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London’s Best Summer Party Catering Ideas: BBQs, Sharing Bowls & Outdoor Picnics 

Corporate Lunch Catering in London: Stylish Menus for Busy Teams 

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How to Plan a Memorable Corporate Event with a Luxury London Caterer

The Art of Creating Seasonal Menus for Exclusive Events in London

Wedding Catering Perfection: Designing Bespoke Menus for Your London Celebration

Our Ultimate Guide to Different Styles of Food Service to Plan Your Perfect Event When it comes to planning a special event, the food you serve plays a pivotal role in creating a memorable experience for your guests. Whether you’re hosting a lavish wedding, an intimate corporate gathering, or a sophisticated private dinner, choosing the right style of food service is crucial. In this ultimate guide, we’ll take you through the different types of food service styles, helping you decide which best suits your event. From traditional plated dinners to interactive food stations, we’ll explore the pros and cons of each option, so you can make an informed decision to impress your guests and elevate your event to new heights. 1. Plated Service: A Classic Choice for Elegance What is Plated Service? Plated service, also known as "sit-down" service, is one of the most formal and elegant styles of food service. Guests are seated at tables, and each course is served individually by waitstaff. This style is ideal for upscale events such as weddings, gala dinners, or corporate events where sophistication is key. Why Choose Plated Service? Elegance and Formality : Plated service offers a refined and polished dining experience, making it perfect for formal occasions. Impeccable Presentation : The food is presented beautifully on each plate, often with intricate garnishing and artistic plating. When to Use Plated Service Plated service is best for events where a formal atmosphere is desired, such as: Weddings Corporate dinners and gala events Award ceremonies Charity fundraisers Considerations for Plated Service Higher Cost : This service style can be more expensive due to the need for additional waitstaff and preparation. Limited Interaction : It may not provide the same level of guest interaction and engagement as more interactive styles like buffet or food stations. 2. Buffet Service: Casual, Convenient, and Flexible What is Buffet Service? Buffet service allows guests to serve themselves from a variety of dishes arranged on a long table or multiple stations. This informal style of food service gives guests the freedom to choose what they want and how much of it they want. Why Choose Buffet Service? Variety and Flexibility : Buffets offer a wide range of food options, catering to diverse tastes and dietary needs. Whether your guests are vegetarians, meat-lovers, or gluten-free, a buffet ensures there’s something for everyone. Cost-Effective : Buffet service tends to be more budget-friendly than plated service, as it requires fewer waitstaff and is easier to prepare in large quantities. Social and Interactive : Buffets encourage mingling and social interaction, as guests can move around freely and engage with each other while they serve themselves. When to Use Buffet Service Buffet service is ideal for: Informal events and parties Birthday celebrations Corporate lunches and conferences Outdoor or garden events Considerations for Buffet Service Less Formal : While a buffet is a great option for casual events, it’s not the best fit for more formal or elegant occasions. Self-Serve : Some guests may not appreciate the self-service aspect, especially if they prefer a more refined dining experience. Space Requirements : Buffets require a larger area for food setup and guest movement, which may not be feasible for small venues. 3. Shared Service What is Shared Service? Shared service blends the best of both plated and buffet styles. Large platters of food are brought to each table, and guests serve themselves, passing dishes around among each other. This creates a communal and relaxed atmosphere while still maintaining some level of structure and sophistication. Why Choose Shared Service? Social Atmosphere : Family-style service encourages conversation and interaction, as guests pass dishes around the table and share meals. Wide Selection of Dishes : Like a buffet, family-style service allows you to offer a variety of dishes, but without the need for guests to leave their seats. When to Use Shared Service Family-style service works well for: Weddings or receptions Corporate events with a more relaxed atmosphere Intimate gatherings, such as engagement parties or anniversaries Considerations for Shared Service Space on the Table : Family-style service can take up a lot of table space, so it may not be suitable for smaller venues or crowded settings. 4. Food Stations: Fun and Interactive What are Food Stations? Food stations are a popular, modern choice for events where you want to create a dynamic and interactive dining experience. These stations feature different types of food prepared live by chefs, allowing guests to customize their meals. Examples of food stations include sushi bars, taco stands, or dessert tables. Why Choose Food Stations? Interactive and Engaging : Food stations create a fun and interactive experience for your guests. They can watch food being prepared, ask the chef questions, and customize their dishes. Customisation : With food stations, you can cater to a wide range of tastes and dietary needs, allowing guests to choose from a variety of options. Unique Experience : Food stations can be designed around themes or specific cuisines, adding a creative touch to your event. When to Use Food Stations Food stations are perfect for: Weddings with a creative or casual vibe Corporate events with networking opportunities Parties or celebrations with younger or adventurous guests Festivals or outdoor events Considerations for Food Stations Requires More Space : Depending on the number of stations, you’ll need sufficient space to accommodate them and ensure a smooth flow for your guests. More Preparation : Food stations can be labor-intensive, requiring chefs and staff to be stationed throughout the venue. 5. Canapé Service: Perfect for Cocktail Parties and Networking Events What is Canapé Service? Canapé service features bite-sized appetizers served to guests by waitstaff during the cocktail hour or reception. This style is ideal for events where guests are mingling, and formal sit-down meals are not required. Why Choose Canapé Service? Ideal for Socializing : Canapés allow guests to move freely and mingle while enjoying delicious, bite-sized snacks. Variety : You can serve a wide array of bite-sized dishes, from smoked salmon blinis to mini quiches or gourmet finger foods. Efficient : Canapé service works well for events where you want to provide food without interrupting the flow of the event. When to Use Canapé Service Canapés are great for: Cocktail parties Networking events Product launches or press conferences Weddings where a full meal isn’t necessary Considerations for Canapé Service Light eats : Canapés are designed as appetisers and may not be enough to fully satisfy your guests, especially for larger events. Requires waitstaff : Canapé service requires a greater number of waitstaff to circulate and ensure guests are served throughout the event. 6. Grazing Tables: Trendy, Relaxed, and Visually Stunning What are Grazing Tables? Grazing tables have become a major trend in recent years. These tables are artfully arranged with a wide variety of finger foods, cheeses, fruits, nuts, and other treats. Guests can freely help themselves, picking and choosing items as they please. Why Choose Grazing Tables? Visually Stunning : Grazing tables are a feast for the eyes, beautifully arranged with vibrant colours and textures. Casual and Relaxed : This style is ideal for informal gatherings where guests can mingle and snack at their leisure. When to Use Grazing Tables Grazing tables are great for: Weddings with a relaxed vibe Outdoor events like garden parties or picnics Casual corporate events Birthday parties or celebrations Considerations for Grazing Tables Maintenance : Grazing tables need to be refreshed periodically to ensure they look appetising throughout the event. Choosing the right food service style can set the tone for your entire event. Whether you opt for the elegance of plated service, the fun of food stations, or the relaxed vibe of grazing tables, the food you serve is one of the key factors that make your event memorable. At Caiger & Co , we offer a wide range of luxury catering services designed to suit every type of event. From intimate gatherings to large-scale corporate functions, we work closely with you to understand your vision and deliver exceptional culinary experiences that your guests will talk about for years to come. Speak with an event planner today to discuss your event & the ideal style of service required. Click here to book a discovery call.

