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Gorgeous, beautiful, and supremely  "instagrammable": tablescapes are on the rise. Rather than concentrating solely on the artistry of the meals themselves, tablescapes serve up an entire table of food along with well-designed, themed table decor. Tablescapes are an immense and singular work of art, and while they take a lot of additional effort, they produce an incredible "wow" factor.

Here's everything you need to know about the biggest catering trend of the year.

What Exactly is a "Tablescape"?

A tablescape blurs the line between the decor and the food, making it so that the decorations and the food blend seamlessly into a specific theme. Seasons, colour-scapes, or the type of event may be used to create the designs. Tablescapes are so incredibly visually dramatic because the entirety of the table is a single art piece. Often, a single, large design is laced through the center of the table.

What Are the Advantages of a Tablescape?

Why are tablescapes becoming so popular? It's because they have a number of advantages over traditional, discrete catering services. Here are a few of the major advantages:

• Tablescapes help set the mood of the event. Considered, to be elegant, sophisticated, and classy, tablescapes become a part of the decor. With a well-designed tablescape, you barely need to decorate the rest of the venue. The tablescape becomes a centrepiece to the venue, and you can get away with less decor overall. 
• Tablescapes are extremely shareable. If you're hosting an event that you want to be photographed and shared, tablescapes are perfect. Tablescapes set the scene, making for gorgeous pictures that will be the envy of many. This is perfect for an event that you want to be well-photographed and well-shared. 
• Tablescapes are becoming very popular. Modern caterers are interested in designing tablescapes, and they've become quite efficient at it. A caterer is going to be able to make an excellent tablescape very quickly, thereby improving upon the event as a whole.  
• Tablescapes immediately elevate an event. As they are considered to be very sophisticated, a tablescape can automatically elevate an event to something that is more professional, polished, and intriguing. 

All of these advantages mean that a tablescape isn't just gorgeous in and of itself: it's also a shortcut for making the event as a whole better. 

What Are the Challenges for a Tablescape? 

As attractive as it is, tablescapes aren't without their challenges. There's a reason why an expert caterer is needed for a tablescape. Some challenges include:

• Not overcrowding the table. As there are designs and food on the table, it's important to still provide enough space for the diners.
• Creating a complete, thematic design. A design requires both art and utility, and it demands both aesthetic sense and experience.
• Providing high quality food. Food can't just be beautiful; it also has to be delicious. It's important that the taste still be prioritised over service.

All of these challenges can be adequately covered by the right caterer, but it highlights the importance of working with an experienced service. 

Examples of Some Gorgeous Tablescapes

The best caterers will be able to produce a gorgeous, custom tablescape by seeing some examples of the type of tablescape that you're interested in. Here are a few examples:

• Seasonal tablescapes. These utilise the colours of the season, as well as fresh produce that is available that season. Often, a seasonal tablescape is going to feature accent pieces that relate to holidays that are within the season. Autumn tablescapes could feature oranges and browns, along with fall leaves, and the dishes may feature things such as citrus, wine, and cinnamon. 
• Floral tablescapes. These use flowers and plants to decorate the tablescape, making a table that looks like a giant bouquet. Fresh cut flowers can be incorporated directly into the design, though care must be taken to not include heavily fragrant flowers that could potentially damage the taste of the food. Fresh flowers are perfect for light, bright, and airy events. 
• Minimal tablescapes. These hyper-modern tablescapes make the food the focus, but still integrate the table into the design. Colour can be used to emphasise the food on a minimal tablescape, by making it greyscale and making the food really pop. Alternatively, only a few very simple items of decor could be used to surround the food, and emphasise it. This lends itself to fusion foods and small bites. 

You can take a look at tablescapes on Pinterest and in design magazines for more information and inspiration,   or talk to the experts at Laissez-faire Catering  for table  and tablescape  design    ideas.   If you already have   created a pinboard, you can show it to us to find out more about what   possible design  we can offer you.

What is an event without the right venue and caterer? In many cases, your venue and caterer will go hand-in-hand: they need to be able to work well together. Here are some tips for finding a caterer and a venue for your next corporate event.

Should You Find a Caterer or a Venue First?

Unless you're interested in a specific type of venue, it's better to find a caterer first. Many caterers have a list of venues that they prefer. Caterers need specific setups to be able to perform their best, and they'll know which venue is best-suited to their work. A Sydney caterer will have experience with Sydney venues, as well, and be able to tell you whether your corporate event would be better in a specific location.

How can you find catering options in Sydney?

• Word-of-mouth. Asking around can help you find a caterer that your colleagues have had good experiences with. Many people remember particularly memorable food and service, especially at larger events.
• Online reviews and presence. Online reviews and social media can direct you to the caterers in your area. Search for caterers that have posted food and services that look good for your event.
• Venues themselves. If there is a specific venue that you're interested in, you can always ask them who they often use for catering. They'll be used to using this vendor, and will be knowledgeable about their general capabilities.
• Once you've found a caterer, you can begin actually planning your event. Often, a caterer will help you plan out many aspects of the event, and will be able to advise you on their needs from you as well.

Of course, once you've connected to caterers in your area, you can interview with them and get quotes from them to find out whether they're right for your next corporate event.

Looking for Corporate Event Venues in Sydney

If you're looking for a corporate event venue on your own, you can look online first. As with caterers, you can look through online reviews to determine whether their reputation is good. 

Google Map search will help you find venues that are near your office, but you still need to check the ratings of the venue to make sure they're up to your standards. Pages on social media will also host reviews, telling you what you can expect from the venue — and, of course, you should always do a walkthrough first.

Before choosing a venue, consider:

• The type of event you're having. Do you need a sitting, dining, or standing room? Are you looking for a more formal or casual atmosphere?
• The amount of people coming. Make sure you know exactly how many individuals are arriving, and make sure that you leave some wiggle room.
• Whether you can host it in-office. If it suits your event, your caterer may be able to help you host your event in-office, to save on money.

Once you've chosen both a venue and a caterer, you will begin working with them to determine the theme and the design of your new corporate event. Your venue and caterer will help you shape this event, because they'll tell you what their capabilities are, and what they advise. 

General Tips for Finding a Caterer or Venue in Sydney

There are a few questions in particular that you should ask when you're interviewing a caterer or a venue:

• How long have you been in business? The longer a caterer or venue has been in business, the more competent and experienced they will be. A caterer who has been in business for a long time is likely to be able to adapt very easily to new situations, and will be more capable if unexpected events occur.
• Have you done this type of event before? Some caterers or venues specialise in specific types of events. Some do mostly corporate events, others do mostly private events. Make sure that you find a caterer and venue that has completed a significant amount of corporate projects before.
• Do you have a portfolio of your work? A portfolio will be an excellent way to determine whether the caterer or the venue produces the food and services that you're interested in. 
• Can you give me a quote for this event? Often, you may want to get a quote from several vendors. But don't just go with the cheapest one: you'll need to investigate what you're getting for the cost.
• Where do you source your food from? Today, many people are looking for caterers that have sustainable, green food sourcing methods. Fresher, local foods are often more impressive.

