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Summer is here, and with it, the desire to be outside enjoying the sunshine and warm weather. No one wants to be cooped up inside when being outside is so pleasant. (Once this heatwave is over :-))

However, outdoor events add an level of uncertainty and risk to the event. You’ll have to account for the type of weather you may experience. You may have to research and accommodate facilities which may not have power. You may have to rent outdoor toilets. There are a lot of things to think about.

Planning an outdoor summer event can be a delightful experience, but it requires careful preparation to ensure everything runs smoothly. Here are some tips to help you plan a successful outdoor summer event:

1. Choose the Right Venue

• Location: Select a venue that is easily accessible for your guests.
• Permits: Check if you need any permits for the event, especially if it’s in a public place like a park or beach.
• Facilities: Ensure the venue has necessary facilities such as restrooms, parking, and shade areas.

2. Consider the Weather

• Weather Forecast: Monitor the weather forecast leading up to the event.
• Backup Plan: Have a backup plan in case of bad weather, such as renting tents or an indoor alternative.
• Shade and Hydration: Provide shaded areas and plenty of water to keep guests cool and hydrated.

3. Theme and Decor

• Theme Selection: Choose a theme that suits the occasion and resonates with your guests.
• Decorations: Use weather-appropriate decorations that can withstand wind and sun. Consider using outdoor lights, banners, and flowers.

4. Food and Beverages

• Menu Planning: Choose a menu that is suitable for the weather. Opt for light, refreshing foods and cold beverages.
• Catering: Decide whether to hire a caterer or prepare the food yourself. If barbecuing, ensure you have the necessary equipment.
• Food Safety: Keep food at safe temperatures to avoid spoilage, and provide plenty of ice for drinks.

5. Entertainment and Activities

• Music and Sound System: Arrange for a sound system that can handle outdoor conditions, and create a playlist or hire a DJ.
• Games and Activities: Plan activities suitable for all ages, such as lawn games, water activities, or a photo booth.
• Guest Comfort: Provide seating options, such as chairs, blankets, or picnic tables.

6. Logistics and Supplies

• Checklists: Create checklists for everything you need, from decor and seating to food and entertainment supplies.
• Electricity and Lighting: Ensure you have access to power sources for lighting, music, and other electronic needs.
• Clean-Up Plan: Arrange for trash bins and recycling containers, and plan for post-event cleanup.

7. Invitations and RSVPs

• Send Invitations Early: Send out invitations well in advance, and request RSVPs to get an accurate guest count.
• Reminders: Send reminders a few days before the event to confirm attendance and provide any last-minute details.

8. Health and Safety

• First Aid: Have a first aid kit on hand for any minor injuries or health issues.
• Sun Protection: Provide sunscreen and encourage guests to use it. Consider offering hats or sunglasses as party favors.
• Bug Control: Use citronella candles, bug sprays, or other repellents to keep insects at bay.

9. Guest Engagement

• Welcome Area: Set up a welcome area where guests can sign in, get name tags, and receive any event materials.
• Interactive Elements: Incorporate interactive elements like guest books, wish trees, or message boards.
• If there will be a lot of kids, you might consider hiring childcare to run games and challenges just for the kids while their parents socialize with freedom.

10. Post-Event Follow-Up

• Thank You Notes: Send thank-you notes or emails to guests for attending.
• Feedback: Collect feedback to understand what went well and what could be improved for future events.

By paying attention to these details, you can create a memorable and enjoyable outdoor summer event for all your guests.

Silver Spoon Caterers wants to make your event a success! Call us today for menus and prices.

Tags: event catering

When planning any event, food and refreshments are an important consideration. Lucky for you, northern Virginia is a wealth creative, culinary styles and trends; not to mention that at the heart of our little corner of suburbia sits yours truly: Silver Spoon Caterers. We pride ourselves on out-of-the-box thinking, delicious food, and nothing short of menu planning perfection.

So, without any further ado:

Consider a few delicious ways to spice up your next lunch catering event.

Fusion food is fused with flavor.

Why not combine Mexican food, and Chinese food? Or French, and Indian? Fusion and ethnic dishes add a flair of the exotic to what might otherwise be a rather humdrum catered lunch.

Worried about too much flavor?

