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

Why Plan for  Christmas in July?

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

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

Pictured: Harbour 220

Choosing the Right Venue

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

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

Pictured: La Porte Space

Get the Decor Just Right

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

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

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

Pictured: The Venue

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

Spring for Some Festive Catering

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

See our Canapes Menu

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

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

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

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

See our Shared Menu

Use the Time to Encourage Your Staff

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

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

Pictured: Endeavour Pavilion at ANMM

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

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

Want to get started?

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

Recently we celebrated the official launch of the Endeavour Pavilion venue space at the Australian National Maritime Museum. 

The guest list was made up of our lovely corporate clients and event agency staff. The weather was perfect for the day and our smiling waitstaff served refreshing cocktails and summery canapes.

The Endeavour Pavilion is the perfect harbour-side venue  with stunning views, beautiful decor and the best atmosphere for cocktail parties, launch events, weddings and corporate lunches. With capacity for 200 for Dinners and 300 for Cocktails, there's plenty of space for everyone.

But don't just take our word for it...

Check out some of our best images from the official launch for some inspiration for your next event at the Endeavour Pavilion.

THE VENUE

THE FOOD + DRINKS

THE PEOPLE 

See more images of The Endeavour Pavilion here.

Interested in hosting your next event at the Endeavour Pavilion? Get more information or book now by clicking below.

We are very happy to announce another venue partnership for Laissez-faire Catering. Roundhouse at UNSW is now available to be booked for events. More info below!

 Roundhouse has come full circle. From its humble beginnings as the venue of choice for the biggest music acts over the decades, the venue has undergone extensive refurbishments to deliver an unrivalled event experience suited to a range of events. From conferences to concerts, product launches to dinners, Roundhouse can do it all.

With capacity for 10 - 2,200 guests, the brand spanking new venue has so much to offer to make your next event truly spectacular. Walking through the main entrance, you will be awestruck by the panoramic main room which seats up to 1,000 delegates theatre style or 500 for a banquet. View full capacity details and information packs here.

Roundhouse’s audio-visual equipment is cutting edge - with a modular stage, a flown PA and our expertise with running the biggest and best gigs for over 50 years, the in-house team can create a stunning production for any event. Download the Roundhouse Audio Visual price list here.

The upper level overlooks the main room from a 360-degree balcony and is home to eight flexible breakout rooms, kitted out with built-in audio-visual equipment. Breakout rooms are fully customisable with removable walls meaning you can combine, separate and deck out each room with limitless possibilities.

 If you think Roundhouse would be perfect for your next event, give us a call or send us a message!

Laissez-faire Catering is here to help.

What do people think about when they think of a wedding? First, there's the happy couple and, of course, the flowers, the dresses and the suits. But after that is always the food. If you want your wedding to leave an impression that lasts years to come, you need to provide the best food. Fresh, seasonal produce -- the best in fruits and vegetables -- are an excellent way to make an event memorable. Fresh produce simply looks better and tastes better, giving you something to remember.

Creating the Best Wedding Meals

Trying to come up with unique wedding menu ideas? Starting with seasonal produce is a great option. You don't want to craft a menu around produce that's difficult to source; you'll find yourself with wilted vegetables or bruised fruits. 

The best wedding meals have creative, inventive pairings, which often revolve around fresh vegetables and fruits that are unique to the area and the season. In Sydney, there are a variety of different fruits and vegetables available throughout the year. 

Often, you will want your catering menu to have a specific theme, or to be filled with items that you and your soon-to-be spouse love. But that can be difficult, especially if you aren't a chef or a "foodie." A good catering company can help you with suggestions that are intended to celebrate your union, your family, and your friends.

Of course, first you need to know what's available to you -- and that means looking at the fruits and vegetables that are in season.

Spring: Fresh and Bright

Spring brings with it citrus and berries. Lemons, mandarin oranges, and oranges can be used in refreshing drinks, salads, appetisers, and entrees. Cherries, nectarines, peaches, plums, and strawberries can also be used throughout desserts and for sorbets. 

In terms of vegetables, spring will see artichokes, fresh beans, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, cucumbers, leeks, potatoes, silverbeets, spinach, squash, tomatoes, and zucchini. There are also an assortment of Asian vegetables available, depending on the types of cuisine you desire.

Summer: Cool and Refreshing

Want to beat the summer heat? Apricots, berries, melons, nectarines, plums, and strawberries are all going to be in season. Whether you're crafting the perfect strawberry shortcake or adding melon balls to your appetisers, you'll want to focus on chilly, refreshing foods. 

Summer will bring with it different types of beans, beetroot, chilies, eggplant, okra, pumpkins, and sweetcorn. Eggplant, in particular, is a versatile vegetable that can be used in everything from Asian cuisine to Italian cuisine.