When answered, these questions will give you more of an insight into whether a caterer or venue is right for you.  Need help finding the right venue for your next corporate event?  Laissez-faire Catering can help - contact us today for expert advise.

Laissez-faire Catering  is proud to be a part of another perfectly delivered event! Check out the event details and photos below.

Sydney event details:

 Event: Annual Gala Dinner+Alumni Awards 2019

Date:  23 May 2019

Venue:   The Great Hall

Attendance: 170 people

Menu:   Cocktail on arrival + 3 course dinner

CANAPES

Bethrunga lamb with aubergine, sun-blushed tomatoes and olive crostini  Mushroom, truffle and parmesan arancini ball (V)

BREAD
Sourdough bread rolls with organic butter, olive oil and balsamic vinegar

ENTRÉE
Beetroot and gin cured Mt Cook salmon, crushed cucumber, shaved fennel salad, basil oil (GF/LF) 

VEGETARIAN OPTION
Marinated Buffalo mozzarella, peas, broad beans, mint and oven dried cherry tomatoes (GF/V)

MAIN
Lemon pepper spiced Hiramasa kingfish, roasted cherry tomato medley with olive cheeks, baby capers and lemon thyme (GF/LF)

Dijon crusted Wagyu rump, soft gorgonzola polenta, sautéed mushroom herb jus (GF)  Roasted winter vegetable tian, chimichurri tomato and edamame (VN)

DESSERT
Caramelised pear tarte tatin, candied walnut, brandy anglaise

APRES
Organic and sustainable coffee | Selection of fine teas

DRINKS
Pepperton Estate Brut Cuvee | Pepperton Estate Sauvignon Blanc NSW
Pepperton Estate Shiraz NSW | James Boag Premium | James Boag Premium Light
Espresso Martini ($15 at the bar)

Photo credit:
Joel Mesas
www.joelmesas.com
https://www.instagram.com/joeljowe/

Celebrate your next event at The University of Sydney

 Book your next event at The University of Sydney  or check out our other Sydney venues here.   For enquiries fill out the form on this page   or give us a call on (02) 9209 4810.  We can't wait to hear from you!

Laissez-faire is celebrating its 30th  anniversary of providing excellent catering services all over  Sydney.  Let's take a look back at some of our most memorable events these past few months.   From weddings, corporate events, private events, awards nights and conferences - we've done it all in Sydney!

Corporate Events Sydney

Awards Night Events Sydney

Conference Sydney

Charity Event Sydney

Launch Events Sydney

Christmas Party Sydney

Wedding Events Sydney

Private Parties Sydney

Looking for fresh ideas for your wedding or next business or private event? As you can see, Laissez-faire Catering has done it all! Give us a call on   (02) 9209 4810.

At Laissez-faire Catering, many event planners, executive assistants and organisations, whether large or small, come to us for their end of the financial year (EOFY) party. Many are seeking solutions and advice to help make this event seamless. You can make your event successful with the professional help of our corporate caterers. We will help you truly reflect what your company's culture is while providing a memorable event where you can relax assured everything is taken care of. 

Your options are plentiful, but in this blog piece we have tried to show you four different ways that you can make your event fit your company's needs through different ideas of serving your employees. We have some of the finest venues open to our company or we can host in-house.

Mingle and Graze: Food and Beverage Stations

Our food and beverage stations work great for large or small venues. If you want to keep things light and fun with no formal seating, this option works great. You can make each station compact or make a large display around the venue depending on the space. Don't be afraid to mix and match, too. This option is not as steeped in tradition as some options because it is meant to be fun and allow your guests freedom to mingle. This keeps the gathering lively and spontaneous no matter what time of day you decide to throw your EOFY party. 

You can get as creative as you want with these. If you want to try some of our signature cocktails, we can set up a station for that. We also offer specialty wines and beers. If you prefer to go non-alcoholic for your event, we have options that will satisfy your crowd, as well. Food options are boundless. You might want a dessert table, seafood table, breakfast table, BBQ table, loaded hot dogs, or even a donut station. Choose any combination of these. Talk to us, so we can help you create the perfect vision for your party. 

Let the Party Come to You: Cocktails and Canapes

This is another option where you can mingle and enjoy yourself with the whole crowd. Whatever activities you decide to do, our impeccable and friendly servers will be there to serve you food and beverage options to fit your theme or company's culture. Cocktails and canapes offers samples of some of our greatest foods that really pack a lot of flavour into one bite. 

We have a few different ways that we can offer the canapes. You may just want to have our servers walk around serving you light finger foods while you enjoy signature cocktails and beverages. Or you can choose from a more substantial canape menu that has a rice bowl included so that none of your guests walk away hungry. Some companies choose to go with a canape-style appetizer menu and then have a seated dinner. 

We offer stunning canapes. Here are just a few examples of some of our most popular canapes:

Cold Canapes

• Peking duck pancakes served with hoison sauce and scallions
• Vegetarian rice paper rolls (Nahm Jim), bonus is that it is vegan and gluten-free
• Sesame seed tuna, soy ginger broth and wasabi aioli

Warm Canapes

• Lamb shoulder croquettes, sumac, chervil, and black garlic (another great gluten-free canape option, too)
• Wagu beef, carmelised onions, tomato, lettuce served on a milk bun
• Tea-smoked chicken skewers, spiced popcorn crumb, and chipotle aioli
• Loaded baby baked potato, sour cream, crispy bacon and paprika dust

We have only just begun to show you the multitude of canapes that we would love to introduce to you!

Sitdown Shared Banquet: Eat a Gourmet Meal in a Relaxed Family-like Environment

Your guests will sit down at the table while we present large dishes that are meant to be passed around the table as desired. This is a very popular option for clients that want to have an intimate sit down dinner and get to know each other a little better. We serve all options with sourdough rolls and fresh butter or olive oil. You can choose between items that include canapes, appetisers, main entrees, sides, and desserts. After everyone is sated, we will finish the night with our fine chocolates and sustainable coffees or fine teas. 

The Full Experience: Sit Down Courses

With the sit down course option, everyone has their own individual meal with main course and dessert as the base option and you can build your menu from there. Laissez-faire is known for delivering seasonal, local NSW menu that is easily one of the best catering options in Sydney. With our sit down courses, you have a lot of choices. We even have add-ons of palette cleansers, cheese plates, nespresso bar and highlighted shared plates for everyone at the table. Be sure to check out our latest winter menu! 

