When it comes to catering for corporate events, it's important to get it right. One common corporate event is a training day. If you want to cater a successful training day, working with a professional catering service can be the answer. That way you give your team the food they need and enjoy, while still keeping them on track. You also don't have to worry about making any kind of food yourself, or purchasing food from another location. When it comes to catering Sydney has options for everything you need, and Laissez-faire Catering is here to help your training day go right. 

The Importance of Food for Your Training Day

Anytime people are asked to spend a day in training, it can be a very exhausting time for them. Due to that, the food they're served is often a highlight of the experience. If you want to keep your team focused and interested, providing them with plenty of great food can help. Additionally, the catering choices you're making are a reflection of your company. You have to ask yourself some questions before you make a decision on Sydney corporate catering. These include questions such as:

• Do you want to choose a catering service that offers and advertises sustainable business practices?
• Do you want to select a high-end dining experience for your team on their training day?
• Would you prefer to choose a casual affair, making it far easier for your team to mingle?

All of those options say something different about your company, and the kinds of values it has and holds. If you're looking for the best catering Sydney has to offer on your training day, you'll want to look at much more than just the cost of the catering. The sustainability of the company's practices, the quality of the food, and the style and options available all matter. When you select Laissez-faire Catering, you can choose from a wide variety of foods and options to make your training day easier on your team and more successful, overall.

Trends for Your Training Day Catering Needs

If you're interested in "culinary globetrotting," you'll want to select a company that offers that in their menu. Catering for corporate events can be much more enjoyable and interesting when there are a number of unique food selections. By picking a catering service that specialises in national dishes, you can get some excellent options to get your team talking. Some of these might include:

• Spanish Paella that allows your team to serve as much as they want.
• Vietnamese food with rice-paper rolls providing a shared experience.
• Middle Eastern cuisine like falafels and shwarma, which can also accommodate Halal and other dietary restrictions.
• Brazilian barbecue for a unique flavour profile.

You can also consider street food. The vendors of these foods have revolutionised their sector within the last decade. Because of that, the service, food, and delivery have all advanced to a level that's appropriate for Sydney corporate catering. A number of healthy and exciting options are now provided, making it easier than ever to have great food at your company's training day.

Don't forget to think about health-focused catering for corporate events like your training day. There's recently been a renewed focus on healthy eating, and a number of caterers are starting to offer a wider variety of vegetarian and vegan options. That gives them the chance to work with a wider client base, but can also provide good health benefits to people who might not typically eat these kinds of foods. A lot of Sydney corporate catering options will accommodate dietary and allergy concerns, including intolerance to items like gluten and dairy products.

Different Ways to Eat at a Training Day

To help everyone at the training day event get to know one another consider shared platters, canapes, and grazing tables. That provides a constant flow of food, and gets your team socialising and mingling. You can also pick a venue where you want to dine, and Laissez-faire Catering partners with a number of different places such as The State Library of NSW, the Australian National Maritime Museum, Urban Winery Sydney, and Harbour 220.

Ready to take your Sydney corporate catering to the next level? Make an enquiry today. Contact us online or over the phone, and make sure you plan early for the best catering experience. We can be reached at (02) 9209 4810 or online through our contact page. We're here and ready to help your training day be a big success.

Every company occasionally hosts corporate events. But are you hosting corporate events because you feel obligated to, or because you really recognise their value? If you're only doing obligatory events, you may not be really taking advantage of the benefits of corporate events.

Events are great opportunities for companies to leave a lasting impression on their audiences and build both internal and external relationships. Here are some reasons why throwing a corporate event could be the best thing you do in 2020.

Build Your Brand Identity

Inviting key industry figures and target audiences to attend events in a physical space makes your brand seem more real, rather than theoretical or exclusively digital. More and more, businesses are spending their time online. And this can make them feel a little less than "real."

If you want to build your brand identity, a corporate event gives you one-on-one time with the most important principles within your industry. Spice it up with some great decor and catering for corporate events, and you'll be able to impress.

Get Face Time With Your Audience

A corporate event provides a real platform for face-to-face communications, rather than just email or Skype. Face time with your customers and even your employees can bring to light opportunities that you might otherwise miss.

Don't commit all your interactions with social media or chat bots; that's a surefire way to miss improvements that you could make in your relationships. While digital automation can improve a lot of early stage interactions, late term interactions and lead commitments really need a personal touch.

Advertise Your Digital Content

Physical advertising can be used to bolster your digital content and digital marketing initiatives. Ideally, you should be augmenting both your marketing types through collaboration. You can use content generated from your event for your digital content, and you can market your digital initiatives during your physical event.

Building Real Relationships

As you start to nurture relationships with vendors, clients, and employees, face-to-face time becomes even more important. Consider the value of networking enabled by a physical activity, such as team-oriented events, award shows, and more.

When more people hear about your business, they will be more likely to come and visit your business. And that means that they're going to be ready and willing to engage. Impress them with some great Sydney corporate catering and thoughtful decor, and they'll be even more ready to commit.

Hosting Giveaways and Offering Merchandise

Giveaways, offering merchandise, and other physical event activities are great in two ways. One, they give your potential customers a gift. This engenders a feeling of reciprocation: They will be more willing to do things for you in the future. Two, they give people physical and lasting proof of the purpose of your company. They will look at the items that they won or were offered, and will remember your business and what it stands for.

Educating About Your Products and Services

There are some products and services that are difficult to express in terms of text-based or image-based content. Rather than trying to launch a product on a website, launch a product in real life. It's an easier way to depict what your product or service can really do, while also being able to pitch and sell directly to an audience face-to-face.

Any content generated from a physical product launch can also be used online, which further improves your company's reach.

Rewarding Customers, Vendors, and Employees

Use your corporate events to reward those close to your company with a massive celebration. The more appreciated people feel, the more invested they become in the success of your business. This brings to the company additional goodwill, which can be instrumental for companies that are looking to grow.

There are many event types for corporations: product launches, award ceremonies, news releases, networking events, conferences, seminars, gala dinners, and more. But above all, the major advantage to hosting events is that you're able to get face-to-face content with the people who are instrumental to your company's success.

While we do live in an increasingly digital world, there's still something to be said for personal contact. It's how you can properly gauge the temperature of the room, how you can determine how successful your marketing is, and how you can directly influence those who are most important.

Ready to start planning your next corporate event? Contact us today on (02) 9209 4810 or make an enquiry online.

2020 is approaching. What corporate events are you planning moving into the new year? Event catering changes from time to time, bouncing between trend to trend. If you want your catering for corporate events to be fresh, unique, and exciting, you need to take a look at the new and emerging trends, and find the trends that are going to work for you.

What trends were new in catering in 2019?

2019 saw a lot of farm fresh goods, locally sourced products, and seasonal goods. People are returning to nature, getting excited about ingredients, and looking for whole, healthy foods.

Many are looking towards catering as art, and "full table" spreads became very common. Foods now have to be "picture worthy," as social media is starting to play a huge role in whether an event garners buzz.

Apart from that, people are also paying more attention to creative, unique cocktails, and cocktails, teas, and other beverages have remained an important part of the entire catering experience.

As a whole, at Laissez-faire, we saw that event catering, decoration, and general planning is having a more "whole" feel, with all elements being tightly integrated, often through unique themes.

What are emerging trends in catering?

For 2020, we can expect some trends to stay the same. A lot of people still love from-scratch, farm fresh food, and that's probably going to continue for a long time to come. At Laissez-faire, we work with local producers to make sure we always have the best seasonal goods.