Planning a London wedding in 2025? This forthcoming wedding season is all about embracing modern elegance, bespoke touches, sourcing locally & providing interactive guest experiences. As one of London’s best wedding caterers, our team of event planners at Caiger & Co are well-versed on event & menu trends. Here's a look at the top trends for 2025 weddings in London… Muted metallics: Champagne, copper, and soft gold bring a refined sparkle, especially when combined with soft floral arrangements for the perfect London wedding décor. Locally sourced flowers and micro florals: More couples are choosing florals from local farms, a perfect addition to a London wedding. Small, delicate flowers like lily of the valley and baby’s breath bring romance to bouquets and centerpieces, a look that's trending for London weddings in 2025. Live illustrators: Artists capturing key wedding moments in real-time bring an unforgettable touch to London weddings. Cocktail & mocktail experience bars: Create signature drink bars where guests can customise their drinks with the best London wedding bar vendors. As more people opt for alcohol-free options, offering a mocktail bar with herbs, fruits, and garnishes adds a sophisticated touch to any London wedding drinks menu. Incorporating wellness: As wellness continues to trend, adding morning yoga or guided meditation sessions to the itinerary sets a calming tone for the wedding day. Edible place cards: Edible place cards, like custom macarons, mini cocktails or chocolates, are trending as a sweet touch that guests can enjoy. Local and seasonal menus: The best London wedding caterers such as Caiger & Co are crafting menus around local, seasonal produce, incorporating field to plate concepts for delicious and sustainable dining. We work with a curated network of local suppliers that we will collaborate with to create an innovative menu that celebrates the seasons & supports local suppliers. Interactive food stations: From taco bars to sushi rolls, to oyster shucking, interactive food stations are trending and make for a memorable guest experience. Our brilliant team of chefs can create food to order with live cooking such as on our Asado BBQ, or fresh pasta stations. Sharing menus & mini desserts: We are receiving lots of requests for sharing feasts. Offering a menu for guests to share, including sharing starters for the table, on the side, mains & something sweet with a mini dessert spread! Late night eats: A strong trend that will carry on through from this year will be providing guests with late night eats such as luxury mini burgers & truffle fries to provide guests with additional food well into the evening. As we look to 2025, London weddings are set to be a beautiful blend of modern sophistication, sustainability, and personal touches that make every celebration unique. As a bespoke catering service, we specialise in creating one of a kind wedding menus for a lasting impression. See something that inspires you? Working with a trusted London wedding vendor such as Caiger & Co will ensure a memorable culinary experience for you guests, backed by our end-to-end event expertise. From our 14 years of event & catering experience, we also have a little black book of preferred wedding suppliers, hiring & vendors that we can recommend to bring your wedding to life! We invite you to book a discovery call here with a Senior Event Planner to start the wedding planning journey.