Is there such a thing, really? We don’t think so. But worry not. Even the herbiest, tangiest cuisines can be prepared with mild spice and a variety of flavors to suit even the shiest of palates. When you choose to include fusion dishes in your next lunch catering order from Silver Spoon, you’re sure to make your menu stand out, and leave a lasting impression on all who dine.

Terrific theme = terrific themed lunch event

Lunch doesn’t have to be boring. Throw an Alice in Wonderland / Mad Hatter’s tea party-themed lunch banquet just to thank your employees for another wonderful, mad year, why don’t you?

Talk with the lunch catering experts — That’s us, at your service in Fairfax VA — about a food and drink menu that fits with the theme of your event. Every detail, from the décor and table settings, and the appetizer to dessert contributes to the event’s success. Fresh, lively presentation and hearty, delicious flavors are the perfect way to keep your guests talking, and your employees happy.

Allow lunch guests to choose their own adventure.

Everyone loves to be in control. Food tables and stations are great, as they allow lunch guests to pick a plate, and go to town: A little of what they like; a lot of what they love; and none of what they don’t.

Buffet-style catered lunches are a bit hit among the professional crowd in northern Virginia not just because of the variety of food options, but also because diners and event guests can come for a bite to eat, and get right back to the grind as they please.

Interactive Food Stations.

Set up interactive food stations where guests can customize their meals. For example, a build-your-own taco bar with various fillings, toppings, and salsas allows guests to create their perfect tacos. You could also have a pasta station where guests choose their pasta, sauce, and toppings, or a sushi rolling station where they can craft their sushi rolls.

Healthy Options Spread.

Provide a spread of nutritious and delicious options for health-conscious guests. Offer a variety of salads with vibrant dressings, grilled vegetable platters, quinoa bowls, and lean protein options such as grilled chicken or fish. Including fresh fruits and smoothie stations for dessert adds a refreshing touch.

Miniature Dessert Bar.

Delight guests with a miniature dessert bar featuring an assortment of bite-sized sweets. Include mini cupcakes, tartlets, cake pops, macarons, and chocolate truffles. Offering a variety of flavors and textures allows guests to indulge in a little bit of everything without feeling overwhelmed.

Farm-to-Table Experience.

Partner with local farms and suppliers to create a farm-to-table dining experience. Highlight seasonal and locally sourced ingredients in your dishes to showcase freshness and flavor. Incorporate farm-fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and locally raised meats to create dishes that celebrate the region’s culinary bounty.

Catering a lunch event in northern Virginia?

The clear choice for lunch catering in northern Virginia is Silver Spoon. A family, minority, & woman operated business since 1997, Silver Spoon Caterers serves the social and corporate communities of Northern Virginia and the D.C. metro area with determined care and expertise. From major social functions to fundraising galas; national conventions to intimate gatherings; corporate meetings to community celebrations, Silver Spoon takes pride in executing unique events, giving our clients unbeatable value and lasting memories. Please give us call for a free estimate.

Tags: event catering

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! 

Tags: event catering

Catering is not just about serving food, it is about creating an experience that your clients will never forget. As a catering business owner, you need to go beyond just providing good food and drinks. You need to create an ambiance and atmosphere that will make your clients feel special and leave a lasting impression.

Here are some tips on how to create an unforgettable experience for your clients through catering.

Personalize the Menu

Every client has different tastes and preferences. Therefore, it is essential to personalize the menu to suit their needs. Consult with the client and take note of their likes and dislikes. This will not only make the event unique but also make the client feel valued.

Incorporate a Theme

If the client has requested a specific theme, incorporate it into the menu. For example, if they requested an Italian-themed event, you should include traditional Italian dishes as well as some modern interpretations of classic dishes. This will ensure that the catering experience is one-of-a-kind and truly memorable.

Provide Excellent Service

Service is an integral part of any catering event. As a catering business owner, you need to ensure that your staff provides excellent service. Train your staff to be friendly, attentive, and professional. They should be able to anticipate the needs of the clients and ensure that their guests are comfortable.

Pay Attention to Details

Details matter when it comes to catering. From the table settings to the décor, everything should be perfect. Pay attention to the color scheme, lighting, and other small details that will make the event stand out. Ensure that everything is coordinated and consistent.

Add a Personal Touch

Adding a personal touch to the event will make the client feel special. You can do this by including their favorite foods, signature cocktails, or personalized party favors. This will not only make the event unique but also make the client feel appreciated.

