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

The Importance of Food for Your Training Day

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

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

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

Trends for Your Training Day Catering Needs

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

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

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

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

Different Ways to Eat at a Training Day

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

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

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

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

Build Your Brand Identity

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

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

Get Face Time With Your Audience

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

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

Advertise Your Digital Content

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

Building Real Relationships

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

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

Hosting Giveaways and Offering Merchandise

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

Educating About Your Products and Services

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

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

Rewarding Customers, Vendors, and Employees

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

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

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

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

Chicken and leek pot pies… from our Canapé Menu

Pot pies are wonderful things according to Jeff; you get all the fun of a pie, with half the pastry.

Ingredients

1. 3 whole chicken legs
2. Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
3. 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
4. 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
5. 1 onion, cut into 1/4-inch dice
6. 1 large leek, white and pale green parts only, halved lengthwise and cut crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces
7. 1 tablespoon grainy mustard
8. 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
9. 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
10. 3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon whole milk
11. 1/4 cup heavy cream
12. 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped tarragon
13. One 14-ounce package all-butter puff pastry
14. 1 large egg, lightly beaten
15. 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 400°. On a rimmed baking sheet, season the chicken legs with salt and pepper and drizzle with the olive oil. Roast the chicken for about 30 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Let stand until cool enough to handle. Shred the chicken, discarding the skin and bones. Reserve the pan drippings. Reduce the oven temperature to 375°.
2. In a large saucepan, melt the butter. Add the onion and leek and cook over moderate heat until tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in the mustard and the flour and cook until pasty, about 1 minute. Whisk in the chicken broth, 3/4 cup of the milk, the heavy cream and the chicken pan drippings and bring to a simmer. Cook over moderate heat, stirring frequently, until thick, about 5 minutes. Stir in the shredded chicken and the tarragon and season with salt and pepper. Let stand until cool, about 30 minutes.
3. Spread the chicken filling in an 8-by-11 1/2-inch baking dish. On a lightly floured work surface, roll out the puff pastry to a 9-by-13-inch rectangle. Lay the pastry over the baking dish and gently tuck in the overhanging pastry. Using a sharp knife, cut 3 slits in the top of the pastry. In a small bowl, beat the egg with the remaining 1 tablespoon of milk. Brush the egg wash over the pastry and sprinkle with the sesame seeds. Set the pie on a rimmed baking sheet and bake for about 1 hour, until the puff pastry is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Let stand for 30 minutes before serving.

Having a function in Sydney and looking for a unique location and catering to impress your guest? Laissez-faire can source quotes and provide you a list of exclusive venues to make your upcoming event one to remember.

Hordern Pavilion

The Hordern Pavilion has long been one of Sydney's favourite entertainment venues. Laissez faire is now able to cater for your event in this historic venue.

Set in the Moore Park Precinct, the Hordern's historic facade disguises a versatile venue packed with potential. Many millions of people have been through its doors - to dance, to sing, to dine and even do business. Live music, film premieres, gala dinners, product launches such as the Rolling Stone re-launch, award nights such a Dally Ms and Astra Awards as well as exhibitions like Life InStyle and Masterchef Live.

Catering to large events of more than 1,000 people with over 3,000sqm of venue space.

Australian National Maritime Museum

The outstanding backdrop of the Australian National Maritime Museum is filled with historic vessels on absolute waterfront. The museum's unique venues will delight and entice guests to your event.

Modern waterfront venues, The Lighthouse Gallery and Yots and the elevated Ben Lexcen Terrace are perfect for product launches, cocktail parties, dinners and Christmas events with a capacity of up to 600 guests.

Urban Winery

Australia's first true urban winery and the beating heart of the A.Retief wine label. Conveniently located in The Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park, The Urban Winery Sydney 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.

State Library of NSW

Boasting the grand elegance of the historic Mitchell building and the modern versatility of the Macquarie Street building, the State Library of New South Wales is truly a unique venue.

Versatile and pillarless function rooms, suitable for hosting a wide variety of meetings and events.

Harbour 220

Set in an unparalleled location, Harbour 220 boasts uninterrupted views of Sydney Harbour, the Royal Botanic Gardens and Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs.

This intimate venue in the heart of the central business district is perfect for corporate retreats at any time of day.

Cell Block Theatre

The beautiful, awe-inspiring Cell Block Theatre at the National Art School is a visually remarkable building. The Cell Block Theatre venue boasting towering 10 metre high golden sandstone walls creating a gracious cathedral-like atmosphere and is surrounded by delightful courtyards which come complimentary with all bookings.

The Island Sydney

A floating open-air space of The Island fuses European beach club culture and 5-star service with an iconic Australian backdrop. A fully licensed bespoke bar sits alongside day beds, VIP cabanas and beach chairs, with a contemporary white facade ensuring the space is polished and cohesive. A venue unrivalled to any on-water location, and hospitality landscape, opening up the harbour to local and international guests.

Make an Enquiry

Arrangements to see these amazing venues can be easily done, contact our office today.

Contact the Laissez-faire team via email; admin@laissez.com.au alternatively visit our website to see more event images and make an enquiry.

Vegan catering is becoming more in-demand than ever before, and when it comes to catering Sydney is where it's at. With all the corporate events and other large gatherings taking place there, organising something and making sure people are fed well and ethically during that time can be a real challenge. But catering for corporate events doesn't have to be this way. It's possible to provide great Sydney catering at the corporate level and still choose a vegan menu. Veganism is a growing market in Australia, and the demand for food that is sustainable and ethically sourced gets bigger every day.

