A Guide to Making Catering Your Office Lunch Hassle-Free

We’ve all been to a disastrous event. Whether the music stopped unexpectedly, someone indulged in one too many wines and aired some unwelcome truths, or the food was stone cold and down-right bland, no one has escaped the mishaps of a bad function.
A nightmare worse than being stuck at one of these god-awful events? Hosting one.

We believe that most mishaps can be overcome when the food is delicious. After all, nothing will escalate a bad event like a hangry guest. With these three simple tips for nailing your event catering, you can ensure that if nothing else, at least the food will be bang-on.

1. Select carefully:

When you’re deciding what to offer for your catered lunch, take into consideration the context of your event. Having a summer event held in the heat of the outdoors? Opt for something light and fresh like salads, sandwiches and wraps.
No chairs? Consider options that don’t require you to sit down with a knife and fork. Something portable and easy to eat as you walk around and mingle is optimal.
Freezing winter day? Something warming and hearty like a hot pasta dish is sure to lift spirits on even the bleakest of days.

2. Offer a range:

We all have personal preferences, and whilst we think all Aston Lucas meals are nothing short of delicious (if we do say so ourselves), everybody has a different favourite. Having a selection can generate excitement and get people talking. Is there anything more conducive to building team connection than getting into an in-depth discussion about a gnocchi bolognese? We think not.
Who knows? Maybe this pasta-related bonding will lead to the next big money-making idea or finally solve that ongoing logistics issue.

3. Consider utensils:

There’s nothing like trying to carve into a steak with a bamboo knife, or a napkin being nowhere in sight when you’re eating a bright red soup to dampen even the most delectable of meals.
Just as important as the catering is providing appropriate utensils for the food you’re offering. If you don’t want to provide silverware, that’s understandable, just make sure that the meal you’re providing doesn’t rely heavily on hardy utensils. Bamboo forks, for instance, would be absolutely fine for something like our basil pesto gnocchi.
Stock up on plenty of napkins and more plates than there are guests- this allows for people to change their mind on going back for more (trust us, they will), and prevents them from having to use the same plate if you’re also providing dessert.

4. Add a little something extra.

How about going that extra mile and providing a small selection of desserts. It doesn’t need to be fancy or overblown, but a little sweet treat can really take things to the next level. Even the hardest-to-crack shells in the office can be receptive to a little sweetening up. Everyone has a second stomach for dessert, and those who really can’t manage can take theirs back to their desk for that mid-afternoon slump. Nothing boosts morale quite like a sweet treat (and productivity, with that sugar high!).

So the next time you see the words ‘corporate lunch’ and immediately start to squirm, take a few deep breaths and read through our advice on nailing the brief. These simple, achievable suggestions ensure your lunch will be smooth-sailing. And trust us, if you’re whipping out our rich eggplant parmigiana, there won’t be a colleague left who doesn’t love you.