Create an Atmosphere

The atmosphere of the event is crucial in creating an unforgettable experience. It should be warm, inviting, and elegant. You can achieve this by playing soft background music, using candles, and using subtle lighting. The ambiance should be relaxed and conducive to socializing.

Offer Interactive Stations

Interactive stations are a great way to engage guests and make the event more memorable. You can set up a DIY cocktail bar, a dessert station, or a live cooking station. This will not only provide entertainment but also allow guests to participate in the event.

Use High-Quality Ingredients

The quality of the ingredients used in the catering event will determine the quality of the food. Therefore, it is important to use high-quality ingredients. This will not only improve the taste of the food but also make the event more memorable.

Be Flexible

Flexibility is key when it comes to catering. Clients may change their minds at the last minute, or unexpected situations may arise. It is important to be flexible and adapt to the situation. This will not only reduce stress but also ensure that the event runs smoothly.

Hire Knowledgeable Staff

Having knowledgeable staff is key in ensuring that the event runs smoothly. Make sure that your staff is well-trained and has a good understanding of the menu and ingredients used. This will allow them to answer any questions that clients may have about food preferences as well as allergies. Knowledgeable staff provide top shelf service.

Offer Variety

When it comes to catering, variety is essential. Offer a range of food items so that there is something for everyone. Include different cuisines, flavors, and textures in order to keep things interesting and ensure that all of your guests are satisfied.

Provide Entertainment

Adding entertainment to a catering event can keep guests engaged and create a lively atmosphere. It’s beneficial to have good working relationships with professional DJs and bands that you can refer to your clients for music for the evening. You could also arrange for live cooking demonstrations or other interactive activities to keep your guests entertained.

Stay On Budget

Budgeting is essential when planning a catering event. Make sure to discuss the budget with your client so that you can create a menu that fits within their budget. This will ensure that the event goes smoothly and both parties are satisfied.

Follow-Up After The Event

Following up with clients after the event is a great way to show your appreciation and ensure that they had a positive experience. This can be done through email, a phone call, or even sending them a thank-you card. This will not only make them feel appreciated but it will also help build relationships with your clients so that you are their caterer of choice for future events.

Provide Take-Home Packages

At the end of the event, you can provide take-home packages for the guests. This could include small bottles of champagne or personalized favors that they can take home as a memento from the event. This will make them feel appreciated and it’s a great way to end the event on a memorable note.

Create Memorable Experiences

Creating an unforgettable experience for clients through catering is not just about the food. It is about paying attention to details, providing excellent service, adding a personal touch, creating an atmosphere, and being flexible. By following these tips, you can create an event that your clients will never forget. Remember, catering is not just about food, it is about creating a memorable experience. By focusing on creating memorable experiences, you can make your catering business stand out and create loyal customers. 

Hire the Best Caterer in the DMV

Looking for the best caterer in the DMV for your next event? Well, you found us!

Whether you’re planning a 200 person corporate event, wedding or an intimate brunch celebration – you can trust Silver Spoon Caterers to prepare the best tasting and best looking food, served to your liking. Contact us today to schedule a consultation to start planning your next event.

Tags: event catering

A baby shower or gender reveal is a joyful gathering that encourages people to eat and be merry. Regardless of the seating style, your guests will appreciate the opportunity to celebrate, relax, and catch up with friends and family. Be sure to plan a large variety of foods so that there is something for everyone. Offering a variety of foods will ensure that there are no awkward moments for the vegetarian cousin or neighbor with celiac disease who cannot find anything suitable to eat.

As the shower host, your first consideration should be to the mom-to-be. Don’t forget that during pregnancy, many foods are temporarily off-limits. These include alcohol, undercooked meats, fish, eggs, soft cheeses, and lunch meats. While many of these things can be included in your menu, you’ll want to make sure that the guest of honor is taken care of.

There are so many ways to create a crowd-pleasing menu that will provide for everyone in attendance and make sure that your event is a memorable experience for both you and your guests.

Here are a few things to keep in mind in the planning process.

