We know planning an event – large or small – is detail-oriented work. As the Event Organizer, you are responsible for the planning and operation of your, or your group's Special Event or Meeting. This one-stop Guide has been specially developed by Select Sandwich to simplify and streamline the process and make planning your next event simple and painless.
From a corporate breakfast or lunch meeting to a birthday or sporting event, bridal shower or anniversary, movie night, girl's night, any night, you'll find everything you need right here.
» Events & Party Planning
» Corporate Planning
» General Planning
» Share Your Own Tip
» Food For Thought
Events and PartiesStart Early: There is no such thing as having too much time to plan an event. For large-scale events, start planning four to five months in advance. For smaller events, one to two months is reasonable.
Make a Plan: Start with the day of the event, and create a detailed list backtracking every task that needs to happen, assigning each a firm deadline. Use it as the master reference checking things off as they get accomplished. Put together a simple binder with all of your vendor contracts, extra copies of the floor plan, and a cheat sheet of contact information for easy reference.
Coordinate with Vendors: Before a conversation with a vendor, make a list of everything you need from them. Go through the proposal with a fine-tooth comb .
Ask for help! Assign portions of the event to each team member. If everyone has ownership of a piece of the puzzle, details are less likely to slip through the cracks and team members will feel more involved.
Have a Plan B: Anticipate which aspects will more significantly affect your event and create backup plans for each.
Do a Mental Walk-Through: About two weeks before the event, mentally walk through every minute of the event, from set-up to break down. You’ll be surprised how many last minute tasks you catch.
Take Pictures! Pictures are the best way to illustrate an event’s success. If there’s budget, hire a photographer or assign a team member to the task.
The Gift of Giving: For a smaller special occasion or dinner party, ensure that a small gift for each guest is at the dinner table (i.e. handmade Christmas ornaments, chocolates, etc).
Remain Stress Free on the Big Day: Don't get anxious about any event where you're the entertainer. Parties are supposed to relieve stress, so make sure that you stay as cool as you want your party to be.
You've been selected to plan an event. Whether it's your parents 50th Wedding Anniversary, the company picnic, an Annual Meeting for 2,000 people or a child's birthday party you have work to do.
Each event is different, but there are some similarities in the way you can approach the planning process. Follow these tips to help you plan and organize that special day.
1. Get a clear understanding of the purpose of your event. For birthdays and anniversaries the purpose is fairly obvious. But events for work or social organizations probably need a little more definition. Make sure you know why there will be an event and the anticipated outcome.
2. Set the goals for your event. How many people do you expect? If this is a repeat event are you trying to get a larger turnout than last year? Determine what you wish your attendees to gain from the event.
3. Set your event budget. This should be a top priority. How much can you or how much are you willing to spend? Will the event produce revenue from registrations? Or are you paying for the event by yourself?
4. Select your date and location. This could be as simple as planning to mow the back yard or may involve a visit to another city to view hotel and convention space. Plan accordingly. If you need to plan a site visit, will you need to take your boss or committee members along with you?
When you are considering location you will want to keep in mind the following:
a) Room capacity. Is it too large or too small? Remember that if you're having a luncheon for 200 people you need to consider serving space, space for a dais for your honored guests and whether you will need any audiovisual equipment.
b) Lighting. Subtle lighting is nice for meal and social functions. But if you are planning an all day workshop on accounting methods, you will want to make sure there is adequate lighting in the room.
c) Parking. Is there adequate parking for your guest needs? Will they have to pay for parking? How far will they have to walk from the parking area to the event?
d) Electrical supply. If you're having a birthday party in your home, just make sure you paid the bill and turn to the nearest outlet. But if you are planning a large convention, you need to consider what equipment will be in use that needs electricity. For example if you have exhibits, you need to know what access your vendors will require for their displays.
e) Phone hook-ups. Will you need phone access during the event? Will your exhibitors need access? Are their any restrictions or limitations on wireless phone service in your event location?
f) Computer/Internet access. This could be important for your exhibitors.