Call Laissez-faire Catering for Your EOFY Event Today

We can't wait to help you at your next EOFY party. We have a multitude of options which will ensure that your event will be unique and memorable to your company. For a limited time, we are offering an EOFY special that can be found here. 

How does your organisation celebrate its End of Financial Year? An EOFY celebration is the perfect time to treat your staff, celebrate their milestones and keep them motivated. It's important that an EOFY remain on target and not to dry, while making it clear that the employees are the focus. At Laissez-Faire Catering, we understand the need to make your corporate events spectacular and memorable. Here are some tips for making it a party you can truly celebrate.

Take It Out of the Office

Most employees don't want to celebrate financial goals in the same place that they met those financial goals. Book a spectacular venue and you'll be on your way to a spectacular party. Some of the best venues at the moment are the Urban Winery Sydney and The Venue Alexandria, but at Laissez-faire Catering we're constantly exploring the best options for our customers. 

Consider matching your catering to your office culture. If you have an active, outdoorsy office, consider an outdoor park or other scenic venue. If you have a high class, sophisticated office, it may be time to visit a lounge or contemporary restaurant. Booking a venue cuts down on the amount of decoration and planning you need to do on your own.

Create a Bespoke Canape and Drinks Menu

It's the food that most people are going to remember. You can take to the Laissez-faire Catering team about creating a bespoke canape and drinks menu, focused on celebrating your team and its accomplishments. Canapes are a great solution for EOFY celebrations, because they let employees get a little of everything rather than focusing on a few large meals. Canapes allow employees time to socialise and celebrate while also snacking in between.

Drinks are also a large part of the celebration, whether alcoholic or non-alcoholic, and they shouldn't be forgotten! A good cocktail can be a memorable event in and of itself, especially if it's done with style. 

Choose a Unique Theme for Your EOFY Party

A unique theme is beneficial for nearly every corporate celebration, because it gives you a fun and entertaining starting point. A theme will guide you while you make decisions about food and drink, while also informing your decoration and color decisions. Further, a theme gives employees something to expect and get excited for: they can even consider dressing up to a theme.

For an EOFY party, you can consider something fun and frivolous (to ease any stress and tension) or something sophisticated and dashing (to celebrate financial success). Choose a theme that aligns well with the values and the mission statement of your company culture, and you'll make it easier for your employees to look forward to the celebration. 

Balance Your Celebration and Your Socialisation

An EOFY event often needs to give out awards, discuss company milestones and tackle the future of the company. But between these important, critical events, it's also important to let employees relax and socialise. An EOFY should have some brief speeches, awards and other events, while also having entertainment and leisure activities available.

It's important to give employees free time, so they can talk, eat and drink. If employees don't have this time, it'll just feel like another company-focused seminar, rather than a real reward and celebration. At the same time, taking some time to acknowledge individual employees, give out awards and celebrate the company's success will show the employees that they are valued. 

Combine It With Some Time Off

The end of the financial year is often a stressful time, with many departments struggling to meet milestones or wrapping things up. It can be a good idea to balance an EOFY celebration with time off: schedule it just before a long weekend, or schedule it as part of a larger corporate retreat. That means employees are already going to be in a great mood, and they're either going to be looking forward to their time off or already enjoying it.

Larger, corporate retreats also give you the chance to integrate your EOFY celebration with a specific, company-building venue, and team-building exercises. If your company has a strong, focused culture and you want to build upon it, a corporate retreat can be a good way to do so. In a corporate retreat, you can control all the elements of your EOFY celebration, while making it part of a bigger journey.

Laissez-faire Catering's Exclusive EOFY Offer

Working with a caterer can help you bring your EOFY celebration from concept to creation.   From organising your venue to creating a complete catering menu, we'll be able to create an event to remember.

We currently have an EOFY exclusive offer. If you are planning an EOFY event, we'd love to help.   Contact Laissez-faire Catering today  to find out more about our bespoke catering options. 

The Venue Alexandria

Do you have a large awards night a charity dinner or a Christmas party to organise and can not find a big enough venue to host the event? Sydney is running out of options when it comes to venues that can accommodate 500 - 1000 guest and yes you can have a large dance area and room for a large stage and pre dinner area. We got you covered. Call our office today on 02 92094810 to arrange a site visit.

The Venue Alexandria is Sydney's premium event space. It is where event hosts and planners can enjoy the most unique, flexible and innovative warehouse event space and solutions for all types of occasions.

Located conveniently between Sydney’s International Airport and the CBD, we offer clients a large 1,900 square metre, flexible warehouse space with 5 star amenities catering to a wide variety of events including gala dinners, product launches, fashion parades, conferences, corporate functions, weddings and community events. 

We aim to create a unique experience for our clients by providing a one-stop-shop that encompasses an air conditioned venue hire along with 5-star catering, state-of-art audio visual equipment, private internal bathrooms, undercover parking and a 550 square metre pre-function area for the clients to utilise as they wish. 

The Venue Alexandria dares to be different. Make an enquiry or request a quote for this venue  by filling out the form on this page.

Urban Winery Sydney

Australia’s first true urban winery is conveniently located in The Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park. It is a one of a kind, multifunctional space that includes a fully working open winery, event space, wine bar and cellar door.

Urban Winery Sydney is the only place in the city where you can entertain and dine with your guests amongst barrels producing our latest vintage!

Ready to  start planning?

Get expert opinions regarding your next event's venue make an enquiry or give us a call on (02) 9209 4810. We can't wait to hear from you!

If your organisation is interested in going "green," one of the major ways in which you can reduce waste is by improving upon your corporate events. Not only can you work with a caterer that prioritizes sustainability, but there are many small changes you can make throughout your event planning.

Here's everything you need to know about "zero waste" catering and sustainable corporate events.

Organising a Zero Waste Corporate Event in Sydney

Your zero waste event can become a selling point in and of itself, but you'll need support. If your catering service isn't dedicated to sustainability, you can't actually guarantee that food and supplies aren't going to be wasted. Planning is also incredibly important: the better you plan the event, the less likely you are to have unnecessary waste.

Thus, the first step is to find your "zero waste" partner. From there, you can work together to make sure the event is sustainable from the ground up.

Creating a Zero Waste Corporate Event in Sydney with Laissez-faire

"Laissez-Faire Catering is committed to taking the sustainable path in a largely environmentally-unfriendly industry. We consistently implement new methods of reducing waste, attend workshops highlighting eco-friendly practices, and form partnerships with like-minded businesses to decrease our carbon footprint."