People are also moving into more experimental food, such as meat substitutes rather than red meats, and unique flavour infusions. Themes are going to remain a powerful way for corporate events to connect their decor to their food and their entertainment.

Rather than full meals, many corporate events are moving towards serving small bites and canapés, as a way to allow guests to sample a large variety of foods. Today, people are moving away from large, full meals in general, and towards a more ala carte system that allows them to enjoy their food while they mingle, rather than all at once.

Themes are going to remain powerful, as they streamline the development and decoration of an event. We are constantly looking out for new and interesting themes that can be used to inform your event planning. And many people like to use a destination, or something equally bold, to centre both their food and their decor.

How can you get started  with your next event?

At Laissez-faire, we are constantly looking for new ideas for our Sydney corporate catering packages. Whether you want your next event to be traditional or hyper-modern, we can do our best to develop the perfect catering menu for your organisation.

Contact us today to find out more about what we can do for you. Make an enquiry today.

It's time for some end-of-year event planning. What are some of the best ideas for summer corporate catering? Summer is a great time for a refreshing, seasonal event. You can use the bright, sunny summer months as inspiration for your food, drinks, and decor.

The Best Venues For Your Summer Event

First: It's time to look for a venue! The first step when organising catering for corporate events is to find the right place to host. Start with your head count, and then you can find a venue that works best for you.

• The Royal Botanical Gardens. Enjoy the lush greenery of the botanical gardens, which can seat anywhere from 80 to 550 guests. Private landscaping and courtyards make this an elegant, contemporary retreat, with a number of fantastic locations: Bennelong Lawn, Fleet Steps, and the Rose Garden. Choose the Botanical Gardens if you want to emphasise nature for your summer event.
• The Australian National Maritime Museum. A cool breeze off the open waters will make this summer venue a refreshing experience. This waterfront property hosts from 30 to 300 people, and can create some cozy corporate events. Choose the Australian National Maritime Museum if you want to have a waterfront retreat for your guests.
• The Island Sydney. This event space comes with a fully licensed bar and enough room for 70 people sitting and 200 people standing. A unique venue, The Island is a floating beach club with private water taxis, sure to be a memorable experience. Choose The Island in Sydney if you want to host a spectacular event, such as an awards ceremony, product launch, or end-of-year wrap.
• Prince Henry Centre.   Take in the pristine views of the Pacific Ocean and dramatic Sydney coastline. Located in Eastern Sydney,  the Prince Henry Centre offers  small, medium and large private function rooms  as well as terraces, dressing rooms and an amphitheatre.  The facility is a favourite for Summer weddings, but it also perfect as an exhibition space.

Once you have your venue selected, then you can get started on your theme, decor — and select your Sydney corporate catering. Your catering is going to be one of the most important aspects.

The Best Food For  Your Summer  Events

Summer events demand a special type of catering, and it's one we know very well at Laissez-faire. For a summer lunch, you want refreshing, light food, often with a number of different options.

• The best burgers and sliders for summer lunches. Burgers and sliders are loved by everyone, and they're convenient and easy to eat. If people are wandering around and socialising, they can pick up a burger and go. Create a few different types of burger, or let people customise their burger, to keep everyone happy.
• The best canapés for summer events. Canapés are a fantastic solution for a summer event. Canapés let everyone try out different flavours, and let the catering company experiment with expressive and interesting tastes. Canapés are the best catering food for socialising, as people can grab a few small bites as they go.
• The best desserts for summer parties. For summer parties, fresh, seasonal fruit make the best desserts. An assortment of seasonal desserts that are easy to eat can keep the party going. Fruit-based and alcohol-infused popsicles make for a fun treat, and they're easy for people to hold while they do other things.
• The best cocktails and spritzers for summer cocktail parties. People remember both meals and dessert, and drinks shouldn't be forgotten. Some seasonal cocktails and spritzers are going to be exciting and memorable.

Food and drink is what people remember most out of any event, and it's entertainment in and of itself. So don't forget to plan in advance for summer catering events.

The Best Entertainment for Your Summer Event

Once your catering is in place, it's time to plan the rest of your summer event. Start with planning your decor and finding a cheerful, seasonal theme. Entertainment can include live music and awards ceremonies. Make sure to schedule your entertainment throughout the evening: Otherwise the party is over once the food has been eaten!

Are you about to start planning your summer catering events? Contact us  today to find out more about what we can do for you. Make an enquiry today.

Organising a corporate event is a complicated matter. It's not just something that you're doing for leisure: you need to take it seriously, impress the company, and make sure that everyone has an excellent time.

The Different Types of Corporate Events

First: you need to determine what type of corporate event you're going to be running. There are many types of corporate events, and all of them are managed differently:

• Product launches. These are product-focused and geared to generate buzz. Not only will employees be there, but likely members of the press and other third-parties as well. Your corporate catering is going to need to empress.
• EOFY events. These are celebrations and moments to reflect, as the fiscal year closes. Employees are going to be expecting the company's best, because this is designed to celebrate their performance.
• Christmas events. During the holidays, employees and their families may also be around. Consider whether alcohol will be served, and whether meals will need to be child-friendly.
• Milestone celebrations. These celebrations are often smaller or on a department-by-department basis, but they nevertheless need to be bold and celebratory.
• Award nights. A great way to provide employees with some praise for a job well done, award nights need to be handled with care. They have to be impressive, and show the employees that the company really does appreciate them.
• Conferences. Conferences can be large or small, and often they need multiple menus because of the amount of time that they go through. Plan ahead for multiple meals, and think about both food and beverages.

As you can see, each of these will need to be organised in a different way. Apart from the head count, the type of corporate event is going to be the single most important thing you need to know.

How to Organise Your Event

First, get an accurate head count by asking your superiors who is required to come, or having people who aren't required to come RSVP well in advance. If more people come than that, you can't be held accountable for it! But do buffer the numbers that you get, so that getting more people or fewer people won't lead to a disaster.

When Should You Begin Planning

You should always begin to plan as soon as possible. The best venues are going to be booked out for a long time. Laissez-faire has a number of favourite venues: Australian National Maritime Museum, Urban Winery Sydney, State Library NSW, and Harbour 220. All of these are fantastic picks for a corporate catering event.

Now that you know everything there is to know about catering for corporate events, it may be time to contact a professional. Call us today at Laissez-faire to find out more information.

Don't plan your catering at the last minute! Catering is one of the most important features of any corporate event. Even though it might not be a part of the agenda, it's a large part of what will make everyone feel comfortable, productive, and valued. Here are a few of the reasons why it's important to arrange your Sydney corporate catering in advance.

Why Should You Schedule Your Catering in Advance?

Foremost, your catering company is going to work very closely with your venue. Booking a venue and a caterer early on is important: you can't get a good venue, with the right available dates, last minute. The later you book, the more expensive the venue becomes, and the more difficult a caterer becomes to secure. The best venues are often booked months in advance. 

If you want to compare quotes and menus, the process can be even longer. 

Many caterers, such as Laissez-faire, have developed relationships with specific venues and can advise you on the best venue to have. If you work with a caterer first, you'll know which venues tend to work best for them, and which venues will work best for your type of event and size of event. Apart from providing catering for corporate events, catering companies can also suggest themes and decor. 