Autumn: Warm and Comforting

Apples are in season as of Autumn, one of the most versatile fruits available for everything from small pies to entrees. Berries, kiwifruit, pears, persimmons, and strawberries are also available, for fruit mixes and drinks.

In Autumn, fresh broccoli, Chinese cabbage, pecans, and white turnips will become available, in addition to many of the summer vegetables. Fresh pecans are especially alluring in salads and desserts, while fresh broccoli and cabbage can be used in sides and entrees.

Winter: Savory and Sweet

Winter months can make sourcing fresh produce a little more challenging. Lemons, mandarins, and oranges are going to be your best bet. In the winter, you want something that's going to be warming and comforting. Lemons, mandarins, and oranges can all be used in mulled cider and wine recipes.

In Winter, Lebanese cucumbers, leeks, potatoes, silverbeets, and spinach will become available again. Leeks, potatoes, and spinach can be used in a variety of savory winter recipes, such as winter soups. Squash and other similar vegetables can be used to create an interesting winter mix.

Getting the Freshest Ingredients

It isn't just the fruits and vegetables that need to be fresh. A good catering company will also be able to source everything from the highest quality meats to the best cheese. It's imperative that your food taste and look great -- and you often need to offer a variety to your guests to satisfy everyone. 

Wedding catering services have to be able to develop relationships with local distributors, not only to find the best in local meats, cheeses, wines, and produce, but also to get the most reasonable prices.

Where should you get fresh produce in Sydney?  Fruits and vegetables need to be acquired from the best local sources if they are to be their freshest. Laissez-faire Catering  can take care of all of this for you. View our wedding packages today to find out more about our boutique wedding catering services.

Laissez- faire Foodified ™

Every time you see the Foodified™ stamp, you know it’s Laissez-faire’s fresh, local and seasonal produce, and it’s a result of a leading Gold license caterer with above industry standards in quality assurance and sustainability policies.

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.

Protecting and enhancing the environments where our business operates, innovating with waste management techniques, working in collaboration with suppliers, venues, and clients to positively impact our local community and reducing our footprint by raising awareness are the fundamental principles of our Foodified™ philosophy. 

When planning a wedding you want to make the event as memorable as possible, and this is why it is so important to take advantage of today's latest wedding catering trends. After all, no one forgets a fantastic meal! Let's take a quick look at a few of them.

Interactive Culinary Kiosks

While it might seem traditional to provide guests with already prepared food items, the truth is, letting your guests get interactive with the foods they enjoy at a wedding is a great way to make the event more memorable. With interactive culinary kiosks, guests can easily customise their cocktails and meals. While they are enjoying a nice, slow dance on the dance floor, the chefs and bartenders can be creating their specific culinary requests. One type of food that you will definitely want them to customise is canapes. Check out our extensive canapes menu here.

Provide Healthy Options

There is nothing better than providing wedding guests with a meal that is not only hearty but healthy too. By using organic ingredients, it becomes possible to create food items that are good for the heart and good for the soul. With this in mind, it's always a good idea to offer at least one or two green courses on the wedding menu, such as a fresh salad or organic string green beans. And don't let the healthy eating stop with food. Did you know many types of alcoholic beverages can be created with organic ingredients? With this in mind, you'll want to ask your catering company about the various organic beverage options they provide.

Get Bold with Colours

When picking out wedding linens and flowers, you are definitely going to want to consider your food options. Yes, your food will need to coordinate with your wedding decor. Today's top wedding catering companies have started infusing various colors into different food items, easily allowing food menus to complement wedding decor. To keep things simple, however, you can always go with a black and white wedding and take advantage of ice cream sandwiches on the dessert menu. As far as your cake goes, consider white buttercream icing on top of rich chocolate cake slices.

Don't Get Greedy with Beverages

If you're going to serve alcohol, make sure you serve a plentiful buffet of choices. From wines and cocktails to hard liqueurs, you'll want to include everything from California wine to schnapps and more. On your beverage bar buffet, make sure to provide bowls of fruit that can be used to top off the beverages. Some of the best fruits to offer include diced pear pieces, white grapes and a variety of berries. Check out our vast menu of beverage options here.

The Takeaway

There are a variety of wedding packages to choose from, so it is extremely important that you consider your different options. Check out our wedding package options here. Also, make sure to ask your caterer about the different wedding catering trends that are becoming more popular in 2018; you'll want to incorporate these trends into your wedding to make an event that leaves the happy couple and guests with memories to last a lifetime.

See more wedding catering photos on our instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/laissez_faire_catering/

There are many details that a wedding guest will remember weeks after the reception, but there is something they will never ever forget: how good (or bad) the meal was. That’s why it makes sense to put enough time and plenty of planning into the food, drinks and the right caterer for your reception.