- Laissez-Faire

Laissez-faire works hard to ensure that each corporate event is sustainable. There are a few things that Laissez-Faire catering is able to do to promote this type of event:

• Use local, seasonal produce, which produces little to no waste. Local, seasonal produce is far more sustainable, as it costs less in energy to both grow and to ship. Further, accessibility makes it possible for the caterer to get exactly the amount of seasonal produce they need. 
• Use recyclable packaged products and recyclable glasses, dinnerware, and other similar items. When possible, only reusable items should be used. If disposable items need to be used, they should be the type that can be easily recycled. 
• Work with environmentally-friendly, local suppliers. It isn't just enough to focus on sustainability yourself: you need to align yourself with other businesses that share these goals. By doing this, you can encourage the community to become greener as well. 
• Source wines from sustainable, eco-conscious local farms, rather than shipping them internationally. Additionally, spirits, beer, and other beverages can be purchased locally. Eco-friendly wines and spirits are produced in a way that protects and conserves the environment. 
• Use expert measures of food storing, measuring, and predicting, to reduce the amount of food waste. Expertise is the easiest way for a corporate event planner to purchase exactly what they need. Corporate planners need to be able to predict exactly what resources you need. 

Of course, your caterer isn't solely responsible for creating your zero waste event: there are also some ways your company can promote reduced waste, as well. While your caterer will take care of the food and the supplies, you will usually be taking care of decor, travel arrangements, and the venue. 

Creating a More Sustainable Sydney Event

Your caterer only controls your food and associated products; there are other ways you can improve your event. Here are a few tips to improve the sustainability goals of your next corporate function:

• Create a compost for any unused ingredients and uneaten food. 
• Avoid using bottled water; use refill stations and biodegradable cups instead.
• Take a look at all the sources of your products, to make sure they're sustainable and free trade. 
• Try to use digital documents rather than printing tickets and other essential paperwork.
• Add recycle bins around the property so employees are more likely to recycle.
• Consider environmentally-friendly transportation for guests, such as encouraging carpooling.
• Think about environmentally-friendly, biodegradable decorations, such as sustainable cut flowers.

These are only a few of the methods that you can use to improve your sustainability. Once you start your company's green initiatives, you'll be able to find new and interesting ways to contribute to the environment. You can also ask your employees for suggestions.  

If you can reduce the amount that your company is growing away for each event, you can both help the environment and potentially reduce the costs for your business. To get started, you can contact the experts at Laissez-Faire.

Have you ever been to a huge event and wondered how caterers and organisers are able to manage such an organisational feat? Or how do they do it while being sustainable?

Large events can range from personal celebrations to corporate parties to promotional events. Overall, there are 10 million meetings and events held annually all over the world. 

Big events need to cover factors like the venue, catering, entertainment, theming and audiovisual. Each of these aspects will have a budget allocation and the priorities will be determined by the focus or the aim of the event.

With the start of the year is always a busy time for events, countless parties have been booked, corporate events discussed and catering menus planned out to the smallest ingredient.

Managing a Sustainable Corporate Event in Sydney

Managing big events requires lots of staff and manpower. For everything to be successful, the groundwork must be laid out during planning stages. Caterers and suppliers must be sourced and briefed about the event well ahead of time.

All events are different and the way they are managed depends largely on the type of event and the purpose. For example, some events may not require entertainment while others rely on live music or a showcase of some kind.

Venues should be taken into consideration as soon as you know how many guests to expect. For our list of venues suitable for large events, check this out - Laissez Faire venues.

 Sustainable Catering Menu

For large events, a great deal of pressure lies on us, the catering service. But long guest lists shouldn’t scare caterers into sacrificing the quality and taste of the food they plan to serve.

Here are a few tips to make catering for a large party of guests a little easier:

• Use seasonal produce
• Serve foods that can be easily replenished and easily accessed by guests
• Ask your caterer to map everything out in the floorplan. Carefully consider kitchen locations and guest flow
• When dealing with large events Laissez-faire's strategy is to divide the space into different areas with separate kitchens, bars and staff. This allows us to create small events within a large event and will enhance the guest experience by improving service enormously

Weddings and other lavish parties are all about the right food and the right cocktails. Extra-large corporate events (with thousands of guests) are not usually seated since guests are interested in mingling and networking. This type of event will need a different strategy to cater and would require foods that can be eaten easily anywhere while guests socialise.

Catering and Staffing

Another trick to the success of large venue catering is how organisers staff the party. To ensure smooth sailing, the ratio of service personnel to the number of guests should be observed. As a standard, here’s our guideline ratio for various staff to guests:

• 1 bartender for every 50-75 guests
• 1 wait staff for every 10 guests at sit-down lunches and dinners 
• 1 wait staff for every 30 guests at cocktail events
• 1 wait staff for every 40 guests at conference events
• 1 security guard for every 75-100 guests
• 1 function coordinator for every 200 guests

This of course all depends on the type of event you are holding. Change the ratios to suit your event.

Sustainable Catering in Sydney for Large Events

Big events should be aware of sustainable catering. Countries all over the world, including Australia, are trying to build and establish sustainability as a way for life. Big industries like catering should lead by example as a frontrunner in the sustainability practice.

At Laissez, our Foodified policy aims to “take actions to prevent degradations of our natural systems, while supporting the repair and recovery of those systems.” Catering policies such as this can help to change the way large and sustainable events are organised. By making use of composting strategies, minimising use of plastics and use of seasonal and local ingredients in the menu, the catering industry can turn over a new leaf in sustainable practice.

Featured Sydney Venues for Your Next Corporate Event

The Venue Alexandria

Urban Winery Sydney

The world of catering and food is constantly evolving and adapting in a variety of dramatic and exciting ways. 2019 brings with it some surprising new trends, which can be used to make your next event truly stand out. Here are a few of the trends that we've found most interesting, both in food itself and in the presentation of it. 

Use Unique and Inspired Plating Techniques

From sauces on painter's palettes to literal buckets of fresh treats, plating techniques are becoming whimsical and dramatic. Rather than using traditional plates and platters, you can think about the types of plating that would best match your cuisine.

If you're going for a luxe look, consider marble slabs. If you're trying to make your event reminiscent of a tropical getaway, serve appetizers in seashells. You can get truly creative about your presentation depending on the theme you're using for your event. With food, presentation is often just as important as the actual ingredients. 

Pair Savory Foods With Fresh, Bright Flavors

2019 is all about mixing comforting standards with bright pops of flavor, such as adding a zest of citrus to a creamy pasta, or pairing fresh fruits with dark, bitter chocolates. For added effect, seasonal produce and more exotic flavors can be used, differentiating foods season by season.