Keeping Things Casual

When planning your event, consider choosing a time of day that is not traditionally reserved for a large meal. By doing this, you can offer your guests appetizers and portable food choices that are both simple and delicious. A sample menu for this style of event may include:

·         Tea, coffee, water, or juice

·         Charcuterie platters with a variety of meats, cheeses, and crackers

·         Seasonal fruit trays

·         Finger sandwiches

·         Various hors d’oeuvres

·         Deviled eggs

·         A selection of desserts

This is a good idea for several reasons. Giving your guests a choice of different foods allows them to pick options that suit their tastes and dietary preferences. Another benefit is that it reduces the amount of plates and flatware that you will need. This can help you stay within your budget while providing your guests with food prepared by professionals.

Offering a variety of finger foods will help make sure that there will be something delicious for all your shower guests to eat. You should speak to your caterer ahead of time so they know you are including options that will suit both picky eaters and those with dietary restrictions.

It’s a good idea to offer five or more different foods and plan for enough food so that each guest will have at least two items each to eat. It is always a good rule of thumb to have more food to offer than not enough!

Spread Things Out

When you have a large group gathered in one space, it’s a good idea to spread out your food offerings throughout the party room. This allows your guests the chance to mingle and still have an opportunity to pick up different food offerings as they pass by the various platters around the room. Your guests will be more likely to move about the room freely, rather than gathering in one space. And by spreading out the food around the party space, you all but eliminate the chance that a line will build up for the “food line.” This will keep the party flowing and make sure that everyone will have a chance to sample the delicious foods that you have chosen.

A Traditional Approach

For a more traditional approach, you may prefer to host your shower at a regular mealtime and serve your guests a full meal. You can choose whether guests will be served their meal or walk through a buffet line.

If you opt for a more traditional sit-down style event, the right professional caterer will be more than happy to help you create a menu that will be crowd pleasing and delicious for all tastes and preferences. A sample menu for a sit-down shower or gender reveal may look something like this:

·         Water, coffee, or tea

·         Salad

·         A choice of entrée for both meat eaters and vegetarians

·         Fresh bread or rolls

·         A dessert

Keep in mind that when choosing a sit-down meal option, you can still offer your guests appetizers that can be spread out around the room before the meal is served, allowing them plenty of opportunities to mingle with each other.

A Classic Shower Theme

You can never go wrong with simple, classic styling for your baby shower or gender reveal. A classic theme is a great way to include your color scheme into your event through items like colored cake, cupcakes, or cookies. This way, your menu remains elegant and classic while still presenting your guests with some flairs for this big day.

The decision to host a casual or sit-down event really comes down to your personal preference. Whatever you decide, it’s a good idea to speak with your caterer about your food, drink, and serving options.

Hire The Right Caterer

Planning a baby shower or a gender reveal celebration involves a lot of moving parts. One way to add a touch of elegance and make your celebration a successful event is to hire a professional caterer to handle the menu. Not only can you customize your menu, but as the host, you will be free to leave the planning, shopping, and prepping of the food to the catering staff so that you can relax and enjoy the festivities.

Choosing a professional to cater your shower will allow you to focus your energy on the many other tasks that an event host takes on. Whether you decide to offer casual appetizers, a buffet, or a full-service meal, the experienced catering professionals you’ve chosen are prepared to handle every aspect of your event from start to finish. When it comes to planning the menu for your event, you can make choices that fit perfectly within your budget, the time of your event, theme, location, and food sensitivities. Even if you are a professionally trained Chef or work in the food industry, you don’t want to spend your time prepping and serving food, you want to sit back and enjoy the day.  Hiring a professional caterer will make this part of your party planning simple and enjoyable! Silver Spoon Catering is that right professional caterer. Contact us today to book your ba

Tags: event catering

When you are planning a special event in your life, you want every aspect of the day to go off without a hitch. Events like weddings, graduations, and baby showers will create memories to share with your family for years to come, so you deserve for everything to be perfect.

Sometimes coordinating every last detail of an event can be overwhelming and detract from the experience of your special day. Using private event catering will take the burden off you and make your day unforgettable.

Here are 3 reasons why private event catering is the best choice for your occasion:

Food is Always the Star

Regardless of what type of event you are planning, food is always the main attraction. From weddings to bar or bat mitzvahs to holiday parties, everyone wants to know what’s on the menu. Planning a menu, estimating portions and getting all the food prepared properly and on time is quite an undertaking. Then, add other event hosting tasks on top of that and you’re risking a disaster with the most important element of your event.

