for the task.

Whether you need event catering services for a large, but socially distanced crowd, or a tasty lunch for your small team, here’s how you can make corporate catering affordable. 

Go for the Noodles

When it comes to executing catering, the cheapest dishes are noodle based. They’re also some of the most delicious and popular corporate catering options, and this was true pre-COVID-19. Be it rice plentiful cultural dishes from the eastern world of Thailand and India, or tasty favorites from the old world of Italia. 

While noodle based dishes are filling, they are often light on the meat. Meat is one of the most expensive components of executive catering, which brings us to our second suggestion for affordable corporate catering.

Vegetarian 

Meat can be expensive. This is especially true when it comes to event catering for large gatherings. Luckily, your executive catering partners know how to create culinary masterpieces from their garden produce. Vegetarian dishes tend to be lighter on your staff’s stomach, meaning your employees can avoid that after-lunch energy slump.
A soup and salad lunch is an excellent way to feed your hungry crew in a health and financially conscious way. 

Tacos

Tacos. Enough said, right? Hard or soft shell, it doesn’t matter. Everyone loves tacos, and your catering budget loves them too. A taco bar allows for a mix of everything. It’s easy to appeal to both your vegetarian staff and the meat lovers in your office. Ground beef and shredded chicken are some of the cheapest options when it comes to meat, and tacos call for lighter meat portions. A catered taco meal is fun, creative, and affordable.

App it Up

Appetizers and small plates add variety to your lunch without breaking the bank. This is a great way to add meat to your corporate or event catering menu on a tight budget. Appetizers also go great with a soup and salad lunch, and can add some comfort and soul to your office.

Don’t Order in Excess 

Pre-COVID-19, it was a common trend in executive catering for business owners and event staff to order excess amounts of food. This is understandable as no one wants to run out of food during the party. But in these times of economic hardship, it’s wise to order only what you need. This is a good way to be budget conscious, as well as cut down on food waste.
Not sure how much food you need? Consult with your executive catering partners. Tell them your head count and menu needs. They’ll be able to advise you on how much food you will need to order.

Hungry?

Are you in the midst of planning a catering event for your hungry guests or staff? The Silver Spoon can help! Drop us a line, and tell us your cuisine needs and crowd size. We’ll prepare a tasty feast that is sure to satisfy your appetite. 

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Throughout lockdown, birthdays, weddings, team meetings, and other events had to be put on hold. As states around the country relax stay at home orders and restrictions, Americans everywhere are excited to reconnect and celebrate with friends, family, and co-workers.

While many states now allow meetings and events, certain restrictions still apply. It’s important that event planners learn all they can about state rules and CDC guidelines to ensure everyone stays safe. This is especially true if you plan to serve food. 

Keep Surfaces Clean & Sanitized

Although cleanliness is important whenever serving food, it’s even more crucial during a pandemic. Event planners could benefit from developing and enforcing procedures aimed at preventing the spread of disease.  

• Do Not Allow Guests to Serve Themselves
  When guests serve themselves, they spread germs from one person to the next via serving utensils. Instead of serving guests buffet-style, consider having your event catered and designate one person to serve each guest. Another popular option, you can provide guests with pre-made boxed lunches. These pre-made meals provide guests with the perfect portion while keeping meals separate.
• Encourage Frequent Hand Washing
  Make sure that both guests and staff have easy access to handwashing stations.
• Make Sure Everyone Wears a Mask
  Although it’s not possible to eat while wearing a mask, event planners should make sure staff and guests wear masks at all other times. This isn’t just crucial, it’s required in many parts of the country.
• Enforce Social Distancing
  When having guests line up for food, consider placing markers on the floor to encourage social distancing. Keep tables and chairs separated as well. Only members of the same household should come within six feet of each other.
• Clean & Disinfect Serving and High Touch Areas

Clean and disinfect all high touch areas before, during, and after the event. Make sure to use quality CDC-approved cleaners and disinfectants.

Consider Open Air Venues

As the situation changes, so do CDC guidelines and recommendations regarding event venues and occupancy. Although many states now allow limited occupancy in indoor venues, having your event outdoors offers the greatest flexibility and safety for your guests and staff. If possible, look for an outdoor event venue. If you do choose to have your event indoors, make sure you fully understand your state’s guidelines and restrictions regarding social gatherings. Speak with the venue in advance to learn if they have any additional rules or restrictions.

Keep Staff and Guests Informed

Even with the best precautions in place, you can’t make your event truly safe without communicating your plans with your staff and guests. Make sure everyone knows the procedures you’ve put in place before your event. Signs can let guests and staff know how to properly wear PPE and maintain at least six feet of distance between themselves and other guests. Signage can also direct staff and guests to handwashing stations.

Silver Spoon Caterers offers catering services for weddings, parties, corporate events, and more. Our team works hard to ensure the safety and satisfaction of every guest. Please contact us to learn how we can help make your next event a success!