Farm-to-table remains exceptionally popular, which both continually refreshes menus while supporting the local community. If you want to explore new flavors for your next catering event, consider checking with your caterer regarding the items that are presently available in your area.

Create Complete Tablescapes  Rather Than Place Settings

  Rather than thinking of each meal or course as something individual, instead consider the entire service as a single entity. Creative tablescapes  bring together meals, especially when they're shared plates like charcuterie. You can dress up the entire table in an organic, themed design, to really make every element of the service pull together. 

When you create a complete tablescape  rather than individual place settings, you can create larger, more dramatic staging. Not only do you free yourself to be more creative, but you also create something that's an interactive, whole table experience for your guests.

Add Shared Dining to the Menu

Family-style, shared dining platters are intimate, exciting, and fun. And they don't have to be relegated to wine-and-cheese plates. Shared appetizers and even main courses van encourage people to interact with each other, especially at friendly, social events. Not only does this provide some entertainment for them, but they can discuss as well as enjoy the food.

Small plate, tapas experiences are perfect for shared dining. Everyone can enjoy a little bit of everything, rather than having to commit to a single meal. This also means they'll experience more of the delicious food options... and they're more likely to find something they like, if they have a picky palette.

Get  Into the Materials When Building Your Design

Wood, marble, slate, and other brilliant materials  can be used to make a meal really pop. Using different materials for utensils, platters, and plates is a great way to offset the design of your food and really elevate it to another level. Unique types of material are a topic of discussion, and can draw your guest's eye to the decor.

Apart from that, different materials really impart different experiences when it comes to food. Wooden serving boards are often paired with cheese, meats, and earthy flavors, letting everyone take their food from a communal platter. Meanwhile, cold marble is often used to accent desserts, ice creams, and other cold foods, as they keep the food chilled. 

Put  an Emphasis on the Sweet

Finally, every meal should have a sweet surprise at the end. Classic desserts are coming back, but with modern plating and techniques. The last course of the meal is absolutely going to be the thing that they remember most. And since not everyone likes sweets, some more savory desserts can be tested out.

Dessert platters and chocolate plates are becoming an interesting and often discussed replacement for wine and cheese plates. An assortment of chocolates gives everyone the option of choosing the type of chocolate they like most. Pair it with a lovely chocolate fondue and you'll have a menu that is as delicious and fulfilling as it is interactive.

At Laissez-faire Catering, we're not only at the forefront of these trends—we're creating new ones all the time.  Laissez-faire Catering, based in Alexandria Sydney, is right in the middle of it all: events, food, experiences. If you're looking for a caterer in Sydney dedicated to trying new things, bringing that WOW factor, and introducing your taste buds to something new, give us a call about your next event:  (02) 9209 4810.

I’ve been to lots and lots of parties. Upwards of 100 a year for twenty or more years. And I reckon these three things are the difference between a good party and a smashing one to remember!

I know there is the catering and the grog (Leave that to us!) and the invitations and everything else that goes on, but these three things I have noticed over and over again.

Turn the lights down...

We’re not at the shops. The aim of the game is to have relaxed guests in an intimate setting regardless of the size of your party. Dimmed lighting allows your guests to let their hair out and not feel like a rabbits trapped in the headlights. People feel sexier and are more likely to dance in dimmed lighting. Lower the lights, turn on your lamps or use everyone’s favourite beauty makeover – candles.

Add some spin...

The hands down easiest thing you can do to help you organize and execute a rocking party is using a theme. Whilst elaborate themes are great fun, simple inspiration like a colour, glitter or something significant to you really helps give your planning some focus. A theme ties together your decisions on decorations, food, drink and outfits. Ultimately the party starts way before the event.

Play some tunes…

Six Pink songs in a row is not a playlist! You might love her, I might even like her, but there is an art to making a playlist. It is one of the first things to start when planning, not one of the last. And you’ll need two lists – one for the beginning of the party as people arrive and whilst they are eating, and one to get your dance floor rolling. Start by collecting songs on Spotify or iTunes or whatever you’re going to use. Whenever you hear a song that you love or know is great dance floor hit, add it to the list (shazam is great for this). Once you start it gets easier and easier, and as your list grows you’ll be able to sort the songs into ‘get the party started’ and ‘rock out the dance floor’. 

And one last thing...

RELAX! I know it’s easier said than done, but your people are coming to celebrate with you, not torture you. They love you and are excited to be invited. It can be stressful being in the spotlight, so I suggest spreading the load. We love awesome parties and would love to help.

We have loads of ideas that will compliment yours a bunch of wonderful professionals that will serve the most amazing cocktails and delicious food and will even take the rubbish out at the end of the night.

Laissez-Faire Catering is committed to taking the sustainable path in a largely environmentally-unfriendly industry. We consistently implement new methods of reducing waste, attend workshops highlighting eco friendly practices, and form partnerships with like-minded businesses to decrease our carbon footprint.

Embracing Local Products to Reduce Event Waste

• Laissez-Faire Catering uses sustainable, organic, pesticide-free and antibiotic-free ingredients and products from farms in Berry, Richmond, Erina and urban farms right here in Sydney.
•  We source our wines from vineyards that practice organic and sustainable farming, and suggest sourcing beer, spirits, and specialty beverages from local vendors. 

Avoiding Waste  for Corporate Events

The average wedding or large event produces 400-600lbs of garbage!

• Laissez-faire Catering reduces our impact by utilizing reusable service wares when possible and compostable products when applicable.
• We are committed to composting and recycling both in our own venues and off-site.
• We avoid plastic water bottles (in favor of good old Sydney tap, or glass and aluminum), and avoid all single-use and non-recyclable plastics.
• We use strict food measuring, inventorying, and storing techniques to avoid food waste.

Engaging in Community Responsibility

Laissez-faire Catering is committed to supporting our local neighbourhoods and communities.

Laissez-faire Catering reduces food waste and supports the community by partnering with OzHarvest. OzHarvest is Australia's leading food rescue charity. We collect quality surplus food, distribute it to people in need and divert food waste from landfill.

Learn more about our sustainable practices here.

If you have a specific question about how we can run your event sustainably,  contact us or give us a call on   (02) 9209 4810.

Have you checked out these spectacular Sydney venues...

The Urban Winery Sydney

The multifunctional space of The Urban Winery Sydney allows you to create a truly unique event that’s sure to engage all the senses. Featuring a fully functional winery, cellar door and wine bar and event space, Urban Winery Sydney can cater for up to 250 guests standing and 180 seated.

Your guests can dine amongst the wine barrels in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, however they’ll feel as though they have been transported to the vineyards of regional NSW.

This innovative fusion of realms makes for an ideal meeting place whether it’s a private dinner, client function, birthday party, team night, hens night, engagement party or wedding.

