Are you planning an outdoor event, but wondering about the practicalities in terms of your event catering?
Whether you’re planning a summer garden party, or a winter gathering in a heated tipi, outdoor events have a unique charm that sets them apart from indoor gatherings. However, they might require a bit more planning to ensure that things run smoothly on the day.
With years of experience catering for events and weddings, our team understands that hosting an outdoor event comes with its unique set of challenges and opportunities, but our tips for outdoor catering are here to help you create an unforgettable event that will delight your guests.
What are the key considerations for outdoor event catering?
When arranging catering for an outdoor event, there are several key considerations essential for success.
With the unpredictable British weather, one of the most important aspects of successful outdoor catering is being prepared for differing weather conditions. Always have a backup plan for rain, wind or extreme temperatures. One way to combat this is through having reliable shelter options available, such as a tent, marquee or tipi to protect both food and guests from unexpected weather changes.
It’s also important to consider the outdoor setting of your event when planning your catering menu. If you aren’t hiring an event caterer to prepare and serve dishes throughout the day, you may need to account for the potentially limited kitchen facilities available. If this is the case, choose dishes that can be easily transported and kept at safe temperatures. You must take the proper precautions including refrigeration and heating equipment to prevent spoilage and make sure that everything is safe for your guests to eat.
Logistics also play a significant role in outdoor event catering; make sure that you have enough power sources for the necessary equipment, and more for lighting if your event is taking place during the evening. You’ll also need to have access to clean water and sanitation facilities throughout the event.
You should also consider the comfort and convenience of your guests throughout the event, providing shaded areas for summer events and heaters or blankets for winter events – and always ensure that there is plenty of seating available.
How can you ensure successful outdoor catering events?
To ensure that the catering for your outdoor event is successful, planning and preparation are key! Start by considering the specific challenges of your outdoor venue, such as the weather conditions and limited facilities, and ensure that you’ve got reliable shelter for your food and guests should the weather take a turn.
Select a menu that is well suited to not only the season and event, but also choose dishes that are easy to transport and maintain. For example, you might opt for fresh pizzas or delicious tapas for summer, or a warming roast for an autumn or winter event.
Looking for a professional event caterer to help your outdoor event run smoothly? Get in touch with our team today.
What are some tips for managing logistics in outdoor catering?
Key tips for outdoor catering include assessing the event space ahead of time to plan the best layout for serving areas as well as ensuring there is ample space for food preparation and guest movement.
As we mentioned earlier, you’ll also want to prioritise having plenty of reliable power sources and backup options to handle equipment needs, especially for cooking, refrigeration and lighting. Having additional undercover space such as a tent or marquee is also necessary for additional protection from the elements.
To ensure that the timings of your event catering also run efficiently, make sure to include efficient transportation methods for getting supplies to the site whilst safely stored at the correct temperatures.
Following this outdoor catering advice will help your event to run smoothly, ensuring that both you and your guests have an enjoyable experience.
How do you handle food safety and hygiene in outdoor catering?
Planning on making your own food for your event? Handling food safety and hygiene in outdoor catering involves adhering to rigorous standards.
You will need to ensure compliance with UK food safety regulations, such as those outlined by the Food Standards Agency (FSA). This includes proper food storage, where perishable items must be kept below 8°C in refrigerated units or cool boxes, and hot foods should be maintained above 63°C using appropriate warming equipment.
It’s also important to maintain strict hygiene standards by providing handwashing facilities with soap and water, and ensuring everyone involved in the food preparation follows strict hand hygiene protocols.
Separate utensils and cutting boards should be used for raw and cooked foods to prevent cross-contamination, and the food preparation surfaces should be regularly cleaned and sanitised.
Are there specific menu ideas or trends for outdoor catering events?
When planning the menu for your outdoor event, you should always consider the tastes and preferences of your guests, whilst still embracing current food trends.
At Fork and Field, many of our menu options work excellently for outdoor events. For a classic and convenient option, our cold buffet lunch menu is ideal, featuring artisan sandwiches, mini sausage rolls, quiche Lorraine, pesto pasta, salad and, for dessert, brownie bites and lemon drizzle slices. Our cold buffet lunch not only offers a range of flavours to suit all tastes, but also ensures ease of service for outdoor settings.
For those seeking something a bit different, our BBQ-style lunch is a hit (especially during summertime!), with Aberdeen Angus beef burgers, chargrilled hot dogs, halloumi and vegetable skewers, corn on the cob, coleslaw and Greek salads creating a tasty spread.
We also cater to the growing trend of street food with options like our delicious fish and chip supper boxes and nacho boxes, which add a fun and casual vibe to your event. Our roaming sandwiches are also an ideal option, with options including bacon and sausage, pulled pork and homemade coleslaw or fish fingers with tartar sauce and fresh iceberg lettuce.
If you’re looking for outdoor event catering in Cheshire, get in touch with us today, or take a look at our menus.