How To Choose The Perfect Wedding Menu

Serving the right menu is one of the most essential aspects of making your wedding day flow smoothly. If you’re throwing a rustic backyard do, a plated dinner might be too formal. On the other hand, if your reception is in a grand ballroom, buffets or sit-down courses are definitely appropriate. Below are some tips to make sure you’ll have the perfect menu for your wedding day.

Establish a budget

The number of guests, the serving style, the appetisers and the cocktails; every decision will impact cost, thus you need to establish a budget early on and make sure you stick to it. This will help you keep on track of everything.

Plan and start early

A superb menu always starts with the caterer, but to get your first pick, you’ll have to book early. Some industry experts suggest booking catering and venues around 12 months before the event.  Keep in mind, some venues will require you to use their in-house caterer or they will have a short list of wedding professionals that they work with exclusively.

If you have the opportunity to choose your own caterer, look for a chef that is flexible and excited about trying new dishes and food ideas.

 

Season begins #weddingcatering #catering #events #Lovelycouple

A photo posted by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Sep 4, 2015 at 11:06pm PDT

Know your numbers

Know how many guests will be attending and ensure your maximum budget can handle this amount. This will help you determine your menu. If you want to have an impressive spread, consider limiting your guest list. If you want everybody to be there, just cut costs in creative ways that will still provide an enjoyable and delicious spread for everyone.

Understand dietary restrictions

Vegans, people with peanut allergies or guest who prefer a gluten-free diet should be considered. Talk with your chosen caterer about these challenges in advance to prevent any delays when plating entrees and main meals.

 

Tailored menu #tasting #catering #laissez_faire_catering #dinner #events #warmfoodforthesoul

A photo posted by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Apr 19, 2016 at 1:41pm PDT

Think of a style or theme

The couple’s personality should drive the theme of any wedding. Some weddings will have very traditional of formal themes, while others may be more casual. Your themes can be expressed through the attire of the wedding party, the décor, floral arrangements, the ceremony itself, the venue, the season and the type of food served at the reception.

 

The perfect wedding #lisaandandrew #cellblock #love #events #eventcatering

A photo posted by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Sep 16, 2015 at 2:34am PDT

Go for local and seasonal

Great chefs and cooks plan their menus around whatever is fresh that month or season. Ask your caterer what ingredients will be in season on the day of your wedding and request to have your menu made around those ingredients. Find the freshest options by choosing locally grown produce. Also make sure your caterer is familiar with the foods they are preparing. There is no worse way to make your menu memorable than getting your guests sick from badly prepared food.

Cover all bases with your spread by having beef, poultry, seafood and vegetables. Make sure you have something slightly salty, sweet and something savoury to cater to all types of palettes.

 

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

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

The caterer should also care for good presentation

Choose a caterer who cares as much about presentation as they do about good tasting food. First impressions will help make the day memorable. You can also add small touches of your own like a special signature cocktail, a special dessert or napkins in your wedding theme colours.

Do not skimp on the portions

Make sure that you have enough food for everyone. Even if you’re having a buffet, your caterer will still need an approximate head count.

These are some of the things that you need to remember when choosing your wedding menu.

How To Cater A Great Summer BBQ Party

A summer barbecue is one of life’s simple pleasures. In addition to showcasing fresh and seasonal food, it allows everybody to enjoy the great outdoors while mingling with good friends and family. What could be better than having a great summer BBQ party?

Planning your BBQ party doesn’t have to be hard, especially if you have everything planned out. Follow our tips and you won’t have to rush for supplies at the last minute just to replenish your spread. For a BBQ, you need to prepare recipes that are delicious but simple to execute and cook as well as drinks that can be made in big, easy batches. After all, a BBQ party should be about enjoying delicious grilled food, enjoying great company and getting plenty of sunshine.

Below are our top tips to cater for a great summer BBQ party.

Prepare your grill

Preparing and cleaning your grill is the first thing that you’ll need to do. Do this a few days before the event. To clean the grill, let it heat up for 10 minutes (gas) or 20 minutes (charcoal). Once the grill is heated, use a brass wire brush to scrape any charred gunk off the grate. Give it a good scrape and make sure that no gunk is left. Coat the grill with canola or peanut oil and let it set. Now, your grill is ready.

Set the stage

Since it’s a summer BBQ, everything should be casual and relaxed. Let your guests know that they can wear t-shirts and shorts; there’s no need to impress anyone with an expensive ensemble. Set your table outside with colourful place mats, table cloths and informal dinnerware. The plates should be big enough to fit sandwiches, grilled meats, salads and other extras.

Do not blow your budget on expensive meats

You don’t need to break the bank and serve fancy meats, steaks, chicken or fish. Instead of serving porterhouse, go for inexpensive skirt or flank steaks or flavourful chicken legs and thighs. For fish, go for darker, grill-friendly fish like bluefish or mackerel.

Let your guests know what’s on the menu

Use a blackboard to showcase what will be served during the party. This way, your guests will know what food to expect. But if you want to surprise them, ditch the blackboard and let your guest be surprised at the good spread you’re providing.

Drinks, drinks, drinks!

Fill your cooler with ice and stock it with plenty of drinks so that they are nice and cold by the time your guests arrive. Remember to frequently replenish the ice supply all throughout the event. Beer, soda, juices, summer cocktails and fruity wines should be available for your guest to enjoy. Summer favourites are lemonade, sangria, beer and iced tea. Freshly cut fruits and vegetable are good appetisers. Keep them in the fridge until your guests arrive.

 

Cocktails already! ...The long weekend is already underway. Serving- Strawberry Caipiroska's #cocktails #summer #strawberries #love #amazing #awesome

A photo posted by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Jan 21, 2015 at 11:09pm PST

Make extra but not too much

When you plan out your portions, make sure to grill enough for leftovers. To reheat meat properly, sprinkle with water or BBQ sauce, wrap it in foil and cook over indirect heat for about 5 minutes. If you have some leftover roast pork, toss it into the slow cooker and add some BBQ sauce. BBQs are the perfect opportunity to cook some great meat that will last well after the party.

 

BBQ anyone #events #bbq #privateevent #laissez_faire_catering

A photo posted by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Dec 18, 2015 at 12:44am PST

Set the party mood with the right music

Prepare your summer playlist before the event. Having the right music will keep your party guests in a great mood all afternoon and evening. As long as the music makes everyone smile, it should do the job.

Keep it simple

There’s no need to overdo the decorations when hosting a BBQ. Just set up a few lights or candles and some blankets to supplement seating.