Venues and companies should both be allowing for vegan options in their catering demands. Whether they want to have a complete Sydney corporate catering event that is vegan, or only want to provide a dish or two to choose from, making these ethical changes is important. Vegan foods don't require as much land for production, and that means a lower level of deforestation in countries where land is used for agriculture. Choosing vegan options reduces the demand for cash crops, too, helping more impoverished communities grow what they need to survive. In short, it's easier on the planet as a whole.

Vegan Options are Planet-Saving (and Money-Saving) Options

It really is possible to have great-tasting food and still protect the planet. When you choose vegan options for catering Sydney events, you help the planet by reducing CO2, using less water, and relying less on transportation that can contribute to pollution. In many cases, vegan dishes also cost less than those that contain meat, so you can save on your Sydney corporate catering needs and still have an excellent and flavourful menu. Whether you're considering a sit-down dinner or you want something much more buffet-style, there are excellent ways to make vegan food the right choice.

Flavourful and Elegant Vegan Dishes are Plentiful

If you're worried about a lack of meat in your dishes, you don't need to let that concern you. At Laissez-faire Catering Sydney, we can make your vegan dishes exciting and high-quality. Catering for corporate events is easier and healthier when you use plant-based choices. Your guests might not even notice there isn't any meat, because everything tastes so good. For people with mixed dietary needs, vegan options are also good choices. Those who are sensitive to dairy, for example, can enjoy everything at the table without fear that they may end up ill.

More Non-Vegans are Choosing Vegan Foods

Whether it's a concern about the ethical treatment of the animals, a desire to shed weight, worries about the impact of red meat on long-term health, or other considerations, more people who aren't actually vegan as a lifestyle are choosing plant-based and vegan food options. There are dietary, religious, ethical, and many other types of implications for those who choose vegan foods, and accommodating those people when catering for corporate events shows an interest in allowing people to be themselves and valuing their choices.

Consider also the scenario of catering for a group. If one or a few are vegan, than the whole group will likely veto any venue that does not accommodate for vegan diets. Searching for menus with vegan options is thus a sure way to accommodate for a range of dietary needs when it comes to corporate event catering.

Ready to check out your Sydney corporate catering options? Contact us at Laissez-faire Catering Sydney today on (02) 9209-4810, and see what exciting plans we can offer for your summer catering needs. Don't want to call? No problem at all! You can easily make an enquiry online and we'll get back to you quickly. When it comes to catering Sydney, we know what to do.

If you're thinking of fun experiences to try in 2020, consider trying a range of breakfast and brunch venues rather than a lunch or dinner. Everyone loves breakfast and brunch, and it's not necessarily limited to a certain time of day. Here are some of the popular trends to look forward to in 2020, for yourself and catering for corporate events.

The Popularity of Brunch Continues to Grow

Brunch is an increasingly popular dining experience, especially for younger people in Australia. Sydney corporate catering  events are going to see more breakfast and brunch in general.

Rise in Fermented Beverages Such as Kombucha

Fermented beverages are excellent accompaniment to just about any breakfast and brunch food. Not only is it delicious and popular, but it's also healthy. If people want to start their breakfast off right, kombucha is an excellent choice. It comes with antioxidants and beneficial bacteria, which also aids digestion. Fermented beverages can be included in a drink bar as an exciting sober option.

Savoury Breakfast Foods

Hash brown trays, sweet potato pancakes, and more: any breakfast food can be made savoury to appeal to those who don't like sweets. Many people like breakfast because of the salts and fats, rather than sugars and syrups. Having both sweet and savoury can be a great way to broaden your options, while also making it so that everyone has something a little heartier for breakfast.

Plant-Based Meals

A rise in veganism and vegetarianism is also leading to some great plant-based options. A lot of people aren't just eating totally vegetarian or vegan, but are trying to eat less meat in general. Sometimes this is for the purposes of animal welfare, but other times it's sustainability. Since plant-based options are getting better and trendier, 2020 is going to see them included a lot in brunch and breakfast.

Focus on Sustainability

The focus on sustainable can go beyond veganism and vegetarianism. Locally-sourced produce and meat is becoming popular for consumers and food outlets. Rather than getting mass-produced goods, your brunch or breakfast can include products from local farmers. These goods aren't just sustainable, but are fresher and tastier. Think about farm fresh eggs and locally sourced cheese, in addition to vegetables and fruits.

Zero-Waste Approaches

Zero-waste is going to be included in lunches, dinners, breakfasts, and brunches. Compostable packaging and eliminating single-use plastics will be notably important. For your breakfast and brunch, consider offering sustainable products such as paper or reusable metal straws. Work with venues that focus on zero-waste or less waste, and that offer recycling.

"Tipsy" Breakfast and Brunches

It's becoming more popular to include alcohol options with breakfast and brunch. It isn't just mimosas and Bloody Mary's anymore. There are many coffee-based and tea-based cocktails that also pack quite a punch. If you're planning a celebratory event like a milestone adding some drinking options is a great choice. A cocktail menu adds a memorable feature to your breakfast or brunch, and lets you celebrate some seasonal flavours.

Breakfast Fusion

Breakfast tacos, breakfast burgers, and other "fusion" choices are becoming just as popular as traditional breakfast meals. Consider breakfast and brunch bowls, and other similar options. If you have a favourite type of food, such as Mexican or Asian cuisine, your caterer can find ways to incorporate those flavours into the meal.

Are you ready to start your breakfast and brunch planning? Contact us today on (02) 9209 4810 or make an enquiry online.