5. Working backward from your selected date(s), set up a project timeline with specific tasks that must be accomplished by specific dates. Some of the things you may want to make sure that are on your timeline are:
a) When to make your first announcement of the event.
b) Prepare and print promotional materials (brochures, invitations, etc.)
c) Select caterer/menu
d) Select entertainment
e) Select decorations/florist
f) Determine audio-visual needs
g) Select overnight accommodations, if needed
h) Secure transportation if necessary
i) Review and sign necessary contracts
j) Select and confirm speakers
k) Finalize your agenda/program
l) Confirm attendees
m) Prepare materials for event
n) Prepare name badges
o) Prepare any necessary signage
p) Prepare materials to be shipped to event location
q) Set up on site
r) Re-confirm details
s) Enjoy the event
6. Determine what vendors you will need to work with. These could include, but are certainly not limited to:
a) Caterers
b) Entertainers
c) Florists
d) Photographers
e) Printers
f) Registration Assistants
g) Audio-Visual suppliers
7. Determine if you need any special licenses or permits to host your event. This could be anything from arranging fees and permission for using recorded music to arranging to have sections of a major street blocked off for traffic control.
8. Public Relations. How do you plan to publicize your event? Are you going to the local card shop to get pre-printed invitations? Or do you need to develop a promotional brochure to be mailed to thousands of potential attendees.
Ask yourself if you are planning to notify the media. Is your event something that would be of interest to the general public? Or do you prefer for the event to remain private?
Not all of these suggestions will apply to your event. Some will. Some will not. But by using these tips you can develop a check list of your own.
Most importantly, be flexible. Realize from the start that not everything will go as planned. But in many cases, you will be the only one to know that.
At almost every event, there comes a time when you can no longer control what happens. You've done all the planning, made all the preparations. The event will happen, one way or another.
When you get to that point. Relax and enjoy your work.
Entertain on a fun themed note. Most people enjoy themed get-togethers; not only are they fun but they make for great and interesting conversations. Your imagination is the limit!
| Sample Menu 1 | Sample Menu 2 | Sample Menu 3 |
| Hotdog | Chicken Breast | Sirloin Steak |
| Hamburger | Italian Sausage | ¼ BBQ Chicken |
| Garden Salad | Caesar Salad | Sunshine Salad |
| Coleslaw | Pasta Salad | Potato Salad |
| Assorted Drinks | Assorted Drinks | Assorted Drinks |
| Sample Menu 1 | Sample Menu 2 | Sample Menu 3 |
| Vegetarian Dip | Cheese Platter | Hot Hors D'oeuvres |
| Mini Sandwiches | Jumbo Shrimp | Teriyake Beef Wrap |
| Savoury Pinwheels | Grilled Panini's | Tandori Chicken Wrap |
| Fruit Platter | Loaf Platter | Garden Salad |
| Assorted Drinks | Assorted Drinks | Comfort Cookies |
| Assorted Drinks |
| Sample Menu 1 | Sample Menu 2 | Sample Menu 3 |
| Vegetarian Dip | Cheese Platter | DLX Cheese Platter |
| Hot Hors D'oeuvres | Savoury Pinwheels | Jumbo Shrimp Feast |
| Chicken Fingers | Party Sandwiches | Satay Sampler |
| Fruit Platter | DLX Fruit Platter | Pastry Tray |
| Assorted Drinks | Assorted Drinks | Gourmet Biscotti |
| Assorted Drinks |
| Sample Menu 1 | Sample Menu 2 | Sample Menu 3 |
| Vegetarian Dip | Satay Sampler | DLX Cheese Platter |
| Cheese Platter | Savoury Pinwheels | Jumbo Shrimp |
| Stuffed Peppers | Meat Lasagna | Louisiana Jambalaya |
| Quiche – Garden Salad | Vegetable Lasagna | Butter Chicken |
| Fruit Platter | Caesar Salad | Sunshine Salad |
| Bite Size Cookies | Dinner Rolls | Dinner Rolls |
| Assorted Drinks | DLX Fruit Platter | Dessert Platter |
| Assorted Drinks | Assorted Drinks |
| Sample Menu 1 | Sample Menu 2 | Sample Menu 3 |
| Hot Hors D'oeuvres | Satay Sampler | Jumbo Shrimp |
| Garden Salad | Caesar Salad | Sunshine Salad |
| Coleslaw | Potato Salad | Pasta Salad |
| Roast Chicken Leg | Chicken Stir fry | Tuscan Chicken |
| Cajun Beef Stew | Shepherd's Pie | Salmon Entrée |
| Pastry Tray | Loaf Platter | Dessert Platter |
