Planning a large event can be a stressful and time-consuming ordeal given how much planning and organization it requires. This is especially true when it comes to catering as most party hosts don’t know what type of equipment they’ll need.
Failing to use the right type of equipment can result in disappointment if guests are unable to quickly access food or drinks throughout the night. To prevent this disappointment at your next event, continue reading below where the most important restaurant equipment is outlined in detail.
1. Serving Utensils
A common item that many hosts forget to purchase for their event is serving equipment. Serving utensils are important for both staff and guests because they allow them to easily get food and drinks.
Some common types of serving equipment that a host may need are: pitchers, serving spoons, trays, tubs for dirty dishes, ladles, carving knives, spatulas and more. Without access to this equipment, guests may become frustrated with the delayed service or inconvenient methods that prevent staff from quickly handing out items.
2. Buffet Setting
Serving food in a buffet is perfect for larger parties because guests will be able to freely access items when they like. To complete a buffet setting hosts will need to obtain chafing dishes and fuel cells to keep the food items hot. In addition to these items hosts will also need to place cutlery, plates, and serving utensils along the table to ensure guests have quick and easy access to the items.
Buffet settings are also easier for staff to manage throughout the night because they will only need to monitor a single area rather than multiple tables. Staff should ensure the table is re-stocked throughout the night to avoid the disappointment of running out.
3. Coffee Station
Setting up a coffee station is another feature host should consider to enhance the guest experience throughout the evening. Depending on the type of station guests can choose from a variety of drinks including: tea, coffee, cocoa, espresso, cappuccino and more.
In addition to the machine hosts should also consider the needs of their guests by setting out mixers such as milk, cream, sugar, cinnamon, and stir sticks to ensure that every guest is able to mix their drink to their preferred taste.
4. Glassware
In addition to serving utensils party hosts will also need to invest in glassware for the evening. To ensure there is enough glassware for the event its recommended for hosts to order slightly more than their confirmed guest count as a way to guarantee they don’t run out of cups.
Before looking at glassware hosts will need to determine the types of drinks that they’ll be serving to order accordingly because different drinks require different designs. For example: if only wine and champagne will be served at the party then hosts will need to order multiple wine glasses and flutes to accommodate the demand. Given how many styles of glasses there are its best for hosts to consider their menu and preferences prior to placing an order to avoid wasted costs.
5. Table Settings
The final item that party hosts need to source for their event are table settings. Table settings are needed for events that will be serving food or laid out on a buffet table. Common items that hosts should ensure they order for their party include: dinner plates, bread plates, bowls, and cutlery. Plus, it’s also recommended that hosts consider additional features that can enhance the table such as: tablecloths, napkins, centrepieces, salt and pepper shakers, napkin rings, card holders and décor.