The Melbourne Cup, Australia’s most celebrated horse racing event, is not just about the thrilling race itself; it’s also an excellent opportunity to gather your friends, work colleagues, or family for a festive celebration. Whether you’re hosting a Melbourne Cup party at home or in the office, planning a winning catering spread is key to ensuring everyone has a fantastic time.

Here are 6 tips for planning a winning Melbourne Cup catering spread:

Choose the right food and drinks.

The Melbourne Cup is a long event, so it’s important to choose food and drinks that will keep your guests energized and happy. Good options include easy-to-eat gourmet finger food and canapés, small plates of sweet and savoury, as well as a variety of drinks, such as sparkling wine, beer, and cocktails.

Set up a festive atmosphere.

A Melbourne Cup lunch is a fun and festive event, so it’s important to set up a catering spread that reflects that. To get everyone into the Melbourne Cup party spirit, transform your work or office space into a festive setting. You can do this by decorating with horse racing-themed items like jockey hats, horse figurines, and racecourse signage. Use the traditional Melbourne Cup colors of green and gold, or choose your own thematic color scheme. You can also play Melbourne Cup-themed music and plan some fun activities for your guests, such as a sweepstake, a Melbourne Cup-themed dress-up competition, or a horse racing game.

You can even organise sweepstakes or offer small prizes for the best-dressed attendees or for correctly predicting the winning horse.

Create a budget.

Before you start planning your catering spread, it’s essential to create a budget. This will help you determine how much money you have to spend and what kind of food, drinks and decorations you can afford. If you’re on a tight budget, you can consider making your own food or ordering from a more affordable caterer. A well-defined budget will help you make informed decisions and avoid overspending. Consider allocating more budget to high-quality food and drinks, as these are the heart of any successful gathering.

Choose a caterer.

If you’re not sure where to start, you can choose a caterer in Sydney that specialises in Melbourne Cup catering. These caterers will have a variety of Melbourne Cup-themed catering menu with food and drinks to choose from, and they may be able to help you set up a festive atmosphere for your event.

Choosing the right food and drinks for your Melbourne Cup event is crucial. You can either opt for a professional catering service or prepare the dishes yourself, depending on your budget and culinary skills. Popular Melbourne Cup catering options include finger food platters, canapés, sandwich platters, and platters of fresh seafood.

If you’re DIY-ing the catering, plan a Melbourne Cup menu that includes a variety of options to cater to different tastes and dietary needs. Classic choices like mini meat pies, sausage rolls, and seafood platters are crowd-pleasers. Don’t forget to include vegetarian and gluten-free options to accommodate all your guests.

 

Make sure everyone has a good time.

The most important thing is to make sure that everyone has a good time at your Melbourne Cup Day catering spread. This means providing a variety of food and drinks to choose from, as well as creating a fun and festive atmosphere. You can also make sure everyone has a good time by planning some fun activities and games for your guests.

In addition to watching the race, provide entertainment and activities to keep your guests engaged throughout the day. Consider playing Melbourne Cup-themed games like trivia or sweepstakes. You could also hire a DJ or create a playlist with upbeat music to set the mood.

Encourage friendly competition by organising games such as hat contests or horseshoe tossing. These activities will add a fun and interactive element to your gathering.

Ensure Responsible Drinking

While enjoying drinks is a part of the Melbourne Cup tradition, it’s crucial to promote responsible drinking. Offer a variety of beverages, including non-alcoholic options, to cater to all guests. Encourage designated drivers or provide transportation options if the event involves alcohol. Remember to follow local alcohol regulations and ensure that everyone stays safe throughout the celebration.

 

By following these tips, you can create a memorable and enjoyable gathering that captures the excitement and spirit of the horse race that stops that nation your work team will love. So, get ready to celebrate the Melbourne Cup in style, and may your catering spread be a winner by letting us take care of your Melbourne Cup catering in Sydney.

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Are you planning a special occasion but don’t want to stress about the food?

If you’re planning a small party, then finger food catering can be the perfect solution for your event. Finger foods and canapés are easy to eat and can be served as starter or main course dishes. They also allow guests to graze, mingle and chat while enjoying delicious food. Whether it’s birthday party catering, an engagement party or an anniversary celebration, or just an excuse to have friends over, our private party catering service can take care of all your home party catering needs.

 

Here at Tall Poppies Catering, we’ll work with you to create a perfect party menu that matches your party needs and dietary requirements, we take the stress and all the hard work out of catering. We know that everyone is on a different budget, which is why we offer affordable catering options without compromising on food and service.