But before you start planning your wedding catering, you need to decide on your wedding theme and venue. After you have decided on those two, talk to your fiancé about your wedding reception. No matter what style you choose, both of you have to make sure that you understand all the catering options available before making your final decision.

Booking a caterer for your wedding should be straight forward and exciting at the same time. At the start, expect an informal and no pressure talk from the caterers that you‘ll be meeting with. They will get an idea of who you are, what you like and dislike. It can be over the phone or a face to face meeting. A proposal will be created with the menus and the cost for your initial consultation if it applies.

Choosing The Reception Style

Wedding receptions are usually offered in different styles. Whether you’re thinking of an elegant or traditional wedding or a small and intimate gathering with your family and friends, there will be a style that will surely fit your taste. Below are some examples:

A Sit-down Dinner

This is the most traditional style and has groups of around 10 guests seated at a table assigned to them and with each guest being served three courses or more. If you want an elegant and traditional wedding this is the one for you. For this, you have to consider your venue and budget, since a plated dinner needs more staff to prepare, plate and serve the dish. The good thing is that this style will give guests more time to mingle and it also allows guests to dress up  fancy! This style of reception is more suited for an all adults-only guest list.

Food choices typically served in this style include:

Appetizers:

• A Mixed Seafood appetizer: shrimp, calamari, scungilli, octopus, and mussels with lemon and extra-virgin olive oil
• Fresh figs draped with prosciutto di Parma 
• Tuscan garden salad: romaine lettuce, Bibb lettuce, radicchio, tomatoes, and radishes with balsamic vinaigrette

Main Courses:

• Rack of lamb: Coated in an aromatic blend of fresh herbs and spices
• Salmon: broiled and seasoned with bread crumbs, garlic, lemon, and butter
• Served with: Bouquet of fresh seasonal vegetables and golden fried potato croquette

Desserts:

• Cake Push Pops
• Waffle Sundaes
• Mini Pies on a Stick
• Pudding Parfaits

A Standing-Style Party

Main Courses:

• Barbecue beef brisket
• Pork spareribs
• Smoked sausages
• Barbecue chicken   

Sides:

• Barbecue beans
• Coleslaw
• Potato salad
• Tossed green salad
• Toasted garlic bread
• Cornbread
• Corn on the cob

Casual Dining

• Onion, Feta, and sun-dried tomato tartlet
• Dumplings served with dipping sauces
• Grilled coriander, giant prawns with a chili-lime sauce
• Rosemary-roasted baby lamb chops with apricot-mint salsa
• Bite-size chicken fajitas with avocado salsa
• Mini lobster rolls on toasted brioche
• Sauteed soft shell crabs with a spicy rémoulade
• Chicken satays with a tangy peanut sauce
• Miso-glazed cod with Asian pesto
• Dim sum: crystal shrimp, sweet rice, spinach, and shiitake mushroom

Buffet Style

• Stuffed endive with Roquefort cheese, topped with chopped walnuts
• Wild mushroom tartlets
• Miniature crab cakes
• Artichoke mousse puffs
• Roasted new potatoes with dill cream and golden caviar
• Melon wrapped in prosciutto
• Miniature reuben sandwiches
• Spinach dip with toasted pita triangle
• Spanakopita (spinach and Feta in phyllo pastry)
• Smoked salmon canapes topped with capers and fresh dill
• Seafood dip with sliced French bread
• Antipasti display (buffalo mozzarella, grilled eggplant, marinated mushrooms, artichokes, vine-ripened tomatoes, kalamata olives, and bread sticks)
• Smoked salmon display (sliced salmon served with chopped onion, lemon slices, capers, cucumber-dill sauce, and assorted dark breads)
• Carving station (Asian flank steak and Cajun-rubbed turkey breast served with cranberry-mango chutney and assorted rolls)
• Pasta station (ravioli with roasted red-pepper sauce; bow tie pasta with Gorgonzola cream sauce)

Deciding On The Wedding Menu

Know The Season

Check For Recommendations 

Choose Your Favorite Dish

Special Diet Menu

Happy catering hunting and congratulations!

So you’ve just become engaged and you’re wondering when you should have your wedding. Part of you would like to have a summer wedding, on a beautiful warm day with a very lovely evening that everybody can enjoy. On the other hand, winter might be the ideal time to get married. Venues might be easier to book around this time, and there’s always the option of planning a proper white wedding overseas, with a beautiful church in the snow, candle lights and the festive atmosphere.

 

#equality #yes #thankyou #australia #voteyes #laissez_faire_catering #lovewins #lovewins🌈 #samelove #weareone #celebrate

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Here are our tips for planning your wedding - whether it’s in summer or winter.