Check out our BBQ menu for some ideas to get you started. Click on the banner below to get access:

8 Top Tips for a Successful Business Breakfast Event

It’s no secret that Australians love a good breakfast. In fact, Australian breakfast food is world famous. From the vegemite obsession to Melbourne’s world’s best croissant, Aussies love for the first meal of the day runs deep.

Breakfast events are good for conferences, meetings, seminars, workshops or any event that can fit within that pre-work time slot when you want people to be fresh and ready to learn or digest anything that will be presented in the event.

 Business events held over breakfast work well for 2 important reasons:

• Attendees are more likely to RSVP as they will not feel like you are interrupting their routine or taking them away from their personal time.
• Studies suggest that early mornings are when the majority of people are most productive and alert.

In fact, most business events work pretty well over breakfast and events that include motivational speakers, business coaching or leadership training work well over the breakfast time slot.

But making the most of this opportunity will take some effective planning. You have to consider that not everyone is a morning person so making the most of your guest’s time is your goal.

Below are some very helpful tips to make your business breakfast event successful.

Serve Great Coffee

This is essential as some people will not function without a great cup of coffee. Making sure there is great coffee available upon arrival and throughout the event is a must. Coffee service doesn’t need to be available as soon as they walk in the door; let guests settle in first and mingle. When it is time for coffee, make sure the service is quick and do not skimp on quality. Coffee drinkers tend to know their stuff, so weak and tasteless coffee will not be tolerated. Make sure you also have a steaming hot selection of teas available for those who aren’t coffee people.

 

Fancy a chai latte this morning? Come on and enjoy the view #coffeeaddict #coffee #catering #anmmuseum #anmm #sydney #greysydney

A photo posted by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Feb 3, 2016 at 12:43pm PST

A Balanced Breakfast is a Must

Your guests are more than likely to be hungry when they arrive so make sure to serve a balanced breakfast to kick-start their day. Food served on platters or a selection of grab-and-go items on arrival is a good idea to satisfy your hungry guests before the event starts. Pastries, muffins, yogurt pots, granola bars, fruit platters, muesli and a good selection of fresh fruit and smoothies are some of the great examples you can consider.

Once your guests are seated and settled, a plated breakfast is usually recommended to be served on the table. The event can be started and the guest can be served discreetly without any interruption or hassle. A buffet breakfast would only be suitable if you have lots of time, otherwise it can take too long and can break people’s concentration during a speech or presentation.

Start the Day on a Positive Note

Your guest got out of bed early to attend your event, so make it worth their time. Your MCs and motivational speakers should be energetic, your presentations should be inspirational, trainings and workshops should be upbeat. People want to start their day on a positive note.

Provide an Easy and Relaxed Opportunity for Networking

Breakfast networking can done during the event or after, and it’s much more relaxed than networking at a big industry function with cocktails. Guests can mingle about the venue or office space with their coffee in hand, talking to colleagues, new faces or event guests.

To facilitate networking, collect business cards from your guests and ask them if they want someone to meet. You can assign some staff members to arrange the introductions after the event. Your guests might meet someone they will do business with in the future.

Goodie Bags

No one will say no to a good goodie bag. Your guests are more likely go straight to the office after the breakfast event, so a nice gift or a giveaway will likely be brought to their desk and be a nice reminder of your event or brand.

Finish on Time

2 hours in the morning before work is more than enough time to have a successful business breakfast meeting or training event. Food shouldn’t be left out for too long, and you don’t want to distract guests from getting to work on time.

Use some of these tips when planning your business breakfast event and it will surely be a breakfast to remember.

Click on the image below and enter your details to check out our delicious breakfast menu. 

Easy & Fun Catering For Retailers

Creating a positive work environment, thanking key sponsors, and bringing together customers are all very good reasons to host a catered event in-store. Retailers can easily and effectively create a catered event that makes people feel appreciated and thankful to be in business with you. When choosing a catering company and planning the event, there are a few simple things you can do to ensure it is a true success.

Establish a Goal for the Event

Prior to booking catering services or establishing a menu, determine what the event’s goals are first. You may wish to:

• Thank customers, employees, partners, or management
• Reward staff for key accomplishments
• Inspire and motivate customers to embrace your brand
• Launch a service or product
• Improve company morale.

Once you have an idea of what your goals are, you can create a menu and catered event around it.

Every element of your event should convey your very specific message. For example, to boost employee morale after a long day, a menu of fun foods can inspire and show appreciation. If you wish to reward key players, creating a luxurious sit-down meal with fine dining may be more appropriate.

Creating an Effective Menu

A catering company will work closely with you to create a menu appropriate for your guests and goals.

Some key areas to consider include:

• Set a budget first. Plan your menu around your budget.
• Offer foods most people will appreciate. While you do not have to cater to everyone’s tastes, you should offer options that fit most people’s ways of eating (vegetarian, vegan) and allergen concerns.
• Offer alcoholic beverages if appropriate. Additionally, ensure visitors have access to transport to find their way home without concern after alcoholic consumption.
• Consider a VIP pre-event. This event can offer specific individuals more attention and recognise their efforts with a select menu.
• Presentation matters. Creating an elaborate, well-organised event with beautifully decorated tables, carefully placed napkins and fine china can really impress those in attendance to a formal event.
• Add a “wow” factor. This may include a signature drink, a special dish to honour your guests or a company logo added to decorations.
• Offer something unexpected whenever possible. Work with your catering company, for example, to create a menu with fun foods your guests may not normally get or create an “energy station” with a table full of candy and childhood favourites.

When selecting a catering company for such events, pay attention to their suggestions for your special evening or corporate luncheon. Whether you plan to host an in-store promotion or simply a team building exercise for your staff, you’ll want to ensure the catering company has the tools, resources, and the creativity to make this event truly unique and memorable for all who are in attendance.

Where Fashion Meets Food in Style

Planning a fashion event is a uniquely difficult task. Hosts must balance putting on an extravagant gala with decadent food and highlighting the fashion that is the reason d'etre of the event.

To aid in planning, below are the key steps in preparing for and hosting a successful fashion event.

Secure Your Venue

Before any further preparations can be made, the first step in planning any successful event is choosing the proper venue.

If you are a store owner, you may decide to adapt your existing space for the event; once you have narrowed down your guest list, depending on the size of your event, you may have to secure other accommodations.

The nature of your event must drive your venue selection. Are you hosting an event to promote a line of bathing suits and beach wear? The venue should feel relaxed and casual. On the other hand, an event featuring evening gowns or formal attire should utilise a venue equal in formality to the gowns being feature.

Hosting an event in-store  makes for a  holistic brand experience, where guests can fully  appreciate the styles you are showcasing and the effort that went into bringing the event together in a truly unique space.