Private event catering companies have expertise in menu planning, and they can help you figure out the right type of food to serve at your event. They will offer you options from their menu, or they will work with you on a custom menu if you have something special in mind. A private event catering company is skilled in prep work and menu execution on a large scale. You can devote your attention to hosting your event and trust that the food will be delicious and on time.

Food prepared by private event catering leaves a lasting impression with guests. The curated menus and professional presentation give any event an elevated feel. Your guests will know you took the time to make their experience special.

Save Yourself the Stress

Before you even get around to thinking about food, there is already so much to take on when starting to plan an event. You want your event to be a good experience for your guest, but you should also be able to enjoy these memorable occasions. Events are also expensive, and it is important that you get to enjoy your investment.

Using private event catering takes the responsibility and pressure off you so that you can focus on enjoying your event. When you provide food for your event yourself, you must plan a menu that everyone will enjoy, calculate ingredient quantities, and spend hours preparing and cooking food on the day of the event. That leaves little time for any other tasks that need to be completed before your guests arrive.

With private event catering, the decisions requiring your input are made days or weeks in advance of the occasion. On the day of the event, you have more time to decorate, greet guests, or simply enjoy the event you’ve worked so hard to put on. Saving yourself stress in any way possible is a worthwhile investment.

Quality Service and Food Safety

You want your guests to be happy and enjoy the food at your event, which means they need to be attended to when they have questions or requests. if you do the food yourself, you will find yourself pulled in a million different directions during the meal service. A private event catering company can bring a full staff of servers to make sure your guests are served quickly, and they can deal with special requests or questions about the food. Having quality service for your guests is essential to creating a memorable experience.

In addition to help with service, private event catering companies are also trained in safe food preparation and handling. Food for your event is prepared in advance off site and transported to the venue. There are safety standards in place that dictate the correct temperatures for cooking and storing certain foods to ensure they can be safely enjoyed.

While you may have the best intentions in preparing food yourself, the risk remains that standards aren’t being followed, which could end up in an illness for you or your guests. It is also possible for allergy issues to arise from improperly labeled or cross-handled food.

Foodborne illnesses and allergies are not the only safety concern these days. With much of the country still dealing with the pandemic, safety is a top priority for serving food at events. A private event catering company is up to date on the best and most updated practices for how to prepare and serve food safely to reduce any possible exposure to COVID-19.

Call Silver Spoon Caterers for Your Safe, Stress-Free Event

Silver Spoon Caterers is the premier choice for private catering for weddings, parties, corporate events, and more. Our team works hard for you to ensure the safety and satisfaction of every guest. If you want to hear more about how we can make your next event a success, contact us today.

Tags: event catering

A company Christmas party provides your employees with a unique opportunity to get to know each other and your company. This can significantly boost employee morale.

When planning your holiday party, the food is one of the first things you’ll need to consider. Planning menus, shopping for ingredients, preparing food and serving guests takes a lot of time and effort. In fact, it’s often the most stressful part of planning a company party.

The right caterer can make your party a success. Hiring a caterer allows you to focus on other important aspects of your event. This makes it possible to throw a Christmas party that your guests are sure to remember.

The right holiday theme can help take your company party from ordinary to extraordinary. Your guests are sure to appreciate the extra effort you put into planning. The following are our favorite company Christmas party themes.

Masquerade Ball

 Throw a truly magical company party with this fun theme. Encourage your guests to come adorned with their own decorative masks. A masquerade ball theme includes traditional Christmas colors with lots of gold and purple thrown in. This type of party calls for appetizers, hors d’oeuvres and finger foods. We have a number of options for you to choose from on our holiday catering menu.

Santa’s Workshop 

Get your employees into the Christmas spirit with a holiday party that encourages giving. Have your employees and their guests each bring a toy to be donated to a local toy drive. Decorate your venue with red and white, twinkling lights and festive greenery. Offer your guests comforting entrees such as Parmesan crusted chicken or bourbon maple glazed ham.

White Christmas

 Transform your party into a winter wonderland. Decorate with white ornaments, white linens, white tableware and sprigs of flocked greenery. Offer your guests light colored dishes for the best effect. Good choices include cauliflower steaks and a roast turkey feast.

Please keep Coivd Guidlines in mind while hosting your event:

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 Your Staff Wears a Mask
  Although it’s not possible to eat while wearing a mask, event planners should make sure staff wear masks at all other times. .
• 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.

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!