| Assorted Drinks | Assorted Drinks | Assorted Drinks |
| Sample Menu 1 | Sample Menu 2 | Sample Menu 3 |
| Vegetable Dip | Cheese Platter | DLX Fruit Platter |
| Sandwich / Wraps | My Select Platter | Gourmet Panini's |
| Garden Salad | Greek Salad | Sunshine Salad |
| Comfort Cookies | Loaf Platter | Dessert Platter |
| Assorted Drinks | Assorted Drinks | Assorted Drinks |
Corporate PlanningImportant clients require the utmost attention. For one-on-one meetings, treating them to a deluxe lunch works just fine, but what about larger groups? If you’ve got a major board meeting or sales pitch coming up, you might want to consider having the food brought right to your offices.
With corporate catering, you can get high-quality meals for your clients without the fuss of visiting a restaurant. When it comes to the food, corporate catering is a great way to provide meal options that everyone will love. With your buffet-style lunch, you can have a myriad of options which appeal to even the most discerning clients. You can even set up hot and cold stations for your food.
Corporate catering also works well for in-house meetings. If you have a major training for your executive staff coming up, why not treat them to a nice lunch to break up the day? It’s also great for staff appreciation events, holiday celebrations and special occasion parties to celebrate a staff member’s retirement or anniversary with the company.
Corporate catering also works for evening events should you have them. Many companies have an annual party, whether it’s for the holidays, a fundraiser or a meeting of shareholders. We know that appearance, food quality and great service are all extremely important when it comes to these events, so why not provide the best catering services for your affair?
If you’re considering having a business event catered soon, contact your local Select Sandwich to inquire about our corporate catering experience.
Select a type of meeting below:
A good breakfast meeting can be productive and motivating. But they take planning like any good meeting. Here are a few quick tips that can help.
Send out an agenda.
This helps people prepare for the meeting and gives them confidence that work will be done.
Serve coffee and breakfast before the meeting starts. This gives people a chance to say hello, catch up and get comfortable. It also gives added incentive to attendees to get there before the official meeting begins.
Make the food memorable. A good start to the day makes one more productive.
Set a firm start time for the meeting and stick to it. Nothing disrupts meetings like late arrivals. Don’t wait around for everyone to arrive. Start on time. After one or two meetings, people will understand you are serious and get there on time.
End the meeting on time. Everyone has a busy day planned and overly long meetings are simply inconsiderate. Limit the meeting to a set time. Start on time, stick to the agenda and end on time. People will appreciate your punctuality and focus.
The menu. Breakfast does not have to be boring. Start the day off right with one of the many hot or cold menu options from Select Sandwich.
For hors d’oeuvres, plan on 2-4 per person. Offer a main entrée (about 5 oz) with 2-3 sides, including a starch and a dessert. Offer a selection of drinks, including pop, juice, lemon water, etc. If you’re having sandwiches, allow for 1-2 per person.
Before you start:
Select a menu that fits the event schedule
Anticipate special needs
Have 3-5 hors d’oeuvres per person, depending on the number of courses. Plan on a main entrée (5-7 oz) and 2-3 sides, either veggies, beans, pasta, etc. Offer small portions of bread, salad, or soup. Always have water, along with other beverages.
Before you start:
Select a menu that fits the event schedule
Anticipate special needs
We’ve all attended meetings where the main source of nutrition has been either donuts or pizza. While tasty as an occasional treat, this type of food can not only have a harmful long-term effect on our health, but can also have a negative impact on our meeting and work productivity. What we eat and drink at meetings is directly related to how well we feel, the right food gives us energy so we can work better and be more productive.