Create Atmosphere Through Your Decor

Deciding on your fashion event's theme is the first step to building the proper atmosphere for your guests. Popular event planner Ron Wendt of Ron Wendt Design, which specialises in high-end fashion events, recommends choosing a point of inspiration, such as a featured line of jewelry, and using that as the basis for "telling the story" of your event.

 

Event ready #events #laissez_faire_catering #catering #corporateevents

A photo posted by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Mar 18, 2016 at 3:43pm PDT

Wendt also emphasises the importance of figuring out what you want your guests to "walk away from [the] evening remembering" as well as focusing on your guest's "tactile experience" in order to create an unforgettable setting.

Picking a Caterer and Choosing Your Refreshments

Making the right choices about refreshments is critical in shaping your fashion event. To do so, you must choose both the right caterer and the right theme for the food.

 

Never too early for a celebration #events #corporateevents #catering #champagne #anmm

A photo posted by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Mar 14, 2016 at 12:31pm PDT

Famed event planner Kelly Cutrone of People's Revolution recalls an event for Agent Provocateur at which she served sweet treats with black frosting. The stains that the black frosting left on her guests' teeth clearly illustrate the importance of choosing the proper caterer who can foresee such issues. An experienced caterer will suggest a menu of light, easy-to-eat snacks and drinks rather than heavy, overextravagant and messy refreshments.

Click on the  image below and enter your details to access our popular canapes menu. 

Marketing and Promoting Your Event

Whether you choose to make your fashion event invitation-only or open it to any who wish to attend, the decisions you make in promoting your event are key to its success.

Done and Dusted president Ian Stewart, the event planner behind the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, recommends taking advantage of social media to provide "teasers" for your event, thereby engaging your attendees and "mak[ing] them integral to the event."

By keeping the above factors in mind, you can create a memorable fashion event that tickles your guests visually as your food pleases their taste buds.

Corporate Events: Not Another Boring Work Lunch!

In this guest post, Kim Jones talks about working lunches and how catering can be used to help focus on outcomes.

Well, I remember very well when my boss would give me a project with a tight deadline. My thoughts would race… “How am I going to deliver a global program for employees with sensational outcomes?” Out would come my GANTT chart ready to capture time, tasks and people. “How do I engage everyone and bring them on the journey?”

With short deadlines and your team working on multiple projects, it’s really important to have your team giving priority to your project. One of the best ways to evoke a positive response is to invite your team to a working lunch. Why? Some reasons are that working lunches may:

• Sometimes, lunchtime is the only time that is available when a large team’s availability is limited
• It takes your team out of the normal style of meeting
• Encourages people to be more open
• Eating while you work makes the atmosphere more casual and open
• Free meal! Saves your team buying their own lunches!
• Helps to make use of every moment when time is of the essence

But beware that working lunches have been done to death and bad catering experiences can completely undermine the purpose of a working lunch.

So here are a few pointers.

Not boring sandwiches!

Sometimes the thought of another boring working lunch brings terror and annoyance to some team members because they may:

• hate what’s offered for lunch – “how can I focus on work when I would never eat this type of food”
• can’t eat a particular type of food be allergic/sensitive to what is offered
• drop the food down their front and are incredibly embarrassed, or
• realise that their food etiquette is under scrutiny by their boss and are incredibly embarrassed.

As mentioned in a previous blog, life, if you didn’t realise, revolves around food! There is an art to weaving emotions into the preparation even a simple meal.

So for a working lunch, here’s the recipe:

• Add to the bowl a mix of corporate hearts who want to deliver a project
• Ask attendees in advance to select from a menu that accommodates any allergies
• Add food that is interesting and healthy that hits the spot!

Here are some tips to make your working lunch add to the success of your project outcomes:

Plan Ahead

Give yourself plenty of time to find the right service provider who can deliver the right catering to your working lunch.

Time Management

Have the catering set up to the side before the meeting.Start your meeting with hot drinks. Research shows that people are more likely to pay attention and be comfortable after a hot drink.  Very little in life can’t be improved by putting the kettle on.

How about  a well-deserved office coffee outing to one of our favourite cafes at the Australian National Maritime Museum on the Harbour or the beautiful State Library NSW?

 

No good weekend starts with a juice cleanse, COFFEE is the name of the game! Try our cafes at @statelibrarynsw and @anmmuseum #out #cafelife #coffeeaddict #coffeegram #coffeelove #cafe

A photo posted by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Jan 30, 2015 at 2:16pm PST

Don’t burn your lips! Sitting down with a hot drink with your working lunch, while talking a project through, slows the pace of discussion. It takes longer to drink hot drink. As you sip, it gives you time to listen to others or talk to the people you’re with about the program.

Make your working lunch work!

So make your working lunch deliver your project outcomes by adding food that works. There’s a lot to do and partnering with the right service provider will make the lunch simple and successful.

More about the author

Kim Jones is a non executive director on private company, government and not-for-profit boards.

Kim is also a management consultant, with more than 30 years experience with roles including superannuation trustee, investor relations and communications specialist with ASX100 institutional fund managers and financial services companies. The earlier part of her career was spent as a marine scientist, high school teacher as well as promoting new technology at the University of New South Wales.

Kim holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree from the University of Sydney, a Graduate Diploma of Education, and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD).

Australian National Maritime Museum presents a new waterfront conference and event space

One of Sydney's most popular venues, the Australian National Maritime Museum, recently underwent a refurbishment. The upgrade brings The Conference Centre, a versatile series of spaces with jaw-dropping harbour views and features that make this new venue perfect for corporate events.

The Conference Centre, opening in November this year, features a dedicated entrance, 13-metre-tall glazing and an  entertainment terrace looking over Pyrmont Bay toward Barangaroo.

The venue features the capacity for up to 120 guests for day conferences or up to 200 guests for cocktail events. The available spaces make this new venue perfect for conferences, day-long meetings, evening events and corporate off-site meetings. An audio-visual suite is also available for use. Laissez-faire's award-winning menus are presented in the specially-designed servery.

If that's not enough,  The Conference Centre is also home to the Wal Gentle Boardroom. This  solid timber boardroom is in keeping with the museum's maritime heritage mission. The Boardroom offers an elegant contrast to the rest of the venue spaces.

Museum director, Kevin Sumption, said,

“We are delighted to be able to offer a previously private wing as a venue for commercial hire and cater to increasing demand for event spaces in this vibrant and growing Darling Harbour location. The Conference Centre emphasises the uniqueness of our venues spaces. We are thrilled to be able to host business events combined with visits to our galleries or evening cocktails on the helipad of an ex-naval destroyer, the HMAS Vampire. It allows us to share Australia’s maritime history and heritage in a dynamic way.”