 

Ensure your party is a great success and impress your guests with our mouth-watering menus, platters, light bites, and canapés. We cater to cocktail parties, birthday parties, christenings, bridal showers, graduations, and everything in between.

Event Catering

When searching for party catering in Sydney, it’s important to consider your budget and guest count. Reputable caterers will work with you to create a menu that fits within your price range and accommodates all dietary restrictions. From finger foods to dinner party catering, there are amazing food options when it comes to catering for small parties.

 

Not only does hiring a caterer save time and effort on your end, but it also allows you to fully enjoy the occasion without worrying about food prep or cleanup.

 

Our catering company specialises in small party catering for all occasions, we use only the freshest ingredients to ensure that our food is always fresh and delicious.

 

Imagine your guest’s raving about the delicious food and impeccable service at your next event. You’ll be able to relax and enjoy the party knowing that everything is taken care of.

 

Tall Poppies is a Sydney-based catering company that will ensure your next party is a success. We are the perfect choice for your small party catering Sydney. Contact us today to leave the organising to us for your next event and make it an unforgettable experience for you and your guests!

 

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Losing a loved one is one of the most difficult experiences we can endure. During this time, we often turn to family and friends for support, and it’s common to hold a funeral or end of life celebration service to honor the life of the person who has passed.

Planning funeral catering can be overwhelming, and one of the most important aspects is ensuring that all family members and guests are comfortable and well-fed.

Providing thoughtful catering is a great way to show your appreciation for those who have come to pay their respects. In this post, we’ll share some helpful tips on how to plan catering for funerals and memorial services, including menu ideas and ways to accommodate different dietary needs.

Jump ahead to some of the areas we cover

• Understanding the importance of catering for funerals and memorial services
• Menu ideas for funeral and memorial service catering
• Accommodating different dietary needs
• Tips for working with a catering company

We hope this article will help you plan a comforting and memorable farewell for your loved one.

 

Understanding the importance of catering for funerals and memorial services

Catering is an essential part of any memorial service reception. It provides comfort to those who are grieving and allows them to focus on being present with their loved ones. Food has always played an important role in bringing people together, and that is especially true when it comes at this time.

The importance of catering goes beyond just providing sustenance to the guests. It is a way to show the family that you care and is there for them during this difficult time. The food served should not only be delicious but also comforting and easy to eat. Finger foods and hors d’oeuvres are popular choices, as they allow guests to mingle and share memories without having to sit down for a formal meal.

It is also important to consider the dietary restrictions and preferences of the guests. Offering vegetarian, gluten-free, and other options ensures that everyone can partake in the meal. In addition to the food, it is important to create a welcoming atmosphere for guests. A well-decorated space with comfortable seating and soft lighting can make all the difference in creating a comforting environment.

With the right catering service and attention to detail, you can help make the post-funeral reception a meaningful and comforting experience for everyone involved.

Menu ideas for funeral and memorial service catering

When planning the catering for a funeral or memorial service, it is important to choose a menu that is comforting and easy to eat. You want to provide your guests with nourishing food that will help them feel supported during this difficult time.

Here are some menu ideas for funeral and memorial service catering:

• Finger foods: finger foods are a great option for funeral and memorial service catering because they are easy to eat while standing and mingling. Consider serving items like vegetable and dip platters, fruit skewers, cheese and crackers, mini quiches, and sandwich pinwheels.
• Comfort food: comfort food offers a sense of familiarity and can be very comforting during times of grief. Consider serving items like lasagna, macaroni and cheese, meatloaf, and mashed potatoes.
• Soup and sandwich bar: a soup and sandwich bar is a great option for a funeral or memorial service because it allows guests to customize their meals. Offer a variety of soup options, such as chicken noodles, tomato basil, and vegetable, along with a selection of bread, meats, cheeses, and condiments for sandwiches.
• Desserts: desserts are a great way to provide a little bit of sweetness and comfort during a difficult time. Consider serving items like cookies, pastries, brownies, cupcakes, and fruit tarts.

Remember that when planning catering for a funeral or memorial service, it’s important to keep it simple and comforting. You want to provide your guests with nourishing food while also making them feel supported.

Accommodating different dietary needs

When planning catering for funerals, it is essential to accommodate different dietary needs. This may include vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary restrictions. It is important to ensure that all of your guests are comfortable and well-fed.

One way to address this issue is to provide a variety of food options that cater to different dietary needs. This could include a selection of vegetarian or vegan dishes, gluten-free options, and even kosher or halal options.