And you don't want to rush your planning. Securing a caterer early on gives you more time to think about what you want, in terms of food, menus, and drinks. Your event won't come off as disorganised and rushed, and you'll be able to keep your guests informed and prepared as to what they can expect. There are many elements of catering that take time, such as collecting RSVPs, and making sure that you're meeting everyone's dietary needs. You can't rush these things without the event itself feeling unprofessional. 

Getting your preliminary planning out of the way means that you can then focus on other, more complicated things. Once you have the venue and caterer in hand, you'll be able to better plan and budget for things like decor. 

How to Organise Your Corporate Event Planning

It's important to secure a caterer and a venue early. But it can be difficult to manage time, especially if you're arranging multiple events, or trying to arrange an event while you're doing other things. If you're still wondering what the theme is going to be for your corporate event, how many people are going to arrive, or what your budget is, a caterer and a venue may feel very far off. 

Here are some ways you can improve upon the organisation of your event planning.

• Create a checklist. A checklist makes it easy for you to manage even more complex events. Organise your checklist based on your priorities, and make sure to check things off as you accomplish them! You may even want to create a separate checklist each morning, of things you need to accomplish that day.
• Establish a budget early on. Your budget is going to influence nearly every aspect of your event, from the catering to the venue. Not only do you need to know the total budget, but also the budget per head — and that means getting in those RSVPs.
• Separate things into milestones and tasks. Huge milestones can be broken up into smaller tasks, to make them more manageable. You don't necessarily need to "book a venue" today, but you need to: research venues, call for quotes, and look up reviews. 
• Create deadlines and frequently check-in. Knowing when things need to be done by can improve upon your organisational system. Check your deadlines to make sure everything's being handled on time. If deadlines are missed, the entire event schedule can be set back. 
• Get things done as early as possible. If you're waiting on one thing, why not try to accomplish another? Getting things like catering and venues organised early on will take things off your plate, and let you focus on other things such as designs and menus. 
• Ask for input from your caterer, employees, and coworkers. You don't need to do everything alone. Your caterer can give you professional advice regarding your event, while employees and coworkers can tell you what they'd like to see.

For the most part, organising a company event is about taking it step-by-step. As long as you're well-organised and continually making progress, you should be able to create an event that's unforgettable. And once you find your caterer, everything else often falls into place. 

Are you planning a corporate event? It's never too early to book a caterer. We provide complete corporate event services, and can even connect you to some of the best venues in Sydney. Contact us today at (02) 9209 4810 or make an enquiry online.

How to Organise Sydney CBD Office Catering

Few things can test your office organisational skills as much as a party or event! Catering is what brings many office events to life -- and it's why a lot of employees attend office-related events to begin with. Sydney CBD is one of the busiest cities for corporates and  that means we see a lot of  corporate breakfasts, lunches and  conferences in the city.   Yet with so many factors to account for, where do you even get started?

Here are our tips to organise office catering in Sydney CBD.

Planning Your Sydney CBD Office Catering for Corporate Breakfasts, Lunches and Conferences

Breakfast, lunch, or dinner catering will all be handled differently. During breakfasts and lunches, a larger variety of lighter fare is often provided. During a dinner, it's more likely you'll be planning a few heavier meals.

Being in Sydney CBD, it's important that you find a local caterer who can deliver on the day or set up at your office of venue in the city.

Before you make any decisions, consider the following:

• Is the office event going to have any type of theme? If you already have an idea in mind, your catering company can work with you to plan the perfect menu.
• What dietary restrictions do you need to plan for? Consider the fact that you don't necessarily know whether some employees may have restrictive diets or need specific types of food. Make sure you ask people to let you know of any restrictions when they RSVP.
• What type of food does your office generally like? Every office is different. Some Sydney offices are more modern and contemporary while others want comfort foods. A wide selection of food may be called for if you aren't sure.
• Which beverages will you serve? Beverages are often an important factor when it comes to an event. Coffee, tea, and other beverages will complement your food.

Once you have a preliminary idea of what you want, you can begin organizing the event itself -- including figuring out how many people will attend and contacting a professional caterer. That's where we come in!

Organize Your Guests for the Office Event

How many people are going to be coming to your catered event? Before you contact a caterer, you'll need to know roughly how many heads are going to be served. It will also be useful for your caterer to know where your office or venue is located in Sydney CBD so they can estimate travel time and whether they can deliver or set up at your office.

Add the event to the office calendar, email or otherwise contact those involved, and make sure you have a reliable head count for the event. Keep in mind that you'll need a buffer to allow for a certain number of additional people to come.

Contacting Your Sydney CBD Caterer

Once you have your basic information in place -- the type of food you're interested in, the date, and the head count -- it's time to call the caterer. Many caterers are booked months in advance in Sydney, especially during busy holiday periods. Your caterer will be able to tell you what food they'll have available (including fresh, seasonal produce), and make suggestions as to your corporate breakfast, lunch or conference menu.

Contacting your caterer fairly early on in the process is usually advised, as they'll be able to direct you to the appropriate types of food for your service, as well as making suggestions for desserts and drinks that the staff may like. In addition to this, you may need to make provisions for things such as chairs, tables, and serving tables -- many caterers are able to help with this, as well.

If the event is a complex one, such as an awards ceremony or a banquet that requires catering in Sydney CBD, your caterer will also schedule themselves in a way that will be non-disruptive to the event itself, while helping to plan floor space so that the food is featured but not in the way.

With a little work, you can create an office event in Sydney that the employees will talk about for months to come... as well as ensuring that the office event is as effective as it is memorable. 

What's Next?

For more information about planning the perfect office event in Sydney CBD, contact the experts at Laissez-Faire Catering today. Make an enquiry  or give us a call on (02) 9209 4810.   We can't wait to hear from you!

If you are the assigned event planner in your office, we’ve got some tips to help make conferences and corporate meetings a bit less boring.

Suggest a breakfast meeting or lunch meeting to your boss. If you haven’t tried this before, you might find that getting the office together for some food and coffee during the meeting will lift spirits and make the day go faster.

Catering for Corporate Breakfast Meetings

Morning meetings tend to be more efficient for decision making. The mind and body are fresh so any issues can be handled without too much drag. It’s also easier to schedule time for a meeting in the morning rather than later in the day or after work. Also, most breakfast meetings are done within an hour or two, thus it will not hinder any other schedules during the day.

To ensure everyone stays focused but doesn’t get burnt out, organise a breakfast menu that attendees will look forward to. A breakfast meeting menu may include:

• Eggs benedict with smoked salmon
• Crispy bacon and egg rolls with lettuce, tomato and chilli jam
• Poppy seed bagels with cream cheese
• Honey glazed ham and cheddar buttery croissant
• Corn fritters with crispy bacon
• Omelette of smoked fish, cheddar cheese, chives, Spanish onion, rocket leaves and sourdough toast
• Roasted filled mushroom on wood fired bread, topped with asparagus, poached egg, hollandaise sauce and a confit of heirloom tomatoes
• Plus fresh juices, tea and coffee.

Click the image below to download  our breakfast menu:

if you are having trouble downloading our menus, please turn  your ad block extensions off

Take note that not all corporate meetings can happen in the morning. Meetings that are meant to solidify business or working relations or are meant to close deals are best held during lunch time.

Catering for Corporate Lunch Meetings

You might want to consider a lunch meeting for more focused training meetings, company announcements and discussing new business deals.