If you're thinking of fun experiences to try in 2020, consider trying a range of breakfast and brunch venues rather than a lunch or dinner. Everyone loves breakfast and brunch, and it's not necessarily limited to a certain time of day. Here are some of the popular trends to look forward to in 2020, for yourself and catering for corporate events.

The Popularity of Brunch Continues to Grow

Brunch is an increasingly popular dining experience, especially for younger people in Australia. Sydney corporate catering  events are going to see more breakfast and brunch in general.

Rise in Fermented Beverages Such as Kombucha

Fermented beverages are excellent accompaniment to just about any breakfast and brunch food. Not only is it delicious and popular, but it's also healthy. If people want to start their breakfast off right, kombucha is an excellent choice. It comes with antioxidants and beneficial bacteria, which also aids digestion. Fermented beverages can be included in a drink bar as an exciting sober option.

Savoury Breakfast Foods

Hash brown trays, sweet potato pancakes, and more: any breakfast food can be made savoury to appeal to those who don't like sweets. Many people like breakfast because of the salts and fats, rather than sugars and syrups. Having both sweet and savoury can be a great way to broaden your options, while also making it so that everyone has something a little heartier for breakfast.

Plant-Based Meals

A rise in veganism and vegetarianism is also leading to some great plant-based options. A lot of people aren't just eating totally vegetarian or vegan, but are trying to eat less meat in general. Sometimes this is for the purposes of animal welfare, but other times it's sustainability. Since plant-based options are getting better and trendier, 2020 is going to see them included a lot in brunch and breakfast.

Focus on Sustainability

The focus on sustainable can go beyond veganism and vegetarianism. Locally-sourced produce and meat is becoming popular for consumers and food outlets. Rather than getting mass-produced goods, your brunch or breakfast can include products from local farmers. These goods aren't just sustainable, but are fresher and tastier. Think about farm fresh eggs and locally sourced cheese, in addition to vegetables and fruits.

Zero-Waste Approaches

Zero-waste is going to be included in lunches, dinners, breakfasts, and brunches. Compostable packaging and eliminating single-use plastics will be notably important. For your breakfast and brunch, consider offering sustainable products such as paper or reusable metal straws. Work with venues that focus on zero-waste or less waste, and that offer recycling.

"Tipsy" Breakfast and Brunches

It's becoming more popular to include alcohol options with breakfast and brunch. It isn't just mimosas and Bloody Mary's anymore. There are many coffee-based and tea-based cocktails that also pack quite a punch. If you're planning a celebratory event like a milestone adding some drinking options is a great choice. A cocktail menu adds a memorable feature to your breakfast or brunch, and lets you celebrate some seasonal flavours.

Breakfast Fusion

Breakfast tacos, breakfast burgers, and other "fusion" choices are becoming just as popular as traditional breakfast meals. Consider breakfast and brunch bowls, and other similar options. If you have a favourite type of food, such as Mexican or Asian cuisine, your caterer can find ways to incorporate those flavours into the meal.

Are you ready to start your breakfast and brunch planning? Contact us today on (02) 9209 4810 or make an enquiry online.

Starting to plan your 2020 wedding? Before you start booking your caterers and your venues, consider settling on a theme. A themed wedding is fun and whimsical, and can also reduce a lot of the decision-making involved. When you have a theme, things like colours, decor, music, and food come together more easily and you can concentrate on the areas of the wedding that matter most to you.

Garden Weddings

A lovely wedding at the botanical gardens doesn't have to wait for spring. If you love fresh flowers, green plants, butterflies, and delicate food and drink, a garden-inspired wedding is a great choice. Garden weddings often have lighter fare, such as canapés and spritzers, and can be held throughout the year in enclosed garden environments. Pay special attention to floral accents such as bouquets and centrepieces, and consider a gown to match.

Nature-Inspired Weddings

Get in touch with your natural side at a venue like the Prince Henry Centre. Nature-inspired weddings can span the gamut from romantic to rustic, depending on what you and your soon-to-be-spouse enjoy. Go to a cabin retreat, or enjoy your time in the rolling hills. Going back to nature can turn a stressful event into a relaxing one, especially if you don't like the hustle and bustle of the city.

Gatsby/1920's Weddings

Bring the roaring 20s to the 2020s. Gatsby style parties are exceptionally popular and decadent. If you yearn for the fashion styles, arts, and entertainment of yesteryear, consider theming your wedding appropriate to a different time altogether. You can pull up old pictures when planning out your decor, and have your groomsmen and bridesmaids dress accordingly. It'll be a special moment out of time for you and your spouse.

Beach-Themed Weddings

Beach-themed weddings are exceptionally popular, and Australia has some of the best beaches in the world. Wylie's Bath, Coogie Surf Club, and the  North Bondi Life Saving Club are all great choices for weddings and other types of events, such as Sydney corporate catering events. Beach-themed wedding can have casual attire such as sundresses, and are a more laid back choice all around. Choose some modern, BBQ-themed menus, and you'll have everything set for a proper "luau."

Black Tie Weddings

Consider going full formal with a black tie event. A lot of people consider weddings themselves the most formal occasion they'll ever go to, but black tie events are even more formal and give people a great chance to dress up to their very best. It may be the only chance you get to create the gala of your dreams! Elevate your menu with a sophisticated palate, canapés, and custom drinks.

Vintage Venue Weddings

Historical and vintage venues are really a theme of themselves, such as the State Library of New South Wales. If you love certain architecture, consider looking for a building that you love, too. You can theme your wedding around the time that the building was developed, and consequently create a beautiful wedding that will look like it stepped right out of a picture book.

