When planning an event, it’s easy to start with one question: What should we serve? But the most successful events begin with a different one: How do we want our guests to feel?
If you want your event to be talked about long after it’s over, think beyond the menu. The best catering experiences combine exceptional food with interactive entertainment, thoughtful décor, and personalized touches that reflect your style and purpose.
A great place to start is with a theme—or even just an overall vibe. Whether you envision a sophisticated cocktail reception, a Moroccan marketplace, the lively streets of Havana, or an elegant Victorian garden party, your caterer (think Smashing Dishes) can help build an experience around that vision.
For example, a Victorian-themed event might feature costumed actors serving wine from a vintage wine bicycle or a performer wearing an elegant champagne skirt. A seafood reception could include servers roaming the room shucking fresh oysters to order. Interactive stations, chef demonstrations, and roaming food service create moments that naturally encourage guests to mingle and engage.
Your menu should support the experience. Rather than choosing dishes from a standard list, don’t be afraid to ask for something personal. A Moroccan celebration might feature chicken tagine, lamb kebabs, and fragrant couscous, while a Cuban-inspired menu could include ropa vieja, mojo-marinated pork, sweet plantains, and tropical cocktails. Our strength is to create completely custom menus inspired by your favorite cuisines, family traditions, or travels.
As you begin working with your caterer, it helps to come prepared with a few key ideas:
- Your event goals and guest experience.
- Any theme, color palette, or inspiration.
- Favorite cuisines or dishes.
- Dietary restrictions and guest preferences.
- Your approximate budget and guest count.
Don’t worry if you don’t have every detail figured out—that’s where our event planning savvy will help. The earlier that collaboration begins, the more opportunities there are to incorporate custom entertainment, specialty rentals, décor, lighting, floral design, and interactive food experiences that tie everything together.
The best events aren’t built from a template. They’re designed around the people hosting them, and the guests they’re inviting into the experience.
Whether you’re planning a corporate gala, wedding, fundraiser, holiday party, or private celebration, sharing your vision early allows your catering team to create an experience that’s uniquely yours—and one your guests will remember long after the final course is served.