The Conference Centre is a new and exciting venue for event organisers to experience and for guests to enjoy.  If you'd like to know more about The Conference Centre at the Australian National Maritime Museum, contact us.

You might also be interested in our canape and conference menus.

Theme Ideas for Your Next Corporate Christmas Party

As the last month of the year rolls around, it's time to celebrate your employees' accomplishments and reign in the new year. With a little research and creativity, you can plan a party that will be talked about for years to come. Here are some theme ideas that can turn your next corporate Christmas party into a blast rather than an obligation.

James Bond, 007

A 007 themed Christmas party is the ultimate mixture of cool and class and will guarantee a great time for all employees. Imagine a swish city venue, cocktails aplenty, black ties and glamorous dresses.

We catered an event just like this at the YOTS cafe at the Australian National Maritime Museum. Check out some photos below!

Embrace Summer

We Aussies know how to turn the tables on a white Christmas, so let's embrace a summer-themed corporate extravaganza. Substitute the traditional Christmas tree with a palm tree, set up tables with umbrellas, make sure beach balls are aplenty, and bring your best pair of shades. Hot dogs, hamburgers, barbecue, corn on the cob, and potato salad will bring summer's warmth to your party. Don't forget to play Vacation by the Go-Go's and California Girls by the Beach Boys.

 

Tonight's salad bar ..#venuecatering #events #eventcatering #catering #laissezfaireevents

A photo posted by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Jun 21, 2015 at 3:44am PDT

White Christmas

Bring the joy and magic of a winter wonderland to your corporate party with white and winter-themed decorations. White chairs, tablecloths, ornaments, angels, snowflakes, and snowmen will liven spirits and set the holiday mood. Artificial white Christmas trees can mimic a snow-covered forest, and accents of silver can create the sparkle of snow glistening in the light. Have your guests wear white attire to complete the scene. Light-colored foods such as eggnog work best for this theme, though all types of cuisine are welcome. Just tread carefully around dark-colored sauces and drinks, which can stain white clothing.

 

Christmas cookies, were really getting into this festive season for our clients!! #cookies #Christmas #holidays #food #dessert #gifts #catering #events #Sydneysbest

A photo posted by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Dec 11, 2014 at 4:26am PST

Christmas Around the World

Celebrate the diversity of your employees with an internationally themed holiday blowout. Of course, food will be the star of this show. Have your employees bring their own traditional dish, or set up food stations featuring different cultural cuisines. For example, you might have a Japanese station with sushi and onigiri, an Italian station with lasagna and pasta, and a French station with crepes and pastries. With so many different cultures, you'll want a spacious venue to accommodate the decorations. Check with your employees first to make sure the decorations are tasteful and genuine. If you have the budget, you can also hire cultural performers to make your party a true hit.

 

Sushi station #anmm #catering #laissez_faire_catering #pirates #anmmuseum

A photo posted by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Dec 14, 2015 at 10:34pm PST

Circus

Nothing says fun like a circus! Invite the office to a night out at a spectacular venue to watch contortionists, fire-breathers and other circus performers while they sip on refreshments and enjoy canapes.

We catered  an event just like this at Fairground Follies .

Fairground Follies, located at the Antique Mechanical Music Museum, features a most exciting and unique collection of fairground and mechanical music and is available for functions and tours.

This venue and theme combo  would be a great talking point for your employees  for the entire year!

Christmas Karaoke

While the previous two themes focused on color and food, this one is all about music - as performed by your employees. Pass around a signup sheet and have your employees write down their song of choice. Rent a karaoke machine, and let the fun begin. If that's not enough, turn it into a competition with solo and group categories, a "remember the lyrics" segment, or even a musical video game segment. After all is sung and danced, make sure to have a DJ or live band to finish off the night in style. Decorations can include cutouts of famous music artists, musical notes, and famous lyrics printed on napkins or tablecloths. The menu can range from light appetisers to a buffet style station to traditional dishes. Musically-themed desserts add a nice touch.

 

Cocktails anyone? #events #laissez_faire_catering #catering #latenight #cocktails #drinkservice

A photo posted by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Feb 9, 2016 at 12:20am PST

6 Venue Choices for Your Next Corporate Christmas Party

In this guest post, Kim Jones talks about the winning points for seven venues in Sydney.

Jingle bells and jingle that phone! There are only around 13 weeks until silly season starts with a frenzy. If we cut out weekends, we only have around 65 sleeps to go so it’s time to get started on where you’ll hold your Christmas function!

Here are seven great venues and their winning points:

1. The Island

• Australia’s most exclusive, first and only floating beach club
• Positioned anywhere in Sydney Harbour
• Picturesque views of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House
• Up to 200 guests.

The Island is a perfect choice for your Christmas party if you want to:

• Experience Australia’s first and only floating beach club
• Combine European beach club culture with the iconic Sydney Harbour
• Enjoy 5 star service and picturesque views of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House
• Relax on beautifully decorated VIP cabana’s and daybeds
• Arrive in a private taxi water service
• Savour a fresh summer menu, cocktails and canapés customised for your event.

Read more about what your event will look and feel like at The Island.

2. Harbour 220

• Located on the 15th floor of the Hudson Building on Macquarie Street
• Exclusive and intimate venue in the heart of Sydney’s CBD
• Stunning views of Sydney Harbour
• Overlooking the Opera House and Botanical Gardens
• Up to 150 guests.

Harbour 220 is for discerning clients who enjoy spectacular expansive harbour and city views:

• Elegant and sophisticated
• For functions, events and Board meetings
• Fabulous outside balcony
• Secure parking in the building.

Read more about what your event will look and feel like at Harbour 220.

 3. Inglis Newmarket Stables

• From 32 guests to 1,000 guests
• Located in Randwick near the University of NSW
• Only 10 mins form Sydney’s CBD
• Secluded destination set on an incredible 11 acres.

With its majestic ceilings, this vintage barn style venue is surrounded by manicured gardens, towering fig trees and heritage listed buildings and provides the perfect backdrop for:

• Different rooms and spaces that lend to any size function or event
• Warm country heritage ambience in the city
• Privacy around your celebration.

Read more about what your event will look and feel like at Inglis Newmarket Stables.

4. Australian Technology Park Conference Centre

• The most original conference and exhibition venue in Sydney within 4kms of Sydney’s CBD
• Expert event management team with personalised coordination services at your fingertips
• Outdoor sporting facilities for corporate team building
• Different dedicated venue spaces to accommodate from 140 to 5,000 guests
• 1,000 rooms of accommodation in nearby hotels
• Volumes of on-site easy parking.