Seasonal Weddings

We've talked about using seasonal produce for catering for corporate events, and seasonal produce seasonal themes can also be used to enhance a wedding. Seasonal produce is better tasting, more visually appealing, and supports local Australian farmers. If you're looking for a theme, consider a winter, summer, autumn, or spring wedding.

As you plan out your 2020 wedding, consider Laissez-faire's partnered venues. By working with Laissez-faire, you can get your catering and venue arranged with ease, and start thinking about the other elements of your wedding now. We even provide complete wedding packages, so you don't need to worry about anything at all.

Contact us today at (02) 9209 4810 or make an enquiry online.

Are you looking for ideas for your Australia Day celebrations? Or is your company celebrating Australia Day?  When booking catering for corporate events, it can be a challenge to distinguish your events from others. Apart from leveraging seasonal produce and fine-tuning your menu to the attendees, there are some tips you can use to put a modern spin on your event.

Traditional BBQ With a Twist

Lam cutlets, barbecue chicken, meat pies, and burgers. They're all quintessentially Australian, and a great way to celebrate Australia Day with family or with colleagues. After all, what's more Australian than a BBQ? BBQs encourage employees to socialise, and they're casual enough that employees don't feel that they're pressured to "enjoy" a corporate event. Instead, they can relax.

But how can you make it a little more modern? By elevating the ingredients. At Laissez-faire, we use fresh, locally sourced ingredients, from farms that we've established relationships with. By introducing seasonal fruits and vegetables, you can make familiar items new again.

Prawns, Yabbies, and Other Seafood

How can you give prawns, yabbies, and other seafood a fresh twist? Think about creating a menu of canapés. Canapés give you the opportunity to create a lot of different foods with different flavours, rather than concentrating on just one. Seafood is a strong taste that lends itself to a lot of different appetisers and treats, and canapés make it more likely that everyone will find something they like.

Vegan and Sustainable Foods

Vegan foods are becoming more impressive every year. You can create a sustainable, eco-conscious menu that includes things such as tabouli, Brussel sprout and mushroom skewers, black bean fritters, fries, and wedges. Consider adding vegan and vegetarian options to your catering menu: more people are eating these types of diets today, and being inclusive is what Australia day is all about.

Seal It With an Excellent Dessert

For many people, dessert is the favourite meal. Consider a pavlova or lamington, with mango or passion fruit flavours. The idea is to use a traditional Australian dessert but also pair it with some modern, seasonal flavours. Think about whether you want things to be bright, or warm and toasty. Wagon Wheels, milo cakes, cheesecakes, and ice-blocks are all quintessentially Australia Day dessert, and they can be livened up with different flavours and presentations.

Don't Forget Any Special Dietary Needs

Australia Day is about what makes Australia special, and a good part of this is celebrating the shared culture of Australia. Don't forget that people may have special dietary needs, such as Halal or Kosher restrictions. Make a list of guests through their RSVPs. Creating a special menu may seem tiring, but a Sydney corporate catering company can handle it all for you.

Don't Forget the Drinks

Cocktails (including virgin cocktails and punches) let you explore different flavours without having to commit to another set of food items. A good drink menu is going to keep people enjoying the catering throughout the event, and give them a palate cleanser between the things that they eat.

Laissez-faire has everything you need for catering for corporate events, whether it's for your Australia Day party or something else entirely. Contact us today if you want to start planning your catering Sydney,  on (02) 9209 4810, or make an enquiry online.

When planning out your summer catering, consider the value of seasonal produce. Seasonal produce is sustainable, local, fresh, and enticing. There are a number of reasons to emphasize seasonal produce, from corporate responsibility, to creating a memorable occasion. Here's what you need to know.

What Produce is Seasonal During the Summer?

You can get just about anything in a grocery store at any time throughout the year, so it may not be obvious what produce is actually in season during the summer. Seasonal produce is fresh from local farmers and supports the local farming industry, whereas other things need to be shipped in. That damages quality and  sustainability.

Here are a few products that are seasonal during the summer in Australia: apples, bananas, berries, melons, pineapple, rambutan, asparagus, beans, beetroot, carrots, corn, eggplant, leeks, radish, shallots, squash, tomato, watercress, and zucchini. Australia has some fantastic produce that's available during the summer, during a time when much of the world doesn't have similar produce available locally.

What Produce Has Been Impacted Due to the Bushfires?

Unfortunately, bushfires have been impacting the produce market in Australia. Some $4.4 billion dollars in damage has already impacted Australian businesses, including farms. Both fruits and vegetables have been impacted by the bushfires racing along Australia's coast. Banana growers have been raising funds to counteract this impact, and many other farmers are still not sure of the true extent of the damage.

With the bushfire damage so extensive, very few areas of agriculture haven't been impacted in some way. This summer, there are likely to be reduced amounts of seasonal produce.

Purchasing seasonal, local produce isn't just more sustainable, but can also help farmers local to Australia. Of course, local produce may also see an increase in prices because of this, but it's something necessary to support local economies. If local farmers aren't able to sell their wares, even at these increased prices, they may not be able to continue farming.

What Are the Benefits of Purchasing Seasonal Produce?

Even before the bushfires, there were many reasons to purchase seasonal produce. Laissez-faire has always been a strong proponent of seasonal produce for the following reasons:

• Higher quality goods. Seasonal produce doesn't have to be shipped as far and is allowed to ripen on farms rather than in stores, thereby leading to higher quality goods that both look and taste better.
• Money into the local economy. Money into small businesses helps everyone. When small businesses thrive, the community itself thrives. By pouring money into the local economy, you can create better relationships and a stronger community overall.
• Better, more innovative menu creation. Using seasonal produce can give you great ideas for the type of menu you want, rather than having to create a menu from whole cloth. Choose a few great fruits and vegetables to be the "stars" of your drinks and dishes.
• More sustainable in general. Non-local, non-seasonal produce has to be shipped far distances to get to Australia, increasing your carbon footprint significantly. It's more sustainable to purchase things as close to your location as possible, to reduce on waste.