Venue

Weather aside, the first thing you need to consider if you want to get married during summer or winter is the venue. A number of venues make themselves available at different times of the year.

Say for example, if you were able to get a fabulous outdoor area that you want to fill with marquees, then plan on getting married during the warmer months. On the other hand, if you want your wedding to be more intimate and have a cosy feeling, a winter wedding can work to your advantage.

 

Wedding ready #events #wedding #cater #catering #sydney #university #thegreathall #laissez_faire_catering #laissezfaire

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Budget

Other important things that you need to consider are your budget and the venue’s availability. A large percentage of couples tend to marry during summer as compared to winter, thus more popular venues tend to be booked well in advance, specifically on weekends. Also wedding suppliers such as photographers, florists, caterers, and chauffeurs are likely to be very busy.

If you schedule your wedding on a less popular day of the week, say Wednesday or Thursday, there’s a high chance that you will get the venue and wedding suppliers of your choice. Keep in mind there can be waiting lists for venues, wedding dresses and decorators during the more popular months so it’s never too early to start planning.

Winter Wedding

One good thing about a winter wedding is that more people will actually attend the event because they are less likely to book holidays during winter. Plus, most people tend to enjoy a good family get together at this time of the year.

As mentioned earlier, finding venues and suppliers will be easier if you’re looking to book for winter. This might mean your wedding will be kind to your budget and your stress levels! Your dream venue will likely be more available and they may give a special rate which is always good. Your out-of-town friends may also find plenty of accommodation with special rates.

Winter weddings can still be creative. Dress your bridesmaids with brightly-coloured pashminas or scarves. Decorate the venue using tea lights and twinkling candles, serve hot chocolate or warm/hot mulled wine at the reception together with some spicy canape sausages, mince pies, warm soups and hearty stews.

Your winter wedding will not be forgotten any time soon, because everyone enjoys something different once in a while. It will be more intimate with a cozy and warm atmosphere.

Winter Wedding Menu Ideas

With a winter wedding, you can provide a cozy atmosphere for your reception with a warm and hearty meal using seasonal flavors with classic winter cocktails and treats.

For appetisers and main dishes, a soup course will not be out of place. Soup shooters served during cocktail hour is a good starter, comfort foods like mini grilled cheese sandwiches, butternut squash ravioli, tiny spaghetti and meatballs hors d’oeuvres and a hearty meal of meat and potatoes with gravy as your main dish.

 

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

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Drinks can be a spiked hot chocolate bar for the adults. You can set up toppings like whipped cream, nuts, small candies and marshmallows. You can also go for signature warm cocktails like mulled wine and some good old bottles of scotch.

For desserts, pies and tarts work well for winter weddings, if your place has no snow and is close to the beach or a fireplace, create a s’mores bar. You can also have pudding, lemon curd crème brulee with hazelnut flapjacks, coffee, petits fours, Boozy marzipan balls, chocolate macaroons. A fruit bar will also be a good fit for the setting.

Summer Weddings

Obviously, the weather is usually much nicer in summer. Summer just gives people a happier and more energised vibe. Think about having a mid-afternoon wedding and then dance throughout the evening with your guests at the reception.

You’ll need to book early for everything if you’re planning for a summer wedding…. the venue, the wardrobe, photographers, catering and florist.

Summer Wedding Menu Ideas

Summer weddings are fun and you can start off with plenty of refreshing drinks. Nonalcoholic lemonade or iced tea bars are popular, offering different flavours and colours. Sangria is an easy and refreshing option for alcohol. For cocktails it can be hibiscus iced tea with raspberry liqueur and citron vodka or cucumber-mint lemonade.

For entrees, barbecues are an easy to manage option that everyone will enjoy. Make sure you have some grilled vegetarian options. A whole pig roast is a great summer wedding main, but if you prefer a lighter meal, you can always go for chicken and fish. Still, grilled carved meats will never go out of style during summer weddings.

Desserts can be a mini-scoop trio of sorbet flavours that mimic the colors or decorations of your wedding. With so many flavors to choose from - melon, lime, raspberry, mango, and more - you're sure to find something yummy that suits your style. Fruit platters served with chilled sparkling wine are also a welcome treat after having some barbecue with friends and family. Or for the ultimate dessert, check out this donut wall!

 

Breakfast? A perfect donut wall for some sweet clients #donuts #donutwall #events #catering #food #laissez_faire_catering #sydneyevents #events #eventspace #eventstyle #eventplanner #evebtdesign #eventadvisers

A post shared by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Dec 18, 2017 at 12:45pm PST

If you need more tips on wedding catering ideas, check out this blog post.