The Australian Technology Park marries a living heritage icon with state-of-the-art wireless electronic and video conferencing facilities and security to create the perfect space.

A venue of distinction and versatility to accommodate:

• A week of celebrations
• Conferences
• AGM
• Exhibitions
• Gala events like the Australian Fashion Week Award ceremonies
• Product launches
• Video or press conferences
• Easy access for transport of event assets.

Read more about what your event will look and feel like at the Australian Technology Park Conference Centre.

 5. National Maritime Museum

• An architectural icon on the water celebrating our maritime history
• Located on the edge of Darling Harbour with views of the city skyline
• Events on shore or offshore on a vessel, even a destroyer!
• Different venue spaces to accommodate your function from 30 to 400 guests.

The National Maritime Museum is the perfect venue to reflect:

• The Maritime’s history of marine engineering
• A focus of excellence and detail for each venue space to customise size, shape and themes for your event.

Read more about what your event will look and feel like at the  National Maritime Museum.

6. Prince Henry Centre

• Spectacular views over coastal sandstone cliffs and the Pacific Ocean at Little Bay
• 25 mins from the heart of Sydney’s CBD/ 15 mins from Randwick’s Anzac Parade.

Prince Henry Centre is the perfect backdrop for private celebrations with:

• Sustainable and innovative design
• An award-winning function centre
• A range of flexible spaces to accommodate 10 to 250 guests.

Read more about what your event will look and feel like at the   Price Henry Centre.

Don’t leave it too late!

Enjoy your Christmas party planning; there are a lot of spectacular venues to choose from!

If you'd like some more information about any of our venues   for your  corporate Christmas party, don't hesitate to contact us  or make an enquiry about a venue. Our team would be happy to help you plan a spectacular Christmas party for 2016.

More about the author

Kim Jones is a non executive director on private company, government and not-for-profit boards.

Kim is also a management consultant, with more than 30 years experience with roles including superannuation trustee, investor relations and communications specialist with ASX100 institutional fund managers and financial services companies. The earlier part of her career was spent as a marine scientist, high school teacher as well as promoting new technology at the University of New South Wales.

Kim holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree from the University of Sydney, a Graduate Diploma of Education, and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD).

Top 6 Work Christmas Party Catering Tips

It's time to plan this year's work Christmas party. One of the most important points to cover early is catering. Being creative can be fun, but you'll want functionality and enjoyment to be your top priorities. Knowing a few tried and true catering tips can help you ensure your party goes off without a hitch. Here are six strategies to help you celebrate your team's accomplishments and reign in the new year in style.

Farm To Table

Festive, flavorful, and healthy, farm to table foods will delight your guests' taste buds while supporting local farmers. You'll have a wide selection of meats, cheeses, vegetables and fruits to work with, broadening your menu and helping ensure you have something every guest will enjoy. Going farm to table also ensures that your menu contains only the freshest and most nutritious foods - a perfect way to keep step with the holiday cheer. A secluded stable makes the perfect rustic setting.

 

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

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

Let Your Food Serve as the Decorations

Save money and setup time by having your hors d'oeuvres delight the eyes as well as the tongue. These bite-size snacks are colourful enough to steal the spotlight and set the mood for the rest of the meal. Hors d'oeuvres can range from cold meats to dips to sliders and everything in between. Farm to table cheeses, fruits, and vegetables can be served on large platters alongside flowers and decorative bowls and glasses. Have a mix of hot, warm, and cold dishes to please a variety of tastes and preferences. Potato salad, macaroni vegetable salad, wraps, and hummus are all winning ideas. You can also incorporate international cuisines such as Chinese dumplings, sushi, and English muffins to celebrate diversity.

 

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

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

Stick with Tradition

There's no shortage of creative, perhaps even outlandish catering ideas, but many of these can be hit or miss. Traditional decorations have survived the test of time, and there's no shame in keeping your decor simple and recognisable. White, red, green, and silver are the colours of choice, perhaps with some gold to tie it all together. A traditional Christmas tree, lights, ornaments, bows, ribbons, and holly are all you need. Keep it clean and functional - the last thing you want is for your guests to trip on a stray pine cone.

 

Welcome to the jungle #eventinception #events #eventcatering

A photo posted by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Aug 27, 2015 at 11:36pm PDT

Go with a Buffet Style Setup

Serving a specialised meal for each guest makes for a daunting task. Instead, let your guests build their own plates on the spot. Like a buffet, you can set up stations for different categories of foods - seafood, pasta, vegetarian dishes, desserts, etc. Your guests can dictate their own portion sizes and recommend foods to one another. This setup also promotes interaction, taking the pressure off of you.

 

This what we like to see, a little sharing is caring.. Some cheese with that piece of pear, please!.. #food #foodislife #events #catering #antipastoideas #foodplatters #sharing #summerevents #Sydneyevents #Sydneycatering #eventcatering #eventvenues

A photo posted by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Oct 8, 2014 at 4:50am PDT

Bring Seafood into the Mix

While steak and chicken are perfectly fine, adding more seafood selections can liven up the party. Cocktail shrimp makes for a refreshing appetiser while crab, lobster, clams, and scallops add class to the main event. Match the menu with the venue and choose a building with a beautiful view of Sydney Harbour.

 

Lunch? Corporate events, unforgettable cuisine that will bring a smile to all your guest #eventcatering #cateringsydney #events #laissezfaireevents

A photo posted by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Dec 5, 2014 at 5:12pm PST

Diversify the Drinks

No party is complete without drinks, and the more variety, the better. Wine and liquor are traditional favourites, and champagne is a no-brainer (be sure to prepare your toast). Have cold lemonade, iced tea, and apple cider ready for the non-drinkers. Hot drinks like mulled wine, hot toddies, or even hot chocolate provide a warm welcome.

 

Mean while: epic pic of Champagne on ice, from earlier this week.. #Events #beverages #champagne #Fridays #eventcatering #eventvenue #catering #Sydneycatering

A photo posted by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Oct 23, 2014 at 8:17pm PDT

Event Inception 2016 Showcase - Laissez-faire at Studio No. 2

Event Inception 2016 took place on the 9th and 10th of August this year. It was once again a fantastic experience for the Laissez-faire team to show off our strengths in catering.

Laissez-faire was honoured to cater for Studio No.2 at the Commune Waterloo venue - styled as Moody Hues. Event Inception is organised by Decorative Events & Exhibitions (DE&E).

Check out some more information and images of our setup and delicious food here!