When planning catering for corporate events, you don't want to just create an interesting and delicious menu; you also want to promote sustainability and corporate ethics. Seasonal produce has tremendous value for catering events.

How Can You Create the Best Summer Events?

Selecting the best catering Sydney can offer is the first step in creating a perfect summer event. Laissez-faire can help you create an excellent summer menu that is centered around delicious, seasonal produce, even if the supply may be light.

At Laissez-faire, we can help you setup your entire corporate catering experience, including choosing a venue. Once you have your catering and venue in mind, you can make critical decisions about your menu, decor, and more.

Are you planning catering for corporate events? Contact us today on (02) 9209 4810 or make an enquiry online. 

When you think about your wedding, do you imagine a "summer" wedding or a "winter" wedding? Many brides instinctively think of a specific season when they envision their perfect wedding, but why is that? Each season comes with its own decor, catering, drinks, and general mood and feel. Here are a few of the differences between summer and winter weddings — things you'll need to know if you're starting to plan a wedding in 2020.

Which Season is More Popular for a Wedding?

There's no "best" wedding season, but summer tends to be far more popular than winter. Summer comes with fewer weather-related issues, and in Australia is around the busy holiday season. If you want a summer wedding, you need to start your planning much earlier. You have to book venues in advance, book caterers in advance, and generally be on top of your preparation.

Winter weddings, on the other hand, tend to be more affordable and easier to book. The truth is only about 5% of weddings occur during the winter, because people don't want to have a lot of overlap with the holiday season. But if you want a small, cozy wedding with close friends and family, there isn't a season better.

Seasonal Foods for the Summer and Winter

Today, seasonal, fresh foods are an important part of wedding catering. During the summer and the winter, different flavours will be highlighted. Most people know which types of food they love. Do you love crisp, refreshing fruits, cocktails, and bright, cheery fare? Or do you like luxurious spices, warm drinks, and comforting, hearty meals?

In the summer, expect that the following will be in season: avocados, bananas, cherries, passion fruit, peaches, plumbs, strawberries, asparagus, beans, beetroot, broccoli, carrots, celery, chillies, eggplant, leeks, mushrooms, pumpkins, snow peas, spring onions, sweetcorn, tomatoes, turnip, and zucchini.

In the winter, expect that the following will be in season: beansprouts, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, carrots, cauliflower, fennel, mushrooms, potatoes, winter, and spinach. 

Winter menus are going to lend itself to thick stews and warm drinks such as mulled ciders and wines, while summer menus will likely have more delicate fare. But you're not married to any of this:   take a look at our menus to get some ideas, and explore different types of possible cuisine.

How Do You Decorate for a Seasonal Wedding?

During the summer, things are often kept light and breezy, with bright colours and pastels. During the winter, things can be brought into a cosier, warmer atmosphere, replete with fireplaces and holiday-themed decor. Of course, any theme can be modified to fit any season, depending on what you want your ideal wedding to look like. The only caveat: a winter wedding is more likely to be indoors, which does need to be taken into consideration.

When you want to decorate seasonally, take a look at the "themes" of the season. For instance, fall colours are browns and oranges, with different types of gourds. Comparatively, summer colours are pastels, and winter colours tend to be dark blues and whites.

How Do You Find the Right Venue?

Summer weather opens up a    lot of wonderful outdoor locations in and around Sydney. But as mentioned, these venues are more likely to be booked during the summer. The winter venues are less likely to be booked, but you won't be able to choose any outdoor locations. It's a definite trade off that you should consider.

Does all of that sound a little overwhelming? Just like planning parties and catering for corporate events, planning a wedding can be a tremendous undertaking. Why not get some help? At Laissez-faire,   we offer wedding packages  that will take the pressure off your wedding planning. By booking a caterer early on and letting them take the lead, you can get help with your catering, trends, menus, venues, and more. Whether you want a winter wedding, a summer wedding, or any other type of seasonal theme, we can help you get exactly what you want. 

It's the perfect time to start planning a wedding, especially if you just got engaged. To get started, contact us today at (02) 9209 4810.

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

What trends were new in catering in 2019?

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

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

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

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

What are emerging trends in catering?

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

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

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

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

How can you get started  with your next event?

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

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

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

The Best Venues For Your Summer Event

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

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

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

The Best Food For  Your Summer  Events

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

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

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

The Best Entertainment for Your Summer Event

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

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

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

The Different Types of Corporate Events

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

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

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

How to Organise Your Event

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

When Should You Begin Planning

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

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

YOTS Cafe  at the Australian National Maritime Museum has been selected as a finalist in the 2019 NSW Tourism Awards! The awards night will take place on November 14, where we will find out which venues across the state take home the awards for all their hard work.

What are the NSW Tourism Awards?

The NSW Tourism Awards recognises and celebrates excellence for businesses and venues in a range of tourism areas such as Tourist Attractions, Festivals and Events, Ecotourism, New Tourism Business, Destination Marketing, Accommodation and Excellence in Accessible Tourism. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the awards. In 2019 , the NSW Tourism Awards garnered 146 entrants from a range of businesses and venues. NSW Business Chamber CEO, Stephen Cartwright said “We’re thrilled to see so many businesses entering the Awards this year, many for the first time".