The key to having healthier meetings is moderation and choice. Not all foods offered at meetings need to be low fat, low salt or heart healthy. Just make a conscious effort to always offer more healthier choices and less choices that are not.
People function better if they are properly fueled. Offer food at longer meetings or meeting that are held during what would normally be a meal-time. Always have plenty of water available
If you are serving food at your meetings try serving foods from different food groups.
FRUIT & VEGETABLES
LOW FAT
HIGH PROTEIN
CARBOHYDRATES
Some carbohydrates such as white breads, rice and pastas, desserts and starch dishes can make us feel tired and unable to concentrate.
Other carbohydrates (complex) such as vegetables fruit and whole grains do just the opposite they provide our bodies with the long lasting fuel we need to function properly throughout the day. Try serving carbohydrates like:
- Book meeting room
- Note list of key attendees
- Send out notice of the meeting outlining the purpose and desired outcome.
- Solicit agenda items and papers for the meeting.
- Submit a task list along with minutes of the previous meeting and ask those assigned tasks
at the previous meeting to indicate the status of those tasks.
- Submit a draft agenda to Chairperson for approval.
- Make sure that the key players can attend the meeting.
- Dispatch final agenda and meeting papers to attendees – allow sufficient time for the
papers to be read and digested.
- Skim the papers if you are going to minute the meeting - make sure you understand the
key issues.
- Make sure that you know what style of minutes is required.
- Book refreshments
- Book lunch if the timing of the meeting runs over into lunchtime; find out if there are any
special dietary requirements.
- Book overhead projector/PC Projector/flipchart
- Book a technician if you are not familiar with the equipment.
- Notify reception and provide the names of external attendees .
- Organize parking for external attendees
- If organizing parking, remember to get car registration number, make, model and colour.
- Email a map and directions to external attendees.
- Printout a list of people who have declined the meeting and double check that key players
are still attending.
- List apologies and note the reason for the apology
- Take spare copies of minutes, agenda, papers, and take along the list of apologies.
- Before the meeting, make sure the meeting room is in order
- Provide a supply of pens, pencils and paper.
- After the meeting type up the minutes promptly
- Submit draft minutes for approval
- Send out final minutes – make sure the time and location of the next meeting is included in
the final minutes.
- Put the date of the next meeting in the diary and book a meeting room.
The following event planning guide is a loose list of the kind of tasks you need to consider in event management planning. Feel free to download this list and highlight the tasks that apply to your event.
- Budget: Agree a preliminary budget
- Venue: Inspect site; find out what other events will run concurrent with yours; check
disability access; book venue.
- Themes/party finder: Make sure it is appropriate for the type of guests expected.
- Final count of guests: Be aware of any restrictions on the maximum/minimum number of
people that can attend. Find out if speaker/entertainers need to be accommodated for
dinner. Remember to take a copy of the guest list with you to the event.
- Caterers: Ask around for recommendations when choosing a caterer. Decide on the style
of service - canapés and buffet for informal event, sit down meal for formal event.
- Menu: Depending on the type of event, when deciding the menu send options to guests
and ask them to indicate their preference. Find out about special dietary requirements.
Where possible taste the food before making a final decision.
- Speakers and entertainment: Stipulate that you require a performance preview.
- Drinks reception: Decide the timing, etc. of the drinks reception.
- Bar: Decide if the bar will be entirely free
- Hotel: If the event is not being held in a hotel, book rooms at a hotel nearby for those
requiring accommodation.
- Coach travel: Provide the option of coach travel to the venue; reserve parking for the
coach.
- Parking: Find out how close the car park is to the venue.
- Room Setup – finalize the room setup plan
- Seating plan: You can pick names out of a hat or have formal place settings. You can
match the place settings cards to the theme of the event or do something creative.
- Invitations: Party invites should be professional in appearance as they often set the tone
for the event.