Get in touch with Beata - sales@laissez.com.au - to tailor a package to meet your needs.

State Library of NSW 

The Library has venues to accommodate 10 to 500 people, available for seminars and conferences, corporate and government events, product and book launches.

We are also excited to launch 3 new spaces in 2019. Book a site visit today by contacting   sara@laissez.com.au.

The Mitchell Galleries

 The Mitchell Galleries located on Level 1 of the Mitchell wing offer a rare quality of simple splendour and warm hospitality. Cocktail parties and presentations are accommodated and enhanced by the classical surroundings of Australian craftsmanship along with the current exhibitions.

The Dixson Room

The Dixson Room is located on the ground floor of the Mitchell wing and offers an elegant historic setting with views across the Domain and to Woolloomooloo. This is a warm and spacious room with high ceilings and original oil paintings adorning the walls; it is ideal for conferences, luncheons, dinners and cocktail parties. Often used for sit-down meetings and weddings for up to 120 people.

What are you waiting for?  Contact us about these event spaces for your next Sydney event.

Tired of the same old boardroom or facility? Host your next corporate event in style right on the harbour. Take advantage of Sydney’s natural beauty and the stunning harbour view as you host your guests at your next corporate outing. The Australian National Maritime Museum is a natural match for corporate events of all types.

Popular Corporate Events Celebrated at the Harbour

Laizzez-faire Catering has hosted many events at the stunning harbourside venue at the Australian National Maritime Museum. A few of our most recent corporate events and occasions include:

Fresh Product Launches: Introduce clients and prospects to your latest products - or show off your newest product line to your own sales team and investors. Either way, the stunning harbourside setting makes a lasting impression and ensures your new line gets a great start.  

Milestone Celebrations: An employee with years of service, your founding partners or even customers who have been with you for a number of years; any of these events is worth celebrating in style. The  Sydney Harbour  Function  Centre is the ideal location for a corporate milestone; the stunning views and delightful setting will delight your guests and truly offer a one of a kind experience for your invitees. 

Year End Celebrations: Your brand has accomplished a lot this year - now it is time to bask in your success for a bit. From the high performing salesperson to the support staff that is always there when you need them, a harbourside function is the perfect way to celebrate. 

Board Meetings: You could use the same conference room, but heading to the harbour  allows you to provide your leadership team with an outstanding experience at a stunning venue. You'll be able to relax and enjoy the view, then get down to business. Harbourside  corporate events allow you to make a lasting impression and create a memorable experience for your team. 

Conferences: Hold your next conference, training session or trade event at the harbour.  Leave the catering and planning to us -- you'll be able to focus on running your business and working with your speakers and guests -- we'll take care of the rest. 

Tips for Harbourside  Event Planning

Sydney harbour is a one of a kind destination for corporate events, so spaces book up fast. Begin planning and scheduling your event well in advance so you can secure the dates you want most. Any time you plan a corporate meeting or event, you have to focus on two things; you need to plan and execute a successful event and still run your own business at the same time. You also only plan one or two business events per year and will need to learn everything on the go. Working with a corporate caterer and event planner allows you to create a stunning harbourside event for your business, without taking time away from your other responsibilities. 

Consider taking advantage of the stunning ambience at the harbourside and plan a themed evening that your guests will never forget. Consider trying a themed gathering that matches the locale; maritime  decorations and themed drinks can elevate a simple affair to something memorable. Guests will love attending your event -- and the harbour makes the perfect backdrop for photos and shareable videos. Choose a hashtag in advance for your event and encourage guests to use it on social media. User generated content can help increase brand awareness and acts as social proof that your business is active and thriving. 

Plan a Harbourside Event Today

We make it easier than ever to plan and run a successful corporate event right beside Sydney Harbour; from the menu and drinks to themeing, decorations and more, you'll love being able  to hand the details over to our expert team. Our clients get the peace of mind that comes from knowing their event is running perfectly - -and can actually relax and enjoy their own party. Contact us to learn more about hosting a harbourside  corporate event and make the most of your next meeting or occasion. 

Want a Harbourside venue? Consider the Australian National Maritime Museum   for your next corporate event.  Contact us to make an enquiry about holding your event at this venue.

If you're on the lookout for a new top cafe spot right on  Darling Harbour in Sydney, look no further than YOTS Cafe!

The possibilities are endless at YOTS Cafe, right next to the Australian National Maritime Museum and picturesque views. 

Laissez-faire Catering have hosted luncheons, office parties, corporate coffee breaks, cocktail parties and more at YOTS. It's one of our personal favourite spots to cater (and to sit and enjoy a coffee).

Check out some of these delicious photos from YOTS on the Sydney Harbour. Thanks to all of our cafe visitors, we hope you're having a great Summer at YOTS.

Darling Harbour YOTS Cafe - Picture Perfect

Want to host your next event at YOTS on Darling Harbour? 

Get in touch today and we'll plan the perfect harbourside event at YOTS.

Have some time to peruse the menu? Download it below before you visit.

Download our YOTS Cafe Menu

Are you in charge of planning your corporate celebrations? Or are you looking for new ways to bring your company's employees together? A corporate celebration is really an excuse to help your employees connect on both a professional and personal level, extending your company culture and making it clear that you value them. Here are a few of the top corporate celebration ideas, in addition to what makes them special -- and what venues may be the best option. 

Product Launch

Launch parties are used to build both internal and external hype for a new product. Usually a product launch involves a fairly detailed presentation, which may require a large stage and audio/visual equipment. Following the product launch, guests may eat, relax, and discuss the product that is to come. Product launches are usually planned well in advance and often have members of the press in attendance.

As the eyes of both clients and customers are upon the organization, a product launch is generally a more formal event. Consequently, it's usually held at a formal venue. Product launches should be held in a large area, such as an official conference room, ballroom, or event center. Ideally, many people will be at a product launch, including those who have been instrumental in the product's creation. The Prince Henry Centre, The National Art School, and the University of Sydney may all be good choices.

Milestone Celebration

A milestone celebration is an excellent way for an organization to celebrate its accomplishments, while also generating excitement and buzz moving forward. Milestone celebrations are frequently used as a way to anchor the organization, looking back at what has been completed so far while also covering what still needs to be completed moving forward.

A milestone celebration can be as formal or informal as desired. A small milestone celebration might be celebrated in the company's old cafeteria, while other milestone celebrations may be held in restaurants, museums, or other event spaces. Depending on the number of individuals involved, a milestone celebration can be an intimate gathering or a large, company-wide event. The Venue, La Porte Space, Bangarra, and the Freedom Hub could all be good options. 