The finalists represent 26 categories. Cartwright outlined the significance of the occasion, saying “The NSW Tourism Awards are the most prestigious awards in the tourism industry, with a long history of celebrating and recognising business excellence, innovation and outstanding customer service by tourism operators."

YOTS Cafe

The NSW Tourism Awards celebrate and acknowledge tourism businesses that demonstrate outstanding achievement throughout the year. YOTS Cafe is a finalist in category fifteen: Tourism Restaurants and Catering Services.

Laissez-faire caters for YOTS Cafe, one of the many facilities at the Australian National Maritime Museum. Located on Darling Harbour and with views of the city skyline, YOTS Cafe  is attractive due to its open-air dining.  This is in addition to the cafe's combination of Fish & Chips restaurant culture and sustainable practices in everyday operations. The licensed bar at YOTS Cafe provides a unique experience for guests to the Australian National Maritime Museum.

Gala Dinner

The ceremony will be hosted during a Gala Dinner on November 14 at the Four Seasons Sydney. Laissez-faire Catering can't wait to be there to represent YOTS Cafe! We love this cafe and are happy to get the chance to celebrate its continuing success.

The responsibility of organising training days, office events, drink nights, and meetings can be incredibly difficult, especially when it's left in the hands of a single person. Organising and planning any type of event requires a lot of preparation, effort, and time, all of which become maximised when planning for a large company. Fortunately, there are several tips you can follow to make office event planning easy. 

Create a Google Calendar to Coordinate Events

With so much going on, it can be difficult to keep up with everything. From board meetings to budget planning to finishing your daily duties, planning an event requires much organisation, and this organisation runs even deeper when planning multiple events. 

To help ensure everyone is on the same page regarding the events, you can use Google Calendars. Not only does it allow you to share event dates with everyone involved in the event, but it also automatically updates changes across everyone's calendars when you have to alter a date for a meeting or activity. Since changes are very common when planning an event, you will want to send a memo to everyone to check their Google Calendar daily for changes. This enables you to rest assured everyone is made aware of the changes without you having to send out individual updates. 

Create and Use Checklists for Each Event

To say you're going to plan an event without the use of a checklist is, by far, the biggest mistake you can make. Having a checklist on you at all times will not only allow you to check off things you have accomplished but it keeps your memory fresh regarding the things you still need to do. And since no two events are exactly the same, you will need to customise a checklist for each event you are preparing. If you have previous experience with a certain type of event, use your checklist from that event to plan any future ones; this will ensure you don't overlook anything. You can also use a checklist you find online. Ideally, a general checklist will look something as follows, but remember, it needs to be tailored to the exact event you are preparing:

• Determine goals and objectives for the event
• Choose a date
• Check out various venues and choose one
• Create a master plan, including cost estimates
• Build an event committee
• Secure sponsors
• Send out invitations requesting an RSVP
• Continue preparing for the event, such as selecting speakers
• Promote the event using various platforms like social media
• Contact caterers and video/audio service providers
• Set up for the event
• Host the event
• Send out thank you notes to those who attended, and ask for feedback

Start Planning Early

It's never too early to start planning for an event. Once it is confirmed the event is going to be hosted, you need to start planning.  The larger the event, the more time it is going to take to properly plan for it. Even small events can take months. Large ones tend to take 12-18 months, with some taking multiple years to plan for. One of the most important parts of planning early is to secure vendor contracts and stay in contact with the vendors to ensure they are up to date with the latest event information. Also, when planning, it's good to look back over your past events and pinpoint the vendors and caterers you were pleased with. You can reach out to these companies again and ask for their services. 

Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Help

You can never have too many helping for an event. The more people you have to help you, the easier it is to keep everything organised. And while you may find you have to pay some people for their assistance in helping plan the event, such as a professional event planner, you will also find there are plenty of people who are willing to pitch in and volunteer their time to help. You can be the best office manager or assistant, but planning an event requires multiple people, and most importantly, it requires clear communication between everyone involved. Establishing clear lines of communication from the get-go is one of the smartest moves you can make when it comes to event planning. In the least, you will want the following lines of communication to be open between everyone:

• Email
• Phone
• Postal address so mail communication can take place
• Video conferencing

Conclusion

From early planning to using checklists to using Google Calendars, all of the tips mentioned above are great starting points for making sure your next big event is a success. 

For more information on planning your menu for your next office event,   contact the expert chefs at Laissez-faire.

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

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

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

Branding and Catered Food

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

 

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

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

Gluten Free

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

 

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

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

Bacon Bacon Bacon!

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

Street Food

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

 

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

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

Light Snacks

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

 

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

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

Upscale Foods

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

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

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

 

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

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

Warm and Hearty Foods

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

 

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

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

Classic foods

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

 

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

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

Cocktail and Food Matching

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

 

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

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

The Takeaway

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

After the proposal and engagement party is done, taking the first steps to planning your wedding can be daunting. The world of weddings seems full of endless possibilities. You have so many ideas for your wedding reception in a beautiful forest, or maybe you’ll have an extraordinary disco, a big white wedding in a giant hall, or a princess wedding with ball gowns and tuxedos. If you’re thinking of adventure, you may wear your wedding jumpsuits and after saying your “I do's”, jump off a plane and parachute to the ground!

These ideas may sound fun and truly unforgettable, but then, you sit down with your bride or groom to be and actually start planning your wedding. All the endless wedding possibilities becomes an endless circle of decision making. Where do you start? How can you afford your wedding? How many guests will you have? What about the food and drinks?

