From Brunch to Boardroom: Choosing Versatile Catering Options

Selecting a menu for a group is more than a logistical task, it is an exercise in hospitality and strategy! Whether you are hosting a festive Sunday brunch or an upfront corporate meeting, the food serves as the “social glue” of the event. To ensure success, it helps to understand the dynamic and how menu type comes into play.

The Social Brunch: Focus on Variety and Visuals

Social events like baby showers or family reunions are usually longer and more fluid. For these, a tasting-style menu is most effective. Because guests arrive at different times and spend hours socializing, the food often needs to sit at room temperature. Tea sandwiches, seasonal fruits, and pastries allow guests to graze at their own pace. A successful social spread balances savory and sweet, ensuring that guests with different morning appetites all find something to enjoy.

The Boardroom: Focus on Efficiency and Etiquette

There are a couple of ways you can go when it comes to corporate catering: Individual Lunch Boxes are best for “Working Lunches” where time is tight. They eliminate the “buffet line” bottleneck and keep the schedule on track. We also help folks pick foods that avoid excessive mess; think artisan wraps or sandwiches that can be eaten with one hand while the other takes notes. When planning these occasions, choosing “clean” foods that don’t require heavy cutlery or leave behind significant debris is a big help in the end. (Not to mention they are also the gold standard for hygiene!)

A Shared Buffet is best for “Team Building” and meetings that have some social time built in: think about hosting team members from out of town, or a relaxed “appreciation” meeting. Choosing large trays of pasta or salad encourages employees to step away from their screens, stand up, and interact while serving themselves. This “family-style” approach breaks down social barriers and is often more cost-effective for larger groups where you want to provide a hearty, warm meal. 

The Golden Rule: The 10% Buffer

An industry secret for any event—casual or professional—is the 10% rule. Always plan for ten percent more than your RSVP count. This accounts for unexpected plus-ones and, more importantly, ensures the last person in line sees a full, beautiful spread rather than a picked-over tray! At Caffe Latte Da, we ensure all events are taken care of in the most delectable way! You just let us know the occasion, style and headcount, and we’ll get creative from there!