End of Year Celebration

An end of the year celebration is really meant to celebrate the hard work that employees offered the company over the year, while also rewarding them with great food and a relaxing time. Food is of the utmost importance, as many of the employees will appreciate foods (and potential bonuses or profit-sharing) more than anything else. An end of the year celebration often involves an assortment of canapes, a meal, and -- of course -- champagne.

Many end of year celebrations are brought to the office, if the office has a large enough event space. If it does not, however, an event space, ballroom, or other large event center may be ideal. End of year celebrations are often done with the entire company in mind, which makes a particularly large space important. Other considerations with an end of year celebration include how drinks will be provided and what entertainment will be available, as guests are likely to stay practically all night. Sone good venues include The National Art School, Roundhouse, or the White Bay Cruise Terminal.

Corporate Awards Night

If you want to motivate your employees, consider a corporate awards night. A corporate awards night serves the dual purpose of showing employees that they have been recognized and showing other employees which values your company wants to emphasize. By giving employees awards of recognition, you can boost their morale and make sure they serve as an example to others.

Corporate awards nights can and should be rather formal, as the formality of the awards ceremony only adds to the feeling of recognition and inspiration. A corporate awards night can be held at a large venue, such as the Urban Winery, The University of Sydney, or the National Art School. It's important that employees have a stage on which they can give a small speech and be recognized. 

Post-Conference Celebration

After a conference, a less formal celebration may be desired to encourage employees to relax. A conference can be an extremely taxing event, and it's important that employees know that their contributions were valued and that the company does want them to have a solid work-life balance.

Post-conference celebrations will often be at a smaller and more intimate location, such as the Coogee Surf Club, The Venue, or the Studio Hub. Primarily, you will want to facilitate inter-employee interactions, so they can easily talk and unwind. 

Are You Ready to Start Planning?

Plan your next corporate event - contact the expert chefs at Laissez-faire  today. Through Laissez-faire, you can get expert opinions regarding your menu and your venue -- the two things that make your corporate events special and memorable.

When planning a corporate event, one of the first things you should think about is having a strong theme. A theme is optional for many personal events, but for a corporate event it's really a necessity. Here are some of the reasons why a corporate event can benefit from a theme.

Event Themes Offer a First Impression of the Event to Employees

Many corporate events can sound generic, such as awards ceremonies, or holiday parties. When employees are told that such an event is happening, they may not be able to get really excited about it: after all, they don't know what to expect. Having a theme gives employees something to latch onto and get excited about, offering a positive first impression.

Event Planners Can Use Event Themes for Decor and Design

Planning an event from scratch is very hard. An event theme gives an event planner information about what type of decor they should invest in. Certain themes lend themselves very well to specific colors, patterns, and decorations. All of this ultimately simplifies the process of planning. 

This is especially true of more common event themes, such as a "beach side or tropical vacation," as there are many examples of these themes that you can look at in design magazines, scrapbooks, and online. 

Event Caterers Can Design Menus Around an Event Theme

An event theme gives your caterer a jumping off point when designing your event's menu. Of all things in a corporate event, the food is arguably the most important. Food is what most people are going to remember the most. 

Your caterer can get creative about matching your food to a theme, potentially based on geography, appearance, ingredients, or season. An arrangement of exciting and unique food will not only emphasize your theme, but also give employees something to talk about both during and after the event.

Event Themes Are Memorable Compared to Events Without Themes

An exciting and whimsical theme event is going to be more memorable than an event without theme, as there's more to distinguish it. A generic corporate event just doesn't have a lot to remember, whereas a themed event can have unique activities, food, and design -- all of which will keep people talking about the event for years to come.

In the future, employees will be more likely to attend corporate events and enjoy them, as they already know that the event is likely to be engaging and fun. Corporate events that are non-mandatory can easily have attendance issues, while making corporate events completely mandatory often strips them of their fun. 

Event Themes Let Employees Work Together

Deciding upon an event theme doesn't have to be the responsibility of the event planner alone. Rather, an event planner can have employees work together to decide on themes and add elements to the theme. This taps into the creativity of employees while also giving them a certain amount of ownership and engagement in the party. The more they engage with the party, the more likely they are to get a party that they enjoy.

Event Themes Can Be Used for Any Type of Corporate Event

A theme is an easy way to plan virtually any type of corporate event. It doesn't matter what type of event it is: a theme can be applied. Moreover, you can choose how much you want to apply the theme. Some events can be heavily themed, with costumes and events, while other themes can be a very light theme that involves only catering and decor. 

Event Themes Let Employees Get Creative and Involved

In addition to letting employees make decisions about a theme, employees can also get creative and involved in other ways. You can host contests that are related to the themes, have employees dress in costume, or have employees participate in making decor. This gives employees some time to connect with the theme of the event, while also giving them some fun things to do together.

Planning and engaging with a corporate event is an excellent team-building exercise, regardless of the type of event. If you're interested in helping employees work better together, having them participate in the planning of a corporate event can have some major advantages. In addition to this, it does reduce the amount of planning that the event planner has to do on their own.

All-in-all, an event theme essentially creates a framework for a corporate event. Meanwhile, employees are able to decide how much they want to get involved with the theme, as well as adding their own input to the event itself. If you want a memorable, exciting corporate event, you need a memorable, exciting theme. You can get started now by discussing your corporate event and your needs with Laissez-Faire.

Is there anything more important or more complex than wedding catering? Not only do you need to create a memorable and exciting spread, but you also need to balance your budget along with determining how many guests will be involved. Taking the planning step-by-step is the only way to make sure that your guests get fed while your sanity remains intact.

Start With the Pre-Planning

Before you begin looking into the numbers, you should have a rough idea of how you want your wedding to be catered. How many guests are you interested in serving? What kind of meals do you envision? Are you going to be having a lunch wedding or a dinner wedding? Are you going to have appetisers and canapes? What about the drinks and drink service?

Most people only have a general idea of what they want before they contract with a caterer. It's after they discuss their goals with their caterer that they can narrow down what they really want.

Connect With a Caterer

It's important to talk to a caterer as early as possible, as if you don't talk to a caterer you won't know what's available or feasible in your area. Your caterer knows everything about per head pricing, seasonal ingredients, and the best ways to make your ideas come true. Further, many caterers prefer to work with specific venues, or need to be booked well in advance; connecting with them early on is the best way to make sure you get everything you need.

Give Your Caterer Some Examples

One of the best ways to get exactly what you want from a caterer is to give them examples of what you want. You can send them images of food that you find particularly appealing, a list of your favourite ingredients, or examples from local restaurants that you really enjoy. When it comes to desserts like cakes, sometimes it can be helpful to bring an example of something that you loved, and let the caterer know about any changes to your example that you would enjoy. 