There are many checklists that you can print out to keep up with your wedding preparations. To get you started thinking about the different aspects that make up a wedding, we’ve included the most basic and the most important things that you need to prepare for the big day. Let’s begin.

 

When every detail is perfect #events #cater #catering #laissez_faire_catering #events #perfect

A post shared by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Feb 26, 2018 at 1:25am PST

Set A Budget for Catering, Venue, Decor, Photographers

Setting a budget will get everything rolling. You need to allot your budget for dresses/suits, wedding theme decorations, the wedding and reception venues, food and drinks, flowers, wedding photographers and videographers, entertainment and the audio visual setup.

Make Your Guest List

This is one of the first wedding logistics you should think about after setting the budget. When you know how much money you have to spend, you’ll know roughly how many people you can accommodate for. This may change so don’t make any promises to work acquaintances or distant 3rd cousins who want a wedding invite.

The number of guests will also depend on the season your wedding date falls into and how far guests will have to travel to the wedding venue or reception venue. Once you have a rough number this will give you an idea of how much food and drink needs to be prepared and possible venues that are suitable.

 

Wedding ready #privateparty #privateevents #wedding #laissez_faire_catering #cater #orderin #yes #love

A post shared by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Nov 17, 2017 at 9:37pm PST

Find your Perfect Sydney Wedding Venue

There are so many wedding venues in Sydney that will fit your budget and still come out as a romantic and memorable place for your wedding and reception party. Some good wedding venues include:

• The Australian National Maritime Museum
• Harbor 220
• Prince Henry Centre
• Barangaroo Reserve
• State Library of New South Wales
• The Island
• Cell Block Theatre
• Wylies baths
• Bangarra
• The University of Sydney
• Roundhouse
• Coogee Surf Club
• Hyde Park Barracks
• The Royal Botanical Gardens
• White Bay Cruise Terminal
• Carriageworks
• The Venue
• Chinese Gardens
• The Freedom Hub
• La Porte Space

Click here to read the full details about these venues.

 

Event preparation #cellblocktheatre #cellblock #events #cater #catering #laissez_faire_catering #laissezfaire #food

A post shared by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Mar 24, 2018 at 6:00pm PDT

Choosing The Wedding Reception Style - Your Sydney Catering Options

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 fits your taste. Here are some examples our staff have seen first hand:

#1 Plated Dinner

This is a sit-down dinner, which is considered the most traditional and most formal since each guest is individually served a plated meal. Usually three courses are served; the entrée, main and dessert. The caterer will usually give guests a choice of two entrees which are selected beforehand or guests can swap with each other to get the meal they will most enjoy.

With this style, every guest will get their food at the same time and the caterer will know how much food will need to be purchased since the menu is pre-selected. Catering this way can mean that costs are lower as compared to a buffet or family-style meal.

#2 Buffet

Food   buffets are usually set up on long tables and guests can walk along and serve themselves. Servers can also be stationed behind the buffet table to serve the guests. This style is considered one of the most casual styles of meal service, but it’s also efficient.

This style requires fewer servers, thus you may save money on catering staff charges. Buffets are also a cost effective way of providing guests with a variety of food choices and promotes interaction among guests.

#3 Food Stations

This is similar to a buffet but the food is usually spread out across the venue at different stations. One area may be a carving station for meats, one for desserts, a sushi bar, a tapas station and a beverage station. Portions are served in a food station style, meaning they are on the smaller side which usually takes just about three bites to finish.

 

Purrfect Saturday afternoon #Catering #laissez_faire_catering #Food #foodstations #harbour #harbour220

A post shared by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Nov 10, 2017 at 8:29pm PST

Just like a buffet, your guests will be pleased with the wide variety of food and drinks being served. Guest won’t have to wait in line since every station is spread all over the reception and people have different tastes. This also promotes a lot of interaction and mingling among the guests.

#4 Family Style Service

Just like a sit down dinner, guests are assigned specific dinner tables and the servers bring large portions of food to the dinner table on serving platters where guests can fill their own plates, just like they would at home.

#5 Cocktail Style

This style features hors d’oeuvres and other bite size offerings served all evening in contrast to a sit down meal. The hors d’oeuvres are usually one or two bite sized portions and can be a combination of hot and cold food options. The bite-sized foods can be served by waiters or they can be at stations for guests to get themselves. This is a good choice for a more casual atmosphere and gives the most opportunity for guests to mingle, meet and talk to each other.

 

C A N A P E S #laissezfairecatering #laissezfaire #laissez_faire_catering #events #catering #cater #party

A post shared by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Mar 10, 2018 at 10:12pm PST

Planning the Drinks

Choosing the drinks can also be a daunting task, but you don’t have to worry. Below are some examples of drinks that you can have on your wedding day.

#1 Bubbly

Good ol’ bubbly as a celebratory drink never gets old. You can have a little before your wedding to calm your nerves and celebrate the union by popping up another bottle. Bubblies vary in flavor, so if you can, do some tastings before you decide what bottle to get. Champagne can cost you $12 for a decent bottle and about $60-$250 for the best and top of the line champagnes.

#2 Wines

When choosing wines for your wedding, consider the time of the year and the wedding location. Summer weddings and lunches are best suited for whites, lighter-style reds and rose like pinot noir or cabernet franc. Winter weddings on the other hand are suited for robust merlots and bordeaux. The menu will also play a part in choosing your wine. Your chosen caterer will help you with pairing a great wine.