- Information pack: Distribute info packs 2 weeks before the event. The packs should
include the event schedule or itinerary, timing of breaks/lunch/dinner, dress code,
accommodation, hotel check-out time, directions for walking and driving, parking, train
times, contact name/no. for enquiries and a name badge.
- Food serving: Decide where the food will be served.
- Waiter service: Decide if there will be waiter service at the drinks reception and at dinner.
- Contracts: Where possible, obtain a written contract for services.
- Contact #: Get an emergency number for the main contacts and put it in your mobile
phone.
- Reconfirm: Everything a week before the event.
- Flowers: Book flowers and props as required.
- Function room chairs: You can transform the room by asking the caterers to provide and
fit covers over the chairs.
- Audio visual equipment: Rent a/v equipment if it is not provided at the venue. Book an
A/V technician for the duration of the event – make sure he does a sound check on the day.
- Photographer: Book photographer
- Winery: Order wine
- Temperature: Make sure the temperature at the venue will be adequate.
- Presentations: Make sure any presentation material has been uploaded onto a laptop and
is ready to go.
- Lighting: Hire a lighting company - you can enhance the environment with roof wash
lighting, uplighters, pin spots and tree lighting.
- Goody bags: Put together goody bags for guests, in keeping with the theme of the event.
- Clock room: Enquire about clock room facilities.
- Security: Decide if you need security, or someone to check invitations.
- Staffing: Make sure you have sufficient staff (concierge or otherwise) on duty to cover the
needs of your guests.
- Evaluation: Give attendees an opportunity to evaluate the event.
For Conferences and Seminars
- decide registration time and period
- order refreshments for registration period
- book refreshments for coffee breaks
- choose menu and book lunch
- book audio visual equipment
- book flipchart and stationery
- if applicable, decide time luggage will be loaded onto the coach
- dispatch itinerary, papers, map, etc. to attendees
- reserve parking for the coach
- Information pack with itinerary, timing of breaks/lunch/dinner, dress code,
accommodation, hotel check-out time, directions for walking and driving, parking, train
times, contact name/no. for enquiries and a name badge.
For Marquee events - you also need to book:
- a marquee
- furniture
- linen hire
- generators
- electrical distribution
- toilet block
- heaters (if applicable)
Team Building Activities:
Team building exercises and excursions can increase overall employee performance, promote cooperation among team members and across teams, enhance employee job satisfaction and help to broaden the understanding of corporate goals and objectives. Teambuilding can give a powerful boost to the spirit and effectiveness of any group. Well designed and delivered teambuilding programs can lead to better understanding, clearer alignment and much stronger motivation.
Innovative Ideas for Successful Team Building Events
Use these ideas to make your event a well-planned and memorable success.
Set the Tone with an Inspiring Theme:
Telegraph the tone and purpose of your event with a theme that hits the mark. "The Third Annual Teambuilding Program" is not going to excite many participants. Here are examples of themes my recent clients have to motivate and communicate their teams: "Rocket to the Top, Together!" (for a software company seeking to achieve dominant market share), "The Winning Team" (for a financial services company seeking to overcome competitors and economic adversity), "Forging a New Alliance" (for a medical services group managing a reorganization of roles and departments).
Prime the Pump for Full Participation:
Use internal communications to get everyone interested and ready for the event. Use memos, bulletin boards, posters and internal meetings to arouse people's curiosity.
You might circulate a list of objectives and issues for the meeting. You might conduct a survey prior to the meeting, announcing actual results during the program. You might task certain individuals with preparing a business presentation, or selected teams with creating and rehearsing an entertainment item.
Use a Mix of Energy, Enterprise and Entertainment:
Stimulate interest and get involvement by using a full range of teambuilding activities. You may have "hard work" sections with speeches about the future and workshops on current business problems. You may have "play hard" sections with team games and outdoor challenges. You may include social ingredients through mealtime activities, awards and entertainment.
Be sure your range of activities are well-sequenced throughout the day and evening. Be especially careful to follow lunches with activity, and to end your program on a note of confidence and commitment.
