Need inspiration? As experienced corporate event planners, wedding organisers and private party planners, we know that taking your catering to the next level is not always easy. So, our menu of food and drink pairings with our spring event catering ideas are here to help, and are ideal for any type of party this springtime.
It’s officially springtime (20th March) and at TLC we’re in the mood to embrace the lighter evenings and (hopefully) fairer weather by infusing spring catering event ideas into all our current projects. Spring events offer a wonderful opportunity for your event catering to incorporating the season’s vibrant colours, fresh flavours, as well as moving elements outdoors.
Whether you’re planning a garden party, a spring wedding, or a corporate gathering this springtime, keep your catering fresh and light, embracing seasonality, yet with the same thought and theatre put into your presentation.
Whatever type of spring event you’re thinking of holding, here are some delightful spring event catering ideas guaranteed to impress your guests:
LIGHT AND GRILLED CUISINE
Firstly, take advantage of the pleasant weather by adding light, grilled dishes into the menu. Serve grilled vegetable skewers, lemon-herb marinated chicken, or seafood kebabs. All options that are not only delicious, but align with the fresh, outdoor feel of spring.
Take the party outside and enjoy the more clement weather. Fire up the BBQ or a woodfired pizza oven adding to the party ambience as enticing aromas waft across the garden or outdoor space.
Create signature BBQ sauces that add an extra layer of flavour to your dishes. Offer a selection of rubs with varying levels of heat and sweetness, allowing guests to completely customise their meals.
If you budget allows you can level up your spring party catering with an interactive grill station where guests can witness the grilling process. Consider hiring a skilled grill master who can engage with attendees, share grilling tips, and further customise orders.
Street food is also popular in springtime – why not hop on the gyros trend, layering up warm pittas with succulent Greek-style chicken, tomatoes, onion, tzatziki and chips.
DRINKS PAIRING FOR YOUR GRILL EXTRAVAGANZA
Elevate the beverage element and complement your guest’s BBQ experience by offering craft beers and refreshing drink options that enrich the smoky flavours. Consider creating beer or cocktail pairings with some sample menus to get you started:
BBQ Brisket – pair with IPA or Bourbon based cocktails
https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/texas-barbecue-brisket
Tender, juicy, this meat is melt in the mouth, with a sticky BBQ sauce that’s full of flavour. The smoky flavours work best with IPAs which have a medium/dry finish to complement the dish.
Alternatively, bourbon will bring out the flavours of the meat with its sweet finish and caramel/vanilla notes. Try this Old Fashioned for a perfect pairing to your barbequed meat: https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/old-fashioned
Chicken Gyros paired with Belgian Witbier
This gyro recipe is perfect for a spring gathering with fresh zingy flavours. According to experts, Witbier gives you “sunny citrus aromas, which is like adding a spritz of lemon to the juicy grilled meat in either souvlaki or gyros.”
Gyros Recipe: https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/big-barbecue-chicken-kebab
Advice on beer pairings: https://www.cloverdalemall.com/cloverdale-blog/best-beer-takeout-pairings
FRESH AND COLOURFUL SALAD STATIONS
Set up a vibrant salad bar with an array of fresh, seasonal vegetables, fruits, and greens. Include options like strawberry spinach salad, citrus-infused salad, and caprese skewers for an inviting display of supremely tasty yet healthy dishes. Provide a variety of dressings to enhance the flavours further.
Add a little theatre with stylish and varied vessels to hold different salad ingredients. Use elegant bowls, tiered stands, or even hollowed-out fruits or vegetables to add visual interest. Consider using wooden crates, baskets, or marble platters to provide varying heights and textures.
Arrange ingredients in a visually appealing colour gradient adding to the aesthetic appeal but also showcasing the freshness of the ingredients. You could incorporate mini herb gardens into the salad bar too. Plant fresh herbs like basil, mint, and coriander in small pots and place them strategically among the salad ingredients adding a fragrant feast for all the senses.
This is a ‘help yourself’ set up so add rustic signage that enhances the aesthetic appeal as well as being practical. Make the most of the free time it will allow you by preparing as much as you can in advance.
If you budget allows, turn the salad bar into an interactive experience. Consider live stations where chefs toss salads and assemble custom creations and customisable dressings based on your guests’ preferences.
DRINKS PAIRINGS FOR SUPER SALADS
Spring event catering ideas should always include a cocktail! Choose light and refreshing flavours for your salad bar so as not to overpower. Something light and summery like a gin martini or this Tom Collins recipe from Jamie Oliver would be ideal: https://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/gin-recipes/tom-collins/
SPRING-INSPIRED CANAPÉS AND COCKTAILS
Impress your guests with bite-sized canapés featuring seasonal ingredients. Consider options like smoked salmon on cucumber rounds, asparagus and prosciutto bundles, or mini bruschetta with tomato and basil to stay light, fresh and on theme for spring.
But don’t just stop with the canapes, take your spring catering to the next level with some vibrant cocktail pairings designed to bring out the flavour of the food. Here are just a few ideas designed to tease the taste buds of your guests: https://www.tlc-ltd.co.uk/five-spring-cocktail-canape-combinations/
A SPRING-THEMED DESSERT BUFFET
It’s not a party without a sweet treat to round off the night. Delight your guests with a dessert buffet featuring spring-themed treats. Include strawberry shortcakes, lemon tarts, floral-infused macaroons, and pastel-coloured cupcakes. Again, you could consider a live dessert station where guests can watch their treats being prepared by experts.
Place your spring event catering ideas on wheels! Set up a dessert and coffee cart featuring an assortment of sweet treats, paired with specialty coffees and teas. Allow guests to indulge in an after-dinner delight with choices like mini pastries, cookies, and flavoured coffee options.
You can make this element boozy with some after dinner cocktails too – an espresso martini is a great way to round off the evening, as is a super sweet Tiramisu White Russian or Brandy Alexander. Prefer something lighter? Then how about letting your guests have the Last Word – literally!
https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/a42831436/last-word-cocktail-recipe/
MIRROR, MIRROR
Spring event catering ideas is all about presentation. Throw light on your curated display and enhance the visual impact by incorporating mirrors or well-placed lighting. Mirrors can create the illusion of more space and reflect the vibrant colours of the ingredients. Thoughtful lighting can highlight specific areas and add a touch of glamour.
THE FINAL BITE…
Lastly, looking to upscale your wedding catering this springtime? Read these tips from new catering firm Sisal and find out how the experts do it!
https://jlifemagazine.co.uk/features-manchester/upscale-your-wedding-catering
Thanks for sharing our spring event catering ideas with your social community. And if you need help to plan your next Spring celebration, get in touch with Amy Brown – amy@tlc-ltd.co.uk