#3 Beer and Non-alcoholic Drinks

Serving good beer is an easy option and can be great for rain, hail or shine. Also since, you’re a responsible host, there should be also plenty of non-alcoholic drinks like juice, non-alcoholic cocktails, punch, sparkling mineral water and sodas.

 

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Incorporate an Audio-visual System

The size and equipment will depend on how big the venue is. Hotels and other large venues provide their own AV system which is usually included in the package whenever you rent one of their ballroom or event spaces. If not, consider hiring only the essentials. Maybe you want some lights to hit the dancefloor?

Find Wedding Entertainment

You can hire a DJ or a band to provide entertainment for your wedding party. Most live performers will bring their own equipment to the venue. But mostly all the other PA systems like speakers and microphones will be provided by the venue or you can also hire a 3rd party sound system company if the equipment provided by the venue is not adequate.

As always, it’s best to prepare early so that all the details can be ironed out before the event and everything will go according to plan. Good luck.

Deciding upon the best event space or venue is very crucial to your event’s overall success. It may be a corporate party, a wedding, a birthday or an awards night. Whatever the reason, the venue will hold everything in place. Although finding a venue takes time, it doesn’t have to feel like a daunting task.

Let’s say you have already identified the type of event you’re planning and the purpose of the party - now all you need is the venue. There are different factors you need to consider when selecting the right venue for you. Before we discuss some of the best venues and event spaces, let’s go through the factors you’ll need to consider when choosing one.

#1 Know Your Target Audience and Guests

When choosing a venue, knowing who your guests are and how many will be attending the event will give you an idea of the capacity you need. You have to make sure that you know at least an accurate estimate of the number of guests since this will limit your venue options. The venue should also reflect the guests taste and expectations.

#2 Check Your Calendar

Timing is a big factor when choosing your venue. The date of the event will be the next limiting factor. Depending on your event, you may be either flexible with your event date to get the venue you want or you have to be flexible with the venue of your choice in order to get a date that works.

#3 Know Your Venue Budget

With an open-ended budget, you will have hundreds of venue choices, but it is more likely that your budget may be limited. So, you should be aware of your budget limitations beforehand, but you can always plan a great event within a reasonable budget.

#4 Venue Location

After having the number of attendees and the possible dates narrowed down, it’s now time to know the locations of the venues on your list. Other than hotels and event conferences which are very popular, you can further narrow down your options to which venue is the most convenient for your guests or to a location which will increase the RSVP rate.

#5 Venue Space

The venue that you will choose should also have the appropriate space for the type of event you’re planning. Also, does it have a space for a dance floor, does it have their own PA system? What kind of table setup will you require? Does the facility’s condition reflect your standards? Does the venue meet the criteria of the event?

The venue should also have ample parking space (or easy access to public transport), offers good security, possibly offer services like catering, tables, chairs and linen rentals or floral arrangements if needed.

#6 Venue’s Reputation

A venue’s reputation is sometimes the difference between holding a good event and having a truly great event. You can see it by how the venue manages their staff, facilities and their clients. You will feel they care if they treat you like a VIP or the venue is flexible to your requests. Schedule a site visit to actually see the venue and see if it fits your criteria for the overall feel of the event. Ask for a tour around the venue including the entrance, the different spaces available, bathrooms and parking lot.

Examples of Great Sydney Venues

Below are 3 examples of spectacular venues that might be perfect for your event:

Roundhouse at UNSW

The Roundhouse is the venue of choice for the biggest music acts and has evolved into accepting a range of events. The Roundhouse can do concerts, conferences, product launches, dinners, parties and weddings.

The venue has a capacity for 10 to 2,200 guests with a panoramic room that can seat up to 1,000 guests or 500 individuals for a banquet style party.

The venue also provides a cutting edge AV system with a modular stage and PA systems with 50 years of experience in creating a great production. It also offers a 360 degree balcony with 8 flexible breakout rooms with built in AV systems. These spaces can be customised with removable walls, thus you can combine all rooms into one.

The venue is suitable for:

• Company parties
• Business conferences
• Product launches
• Mini concerts
• Formal dinners
• Weddings
• Exhibits.

Menu types can be formal plated, buffets, canapes, cocktails and food stations. Drinks could include bubbly, beer and non-alcoholic drinks since the venue is suited for big parties to small intimate gatherings.

The Freedom Hub

The Freedom Hub is a 100 year old warehouse event space located in the suburb of Waterloo, Sydney. The venue is constructed with high ceilings with black steel beams which are perfect for hanging gardens, festive lights and bright flowers. The cement floor is hand made of hand smashed river pebbles with white wash walls and large windows that add to the beautiful natural lighting.

100% of profits from The Freedom Hub supports victims of modern slavery & human trafficking within Australia. Their slave free supply chain and preferred suppliers ensure that they run ethical events, ethical weddings and your guests will love the feel good factor.

The venue is best for these styles of events:

• Drinks and canapes followed by a speech or presentation
• Dinner events for up to 100 guests
• Breakfast seminars or brunch events
• Cocktail events for up to 150 guests.

La Porte Space

La Porte Space is a multifunctional and unique space that provides luxurious creative spaces for leading industry businesses.

La Porte Space is located within the walls of a restored 1930 heritage building which offers a range of Scandinavian designed studios and concept spaces perfect brand showings, fashion shows, cocktail parties, media dinners and small corporate events. The venue can accommodate up to 400 guests with 5 function spaces.

The venue is best for:

• Formal dinner events
• Art launches with drinks and canapes
• Cocktail events
• Big family dinners
• Reunions with buffet style dinners.

Click here to check out other excellent venues for your next event or party. Enjoy!

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.