Laissez-faire Catering also offers Wedding Packages. You can download our package information by clicking on the banner below:

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Whether you were high school sweethearts, managed to meet in a bar or met through a friend and somehow you found deep and undying love – it’s time to make it stick. 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.

Sure, getting down on one knee while holding a ring box says it all, but proposals should be an unforgettable occasion. It can be at the Eiffel Tower, on a building rooftop, a park, a restaurant or somewhere meaningful. No matter where it is, everything should be 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, right? For many people, New Year’s Eve is a popular day for wedding proposals. The festive mood and the fireworks at the stroke of midnight will surely add a spark to any relationship.

New Year’s Eve is a great alternative to Christmas or Valentine’s because you’ll still have the celebration at hand, and your partner will not suspect a thing. If you want to have an intimate proposal, ask the question before you get to the party. The two of you will have your very special moment before heading out and sharing the big news. This is just one example, below are other New Year’s proposal ideas that you can do.

A Surprise Message

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.

Flower Trails

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.

Party For Two

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.

A Ski Lift Marriage Proposal

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.

On The Stroke Of Midnight

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.

Media

You can take out a full page ad in a newspaper (if you have the budget) or a small snippet with that ends with your proposal. Another idea is to call a radio station, make sure your partner also listens when you make the proposal on air over the radio.

Scoot Around Town

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.

A Ring And A Box of Chocolates

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 Holidays! May your proposal be a lovely and memorable one.

Most of us enjoy Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with our families. The day involves a LOT of food, drinks and desserts, plus a lot of laughs.

Take some inspiration from the team at Laissez-faire this Christmas. Instead of the boring ham and pavlova combo, try something new this year.

Here's a few ideas from our instagram to get you inspired to revamp Christmas this year:

1. Introduce new flavours this Christmas.  These bite-sized prawns are a great option for entrees and finger food. Cook with plenty of herbs and include a dipping sauce for the ultimate flavour!

 

A post shared by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Dec 13, 2017 at 2:47am PST

2. Decorate! If you've got the time and the budget, pick up some trendy decorations for your table setting (reusable for any other dinner party or holiday). Include plants (real or fake) for a relaxed table.

 

A post shared by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Dec 1, 2017 at 10:22pm PST

3. Create a signature drink. There's still time before the big day so it's time to experiment! Mix up a new drink to serve on the day. A punch is a great idea because you can make a huge batch on the day and it will last for ages!

 

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4. Make a dessert with a difference. Do away with the regular old pavlova and try something new! We whipped up these coconut, ice cream and frozen berry treats a few weeks ago and they were a hit! Christmas day is bound to be a scorcher so offer these to your guests and they'll cool down instantly!

 

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5. Keep it simple and healthy. If you've got a BBQ, that's the best option for feeding a lot of people on Christmas day. You can keep it healthy and easy to prepare.

 

A post shared by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Sep 27, 2017 at 3:02am PDT

6. Think outside the box. Having the entire extended family over for Christmas? Save on washing up time by taking plates out of the occasion entirely! Get some cheap glasses that are easy to hold in one hand and serve up your entrees and desserts in these. It's different and more efficient than cleaning up 20+ plates!

 

A post shared by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Mar 3, 2017 at 10:06pm PST

7. Get creative! If you've ever tried your hand at decorative baking, you know how much fun it can be. Bake up some Christmas-themed treats. Think santa, reindeers, snowmen, candy canes. Make a cake and decorate it or put together a little work of art like these delicious snowmen cookies we created:

 

A post shared by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Dec 13, 2017 at 2:42am PST

8. Follow us on instagram for more food and dining inspiration!

 

A post shared by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Nov 21, 2017 at 4:04pm PST

Every New Year is the start of an unforgettable celebration with your friends and family. New Year’s Eve can sneak up on you right after Thanksgiving and Christmas because those celebrations take up most of your time. But any New Year’s Eve party, either intimate or grand, is always full of surprises and exciting energy. If it’s your turn to host the party, you need to start planning soon. Below are some ideas that you can use to create the best party of 2018.

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 2017. Or if you have family and friends in Sydney, host a BBQ party for them because Sydney folks know how to party.

If you’re a Sydney local or a tourist, you can follow these plans below. Let’s start.

Host A Great Party At Home

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.

Find A Great Place To Stay

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 minutes-20 minutes walk from the harbor.

Rent A Venue

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 2018 in style.

Find The Perfect Spot

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.

If it all sounds like too much work, there’s another option available at one of Sydney’s best venues. The Australian National Maritime Museum hosts New Year’s Eve every year, and it’s a great event for the entire family. Simply book your place, choose your menu options, and the rest is taken care of! You can contact ANMM to find out more about their packages for a hassle-free New Year’s Eve.