Use Photographs and Video to Extend the Program's Impact:
Engage a photographer and/or videographer to document your teambuilding program. Give copies of photographs to participants after the event. Post the best photographs on your bulletin boards, in the cafeteria, or publish them in the company newsletter. If you put them up on your company's World Wide Web site, then staff's family members can log-in and view them from home.
Have the videotape edited with music and some snappy graphics. Show this short but entertaining vignette at another company meeting, social gathering, dinner and dance, etc.
Harness the Power of Peripheral Players:
When selecting participants for your program, be willing to include those tangentially related to the core group. Internal customers, suppliers, neighbouring departments, etc. can all yield a few participants who are "closely related" to your core group.
These "peripheral players" will often add significant value, perspective and insight to your program. They can also help with communication back into the organization after the event is over.
Get Personal:
Make sure everyone sees the link between "group teambuilding" and "individual actions" on the job. Have each person complete a commitment card, action planning list, personal promise statement or some other vehicle to ensure application of appropriate new behaviors. Closing a teambuilding program by having everyone share their list is a good way to gain buy-in from individuals, and the entire group.
Reward the Organizers:
Planning and preparing a teambuilding program is a major undertaking. Be sure to give recognition to those who did the work "behind the scenes". A small but thoughtful gift, given in front of everyone at the end of the program, will be appreciated and remembered.
Generalcoming soon
| Choose the type of Party and/or theme you want to have | |
| Choose the location | |
| Choose the date of the party | |
Prepare the guest list
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Send out Invitations
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Prepare decorations
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Music
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Menu
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| If not renting, clean any crystal, china, and silverware that you will be using, and be sure to borrow any pieces that you may need but don't have. Launder and iron linens. | |
| If you are handling your own bar, calculate (using our drink calculator) and purchase number of beverages required for the event. | |
Menu
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If the party or event is being held in your home or yard, clean the house thoroughly. This would include arranging the furniture to best serve the event and theme and removing any clutter or items to make space or to prevent precious items from being damaged. |
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| Call or email guests that have not RSVP'd | |
| Arrange freezer and refrigerator for storage - read our section on proper food handling and storage. | |
| Arrange to purchase, make and store enough ice for the event. |
Decorate. Arrange candles, put up theme decorations, etc. Check the medicine cabinet. Remove any personal items you wouldn't want guests to see. |
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| Designate a place for coats; make space in a closet and fill it with hangers. You could also choose a bed for coats (clean the room and remove valuables), or purchase an inexpensive portable clothing unit. |
Set the tables where you will display and serve food and where your guests will eat. |
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| If you are using fresh flowers, buy and arrange. | |
| Give your house a quick inspection. Do whatever touch-ups are needed. |
Arrange fewer chairs than expected guests to encourage mingling. |
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| Food delivery should be scheduled to arrive immediately before your party. Our catering specialists will arrange the food, or if not being served immediately, will explain safe handling and storage of the food until service. | |
| Greet guests as they arrive. Things should be organized so you're free to mingle, not tied to the kitchen. |
Always be enthusiastic; remember that ice breakers are a fun way to energize a group before a meeting. They are supposed to be fun without being threatening. They are team building activities/games that are designed to help people feel more comfortable around each other. Certain Ice Breakers may be chosen to highlight the theme or lesson to be learnt by the meeting.
Always choose volunteers carefully and don't cause embarrassment. Be sure that people know if they are uncomfortable playing that they can pass their turn. If you find that an activity is not working move quickly on to the next activity.
Ice Breakers should only be used to warm-up the group at the beginning of the day or in some cases in between segments. Finish each icebreaker while your group is still enjoying it.
1. Mnemonic Name Game
Have each participant give his/her name and something s/he likes that begins with the
same first letter. Each subsequent participant does the same and repeats the name and like
of everyone that went before.
e.g. (First person says "I'm Christopher and I like Candy... the next person says” He's
Christopher and he likes candy... and I am Sylvia and I like swimming)."
2. What No One Has Done Before
This is an interesting game to help people in your group to open up about their otherwise
unknown accomplishments. Each person tells the group about experience or something
that they have done, or have seen or posses that they believe no one else in the group
shares.