It is also important to take into account any specific food allergies or intolerances that guests may have. When planning the menu, it is a good idea to consult with the guests and their families to find out what they prefer or require.

By providing a range of food options, you can ensure that everyone is well-fed and comfortable during this difficult time. Additionally, it is important to clearly label all food items, so guests can easily identify which options are suitable for their dietary needs. This will help to avoid any confusion or discomfort during the reception.

 

Tips for working with a catering company

When it comes to funeral catering services, it’s important to work with a funeral catering company that understands the grieving process and the sensitivity of the occasion.

Here are some tips for working with a catering company to ensure a comforting and respectful experience:

• Communicate your needs clearly: when you first contact the catering company, be sure to communicate your specific needs and requirements. This may include dietary restrictions or preferences, the number of guests, and any special requests for the menu.
• Choose a menu that reflects the occasion: the menu should be comforting and appropriate for the occasion. You may want to consider classic dishes such as casseroles, sandwiches, and salads. It’s important to choose a menu that is easy to eat and doesn’t require a lot of fuss or attention.
• Confirm the details: be sure to confirm the details with the catering company a few days before the event. This includes the time and location of the service, the number of guests expected, and any changes to the menu or service requirements.
• Consider the setup and cleanup: depending on the location of the service, you may need to consider the setup and cleanup of the catering. Be sure to discuss this with the catering company ahead of time so that they can plan accordingly.

Overall, working with a catering company that is experienced in catering for a funeral service or memorial service can take the burden off of you and your family during a difficult time.

With clear communication and appropriate menu choices, you can create a comforting and peaceful atmosphere for your loved ones.

Easy Online Ordering

At Tall Poppies Catering, we want to help make your day as simple and stress-free as possible. That’s why we provide online ordering for all of our event catering, including funeral receptions. All you have to do is choose your funeral catering menu, choose how many of each item you need, place the order, and we’ll take care of the rest.

Whether you’re planning ahead or need something for the next day, we can help.  For simple and helpful advice, to order, or to discuss tailor-made funeral catering requirements please do not hesitate to contact us. Our team can help take the pressure off organising your occasion.

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When catering for your own party, you might feel overwhelmed by the number of responsibilities that come with the job. There are a lot of things to consider, such as choosing menus, arranging for food delivery, as well as preparation, timing arrangements and much more.

Planning a party can be complicated as it is, without having to worry about catering on top of it.

We often get asked how do you cater for a lot of people or what are good ways to cater for large groups of people? Preparedness, before the party starts, is the key to successful outcomes. It isn’t difficult! The number of guests and the type of occasion will also have a bearing on menu ideas.

However, if you are planning on catering for a large group at your next home gathering, here are some catering tips you should consider that might help your party catering run more smoothly.

Catering Tips for Your Next Event

Consider Serving Cold Food

One of the biggest challenges involved in catering is preparing the food and then ensuring that it is served hot. Many foods are frankly quite unpleasant when served cold. However, there is a wide range of foods that are quite delicious served cold ‒ you just have to know which foods to choose.

For a large group, it is recommended that you serve cold foods that require no heating as this can save you a lot of trouble and headaches on the day. Hot foods are complicated to prepare, store and serve, while cold foods can be prepared days in advance and kept in the fridge or even the freezer until the event, saving you time, money and a lot of stress.

Make Space

When preparing for the party, you need to ensure that you have enough space for all the food ‒ not only in terms of display and serving space, but also in terms of storage space.

Making space for the storage of the food leading up to the event would involve tasks like clearing out several shelves of your fridge or freezer so that you can store platters in the fridge.

You want to make sure that the food is kept fresh for as long as possible. Preferably, you will only take the food out just before serving it so that it remains fresh and crisp. Where possible, you can even freeze some of the food ahead of time if you prepare far enough in advance.

However, not all foods can be frozen and thawed successfully, so this strategy must be followed with caution. Some foods could be ruined or made very tough by freezing and thawing. Bear in mind that flavours such as garlic and cloves become stronger when the food is frozen, while flavours such as onions, salt and herbs tend to grow weaker when frozen.

 

Make It Pretty

The food that you serve must look good, as the visual appeal of the food is often just as important as the flavour. To make your food look more appetising, use different edible garnishings.

These not only add an aesthetic appeal to the food but can also enhance its flavour when in keeping with the style of the dish. Various creative garnishings can be used, from daffodil flowers to regular lettuce or lentils.

Whatever the case, make sure that it is fresh and not wilted when you serve it.