Food and Drinks

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

New Year’s at the Australian National Maritime Museum

ANMM is offering two awesome packages this New Year’s. A premium Yachts package includes a gourmet fresh seafood basket, or the family-friendly Tinnies package, which includes a BBQ, salad and soft drinks. Alcohol can be purchased on site only. Spaces are limited - book now to secure your spot away from the crowds for an unforgettable and hassle-free New Year's Eve!

Packages Include:

1. Yachts Packages General - Adult $195, Child $105, Family $540
2. Tinnies Packages General - Adult $130, Child $80, Family $378

BOOK WITH ANMM!

BONUS: click here for a list of places around the Harbor if you decide to stop and enjoy the fireworks.

Happy Holidays from the team at Laissez-faire!

What's Next?

If you'd like to know more about your New Year's event options or you want to book at the ANMM,  just   make an enquiry . 

Popsicle season has officially started and we all need a little fruit in our lives (and some booze for the adults). Great at a beach BBQ, by the pool or just about anywhere! 

These popsicles are super easy to make and are full of fruit.

Recipe

Makes 18 popsicles

Ingredients:

• 230ml fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice
• 230 grams strawberries (about 12 medium strawberries)
• 140ml vodka

Instructions:

• Place the juiced grapefruit and whole strawberries in a food processor or a blender and process until everything is pureed.
• Add vodka and process for another 20-30 seconds to blend well.
• Pour mixture into popsicle molds.
• Place foil on top of popsicle mold and cut a tiny hole in the centre of each.
• Stick popsicle stick through the hole.
• Freeze for at least 6 hours or until frozen solid.
• To release popsicles, run hot water on the outside of the molds for 2-3 seconds.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

See more information here.

Choosing the Perfect Menu

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Spectacular Christmas Package

At the Endeavour Pavilion, all the boxes are ticked!

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

What's Next?

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

We have recently updated our ​Plated​ and ​Canape​ menus and can't wait to share them with you.

To download these mouth-watering menus, just click on the images and fill in your details on the next page.

Get some inspiration for your next corporate or private Spring or Summer event with these delicious options!

Read below to see our favourite dishes from these fantastic menus.

LAISSEZ-FAIRE PLATED MENU

Enjoy a delicious selection of meats , vegetarian and vegan options with the Plated menu.

Choose from 7 delectable entrees and mains and 6 perfect desserts in this package. Tea, coffee and chocolates are served after your meal.

The Plated menu also gives you the option to add some impressive sides to your meal. You can order sides for the entire table or individually. 

Don't forget the drinks! The Plated menu includes a fine selection of wines, beers and soft drinks  as well as seasonally inspired cocktails.

Here's a few of our favourite dishes from this menu to get your tastebuds tingling:

• Yuzu and soy marinated black cod with chilli, apple and green papaya salad with ponzu cream
• Mille feuille of roasted tomato, asparagus and baba ganoush, onion jus
• Braised duck maryland, soba noodles, sauteed bok choy and ginger
• Roasted lemon thyme snapper fillet, smashed, creamed green peas, green apple salad and dill bouillon
• Sun blushed tomato and goats cheese totolo with roasted puree, frisee salad and basil oil
• Char grilled fig and espresso pannacotta, almond tuile
• Handmade short crust pastry filled with passion fruit curd and finished off with a burnt Italian meringue
• Tonka vanilla bean brulee with a raspberry ripple and burnt caramel crumbs

This menu is perfect for a wedding, launch party, corporate end of year party or anything else you can imagine! The Plated menu is a great way to feed a small or large amount of people efficiently and impress every one of them.

There's something for everyone on this menu, meaning your next dinner event is sorted. Just choose your favourites from the menu and let us take care of the rest.

Download the Plated menu here.

LAISSEZ-FAIRE CANAPE MENU

Delectable or Substantial: you choose! 

 Delectable canapes are smaller, bite-sized morsels of goodness for your guests to enjoy while they walk around and mingle in the event space.    Substantial canapes are served in rice bowls and are a great way to ensure your cocktail party guests don't go home hungry.

We love experimenting with new flavour combinations  and that's why we have SO MANY canapes to offer. They are delicious and perfect for a cocktail function.

The Canape menu can also be paired with our wine and beverage packages, as well as cocktail of course!

Here's a few of our most popular canapes from the menu:

• Kingfish, compressed watermelon and pickled ginger (GF)
• Chicken ballotine with truffle mushrooms and parmesan crisp
• Roasted grapes with thyme, fresh ricotta and grilled ciabatta (V)
• Moroccan spiced lamb and fetta sausage rolls with tzatziki dip
• Crisp glazed prok belly bao with hot sauce, shredded cucumber, coriander and crackle
• Mushroom, truffle and parmesan arancini ball (V)
• Confit duck, watermelon and radish salad, balsamic dressing (LF, GF)
• Seared prawns, lemon and parsley skordillia, saffron sauce (GF)
• Large herb and parmesan crumbed lamb cutlet, tomato chutney
• PLUS loads of desserts and treats!