Below are some lunch catering ideas for your next meeting:

• Sandwich selection with different bread varieties like rye, Turkish roll, white, oatmeal, baguettes
• Seasonal fruit platters
• Juices, organic coffee, hand selected teas and water
• Poached chicken Thai salad, roasted peanuts, vermicelli noodles and nam jim dressing
• Italian grilled sausages and cherry tomatoes
• Pasta salad with fresh ricotta and oregano
• Baby smoked salmon and green shallot frittata with sour cream
• Pumpkin and ricotta mini quiche
• Sesame beef and lemongrass skewers with chili dipping sauce.

Click the image below to download  our working lunch menu:

Hiring a catering service that will take care of the food is one item you can take off your own plate when planning a corporate meeting.

Serve up some great food so staff can focus on building solid working relationships and getting work done.

Launching a new product or service is a big deal for many businesses. After so many hours of research and development have been poured into the project, it’s time to deliver it to clients.

A launch party calls for a bit of excitement and high class event planning!This blog post will give you some expectations for your first launch party and answer any of those burning questions about how to throw an exceptional corporate event or product launch.

If you’re in Sydney, Laissez-faire Catering is the best option to help your product launch be everything you want and more.

First Steps to Planning a Corporate Launch Party in Sydney

Planning an event isn’t easy. The first step is knowing what you want to achieve.

To figure that out, ask yourself these questions:

• What is the purpose of the event?
• What does your business expect to happen?
• What’s the point of your event?
• Do you want to create a buzz?
• Do you want to connect with industry influencers?
• Do you want to get new prospects and take care of loyal clients?

Before you have a meeting with your event organiser and your corporate Sydney caterer, you should be clear about why you’re hosting a launch party.

These questions can help you in deciding the theme and the size of your product launch.For example, if your primary goal is to convince experts and industry influencers that your new product is the best, a modern showcase with expertly created canapes and cocktails is a great idea. Think premium venues, lighting themes and excellent wait staff.

Alternatively, if you want to create excitement about something new and your target audience is young, a more casual yet still high class atmosphere might be appropriate. A cool DJ or a live band can provide entertainment, while food stations offer canapes and over the top cocktails.

These are just a couple of examples.

Choose a Memorable Sydney Venue

One of the most important aspects of a successful product launch is the location! Laissez-faire has worked with many corporate clients to find the right Sydney venue to suit the theme, style, budget and the guest demographic of their product launch. Involving your caterer in the search for a venue ensures everything goes smoothly on the event day.

Take note of where your guests work or live and choose a venue that will be easily accessible for the majority. Make sure that there is ample parking space or good access to public transport - let your guests know these details when the time comes to invite them all.

La Porte Space is one of our newest venue spaces and is perfect for product launch events. Find more information here.

La Porte Space

Choosing The Right Caterer Matters

Some corporate catering services in Sydney are doing the “one-size-fits-all” approach to their food and service. This will not make your event stand out. Your new product or service is special and should be celebrated with a menu made just for the event.

Depending on your target audience, theme, budget and venue, there are different types of food serving styles Laissez-faire Catering can offer...

Sit-down Dinner

This is the most formal style and has groups of guests seated at tables assigned to them. Each guest is served three courses or more. A plated dinner will need more staff to prepare, plate and serve the dish.

The good thing about this style is it will give your guests more time to mingle and chat with others at their table. It also produces a very classy atmosphere and will impress stakeholders and other guests.

Buffet Style

If you want to provide a wide variety of food and drinks, then a buffet style is your best bet for your product launch. This is suitable for large parties with 100 and above guests. Plus, the guest will not feel forced to eat something they don’t like because they will have different varieties to choose from.

The service cost is lower and only a few wait staff are needed to serve guests. This style has a more casual feel, but the different types of food on offer will wow guests. Remember to ask us about gluten free, vegan and vegetarian options!

A Standing-Style Party

Similar to a buffet-style serving, high tables may be provided but there will be no seats. If you have 500 young (or young-at-heart) guests or more, this is your party. This type of party will have a livelier feel because your guests can go around looking for different dishes or canapes and can mingle with other guests while eating and checking out your new products.

Cocktails, beers and other types of alcoholic drinks will make this style even livelier. Food stations or food booths can be placed strategically so that all the guests can go around and enjoy while appreciating the launch of your product. This is where a DJ or a live band will come in handy.

Corporate Catering Food Trends

To make your party a truly wonderful experience, you can ask your caterer about the current corporate catering food trends that can be incorporated into your event.

Below are some corporate catering food trends that you will see more of this year:

• Locally-sourced menus will continue to be popular. Some of your guests may be looking for high end locally produced meat and organic vegetables.
• Artisanal breads, cheeses, beers, pickled olives, pickles and wine. This will entice your guests and will surely be talked about alongside your products during the launch party.
• High tech, low glitz decorations.
• There will be fewer sit down, plated dinners. Food stations and hours d’oeuvre are becoming more popular with many product launches paired with artisanal beer, wine and cocktails.
• Smaller servings and bite sized pieces are easier to eat when walking around a product launch event. Make sure your guests have places to put down their glasses or small plates when they are done with them.

What’s Next?

Looking for food inspiration? We have lots of different menus to suit your event. Check out our canapes, drinks, plated, shared and other menus here.

Need some help planning your own launch party in Sydney? Laissez-faire Catering can do all of the above and more. Just ask us.

Liven up your next business function with the inclusion of a theme! When used properly, a theme can breathe life into an event or encourage excitement about an upcoming company do. Encourage engagement and develop your company culture through more detailed, interesting, and compelling events.

The Benefits of Corporate Event Themes

Christmas parties, end of year parties, and milestone celebrations -- all of these can be celebrated though a themed event. Many employees don't find the prospect of an employee event overly alluring; they feel more obligated to attend than excited. Creating a fun theme is a way to draw in employees who would otherwise be disengaged.

Corporate event themes also make it easier for you to plan your event, as it gives you guidance regarding essentials such as catering, decoration, and activities. It may be difficult to figure out how to celebrate a generic "end of year" party, but it's much easier if you're doing a "retro flashback" theme. 

Creating Themes for Sydney Corporate Events

What are the best themes for Sydney corporate events? It all depends on the business and the event that's being celebrated.

• New Year's Events. If you want to go modern, glow stick events are a festive and affordable way to jazz up a traditional New Year's Event. If you'd rather go classic, a "roaring 20's" theme can be a fun way to get everyone involve. Don't forget a costume prize -- and include an exciting way to ring in the New Year.
• Corporate Milestones. Whether you've come in under budget or met revenue goals, celebrating corporate milestones will encourage employees to work harder. Consider something like a "casino night"; keep it fun and light-hearted to truly ensure that the employees have   fun    rather than feeling as though it's like work.
• Holiday Parties. During the holidays, no one wants to go to yet another business Christmas party. Liven it up with a tropical getaway theme, giving employees a new way to celebrate old traditions. 
• Product Launches. When products launch, you want the business to get hyped! Consider dramatic events that relate to the product launched, such as a racetrack theme for a road-worthy product. Don't forget the red carpet!

With a little thought, you can find the perfect theme for nearly every corporate event.

Planning Corporate Events in Sydney

One of the major benefits of establishing a theme is that it makes the entire process of organising and conceptualising the event faster and easier. Once you know the theme of your event, you'll be able to easily figure out:

• Where the event should be held. Outside? Inside? On company campus or a rented venue? A casino night would necessitate something extravagant and sophisticated, while a tropical vacation theme would lend itself better to the outdoors.
• What type of food is being served. Does it require trendy appetisers? Or is it more a company potluck type of event? A roaring 20's event would be best run with some elegant apartifs.
• What decorations are used. What should the colors be? Are there symbols closely related to the theme? With a tropical vacation theme, you already know sand, coconuts, and palm trees may factor in.
• What entertainment should be brought in? Is there a type of music commonly associated with this theme? Are there any specific entertainers? At a casino night you might have poker dealers or other "gambling."
• What should guests wear? Is this type of theme usually formal or informal? A tropical event could be firmly casual, while a casino night might demand formality.