Silver Spoon Catering offers holiday catering services for company parties. Our holiday catering menu features a number of choices including gluten free and vegetarian options. Please contact us for more information about holiday party catering.

Tags: event catering

As Covid19 numbers decline many businesses are welcoming their employees back into their offices, as well as planning corporate events. Although the corporate world is not 100% back to normal, many people are eager to get out of their house and back to networking to promote their business or look for partners that can help their business.

Networking with Covid19 adds additional complexities to hosting a networking event. Along with complying with vaccine mandates and whether to require masks, you must plan for how you will handle drink tickets, what kind of food and drinks to serve as well as activities to get people “mingling”.

Attending a networking event can be exciting and stressful all at the same time. Hosting an event is still exciting, but can be a lot more stressful. One of the easiest ways to reduce your stress level is by hiring a full service caterer to handle all of your drink and food preperation, serve guests and handle all the clean up.

When working with a corporate event caterer to plan the menu, do what you can to make the eating easy on your guests. Here are a few food items to avoid serving or consuming at your next networking event. Avoid the embarrassment of broccoli in teeth or bolognaise on sports coats.

Avoid:

• Items that feature heavy, bold sauces like ribs or spaghetti;
• Items such as pastry covered in powdered sugar;
• Items that contain seeds (A poppy kernel isn’t the best accessory.);
• Items that require the use of a fork and knife.

Instead, opt for bite-sized items that can be eaten easily with a toothpick or fingers; serve lighter pasta dishes (Think penne or ziti in an oil-based sauce.); and offer guests the choice of a plate or a bowl. You want your guests to mingle and make connections, to eat and enjoy themselves. The key is convenience. Stage the space with plenty of napkins. And don’t forget about the trash; make sure bins are plentiful.

Planning a networking event that needs catering in Northern VA? Consider the menu options available from Silver Spoon Caterers:

• Coconut shrimp (made with white rum and coconut milk)
• Lump crab empanada (made with puff pastry)
• Mini crab cake (served with a lemon-garlic aioli)
• Signature meatballs (all beef, served with client’s choice of Cran-BBQ, Romesco with Manchego, or Teppanyaki sauce)
• Caribbean chicken skewer (marinated in Caribbean spices with grilled pineapple)
• Asparagus & Phyllo (hand rolled filo with ricotta & Parmesan)
• Garden Mushroom Tart (made with shitake & crimini mushrooms and manchego cheese)
• Mini Zucchini Cakes (served with an herb aioli)
• Fresh Fruit & Cheese Platter (artisan display of seasonal fresh fruits and a variety of international and domestic cheeses with crackers

Our carefully curated menu and well trained staff have what it takes to make a networking event hassle-free. From hairnets to nitrile coated gloves our staff will provide the best hospitality and service for your event.

Tags: event catering

The dog days of summer are upon us and with it comes gatherings and parties (with social distancing of course)! This time of year brings baby showers and weddings, birthday parties and of course summer barbecues. You’re getting excited to show off your brand new patio; to break out your favorite serving dishes; and to throw the affair of the season… when somebody says those two little words: gluten free.

Accommodating guests with dietary restrictions can be tricky, but especially when you’re planning to host someone with celiac disease: It’s important to understand that his or her gluten-free diet is more than a lifestyle choice, but a medical necessity. The adequate, safe preparation of a gluten-free meal depends upon more than a few modification to the regular menu; think cross contamination.

Even the slightest bit of gluten from a bowl, a spoon, or cooking oil can cause a person with celiac disease to react. It’s not enough to simply remove the croutons from the salad, but you must make a separate salad entirely, separate entrees and desserts, too. That’s why Silver Spoon Caterers recommends leaving the cooking to the professionals. That is to say, us.

Silver Spoon Caterers is experienced in catering to the gluten-free crowd; we take pride in developing delicious menus to suit every dietary restriction and delight the palate.