Here's what DE&E said about Studio No.2, Moody Hues: 

Step back to old world elegance, true opulence with a contemporary twist. Moody Hues starts with a matte monochrome base, with gold gilded chandeliers building additional layers of richness with many personalities. Experience deep inky blues and slate greys, crystal, burnished copper and brass tones which are carefully paired with large scale florals adorned across tabletops of indigo linen. Lighting is measured and subtle, guiding you to search for the hidden treasures across this collection. 

Stunning food that leaves a lasting impression is what Laissez-faire is all about. Creating a bespoke menus written by the Director of everything food, George Sinclair, is what we do best, engaging with our clients to offer a tailored menu providing the freshest ingredients and flavour from paddock to plate.

Click on the image below to watch DE&E's exclusive experiential showcase presenting the forefront of events from Sydney's most premium suppliers:

Event Inception 2016 Show Reel from Decorative Events on Vimeo.

Laissez-faire can't wait until next year's Event Inception!

Laissez-faire at City2Surf 2016

On the 14th of August, thousands of Australians participated in the City2Surf marathon to raise money for various charity organisations.

Laissez-faire was very happy to cater breakfast and lunch for Team Bandaged Bear on the day. The runners were certainly in need of some good food and refreshments to congratulate them on raising over $470,000 (and counting) for the Children's Hospital at Westmead and for being part of such a worthy cause.

Andrew Fish, Children's Hospital Fundraising Manager, gave us wonderful praise:

Laissez-faire is once again looking forward to getting involved at the event next year. While the runners are training hard, we'll be getting our delicious menus ready!

Click the banner below to get access to your free BBQ menu:

Events and Catering Showcase: Event Inception 2016

Here at Laissez-faire, we love celebrating our achievements and continuing to provide top quality service and food to all of our clients. On the 9th and 10th of August this year, we had the pleasure of showcasing our catering strengths at EVENT INCEPTION 2016.

Sydney’s leading events industry showcase, EVENT INCEPTION 2016, was host to 500 attendees and an impressive range of partners and suppliers, including Laissez-faire.  

Last year, EVENT INCEPTION took advantage of the spacious areas at one of our favourite venues, the Australian Technology Park  in Sydney. This year the showcase continued to impress with dining studios and other exhibition spaces at the famous COMMUNE, Waterloo.

The functional and aesthetic warehouse interior of the venue played a big role in the success of the most recent showcase.

 

Wonderful staff #laissez_faire_catering #cliffordwallace #decorativeevents #av1

A photo posted by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Aug 10, 2016 at 7:14am PDT

 

True style #moodyhues #events #catering #event #laissezfaire #eventinception #eventinception16

A photo posted by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Aug 11, 2016 at 12:06am PDT

Laissez-faire had the honour of offering up its services for a “theatrical culinary journey”, with an innovative menu and dining experience styled as Moody Hues.

 

What was your favourite dish? #eventinception #av1 #decorativeevents #laissez_faire_catering #laissezfairecatering #eventinception16

A photo posted by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Aug 10, 2016 at 7:08am PDT

 

These were delicious #eventinception #moodyhues #laissezfaire #catering #event #eventinception16

A photo posted by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Aug 11, 2016 at 8:03pm PDT

 Read our statement from the event:

“Stunning food that leaves a lasting impression is what Laissez-faire is all about. Our Executive Chef drives fresh produce and delicious flavours, which makes us the must have catering company for every occasion.

We work with premium and local seafood and beef suppliers, artisan cheese producers and quality local fruit and vegetable growers to develop inspiring, seasonal driven menus that will bring the best produce to your table.

Creating a bespoke menus written by the Director of everything food, George Sinclair, is what we do best, engaging with our clients to offer a tailored menu providing the freshest ingredients and flavour from paddock to plate. We hope you leave our table with a sense of excitement and a satisfied palate… and as Julia Child would always say…..Bon Apetit!!!”

Your Next Corporate Event: The Australian National Maritime Museum

The Australian National Maritime Museum has been a number one venue choice for many of our client's corporate and cocktail events over the past few years. The venue is perfect for small and large events thanks to the many hosting areas on offer.

 

Cocktail parties never looked for great! @anmmuseum #Yots #sydneyvenues #sydneyevents #SydneyHarbour #Sydney #LightHouse #Summer #Cocktails

A photo posted by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Nov 17, 2014 at 2:08am PST

Blending functionality with history, this Sydney Harbour venue could be exactly what you are looking for to complete your next corporate event.

Corporate Event Planning with ANMM

For meetings and corporate events, the ANMM offers different function rooms that can cater to all of your event needs. The Terrace Room, Yots Cafe, the HMAS Vampire, the Theatre, the Tasman Light and Deck Gallery, the Lighthouse Gallery and the Ben Lexcen Terrace offer space for cocktail events, sit down breakfast meetings, luncheon conferences and corporate soirees.

Let’s take a closer look at each of these function rooms:

The Terrace Room

Your guests will take in the stunning views of Darling Harbour and the Sydney skyline. The Terrace Room can accommodate 300 guests for cocktail events and 190 guests for sit-down functions. The view over the water makes it a unique and inspiring venue for any company event. The Terrace also features an outdoor balcony, dance floor and lectern.

Yots Cafe

 

Late lunching- Winning!! @anmmuseum #Yots #beautiful #SydneyHarbour #love #picoftheday #amazing

A photo posted by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Jan 14, 2015 at 7:16pm PST

Yots has the same capacity as the Terrace room and is great for a cocktail event at night or a coffee and sweets gathering during the day. Its charm as a venue comes from its view of the museum’s vessel collection. Yots Cafe also has a great menu, which you can find here.

HMAS Vampire 

The HMAS Vampire can accommodate 200 guests for cocktails and 30 for sit down events. Moored at the south wharf, the vessel provides a popular photo opportunity for tourists and locals alike. The lights of the harbour really make this venue come to life during the night. A corporate event in this decommissioned naval destroyer will certainly be a conversation starter.

Theatre 

ANMM’s theatre can hold 210 guests and is perfect for conferences, presentations and launch parties. It boasts the latest audio visual equipment and plush seating. If your company is celebrating a milestone, this is the place to do it.

Tasman Light Deck 

The Tasman Light Deck contains interesting museum exhibits and is often recommended to be used in conjunction with the theatre. It can host formal dinners, cocktail parties or for refreshments and canapés before entering the theatre.

Lighthouse Gallery 

The Lighthouse Gallery can host a whopping number of guests; 400 for cocktails, 400 for theatre and 250 for sit down events. The floor-to-ceiling windows in the Lighthouse Gallery allow guests to see the spectacular water view and the CBD from an exclusive angle while they feast on canapés  and refreshments.