3. Two Truths and a Lie
Each person takes turns telling three things about themselves, as the name suggests one
of the statements are not true. The facilitator then asks the group to vote (by applause)
which statement is a lie. Once there is a consensus, the speaker reveals the truth and
quickly tells about the truthful statements.
e.g.
Hello I am Jim…
This is a great exercise for business or leadership meetings. Break into groups no larger than 6 people in each. Tell everyone that when you say go you would like them to work as a group to come up with a list of adjectives or qualities that are required in a good leader. Tell the groups that they will have five minutes to complete the list and to see which group can come up with the most qualities. Once the lists have been completed collect them and put them aside. Tell your participants that you are not concerned with their answers or who had the most words… what you are really interested in is…
At the junction where great entertaining meets great taste, there’s always a little ‘je ne sais quoi’. But too much mystery and an event could go way off course.
Though an extensive culinary education is unnecessary, a little refresher in the lingo of catering can turn you into a first-class host. Besides, it’s fun throwing around a little foodie jargon. And you’ll find that you sound quite French when you’re done.
Popular Catering Terms and Phrases
A la mode: A phrase indicating that a dessert will come topped with ice-cream, or sometimes frozen yogurt or sherbet
A la minute: An expression referring to food that is cooked to order or made right in front of you
Amuse-bouche: A bite-sized hors d’oeuvre that is prepared according to the chef’s selection. Literal translation? Mouth Amuser!
Apéritif: A before dinner, light alcoholic beverage that is used to stimulate appetite
Digestif: An after dinner, stronger alcoholic beverage enjoyed as an aid to digestion
Canape (or in Italy, Tartina): A small decorative hors d’oeuvre eaten in one bite, served on top of small pieces of bread
Crudite: Appetizers comprised of raw vegetables, sliced or whole, which are dipped in a dressing
Petit Fours: Small, bite-sized decorative cakes
Gelato: Italian style ice cream containing a lower butterfat content and slightly less sugar than regular ice cream. Flavours of fruit and nut purees are often used.
En croute: A food that is encased in pastry and baked
Pate: Ground meat and fat turned into a spreadable paste with additions of spices, herbs, or wine, and usually served on crackers
French service: A high-budget, labour-intensive method of serving in which food is prepared by waiters table-side, before being served to guests.
Plated service: A method of presentation whereby food is aesthetically arranged by the chef before being presented to guests
Tasting: A pre-event meeting at which the hosts can taste a few portions of the menu before giving final approval to the chef
Sommelier: A trained professional who specializes in all aspects of wine and food matching
Appellation: A geographic region indicating the precise origin, grape variety, and heritage of a wine
Mise en place: Literally means ‘putting in place’ and refers to organizing and arranging all aspects of an event for food presentation, including china settings, silverware, even ingredients and condiment selection
A la carte: A phrase meaning ‘according to the menu’ referring to a selection of differently priced dishes prepared when ordered from the menu
Though it may seem like you’ve just taken a French lesson, you’re actually well on your way to being fluent in catering lingo and can go ahead and plan any event, knowing just enough to create an unforgettable occasion. If you have any additions, pass them along!