Themes give you a solid jumping off point so you can create a detailed company event plan without having to create everything from whole cloth. For many themes, you may be able to easily find information online.

Example Themes for Corporate  Events

There are no restrictions on the type of theme you can use for your corporate events, provided they're appropriate and professional. Take risks and be bold and you're more likely to create a memorable event.

• James Bond 007 theme. Bring out the inner spy of your employees with a spy-vs-spy theme, including elegant dress, casino inspired decor, and intricate food and drink.
• Las Vegas theme. Go big and bold with a larger than life Vegas theme. Glitter, lights, and all the trappings of Vegas can be incorporated into something like fundraising.
• Winter Wonderland theme. Bring fake snow and mistletoe into the hotter months, such as by celebrating a themed Christmas in July.
• Circus theme. Bring in some clowns, fair food, and a festive, brightly colored decor for this "kids" theme that's equally fun for adults.
• Summer vacation theme. Let employees go casual with a summer vacation while still at work, especially useful to reward employees for a job well done.

Those are just a few corporate events that you may want to consider. There are endless possibilities, depending on the event itself and your company's goals. Through themed events, you'll find it easier to plan ahead and figure out everything from what food you want to serve to where it will be best held.

Need some help planning your next corporate event in Sydney? Let us know!

Did you know corporate events that take advantage of catering are often far more successful than events that don't provide guests with food and beverages? When guests attend an event, they want to know their time and presence is valued, and there is no better way to do this than by offering them a variety of food and drink options. 

When you take advantage of catering services, such as those offered by Laissez-faire,  you'll be able to save time and money by letting the professionals handle the food and beverage aspects of your event. More so, you'll have more time to focus on other pertinent parts of your event, such as seating arrangements and speeches. Laissez-faire offers a versatile menu and always pays special attention to detail, both of which are paramount to making a statement that is sure to impress your guests. 

For now, let's take a quick look at the top 2018 catering trends for corporate events. 

Branding and Catered Food

No matter the type of corporate event being hosted, you will want to choose foods that positively reflect your business or brand. And because of this, you will want to invest in high-quality catering, which can also aid in promoting the values of your company. You’ll be showing guests you truly care about them by satisfying their appetites.

 

Prawn sliders anyone ? #canapes #event #catering #laissez_faire_catering #cocktail

A post shared by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Oct 20, 2015 at 3:12am PDT

Gluten Free

Events offering gluten-free choices are rising in popularity. Frozen desserts that are gluten-free are a great choice for your event because they are convenient: simply thaw them and put them on a plate. They come in all different flavors and are a unique treat that allows you to cater to guests with varying dietary needs.

 

What's for dinner? #tasting #catering #event #cateringwedding

A post shared by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Aug 17, 2016 at 5:04am PDT

Bacon Bacon Bacon!

Even if you choose to lean toward healthy catering for your corporate event, you can still take advantage of an all-time favorite food: bacon. Caterers are adding bacon to the menu in a versatile and creative way to spice up food and beverage offerings. For instance, brussel sprouts and scallops wrapped in bacon will add a small amount of flavor to your dishes and soups, bringing out the taste people love in a healthy dose.

Street Food

Food trucks are becoming a popular option for corporate catering. This type of catering goes beyond burgers and tacos, giving you a wide variety of culinary delights to choose from that are suitable for corporate events. The use of food trucks at events helps to combine convenience and the element of fun all while providing guests with tasty food selections. Even better is that food trucks are a versatile catering option for both outdoor and indoor events.

 

Who said lunch is boring #mexico #lunch #parklunch #picnic #funevents #laissez_faire_catering #cater #eventmanagement #spices #tacos

A post shared by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Mar 7, 2018 at 3:21am PST

Light Snacks

Corporate events can also take advantage of catering services that serve light snacks, such as vegetables, dips, crackers, and cheese. These are ideal for cocktail parties and networking events. Food stations will help keep your guests fed and happy as they  mingle. If your event has a larger dinner planned, snack stations are the perfect option for satisfying guests before the big dinner is served.

 

Cheese & antipasto bar #laissez_faire_catering #postevent #drinks #cocktails #events #eventplanning #eventprofs #catering

A post shared by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Mar 7, 2018 at 3:25am PST

Upscale Foods

Offering upscale food selections, like shellfish, prime meat cuts, and fresh wines, are great for corporate dinners. Caterers serving these upscale events often keep the menus very flexible, with options such as:

Chicken and Leek Pot Pies
Ocean Salmon Terrine and Apple Martini Recipe

Offering upscale food options is a great way to surprise your guests and do something fancy for them, which as a result,  increases their trust and loyalty to your brand. 

 

Menu tasting #cater #catering #laissez_faire_catering #laissezfaire #events #menu

A post shared by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Mar 29, 2018 at 1:08pm PDT

Warm and Hearty Foods

Comfort food is always a big hit at corporate events. Opting for catering services that serve ragu sauces and hearty soup dishes is a great way to provide substantial textures and big flavour to the menu. You’ll also want to make sure you choose a catering service that offers healthy food choices, like lightly fried sweet potatoes, zucchini fritters, and other vegetables that are in season.  

 

What's new #springmenu #new #laissez_faire_catering #laissezfaire #catering #events #menu #lamb #australianlamb #victoria #seasonal

A post shared by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Sep 4, 2017 at 3:58am PDT

Classic foods

Foods like burgers and spaghetti never go out of style; this makes for a safe catering option for your event. With classic foods, you can take your guests back to their childhood and you are sure to satisfy everyone’s taste buds. Even if you are hosting an upscale corporate event, these food choices will work for any formal experience.

 

Our new pizza menu at YOTS@Australian National Maritime Museum #pompeii #newmenu #catering #view #anmm #museum #venuepartner #cafe #yots

A post shared by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Mar 29, 2017 at 1:53am PDT

Cocktail and Food Matching

Another corporate event catering trend that is worth investing in is one that crafts cocktails with the specific flavors and tastes of the food selections being served. Cocktail catering is a great way to reflect a themed event. 

 

RUM & FIGS #laissez_faire_catering #catering #cater #cocktail #cocktails #fig #rum #pink #drinks

A post shared by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Mar 10, 2018 at 10:23pm PST

The Takeaway

If you would like to learn more about the top catering trends for corporate events, please contact  Laissez-faire today. 

Towards the middle of the year, employees can start feeling a little fatigued. If it's all just work, work, work, their attention will start to drift, and they may not be as attentive or productive as they could be. Having a celebratory party can give employees something to look forward to, show them they're recognised, and encourage them to work harder. "Christmas in July" is a fun and festive theme that everyone can enjoy.

Why Plan for  Christmas in July?

Christmas in July is a creative, quirky excuse for a celebration that comes with an easy, preset theme. Rather than having to plan everything out of whole cloth, you can simply take a page from any holiday party book. Christmas in July is also something that everyone understands and that everyone can get excited for!

Just like any party, you're going to have to get together the decor, food, and activities. Think about some of your prior year Christmas celebrations for some easy ideas.