Finalise Your Guest List

Your caterer is going to need to have a very exact guest list to be able to complete the catering. And that means that you're going to need to finalise your guest list before you can be aware of the full budget. Finalise your guest list as early as possible with a little bit of wiggle room, with the idea that there may be some changes that come closer to the date.

Get Back the RSVPs

Your wedding RSVPs should have given you information about dietary restrictions, in addition to which meals your guests are most interested in. This information will need to be forwarded to your caterer. Often, when sending RSVPs, the choice of a couple of proteins and a vegetarian meal are often offered: as an example, a chicken, beef, or salad plate. This tells the caterer exactly what they are going to need to prepare and for whom.

Decide on the Final Menu

Once you get your RSVPs back, you should know which entrees are going to be served for lunch or dinner. However, you're still going to need to work towards figuring out things such as canapes. Your caterer will be able to produce a full menu for you at this time, and you can work with your caterer to determine what you are most happy with.

Usually, your caterer is going to give you examples of different types of food that they might prepare, and you'll be able to select the ones that taste best to you. These may be based on the season, the general theme of your wedding, and your own personal tastes. 

Finalise Everything as Early as Possible

Nothing related to catering should be left to the last minute, as it requires a lot of preplanning. Changing an appetiser just before an event may seem easy enough, but in fact it could change everything, from introducing scheduling issues to altering the total cost of your catered event.

Once you know which food items you want prepared, you should finalise everything with the caterer. From there, they can begin doing things such as scheduling their labour, planning how the food will be cooked, and making purchases in advance. 

Organising wedding catering may feel overwhelming, but there's a lot that the caterer can take care of for you. Contacting a catering as early as possible is the best way to make sure everything goes off without a hitch. To get started with your planning now, contact Laissez-faire.

Planning a wedding proposal is a major undertaking and might include some sleepless nights. For some, it’s just a spur of the moment decision that feels right.

The New Year is a time for new beginnings and starting with a clean slate and what better way to start it off than by taking your relationship to the next level. Below are 10 New Year’s proposal ideas that you can do.

1. A Surprise Message
2. Flower Trails
3. Party For Two
4. A Ski Lift Marriage Proposal
5. Make A New Year’s Resolution
6. On The Stroke Of Midnight
7. A Treasure Hunt
8. Media
9. Scoot Around Town
10. A Ring And A Box of Chocolates

You can spell out your marriage proposal in a place your partner would never expect. Letter fridge magnets, a printed canvas in your bedroom when your significant other wakes up or getting up early to slip a fake newspaper page into a real newspaper with your personal message of love.

Create a path of flower petals that leads to the engagement ring. It can be from the front door to the bedroom or somewhere nice. Try to spell out “Will You Marry Me?” using those flower petals.

If you want to skip the noise and the chaos, you can choose a great restaurant for this intimate and private night. Splurge on the best champagne and the best dinner at the best dining place in town. Be creative, you can put the ring on top of the dessert, hide it in any food that will be served, or you can simply open the ring box and propose!

If you don’t like getting out, you can light a fire and watch your favorite movies while snuggling, and when the clock strikes midnight or whenever the moment’s right – pop the question.

Write down the phrases in the snow. Be sure that you and your partner can read and see it as you go up the ski lift if you decide to go on a ski adventure.

Make A New Year’s Resolution

If ever you need to bring out the topic of making a New Year’s resolution, ask what your friends and families resolutions are. And when it’s your turn, tell them the expected answers like losing weight, starting a diet, stop smoking and then say out of the blue “Oh, and get _______ to marry me of course”. That will surely floor people, especially your partner.

One of the most romantic ways to get engaged is also one of the most simple. Take the opportunity to propose to your loved one as the bells and the fireworks ring out at midnight in welcoming the New Year. The key to the success of this proposal is the right venue. Pick a special spot, it can be the place of your first date or first kiss or a scenic location. A busy and loud setting with lots of people may not be the best place for a quiet and romantic proposal, but if you enjoy people and the festivities, such a place is perfect for you.

A Treasure Hunt

Send your unsuspecting partner on a treasure hunt that ends with your proposal. You can start with a clue at home or at work (it can be a text message, email or a handwritten message) that leads to a tour of your favorite spots all over town and at the last, most romantic stop before midnight, you can ask your partner for their hand.

Call a radio station, make sure your partner also listens when you make the proposal on air over the radio.

Rent a Vespa, it can be a vintage or a modern one and then invite your soon-to-be fiancé for a ride around town. Just think of “Roman Holiday” when you do this and remind him or her to be safe by wearing a helmet. Hand over the helmet with the ring box already in it and propose right there. After that, you can zip around town and celebrate the New Year.

Buy a box of your partner’s favorite chocolates and replace one chocolate with the engagement ring. When your partner opens up the box and sees the ring, get down on one knee and propose.

Happy new year and good luck with your wedding proposal!

One of the best places to celebrate New Year’s is Sydney, Australia and if you happen to be in Sydney then it’s your lucky day because there are so many places to go to close out 2018. Follow these plans below to experience the best New Year's celebration in Sydney.

1. Host a Great Party at Home
2. Find a Great Place to Stay
3. Rent a Venue
4. Find the Perfect Spot
5. Food and Drinks

If you’re a local, throw an intimate and fun gathering of friends and family at home. Going out on New Year’s Eve can be too much for some and commuting can be an issue, but an at home get-together can inspire your creativity without causing too much stress.

If you’re a tourist, you need to find a good place to stay in Sydney. If you can, find a place near Sydney harbor - you’ll have a great view of the fireworks and you’ll be right in the middle of all the celebrations. Private and public transportation is always available after the fireworks are done, so there will be less stress if you find a place nearby. Find a place that is 10-20 minutes walk from the harbor.

If you’re hosting a big party, you can go all out by renting a private space or venue. Since it’s a big party, you need to send out invitations right away! Make the event a dress up, or a black tie event to really celebrate 2019 in style.

After you have checked in to your hotel you have to remember that the Sydney harbor will become full of people, about 1 million of them. So, try to arrive a day or a few days before and in the morning of New Year’s Eve, find a good spot at the Botanical Gardens or the Opera House.

No party is complete without food and drink! If you’re hosting, go for a trusted catering service that will provide the best food, drinks and service. Laissez-faire offers a huge range of mouth-watering menus for your New Year’s Eve party. Menus include:

• Platter Menu
• Canape Menu
• Plated Menu
• Shared Menu
• BBQ Menu
• Drinks Menu

And more!  Check out all of our menus here.

The food type and presentation will also depend on the theme of your New Year’s Eve party. It can be:

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

Have a  fun  New Year's celebration in Sydney!