| Sample Menu 1 | Sample Menu 2 | Sample Menu 3 |
| Hotdog | Chicken Breast | Sirloin Steak |
| Hamburger | Italian Sausage | ¼ BBQ Chicken |
| Garden Salad | Caesar Salad | Sunshine Salad |
| Coleslaw | Pasta Salad | Potato Salad |
| Assorted Drinks | Assorted Drinks | Assorted Drinks |
| Sample Menu 1 | Sample Menu 2 | Sample Menu 3 |
| Vegetarian Dip | Cheese Platter | Hot Hors D'oeuvres |
| Mini Sandwiches | Jumbo Shrimp | Teriyake Beef Wrap |
| Savoury Pinwheels | Grilled Panini's | Tandori Chicken Wrap |
| Fruit Platter | Loaf Platter | Garden Salad |
| Assorted Drinks | Assorted Drinks | Comfort Cookies |
| Assorted Drinks |
| Sample Menu 1 | Sample Menu 2 | Sample Menu 3 |
| Vegetarian Dip | Cheese Platter | DLX Cheese Platter |
| Hot Hors D'oeuvres | Savoury Pinwheels | Jumbo Shrimp Feast |
| Chicken Fingers | Party Sandwiches | Satay Sampler |
| Fruit Platter | DLX Fruit Platter | Pastry Tray |
| Assorted Drinks | Assorted Drinks | Gourmet Biscotti |
| Assorted Drinks |
| Sample Menu 1 | Sample Menu 2 | Sample Menu 3 |
| Vegetarian Dip | Satay Sampler | DLX Cheese Platter |
| Cheese Platter | Savoury Pinwheels | Jumbo Shrimp |
| Stuffed Peppers | Meat Lasagna | Louisiana Jambalaya |
| Quiche – Garden Salad | Vegetable Lasagna | Butter Chicken |
| Fruit Platter | Caesar Salad | Sunshine Salad |
| Bite Size Cookies | Dinner Rolls | Dinner Rolls |
| Assorted Drinks | DLX Fruit Platter | Dessert Platter |
| Assorted Drinks | Assorted Drinks |
| Sample Menu 1 | Sample Menu 2 | Sample Menu 3 |
| Hot Hors D'oeuvres | Satay Sampler | Jumbo Shrimp |
| Garden Salad | Caesar Salad | Sunshine Salad |
| Coleslaw | Potato Salad | Pasta Salad |
| Roast Chicken Leg | Chicken Stir fry | Tuscan Chicken |
| Cajun Beef Stew | Shepherd's Pie | Salmon Entrée |
| Pastry Tray | Loaf Platter | Dessert Platter |
| Assorted Drinks | Assorted Drinks | Assorted Drinks |
| Sample Menu 1 | Sample Menu 2 | Sample Menu 3 |
| Vegetable Dip | Cheese Platter | DLX Fruit Platter |
| Sandwich / Wraps | My Select Platter | Gourmet Panini's |
| Garden Salad | Greek Salad | Sunshine Salad |
| Comfort Cookies | Loaf Platter | Dessert Platter |
| Assorted Drinks | Assorted Drinks | Assorted Drinks |
Share Your TipFood For ThoughtA Brief History of the Sandwich
The creation of the sandwich is most often credited to John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich. However, the convenient food creation was eaten long before it was named for the Earl. By the time Montagu had discovered it, the Greeks and Turks had been eating meat and vegetables in pockets of pita bread for years. Sandwiches of the open-faced variety had been consumed for some time as well as a way to utilize stale bread, but these still necessitated the use of a fork.
The Tale of the Earl of Sandwich
John Montagu was well known as an avid gambler. He would spend his evenings playing cards and often found himself desiring a snack that would not occupy his hands while he was busy with his games. During a 24-hour gambling streak, he requested that his food be prepared in this manner and the cook presented him with meat sandwiched between two pieces of toast. This allowed Montagu to eat his food with only one hand. The concoction was a success and it became modified through time to fit changing tastes and preferences. Still, it did not become a mainstay as a supper food until the 18th century.
Sandwiches throughout Time
Some of the earliest sandwiches were created with mazoh crackers filled with ground nuts and herbs. Soon the use of bread became common to use because juices from meats would reconstitute stale bread. After its official debut with the Earl of Sandwich, the creation became truly diverse and rose from mere bar food to a staple of even gourmet cuisine. Every culture has their own favorite versions of the sandwich, and they all offer their own unique delicious flavors.
Sandwiches are a food that is enjoyed by everyone from children to adults. Just about anything can be put on a sandwich, and they can be eaten virtually anywhere, even on the big screen.
This video recalls some of the most memorable movie sandwiches, including Dave’s Secret Sandwich from the film Dave and Gary Busey’s 2 meatball subs from Point Break. From dramas to comedies, sandwiches are frequently enjoyed in our favourite movies.