Pictured: Harbour 220

Choosing the Right Venue

Though holding a celebration in your office is convenient, it really just surrounds you with your work. Choosing an off-site venue gives your employees the opportunity to experience something new and truly relax outside of the day-to-day operations.

Ideally, you want a venue somewhat close to your business; you don't want to make employees commute too far.  Luckily, it's often fairly cheap to book a corporate venue in off months -- far cheaper than during  actual holidays.

Pictured: La Porte Space

Get the Decor Just Right

A Christmas in July party is more fun the more "all out" it is. From fake snow to mistletoe, go wild with the decoration.  At the start, you can create a "Christmas planning" party that's filled with volunteers. The more the employees   want    to participate, the better a job they'll do. 

Don't forget that Christmas means different things to different people. If you want your holiday celebration to go over without a hitch, encourage employees to add to the decor and to pitch in their own ideas. In the spirit of inclusivity, you can ask them what the holidays mean to each of them.

And don't forget the fun holiday themes. There are many "tropical party" Christmas themes and "futuristic" Christmas themes, which you may have discounted for your actual holiday parties but can be acceptable for a Christmas in July.

Pictured: The Venue

It can be difficult to find Christmas decorations during the off season. Look at wholesale outlets and online stores for deals -- or ask for donations of old decorations from employees. If Christmas in July becomes a regular thing, you can reuse decorations from year to year. Some tinsel and bright lights, and you'll be set for at least two holidays every year.

Spring for Some Festive Catering

Food is what makes Christmas truly feel like Christmas. From eggnog to peppermint bark, there are appetizers,   drinks  and desserts that people crave throughout the year. During the holiday season, these foods are often made  by family members and friends, contributing to the loving atmosphere of Christmas. At your party, they can all be provided through catering. 

See our Canapes Menu

Though pot lucks are fun, they also often come with additional work for employees. Employees may stress over their dishes -- and the dishes themselves could represent liability concerns, due to unsafe food handling and allergies. Overall, corporate catering services are usually the safest and most convenient option.

Consider building your menu around your employees, by asking them questions such as the following:

• What are your favorite holiday foods?
• Are there any foods that you're allergic too?
• What drinks make you think of the holidays?

These questions will help you personalise your Christmas in July party for your employees, increasing their enjoyment. Many employees go to corporate events primarily for the food, and it's food that they're going to be thinking about later on.

See our Shared Menu

Use the Time to Encourage Your Staff

Set aside some time during your Christmas in July party to give awards and gifts to your staff members. Recognition matters. Give gifts based on longevity and merit and employees will be more likely to work hard for the rest of the year. 

Holding some raffles throughout the event is also a good way to encourage employees to stay and enjoy the party throughout, as it adds to the festivities. For a Christmas in July event, you want to stagger events throughout, so employees constantly have something going on.

Pictured: Endeavour Pavilion at ANMM

Some team-building activities can include building a gingerbread house together or playing some casual party games. This helps employees get to know each other in a professional environment, encouraging them to work better together and learn about each other's idiosyncracies.

As long as you have everything planned out, Christmas in July can be a great opportunity to both reward and motivate your employees. With activities, catering, and awards, you can turn it into a mid-year productivity boosting event.

Want to get started?

 We can help you with everything from the menu to the venue. Just ask us how!

If you haven’t already booked everything for your office’s end of year holiday or Christmas event, now’s your last chance! Choosing a corporate event catering company for your event is no easy task - but here at Laissez-faire, we’ll make it easy for you.

There’s a lot to cover off for a Christmas or end of year event:

• First you need a catering company you can trust and rely on - we’ve got you covered on this point
• Next is the venue
• Then decide on the menu and beverages to be served
• Discuss with the event planner about decorations and entertainment.

Choosing a Venue in Sydney for Christmas and End of Year Events

Sydney is host to so many gorgeous venues for this time of year. Don’t be afraid to start ringing venues today or asking us about available dates at any of our venue listings - check them out here.

One of the easiest options for you to consider might be an in-office event. If you’ve got a large enough meeting room or conference room (or if your staff group is on the smaller size) this is a cheap option that can be organised quickly. Our catering services can come to you!

If you’re after something more exclusive or hoping to give your staff an event to remember, we’ve got a great option for you. The Endeavour Pavilion at the Australian National Maritime Museum in Sydney is our newest venue space with dates available for Christmas.

See more information here.

Choosing the Perfect Menu

What kind of food do you want served at your Christmas event? Laissez-faire has a range of mouth-watering menus for any type of event. For instance:

• Standing cocktails and canapes
• Sit down banquet dinners
• Shared platters of fresh and delicious foods
• Cocktail and food station setups
• Plus coffee and Christmas-themed sweets after the meal.

We think any of these menus could be great for your Christmas event:

• Platter Menu
• Canape Menu
• Plated Menu
• Shared Menu
• BBQ Menu
• Don’t forget the Drinks Menu!

You can download our menus for free by clicking on the links. Enter your details and you’ll receive the menu in your inbox.

Great food really makes an event come alive, so choose whichever menu sounds most delicious to you. We also have a range of gluten free and vegetarian options in each of our menus, so everyone is covered. We are happy to cater to any other dietary requirements - just ask us!

A Spectacular Christmas Package

At the Endeavour Pavilion, all the boxes are ticked!

• Great catering service from the professional team at Laissez-faire
• An amazing venue on the Harbour with beautiful views of Sydney (no need to fuss about decorating the venue - it’s already done for you!)
• A perfectly matched menu and drinks services for your guests

What's Next?

If you'd like to know more about your Christmas event options or you want to book at the Endeavour Pavilion,  just   make an enquiry  or give us a call on (02) 9209 4810.   We can't wait to hear from you!

EXCLUSIVE SYDNEY VENUE FEATURE: The Venue Alexandria

Laissez-Faire has now hosted many events at The Venue in Alexandria. It's one of our most popular event destinations and for good reason!

The Venue Alexandria is Sydney’s newest and most unique premium warehouse event space.     Located conveniently between Sydney’s International Airport and the CBD, they offer clients a large, flexible warehouse space with 5-Star amenities catering to a wide variety of events including gala dinners, product launches, fashion parades, conferences, corporate functions, social events, and weddings. With capacity for 1000 guests, this is the best Sydney venue for large gatherings and once-in-a-lifetime celebrations!

Check out these videos from The Venue website to get a sense of the scale and premium quality of this event venue:

If you'd like to book an event at this venue, or just want more details, please contact us.

Here are some more images in and around THE VENUE:

 

What a spectacular evening shared by Stivi and Svet at the new high end warehouse The Venue. Tonight's wedding was for 430 guest however the space can hold up to 1000 guest. An attractive space for gala dinners, product launches, cocktails and conferences . #catering #events #laissez_faire_catering #cater #thevenue #alexandria #venuesourcing #partner #love #wedding #weekendvibes #work #new

A post shared by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Apr 22, 2017 at 2:06pm PDT

 

A post shared by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on May 17, 2017 at 6:34pm PDT

Spring Platters

Today we feature our delicious Platter menu: perfect for Spring corporate or private functions. Platter menus can be delivered to your event location and are ready to serve.

Let's take a look at the delicious recipes featured on one of Laissez-faire's most popular menus!

The Platter menu is fantastic for outdoor or indoor Spring celebrations and get togethers: from corporate office meetings to private garden luncheons. Pair this menu with some delicious coffee or iced teas and you've got a Spring event to remember.