Ben Lexcen Terrace 

 

Ben Lexcen Terrace for lunch, our clients are certainly enjoying not only the good wine but the views! @anmmuseum #Darlingharbour #BenLexcenTerrace #clienthosting #lunch #SydneyCBD #sydneyevents #eventcatering #eventspace #magnificent #views #waterside

A photo posted by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Nov 23, 2014 at 6:59pm PST

Ideal for any exclusive event, the Ben Lexcen Terrace is spacious enough to accommodate 300 guests for a sit-down meal and 400 guests for a cocktail event.

If you’re still on the hunt for the perfect venue for your next corporate event, the ANMM might be it! The many classy and functional venue spaces wouldn’t be complete without refreshing drinks, exciting canapés and carefully prepared meals brought to you by our  Laissez-faire catering team.

 For more information on the venues on offer at the Australian National Maritime Museum, click here.

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.

Corporate Events: Savour The Sensory Experience

In this guest post, Kim Jones talks about corporate events and how catering can be used to heighten the experience for attendees.

Perfectly captured in movies like “Chocolat”, life revolves around food! There is an art to weaving emotions into the preparation of a feast or simple meal.

Add to the bowl a mix of weary and hardened corporate hearts! Impressing your guests can be a minefield for the fainthearted especially when you’re trying to make your corporate event memorable and keep guests wanting more.

The art of eating is enhanced with timing and creation of concoctions connected to the purpose of the event. Beautifully illustrated in the movie “Babette’s Feast”, it’s unwise to compromise with pedestrian catering! Make your event a visual and sensory experience to remember.

During my 20 years in ASX100 companies I learnt that the project management of a corporate event can be successful, yet sadly will leave no memory of that moment. Our aim is to:

• celebrate milestones
• acknowledge an outcome
• share the company’s vision
• develop lasting relationships, or
• remember a moment in time.

Corporate events need to share the same vision as your company. You need to find a way to weave your message via sensory and culinary delights so that your guests are:

• full and satisfied
• impressed
• surprised
• wildly challenged

Many stuffy corporate events fail to leave an impression because they didn’t inject the beguiling mix of fanciful and grounded sensory experiences. The idea is to lead your guests to a final point of subliminal dedication and emotional commitment that embodies your company’s vision.

What’s The Plan For Your Next Corporate Function?

The Big Picture

You have been given the go-ahead for a corporate event for a specific reason. Here are a few tips to help you create a successful event.

​Align The Elements: Link the purpose of the event (fun, legal, actions, culture building), the company culture and vision to the look, feel and style of the function.

The Theme:  Is there a theme for the event? Adding a theme can add life to the function and make it memorable.​

Measurability Factors:  Are you expected to meet some expectations by hosting this event? Ask management what outcomes they expect so you can put things in place to measure your success.

​Plan Ahead:  Give yourself plenty of time to find the right service providers who can work at your chosen venue. The good ones are already booked months in advance so plan early.

Time Management: ​ The length of the event can often dictate the venue. If for example your function is a company update, within business hours, with minimal down time for employees, no alcohol allowed, then you’ll need to course a venue close to headquarters.

However if the function is a thank you to valued clients or customers, the function may be longer, a sit down three-course meal, on a weekend so partners can attend, with alcoholic offerings and entertainment.

​Location And Venues: ​ A lot of venues have a resident caterer, AV teams, and support staff so be sure to check what resources are available to you when booking service providers. They can usually help you with:

• Logistics
• Catering
• Printing
• Themes
• Invitations
• Bookings
• Travel
• Accommodation
• Speakers
• Entertainment
• AV
• Filming
• Advertising & Marketing
• Communication

Customising Your Catering

Once you have worked out what the feel and format is for your event, the fun part is aligning your catering to match expectations. Don’t forget that you are bringing different elements to life that that align and complement your company’s purpose.

Case Study:

The CEO of our financial services division, in the first year of when he started, wanted a fun event for employees around money.

The venue created a gambling room and the food was themed to money. We had chocolate money and food was shaped as roulettes. Everyone was encouraged to dress up with the CEO lead the way, wearing a roulette tutu. The theme, dress code and catering set the fun tone for the night.

Plan To Please The Majority

Planning a corporate event can be draining on staff who not only need to attend the function but also “work” the room. It’s good to keep the following outcomes in mind:

For guests:

• have fun
• communicate across teams
• see the fun side of the corporate environment rather than red tape
• seeing management as approachable and willing to engage

For  management:

• ​have fun
• acknowledge employees and objectives met
• engage with employees in a more casual environment
• be open to feedback in a safe, non-threatening environment

It’s up to you now!

So get planning and have fun with it! There’s a lot to do and partnering with the right service provider will make the event enjoyable for everyone.

More about the author

Kim Jones is a non executive director on private company, government and not-for-profit boards.

Kim is also a management consultant, with more than 30 years experience with roles including superannuation trustee, investor relations and communications specialist with ASX100 institutional fund managers and financial services companies. The earlier part of her career was spent as a marine scientist, high school teacher as well as promoting new technology at the University of New South Wales.

Kim holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree from the University of Sydney, a Graduate Diploma of Education, and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD).

The Island: Sydney's Best Summer Venue

It's time to start booking your SUMMER 2016/2017 events, and have we got the venue for you. 

As one of Australia's most exclusive and premium event spaces, The Island wows with it's luxurious Sydney Harbour setting.

The floating beach club blends European beach culture with classic Sydney views. 5 star service and an incredible menu  make this venue perfect for a variety of functions and events.

Here are just some of the features available at this venue:

• 350 square metres of space
• surround sound & DJ equipment
• extendable shelter for all seasons
• private water taxi service

The perfect Summer venue isn't so hard to find after all!

Get more information about this venue here or feel free to contact us   about booking your Summer 2016/2017 event.

At The Island, our catering team are serving up  deliciously trendy canapes, refreshing drinks and mouth-watering recipes at our various food stations.

Check out your menu options by clicking on the banner below and filling in your details:

Australian National Maritime Museum Hosts The Women of  Wyvern

Australian National Maritime Museum is a venue that proves waterside locations don't have to be expensive. Delivering an excellent value-for-money experience in a remarkable setting, this Darling Harbour venue recently hosted the stars of the Women of Wyvern (WOW); the real-life Mums of Wyvern House Preparatory School at Newington College in Sydney.

In choosing a venue, the key criteria under consideration were price and good food surrounded by an environment where people could come together informally.