 

Ask For Help

A good caterer can take care of all this for you in no time. However, it does require that you ask for help. Calling professional caterers in Sydney to help host your party can go a long way and save you a lot of trouble while helping you make a good impression on your guests.

Professional caterers don’t always need to cost an arm and a leg and can work within a realistic budget. Speak to us at Tall Poppies today to find out about party catering to help you with your next event.

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A sandwich platter is a staple at most events. Whether you’re putting together an office function, a working lunch or a private party, you want to ensure that you get the best sandwich catering in Sydney that money can buy.

Sandwich platters are always sure to keep the whole team fed and are always popular among guests attending an office meeting, seminar, or corporate event.

Let’s take a look at some questions you should ask to make sure that you hire the best sandwich caterer in town for your next corporate event.

 

What Do Others Have To Say?

With pretty much everyone being online these days, you’re sure to find plenty of online reviews of caterers. This is the quickest way to determine in advance whether a sandwich caterer is likely to impress or disappoint.

You want to consider factors such as quality of ingredients and freshness, taste and inventiveness, timeliness and adherence to deadlines, level of service and, of course, the price when reading reviews.

However, reviews are not a foolproof method of finding the best caterer, as reviews can be biased, misleading or entirely false, and there is sometimes no way for you to tell. Therefore, we need to have other ways of finding the best caterer.

How Flexible And Creative Are They?

A great sandwich catering company will have a wide selection of tasty fillings for you to choose from. This would involve not only different types of wholesome fillings but also different types of bread. This could range from, for example, classic triangular finger sandwiches to French baguettes to artisanal mini loaves or even wraps and rolls.

You might also have special dietary requirements or taste buds that need specific catering, to suit vegetarian, vegan and other special diet requirements such as gluten-free, dairy-free or sesame seed allergies.

If your sandwich caterer gives you a hard time accommodating these special diets, then perhaps they are not the ones to go with.

 

What Do They Charge?

The cost will always be a major factor in determining which supplier to go with. However, it would be foolhardy to base your decision solely on this factor alone. After all, as the saying goes: “You get what you pay for”.

If you simply choose to go with the cheapest catering service, you will likely get low-quality service and underwhelming sandwiches, which could end up ruining your event and making it worse than if you had bought no sandwiches at all.

Therefore, you should carefully balance the cost against the level of quality and service you want to receive. At Tall Poppies Catering we will ensure that the quality of your food is high, thus making it cost-effective for you.

A good sandwich caterer will offer a range of quality sandwich fillings at different budget ranges so that you can still benefit from their good service and attention to detail without paying a small fortune.

Naturally, if you have a small fortune to spend on sandwiches, then you can always go with that option and get gourmet sandwiches for your event.

If you are catering for a large group of people with a wide range of tastes, you can be assured that everyone will eat delicious sandwiches and you can be creative with fillings choosing items to suit vegetarian, vegan and other special dietary requirements. It’s always a good idea to do one plate of gluten-free sandwiches so you have all your guests covered.

For excellent service in sandwich catering in Sydney, contact Tall Poppies Catering for your next catering event and experience high-quality sandwich platter catering, delicious food and friendly service at a reasonable price with a convenient order online option.

As well as sandwich catering, our catering services also offer corporate catering, party catering, and wedding and event catering.

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Looking for vegan catering options?

Looking for vegan catering in Sydney? Tall Poppies Catering specialises in providing high-quality vegetarian, vegan and special diet food. We can provide a delicious vegetarian and vegan catering service across Sydney.

We know that people are changing the way they eat and as a company that also cares about the environment, vegan catering is more than just a buzzword to us, we see it as being able to provide something essential to our customers – and you know what, we absolutely love catering a vegan event.

Whether it’s vegan finger food catering, vegan party platters, vegan cakes, vegan sandwich platters, or salads our vegan catering menu has a great range to choose from. Choices are not on our menu so call us to discuss.

We have a number of catering options which are suitable for vegans. If you have special food requests in your group and want some recommendations, please give us a call to discuss what options are suitable. We have dishes suitable for vegetarians, vegans, and gluten-free bread.

No matter what style of event you are hosting, Tall Poppies can offer healthier vegan alternatives to suit your guests.

We aim to make your vegan catering Sydney order as easy and successful as possible.

Whether you’re considering a sit-down dinner or you want something much more buffet-style, there are excellent ways to make vegan food the right choice no matter what the events. With a focus on fresh, tasty and natural food, Tall Poppies Catering’s highly trained chefs will collaborate with you to create a vegan menu that is not only delicious but also fresh and fun.

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