Australian Cheese Platter  - a selection of soft and hard cheeses served with quince, fresh & dried fruits, nuts and crispbreads.

Sushi Plate  - California rolls, inside out rolls, sashimi salmon, soy, wasabi and pickled  ginger.

Spanish Tasting Plate - Chorizo, roasted peppers, garlic mushrooms, polenta chips with sea salt, Jamon, tomato rubbed bruschetta.

 

A post shared by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Sep 24, 2014 at 10:28pm PDT

Rice Paper Rolls  -  Selection with nuoc cham dipping sauces.

Mixed Dips Plate - Assorted dips, crisp pita chips and vegetable crudites.

Charcuterie Plate - Cured and roasted meats, cornichons, olives, chutneys and focaccia.

 

A post shared by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Sep 3, 2016 at 7:21am PDT

Peking Duck - Pancakes, with hoi sin and shallots.

 

A post shared by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Apr 24, 2014 at 6:01pm PDT

Vegetarian Antipasti - Grilled vegetables, feta, mushrooms, artichokes and crust baguettes.

Don't feel shy to contact us if you'd like to enquire about this menu at your next event.

As September slowly approaches we can take off our jumpers and welcome the Spring sunshine into our lives. Whether you're thinking about planning a corporate or private event to celebrate the changing seasons, now is the time to begin preparations.

Corporate Spring Cocktail Functions

For a corporate Spring cocktail event,  start collecting RSVPs now to save the date. The first weekend of September is a great time to welcome Spring and celebrate some company milestones.

It's the perfect time to remind staff how much they mean to the team. We're on the home stretch to the end of 2017, and employees can start to feel stressed out and burnt out. Give them something fun and exciting to look forward to.

Book a venue away from the company office - it's not the same if you just bring food and drinks into the office space. Let guests get dressed up (casual business attire) to travel somewhere in the Sydney CBD where they can chat with their friends from work in a different setting. Try to book a venue with plenty of outdoor space and some undercover area. If you want a completely outdoor venue so your staff can get some sun, a great idea is to provide parasols so guests can get some shade if they desire.

 

Simple summer events #laissez_faire_catering #events #catering

A post shared by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Feb 5, 2016 at 8:28pm PST

Check out our listing of venues perfect for cocktail functions.

Corporate cocktail functions should be relaxed, easy and perfect for mingling and nibbles. 

Private Spring Cocktail Functions

For a private Spring cocktail event,  you have heaps of options! If your guest list is small, you could even hold the event in one of Sydney CBD's public parks. If your guest list is larger, opt for a spacious venue with indoor and outdoor seating. Some guests would rather stand and mingle or move around the food and drink stations.

Cocktail functions are great for celebrating any event: an engagement, a graduation, a wedding reception or just getting a group of friends together to catch up over good food and drinks.

Check out our drinks menu and our canapes menu to get some ideas about what to serve your guests.

 

Rustic, simple and delicious #events #sharing #catering #cheesestation #grazingtable #grapes #wedding #love #food #laissezfairecatering #laissez_faire_catering #create #beautyfulfood #rustic

A post shared by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Feb 21, 2017 at 7:43pm PST

 Spring Cocktail Decorations

Get into the spirit of things for your Spring cocktail event by including some decorations at your venue. 

Hang some decorative flowers from the roof of an outdoor canopy. The smells will be divine and it will add a rustic beauty to the event.

 

Chandeliers and orchids... there is something exciting happening right now #romance #love #events #chandeliers #orchid #love #ido #laissez_faire_catering #laissezfaire #venuecatering #sopretty

A post shared by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Jun 3, 2017 at 12:53am PDT

Spring Cocktails

Don't skimp on the drinks for this event. Think about creating a signature cocktail with delicious Spring flavours. Think grapefruit, lemon and lime, and strawberries galore.

Punch bowls are perfect for this type of event. As well as this, have a drinks station set up with a couple of bar staff so guests can choose their own drinks.

 

Watermelon margarita #catering #events #corporateevents #cocktails #watermelonmargarita #drinks #laissez_faire_catering #laissezfaire

A post shared by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Feb 11, 2017 at 2:58pm PST

Spring Cocktail Canapes and Nibbles

Serve food that is easy to pick up and eat while guests are mingling and also holding a drink in their other hand. Canapes are perfect for Spring: not too heavy but just the right amount of food to stay full during the event. Sushi is usually a great canape option, but we'd advise against it if your venue is out in the open where food can get ruined by the heat. 

Instead, think small bites of cured meats, vegetable creations, cheeses, breads and oils. 

 

Canapés #events

A post shared by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Nov 10, 2015 at 10:08am PST

 

Sweet apart to spring at Inglis stables tonight #venues #event #wedding #inglisstables #laissezfaire

A post shared by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Sep 3, 2016 at 7:21am PDT

Don't forget dessert!

Treat your guests to some sweet palate cleansers after they've had their fill of food and drink. Keep them canape size so guests can hold them in one hand and eat them in a quick bite.

 

Mini desserts #sydneyevents #laissez_faire_catering #events #catering #sweets

A post shared by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Nov 21, 2015 at 10:12pm PST

Another great option is to serve fresh fruits and nuts for dessert. Keep these refrigerated until they are needed. Dried fruits are also just as tasty and easy to serve in the heat.

 

Delicious fresh summer goodies #catering #sydneyevents #sydneyevents #laissez_faire_catering

A post shared by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Nov 21, 2015 at 10:03pm PST

Hopefully, these ideas will give you some inspiration to start planning your corporate or private Spring cocktail event.

The Venue in Alexandria - Perfect for Corporate and Private Events

The Venue Alexandria is Sydney’s newest and most unique premium warehouse event space.

 

What a spectacular evening shared by Stivi and Svet at the new high end warehouse The Venue. Tonight's wedding was for 430 guest however the space can hold up to 1000 guest. An attractive space for gala dinners, product launches, cocktails and conferences . #catering #events #laissez_faire_catering #cater #thevenue #alexandria #venuesourcing #partner #love #wedding #weekendvibes #work #new

A post shared by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Apr 22, 2017 at 2:06pm PDT

Located conveniently between Sydney’s International Airport and the CBD, they offer clients a large, flexible warehouse space with 5-Star amenities catering to a wide variety of events including gala dinners, product launches, fashion parades, conferences, corporate functions, social events and weddings.

A Venue with Rich History

Originally the site of Hannanprint, The Venue space was part of a joint publishing venture between Australian Consolidated Press and Fairfax Suburban Publications Pty Ltd.

In 1986 Hannanprint Sydney relocated to Alexandria and was named the largest one site printing facility in the Southern hemisphere. 

A Transformative Space

The Venue Alexandria offers so much in terms of venue space and possibility.  

As an exclusive, well-placed venue in Sydney, The Venue Alexandria has been very popular with our customers recently. Check out the Laissez-faire  Instagram account for some candid shots in The Venue.

With a floor space of  1,900m2 and a ceiling height of 7.7m, there is space for every guest (up to 1000) no matter what kind of event you are planning.

The large entrance doors to The Venue prepares guests for the wide open space within. This is the perfect entrance for a red (or any colour) carpet to make guests feel special and your catering staff handing out cocktails as they enter.

Once the guests enter the space, they are greeted with an expansive warehouse space decorated to the nines.

Decor for a summer cocktail event...

... Or a Greek themed getaway... 

... Or a sophisticated corporate layout...

... And don't forget, The Venue is the perfect space for a wedding.

Check out more images of The Venue Alexandria here.

