Community events are a great way to get everyone in the neighborhood to come together and spend some quality time with each other.
There are all sorts of great community events, such as picnics and sporting events—these events are great for people of all ages!
Now, no community event is complete without some good food, but don’t just rush into ordering the main course and dessert. You can’t forget catering for appetizers too. Appetizers might seem too small a meal, but they tie the whole meal together and give your guests something light to snack on while waiting for the main course.
So let’s take a look at why catering for appetizers is a great choice for community events.
1. Acts as a Symbol of Hospitality
Food has long been seen as a symbol of hospitality. When hosts serve appetizers at events, it’s often seen as a welcoming gesture.
The tradition of serving appetizers isn’t anything new, it has been around for centuries. Some believe the concept of serving a small meal before the main course came from the ancient Romans and Greeks.
2. Encourages Social Interaction
Appetizers are a great way to get people to move about and mingle with each other. The small dishes can be carried around by guests so that they can socialize while enjoying the small snacks.
During community events, people will want to talk with each other more than enjoy a meal together. So small appetizers might sometimes be a better option than a full meal.
Also, this kind of informal dining can act as an icebreaker, creating opportunities for guests to network and make important connections. Oftentimes, a small shared meal can make it easier for guests to bond over their personal preferences and tastes.
3. Offers a Variety of Flavors
Appetizers are numerous and depending on the menu your caterer offers, you may have all kinds of interesting appetizers of many different textures and flavors available.
You may treat your guests to spicy, sweet, and savory appetizers. Also, the caterer may offer appetizers that meet dietary restrictions, such as veggie appetizers for vegans and vegetarians.
Also, since appetizers are small and light dishes, your guests can treat themselves to a world of different flavors while still having room for the main course and the tasty desserts that come after.
Another fact about appetizers is that they can be paired nicely with all kinds of beverages, from coffee to fruit juices!
4. Allows Good Portion Control
Some guests at community events may have dietary limitations that make it difficult for them to enjoy large portions of food. However, appetizers are relatively very light meals that won’t lead to overeating. This can be great for guests who are trying to eat as little as possible.
Another great thing about appetizer portions is that you can order a lot of them, ensuring that each guest will get a chance to try some and they can have more than one serving.
5. Works as a Budget-Friendly Option
Reiterating a previous point made, most of the time, people who come to community events are only there to socialize and take part in community events—not everyone is interested in having a full meal.
Because of this, having a main course will not only be too expensive but food might get wasted too. With catering for appetizers, you can offer the guests a small meal that is both affordable and plentiful.
6. Provides Great Visual Appeal
Food shouldn’t just be a feast for the tongue but a feast for the eyes as well. Experienced caterers know this so their appetizers come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. When spread out on a table, the appetizers can have a great aesthetic appeal that can set the tone for the community event and get everyone excited about the food.
Also, the appetizers may be set up according to the theme of your community event.
7. Ensures High Quality from Caterers
When you get your appetizers from a reliable and well-reputed catering service, you can be assured that the dishes are made using high-quality ingredients. Also, caterers prepare these small dishes very meticulously, taking into account strict hygiene practices.
Additionally, the caterers will address dietary concerns by labeling appetizers that have ingredients that may trigger allergies in some people.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some commonly asked questions from our customers:
1. How many different appetizers should I offer?
Aim for 4-6 different types of appetizers to provide variety without overwhelming guests.
2. Can I include both hot and cold appetizers?
Yes, a mix of hot and cold appetizers can cater to different preferences and keep the menu interesting.
3. How much food should I prepare per person?
Plan for 6-8 pieces of appetizers per person for a light event, and 10-12 pieces per person for a more substantial offering.
Look for great catering for appetizers in Pittsburgh
The key to treating guests at community events to scrumptious appetizers is to get in touch with a reputable caterer in your area. They have a selection of great menus that you can have for your event, from appetizer catering menus to main course menus—the choices are almost endless! So book a good Pittsburgh catering service today!
