Themed Party Catering Ideas

If you can't decide what type of food to serve at an upcoming party, it may help to narrow down your choices by deciding on a menu theme. You can either use the celebration decor theme as menu inspiration or create an entirely new one.

After you've chosen the type of cuisine you'd like to serve your guests, the next step is to hire a catering company that shares your vision and create the party menu of your dreams. If your budget is tight and the event is on the small side, you can even prepare the themed food in your own kitchen.

A themed menu is appropriate for any type of special event or occasion, including adults' or kids' birthday celebrations, family or corporate holiday parties, graduations, anniversary soirees, bridal or baby showers, and wedding receptions.

No matter what type of cuisine or theme you pick, be sure to provide options to accommodate everyone on your guest list, including vegans, vegetarians, and people with dietary restrictions. You'll also want to choose a theme that coordinates well with a particular season. For instance, don't plan on grilling out during the cold winter months.

Following are some party menu themes to consider:

1. Luau Theme

If your spring or summer event has a tropical-inspired feel, a luau menu theme may be the perfect choice. Start by serving skewers filled with fresh seafood, such as scallops and shrimp, as well as mango and pineapple chunks. 

Main course ideas include chicken teriyaki chicken over rice, kalua pork, which is marinated and shredded meat, chicken katsu, marinated and grilled short ribs, and beef, chicken, or veggie stir-fry. For authentic side dishes, serve up Asian-style coleslaw, Hawaiian macaroni salad, jasmine rice, grilled pineapple, and crispy egg rolls.

2. Southern Theme 

A Southern-themed event menu is filled with a variety of home-style comfort foods, including grilled hamburgers and hot dogs, barbecue sandwiches, macaroni and cheese with a crunchy cracker topping, potato salad, coleslaw, and a nonstop supply of sweet tea with fresh lemon.

When it comes to desserts, treat guests to sweet potato, pecan, apple, chess, and key lime pies, fruit cobblers, red velvet or hummingbird cake or cupcakes, and banana or rice pudding. You can also show some of that famous Southern hospitality by sending partygoers home with favor bags filled with homemade cookies, brownies, fudge, or any other type of sweet treat. 

For more information about party catering, reach out to a company such as Marians Island Wide Catering.


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