Consider The Venue Alexandria for your next gala dinner, product launch, fashion parade, conference, corporate function, social event or wedding.

Contact us to make an enquiry about holding your event at this venue.

Corporate Party Theme Ideas for 2017

Whether it’s an end-of-year celebration for your company, getting together at the office to celebrate a milestone or a newly confirmed deal, it’s important to acknowledge the efforts of all company members and employees with an exclusive corporate event.

Let your team enjoy the perks of the job by organising an incredible event they’ll never forget.

Company event organisers are always looking for new ways to get guests interested in attending company events. At Laissez-faire, we think there’s no better way than to have a themed corporate party! We’ve put together a few tips to help you organise your next corporate party.

Choose a theme

This is going to be the most creative part of the process - choosing a theme for your corporate party!  In the past, Laissez-faire has had the honour of catering for some amazing themed parties: 007, Masquerade, Circus, Rustic/Workshop, and more!

Check out our Instagram account to see some more images from these events.

Check out these other great theme ideas:

Movie or TV show theme - asks guests to choose their favourite movie/TV show from a survey list, or their favourite recent release. Whichever has the most votes is your corporate party theme! This is a great type of theme to work with because you will be able to check out the original source material when making props, designing the decor and directing the overall atmosphere of the event. Guests should be encouraged to dress up according to the movie or TV show for some great photo ops!

Music theme - choose a genre and base your theme around this! Guests can dress up as the artists of that genre or just enjoy a perfectly tailored playlist. If it’s rock, consider a live band with cocktails and a light show. If it’s pop, consider a DJ and a dancefloor with canapes galore and flashy decor.

Era theme - This one is a definite crowd-pleaser. Choose a fashionable era (the 20s, 60s, 70s, etc) and design the decor around that. Guests can dress up in costumes from that era and dance to the music. This is a great opportunity to go all out! Your catering team could also be dressed up while they serve your guests delicious canapes and drinks from the era.

 

Our amazing team thank you Clifford Wallace #eventinception

A post shared by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Aug 20, 2015 at 7:15am PDT

Choose a venue to suit the theme

You could set up the party in your company offices if the guest list isn’t large, however, this doesn’t feel very special. The process of getting ready for a company party, going to a dedicated venue space where your employees have never been before, is kind of magical and will really make them feel special.

If you’re having a movie/TV themed party, lay down a red carpet at the entrance to the venue. If your theme is rustic/chic find an open venue like an old barn or stable house to really compete the atmosphere. If you’re having a nautical themed event, consider the Australian National Maritime Museum, or something else near the water with a beautiful view of ships.

Finding the perfect venue for your theme will take some research and shopping around, so start early and stay organised!

 

Fairground follies event last week #coorporateevents #catering #laissez_faire_catering #christmasparty #sydneyvenue #eventcatering

A post shared by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Dec 15, 2015 at 2:46am PST

Serve a menu inspired by your theme

A theme brings together all aspects of an event, and it’s no different for food. This can be hard to do, and you might find it difficult to create an entire menu based on your theme. We suggest a few key aspects that guests will know and recognise as part of the overall theme of the event.

For example, a 007 themed event could feature a signature martini cocktail handed to the guests as they walk into the venue. This will make them feel engaged in the event as soon as they walk in the door! Similarly, you could create a signature canape spread to fit your theme. A nautical themed party could serve delicious sashimi canapes.

 

Simple bites are often the best #canapes #cateringsydney #sydneycatering #laissezfaireevents #eventcatering

A post shared by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Nov 11, 2015 at 10:56pm PST

Take photos to remember!

Encourage your guests to post images from the event on their social media channels using a specific hashtag. You could feature the hashtag on a sign as guests enter the venue. If the theme is rustic and chic, use a chalkboard and get someone with swirly handwriting to write your special tag on the board.

This is a great way to get your guests involved in the event and to ensure they have fond memories of the night later on. Print the best photos and display them somewhere in the office where everyone can pass by and point out the funny memories.

We hope these tips will help you organise your next corporate party. It will be one to remember!

BONUS: Click on the banner below to download the Laissez-faire Platter Menu, which might be perfect for your corporate party!

Trend Alert: Corporate Event Food & Drink Stations

Food and drink stations are a popular choice for corporate daytime conferences. From private rooms to more elaborate venues, these stations never fail to accommodate for guest lists of all sizes.

There are many advantages to the food and drink station set-up:

• It’s a crowd-pleaser
• It offers a wide variety of food
• It has an interactive element
• Guests don’t have to wait in line since food and refreshments are spread out around the venue
• A cook-to-order station can provide dish prep variations

During daytime conferences, food stations are an even more attractive alternative to serve snacks and meals. Here at Laissez-faire, we offer options based on our clientele’s needs. The most commonly requested food stations include juice bars, biscuit bars, coffee bars, snack bars and dessert stations.

Juice Bar

Fresh juice is always a healthy option for any event and we’re sure your guests will appreciate the option in the coming summer months! Use seasonal produce to create some thirst-quenching juices or let guests choose their own combos.

 Coffee Bar

Who doesn’t love coffee? Freshly ground coffee at your corporate event will not only keep everybody awake, it will create a casual environment where guests can order their favourite daily drink.

 

Coffee is ready at #bieberisland #coffee #vipevents #island #eventcatering

A photo posted by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Sep 29, 2015 at 1:15pm PDT

Biscuit & Tea Station

Biscuit & tea bars can be a perfect option for an indoor or outdoor conference venue during winter and autumn. Tasty biscuits, warm scones, honey and a delicious selection of teas will appeal to guests who have a sweet tooth or a need for some comforting snacks.

Cheese & Sweet Bar

You can’t go wrong with a cheese and chocolate bar. Serve this up after guests have enjoyed a few refreshments  and the event is winding down.  Guests with a sweet tooth will thank you for this one!

Snack Station

Snack bars are a very broad catering option. Here you could serve tacos and nachos, appetisers, popcorn, crisps, hot chips, cheeses and breads, etc. Depending on the type of event some snacks might be more suitable than others.

Breakfast Station

If you’re starting the conference or meeting early, it may be a good idea to throw in a breakfast bar. Breakfast stations could serve pancakes, omelettes, sausages, bagels, and so on. Don’t forget to have a coffee station right next to this one!

Sushi Station

Asian food is delicious, easy to eat and easy to serve! Your guests will go crazy over the sushi and nigiri.

Canapes

These bite-sized snacks are often served with cocktails. This option is a favourite at corporate launch parties or events where guests will be standing and mingling.

Mix & Match

There is no specific way to present these food stations at your corporate event. As long as you are confident that your guests will love it, you can mix and match to serve something truly unique.

End of Financial Year Deal

Yes, it’s that time of the year again and its brrrr cold, chilly and the skies are looking as grey as they ever have…

For those of us not jetting away to the sunnier continents for some well-deserved fun in the sun, we have put together some great ideas so you can bring the fun to you and not have to venture out in this winter madness.

For an all-inclusive package of just $89.00 we will bring you a warming, delicious cocktail party with no fuss, no umbrellas and no cleaning afterwards.

#EOFYDEAL

Tailored canapé menu (6 bites + 1 substantial canape per guest)

Blanc beverage package 3 hours

Professional wait staff and function supervisor

A dedicated Event Planner to coordinate and assist with the finer details of your event

Package is based on a minimum number of 60 guest

Valid – 1st June 2017 through to the 31st of July 2017.

Contact us today to get more information on this deal or book your event today!