Select your favourite for you next cocktail party and your guests will never forget the great food and fantastic service.

Download the Canape menu here.

Today we want to share with you two of our favourite and most delicious food station set ups for any event. We recently shared these on our Facebook page - check it out for more great food photos whether you're feeling hungry or need some inspiration for your next event. 

First up:   Cognac and Chocolate

If this isn't a match made in heaven, we don't know what is! These two flavours compliment each other in ways we can't describe and  it's a great way to treat your guests to something they might not get to taste very often. Handmade gourmet chocolate treats will have guests rushing to this food station every few minutes! Make sure to keep this one topped up at the cocktail or garden party ;)

Equally as delicious:   Cheese. Meat. Fruit.

Whoever doesn't love this combo is kidding themselves. Having a fresh range of fruit produce accompanied by some beautifully aged cheese and bite sized cured meat portions is a great addition to any event. Perfect for cocktail parties or Spring celebrations - this platter not only tastes great, all the colours and flavours make it a great conversation starter and photo op!

You can find more food station inspiration on our     Facebook page!

Melbourne Cup Catering: Giddy Up!

The Melbourne Cup is just about the only day of the year where it is universally acceptable across Australia to host a party during the working day. It truly is the race that stops the nation. But, more importantly, it is the race that gives everyone the opportunity to host or attend a party!

For some people, it is all about getting tickets to the best party in town. For others, it is about taking the opportunity to host an exclusive event for their top clients and staff. For the rest of us, it can often simply be about throwing a few bets down and heading to the boardroom to drink champagne and nibble on some cheese and crackers.

Whatever you prefer, we’re here to help you celebrate Melbourne Cup in style! Whether you are planning an exclusive event or organising an office party with pizazz, check out our hottest canape of the season.

The Canape That Stops a Nation...

These Spicy Lobster Bao Will Blow Your Mind!

INGREDIENTS

• 6 fresh or frozen Chinese buns (a.k.a. gua bao, folded buns, or steamed sandwiches)
• 1 stick 250 grams unsalted butter, cut into several pieces
• ¼ cup Sriracha
• ½ teaspoon red chilli flakes
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
• 400 grams cooked lobster meat (from two lobsters), chopped into bite-size chunks (2 cups)
• 1 generous tablespoon fresh lemon juice 

METHOD

1. Right before you serve, arrange the buns on a plate, cover them with damp paper towels, and microwave, flipping once, about 1 minute.

2. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat and stir in the Sriracha, chilli flakes, and ½ teaspoon salt.

3. Reduce the heat to low, add the lobster, and stir occasionally just until the lobster is hot all the way through, 1 to 2 minutes.

4. Take the pot off the heat and stir in the lemon juice, scallions, and cilantro. Season to taste with more salt and lemon juice. Cover to keep it warm.

5. Remove the buns from the parchment and put them on a plate. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the lobster meat to the bao buns, spoon on as much of the sauce as you'd like, and eat.

Catering Ideas

Thanks to a social-media-hungry public and the rise of foodie culture, today's caterers need to be constantly feeding the imagination of event guests with new, original, and—above all—delicious cuisine.

From the latest trends in wedding and corporate catering to functional tips for food displays and specialty menus, food has become a sophisticated medium and an integral element to an event’s theme, brand message, or identity.

Here are the most up-to-date trends in catering, ideas for unique food presentations, and tips and strategies from food festivals and tastings. Find catering ideas for breakfast and brunch, lunch, dinner, canapes, cocktails, and more.

Pastries and coffee and deli sandwiches, chips, and a cookie aren't the most exciting breakfast and lunch options for meeting breaks. Depending on the location, hotels and restaurants are putting a spin on the typical meeting break fare with food and drink offerings that are locally inspired or locally sourced.

From Chicago-themed candy and snack displays and staples of Puerto Rico to inventive hot beverages inspired by Park City slopes, here's a look at how certain venues are elevating meeting break menus.

Ideas and Trends Shaping Today's Catering Industry

Here are some great catering ideas and trends that stood out at the fifth annual Art of Catering Food Conference—presented by Catersource and the International Caterers Association.

1. Catering to special diets is the new norm. Having a single vegetarian alternative to your meat-focused main dish no longer meets the needs of attendees. Vegan, gluten-free, organically grown, and nut-free are more common diets than ever. Planners and caterers need to be aware of all allergies and diets when crafting the menu.