At the Yots restaurant, canapés, drinks and a sumptuous three-course dinner were served by the Laissez-Faire team with a view of the HMAS Vampire, HMAS Advance and HMB Endeavour.

"The feedback on the catering is quite simple. Wow, amazing, delicious, divine! Thank you," said Yamilla.

Some of the dishes served include antipasto platters, pink grapefruit cashew nut coconut salad with spiced caramel appetizer and blue-eye cod with king prawn, tomato and saffron broth with lemon and rouille rounded off by a delectable dessert of buttermilk panna cotta with blueberries and coulis.

If this sounds like the kind of venue you are interested in for your corporate or social event, find out more information here and make sure to check out these exclusive Winter and Spring packages at the Australian National Maritime Museum (from as little as $58 per person).

Click on the banner below to access our stunning Plated menu.

Christmas Party Ideas, Interesting Venues for 2016

Do you think it’s too early to start planning your corporate Christmas Party? Think again! Most companies will already have booked their venues after their previous Christmas party and all of the details of the event will be roughly planned.

Finding it hard to start? We have a few pointers for another awesome Christmas party for you and your staff. Don’t forget to check out our Instagram account for more inspiration.

 

Never too early for a celebration #events #corporateevents #catering #champagne #anmm

A photo posted by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Mar 14, 2016 at 12:31pm PDT

Seal the deal with your caterer

Catering requires planning. Book your caterer before it gets busy. Remember Christmas party month is one of the busiest months for caterers. Booking in too late will make things difficult and you’ll end up with food no one wants. Plus, there are plenty of questions that need to be asked first.

When choosing a caterer, you should have some idea of what you want. Which menu style would you want? What kind of service would you choose? Will it be a cocktail party or a sit-down meal?

 

We love hosting clients for a catch up #events #clients #sydneycatering #newbeginnings

A photo posted by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on May 26, 2016 at 12:42pm PDT

Now, even if you have this entire glorious scenario mapped out in your mind, it is better to ask your caterer the questions. Going over your ideas with your service providers will help get you the best advice and the best outcome. Sign a contract only if you think everything is in place and you are satisfied.

Book an interesting venue

Ask your caterer for venue recommendations if you’re having trouble finding a place that works. They know the difference between a good venue and a great venue, and they know what will work best for your type of event. We would suggest our newest addition to our long list of awesome event venues - Hyde Park Barracks.

Hyde Park Barracks can seat 350 - 1500 people depending on the type of event you have in mind. Sit down dinners or parties may accommodate 350 while a fun cocktail party in Hyde Park Barracks can accommodate up to 1000.

This venue has a pop up marquee courtyard, customised dance floor and twilight garden. Not to mention it’s a famous UNESCO World Heritage Site used to house convicts back in the 19th century. A good conversation starter, right?

Some other venue ideas for your corporate Christmas party include:

• The X Studio
• The Island
• Royal Botanical Gardens
• Australian Technology Park
• Harbour 220

Plan the event!

A good exercise to do during the planning stages is to imagine the event in your mind and point out any issues or possible risks. This way you can create contingency plans before anything goes wrong.

Aside from the catering and the venue, you will also need to plan invitations. Since this is a corporate party, a simple email newsletter or e-invite to all staff is the best way to do it.

It’s time to start planning for that special once-a-year event and bring together your staff for a fantastic celebration to remember.

Thinking about a Christmas dinner for you and your staff? Click on the banner below to see our  fantastic plated menu which you could enjoy at one of our venues.

Outstanding Tech Ideas for your next Corporate Event

Technology is behind the running of businesses across many industries today. Unfortunately technology is often underused in the events industry. If you’re someone who doesn’t utilise tech so well, this post is for you. Here’s 6 tech trends that will make your next corporate event, meeting or cocktail event instagrammable and worth remembering.

 

What a set up.. The Ben Lexcen Terrace.. AMAZING! @anmmuseum stunning! #events #Friyay #Funday #Christmasparties #Sydneycatering #DarlingHarbour

A photo posted by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Dec 4, 2014 at 3:28pm PST

#1 Venue Hunting

Venue hunting was digitised a long time ago. But some more recent apps filter these venues by city, price, capacity and other considerations.

You can also find the perfect venue by asking your caterer! Check out some of our eye-catching venues here.

 

In awe on the AMAZING #SydneyUniVenues just spectacular! The quadrangle is one hidden gem! @sydneyuniquevenues #Sydney #venues #events #bespoke

A photo posted by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Dec 17, 2014 at 4:27am PST

#2 Social Ambassadors

If you want to start some social interaction and increase the number of viewers on your site, get a social ambassador. Social media presence equals exposure, brand recognition and advertising.

Remember the campaign needs to be before, during and after the event. Show the purpose of the event as well as the fun side of it all and don’t forget some behind-the-scenes photos. What better way to get people talking about your event than posting mouth-watering food photos?

 

Lunch time canapés! Delicious #events #eventvenue #eventcatering #canapés

A photo posted by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Oct 20, 2014 at 8:18pm PDT

#3 Live Streaming

Live streaming is in. Twitter has Periscope while Facebook has their new live video feature. Update your fans and followers with what’s happening as it happens. This would work well for corporate meetings announcing a new product release. Viewers will feel like they are part of the event and it’s a great way to stay relevant in the overcrowded social world. 

#4 Event Apps

Event planning apps can compliment your own event planning style if used correctly. These apps make it easy to record what you need, when you need it, budget and time management. After the event it can also act as an evaluation of every aspect of your event.

Feedback is also made easier with the use of apps. Remember when event organisers used to hand out printed evaluation surveys? Event planning apps make this process convenient and more enjoyable.

#5 iBeacon

iBeacon is a new Apple technology (although we’re not here to promote Apple) that is expected to trend this year. In the events industry, this technology is one easy way to connect a roomful of people. One of its major benefit is its networking capabilities. Attendees can easily foster new business connections with other guests.

 

Client Famil at the @anmmuseum thanks @cnielsenpa lovely clients, the food went down a treat! #Maritimemuseum #Yotscafe #cheeseplatter #antipasto #champagne #winetime #cheers!! #wednesdayarvodrinks

A photo posted by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Nov 4, 2014 at 10:55pm PST

#6 Digital Souvenirs

Although guests appreciate a physical souvenir and really awesome gift bags from time to time, a good way to stay up-to-date in event planning and technology is to use digital souvenirs. It’s trendy, new and it frees up some time during planning.

You can give out online coupons or set up a discount code which guests can use at your store of choice. This means less clutter, an environmentally friendly gift and less budget spent on party favours.

What other tech trends have influenced your event planning? Will you use any of these ideas at your next corporate event? Leave us know!

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