Tasty (& totally gluten-free) menu options from your Fairfax VA party caterer

Appetizers

Hummus — served with fresh cut vegetables

Grilled vegetable tray — eggplant, zucchini, squash, red pepper and red onion marinated and grilled

Beef medallions — shoulder tenderloin sliced and topped with caramelized onion & balsamic reduction, garnished with roasted red pepper

Cocktail Shrimp — served with lemon wedges and cocktail sauce

Antipasto — skewered antipasto, green olive, roasted pepper, artichoke, sliced salami with vegetable crudité and roasted pepper dressing

Entrees

Mesquite roasted turkey breast — with black bean and corn salsa, served with roasted sweet potato spears, grilled mixed vegetables, tomato & cucumber salad

Greek-style chicken kabobs — with bell peppers and onions, accompanied by a Greek salad and tzatziki sauce

Mediterranean chicken — seasoned with fresh herbs, stuffed with roasted red pepper, crumbled feta cheese, chopped kalamata olives and fresh basil; served with a vegetable medley

Mediterranean mixed grill — beef kebabs and chicken souvlaki served with tzatziki sauce and market vegetables, accompanied by hummus

Hungry for a gluten-free catered meal in Fairfax Virginia?

While gluten-free eating continues to grow in popularity (and, for some, necessity) try to remain flexible when planning to serve the rye-averse and carb connoisseurs alike. Call Silver Spoon Caterers with plenty of advance notice, and come to us with some idea of what you’d like to serve; not only will your flexibility and preparedness make our jobs easier, it’s also the best way to ensure everyone leaves the party happy, fed, and healthy.

Tags: event catering

By the end of January, let’s be honest, nearly everyone has already fallen off the New Year’s resolution wagon. But not you. Not this year. You’re committed to make healthier food choices, and that means catering healthy meals too. As your premier corporate event caterer, we hear it all the time: “It’s so hard to eat healthy when I’m constantly attending banquets, and networking events, and dinners out with clients.” And the truth is, while it may sometimes be more difficult to do so, it’s not impossible.

Choose healthy catering options for your next corporate function.

Opt for whole-grain (over white) bread, rice, or pasta — that’s a big one. Use low-fat, low-salt, and reduced-sugar alternatives. And three: Serve fresh fruit and vegetables. It’s really that easy. Not convinced? Let’s get specific.

Breakfast

Even your Fairfax VA healthy catering partner can recognize that breakfast gets tricky. Say, “catered breakfast” and what do people expect? Pastries, that’s what people expect. And pastry, you can provide when you opt for items like whole grain muffins, or scones.

Consider a few other healthy breakfast options:

• Cereal — Think whole grain, like Raisin Bran or Corn Flakes.
• Fruit — Serve fresh, seasonal fruit in a salad, whole, or in pieces.
• Yogurt — Some like it plain; others like it flavored. Opt for low- or no-fat varieties.
• Eggs — Scramble them. Boil them. Poach them. Or serve omelets.
• Vegetables — They’re not just for lunch and dinner any more.

Hot Dishes

You already know the basics: Less processed junk, and more real food. It’s how you eat at home, and it’s what we’ll serve your guests.

• Soup — Choose vegetable or legume-based soups, and broth over cream.
• Vegetables — They’re great, and they’re yummy to the tummy any time of day! They can be steamed, microwaves, grilled or roasted.
• Pasta — Yes, pasta! As long as it’s whole grain. Opt for tomato or vegetable-based sauces, and use only small amounts of low-fat cheese.
• Meat — It’s all about the meats: Beef, lamb, pork, poultry. Choose lean cuts, and opt for low-fat cooking methods (grilled or roasted) over other methods that require the addition of fat. Serve hot entrée dishes with healthy side items like a salad, fresh vegetables or a baked potato.

Even dessert can be healthy when you choose fruit.

Silver Spoon Caterers makes fresh, seasonal fruit tarts and pie — just decadent enough to be delicious.

When you’re planning your next corporate event and searching for healthy catering options but aren’t willing to sacrifice flavor, call Silver Spoon Caterers.

Let’s talk about how healthy food choices can look, and taste great, too.

Along with great food and catering options our pricing is up front and simple to understand. There’s nothing more frustrating than expecting to pay one price but being charged another. The best way to avoid this type of situation is to work with a caterer that is up front about their fees.

Northern Virginia Company Catering

The service your caterer provides can leave a lasting impression on your guests. This is why it is so important to select a caterer you can trust. Silver Spoon Caterers provides catering services for a variety of events in Northern Virginia, Maryland and Washington DC. Our professional caterers have years of experience with corporate events of all shapes and sizes.

We offer a wide variety of menu options and are happy to accommodate dietary restrictions. We understand that planning a company event is stressful. Our company catering services allow you to focus your attention on other important aspects such as team building and special guests. Please contact us for more information about company catering services.