 2. The right garnish can take your dishes to the next level. It’s not just what you put on the canapes, but also how you display it, and where you source your garnish ideas from. When serving fish for example, remove and bake the skin, add some salt, and serve it as a skin chip to complement the main dish. With beef, why not utilise the red wine and leftover mushrooms to create a red hibiscus wine sauce with dehydrated mushroom chips. Other popular garnish ideas include edible flowers—the latest craze—as well as charred lemons and limes and carrot ribbon chips.

3. Reinvent ways to present canapes and small plates. We at LFC recommend getting creative with canapes and small plates. Take bruschetta, for instance, and create tomato shells filled with parmesan mousse and garnish with balsamic glaze and basil crystals. It's the same combination of flavours as the traditional presentation, but with a new spin.

4. Stations are becoming more interactive. “When we do these [Iberico ham] stations, guests come up to us, and we have stories to tell them about how the hams are fed and the ingredients in the dishes. It makes people happy when you interact with them.”

Beyond the chef interaction, LFC chef Florent gets guests involved with a station offering three options—pimento cheese, smoked cheddar and jalapeño, and creamy corn—for the classic Southern side dish to accompany a carving station of chicken, pork, or beef.

EXCLUSIVE SYDNEY VENUE FEATURE: The Venue Alexandria

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

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

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

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

Here are some more images in and around THE VENUE:

 

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

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

 

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

Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with a breathtaking party in-house with LFC and wherever your imagination takes you...

Every Christmas, our kitchen is transformed with a festivity that really brings out the best of the season and we can cater any special theme from $65.00 per person. 

Our in-house Christmas parties include everything you need to celebrate in style, from Christmas décor and theming to entertainment, staffing, all-inclusive drinks options and of course a delicious, bespoke Christmas themed canape menu from our Head Chef, Florent.

See our menu below:

Christmas canapes

• Shaved turkey on rosemary toasts with cranberry compote
• Rare roasted, seeded beef sirloin on a crisp potato cake with horseradish cream
• Hand sliced bourbon glazed ham crostini with spiced apple chutney
• Chicken ballotine with truffle mushrooms and parmesan crisp
• Crisp golden potato rösti with smoked salmon & cream cheese
• King prawn skewers with chilli and grated fresh ginger
• Caramalised leek and cheddar arancini
• Five spiced duck wontons, nam jim dressing
• Asparagus and parmesan baked in filo pastry, pesto aioli
• Crisp glazed pork belly bao with hot sauce, shredded cucumber, coriander and crackle.

Christmas bowl food

• Turkey escalope with bacon stuffed with sage and onion
• Macaroni and cheese with a rich cheddar sauce and truffle
• Crisp caramel glazed pork belly, jasmin rice, pak choy and chilli jam.

Australian National Maritime Museum – Christmas Lunch Special

If you’re looking for a fuss-free but entirely delicious way to spend Christmas with the team this year then look no further… We have it all wrapped up with this fabulous Christmas Lunch special offer which includes food + beverage + staff + flowers = fun in the sun.

Our $110.00 deal allows you to come in on budget and still have Christmas cheer for all. The Australian National Maritime Museum has a plethora of great spaces within walking distance of the CBD and public transport making the entire process smooth sailing, excuse the pun!!!

To contact us about this offer, email us, give us a call on (02) 9209 4810  or drop us an enquiry here.

Offer includes:

Exclusive Waterfront Venue Tailored lunch menu (entrée + main or main + dessert)

Tea, coffee + petit fours

Tableware, cutlery, glassware and white napery

Blanc beverage package 3.5 hours

Christmas centrepieces

Professional wait staff and function supervisor

Cocktail tables

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

RECIPE: Californian “pokebowl” Craze

The californian “pokebowl” craze has hit our shores. Check out our chefs HOT, FRESH easy peasy recipe…

INGREDIENTS

• 430g (2 cups) sushi rice, rinsed
• 2 tablespoons sushi seasoning
• 500g sashimi-grade tuna steaks, cut into 1cm pieces
• 1 green shallot, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 1 1/2 teaspoons rice wine vinegar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons sesame seeds, lightly toasted
• 1/4 teaspoon dried chilli flakes
• 1 large avocado, cut into 1cm pieces
• Pickled ginger, to serve
• Shallow-fried wonton wrappers, to serve (optional)

METHOD

1. Cook rice following the packet directions.
2. Stir in the sushi seasoning.
3. Melt remaining butter in same frypan and sauté bacon, leek, mushrooms and garlic over medium heat until leek is softened and bacon is slightly golden and caramelised.
4. Combine tuna, shallot, soy sauce, sesame oil, vinegar, sesame seeds and chilli in a glass or ceramic bowl.
5. Divide the rice among bowls. Top with tuna mixture and avocado.
6. Serve with the pickled ginger and wonton wrappers

Or... try it with noodles!