At the heart of any successful office or company party is great food and drink. Usually the hardest part of planning a party is what to serve. Some parties feature appetizers, some offer full sit-down meals, and others will have a buffet that could include separate stations for each food type i.e. a salad, meat, seafood or dessert stations.

The time of day scheduled for a party or event will dictate the service type and food quantities. Don't forget that your colleagues' expectations will also impact this aspect of event planning. However, the biggest factor dictating the catering style you choose will be the budget you have to work with. If you decide to have your event on the work premises keep in mind the space will inform the service style. A formal sit down meal needs tables and chairs. Can your budget handle this style? Service staff will be required if you decide on this option.

A buffet style gathering will require tables for catering equipment and if you choose to have traditional turkey or roast beef, space for the chef carving station is a must. Presentation tables for an appetizer party are needed unless you decide to have wait staff serve guests as they mingle. You will still require a preparation area. Your staff kitchen could do the trick for this choice.

Working with a smaller event planning budget? Don't worry. Choose menu items that will allow the catering company to drop off your choices. All you will need then is a table large enough to accommodate your menu items.

To have the entire company talking about the best office gathering ever follow these tips and tricks too.

- Food etiquette for your office. You know your workplace. Use that knowledge when planning any event. If you have an office full of women plan on having "pretty" food and something chocolate will be a sure hit. Perhaps yours is a construction business. Be certain to fill the gap with delicious home style portions..

- Be sensitive. Keep in mind the ethnic and religious requirements of your colleagues.

- The amount of food you need will depend upon the amount of people attending and the time of day your party is scheduled for. Lunch events typically require less per person that evening events

Appetizers for a cocktail party:

- Light: 3 to 5 pieces - Medium cocktail party: 5 to 8 pieces - Full meal cocktail party: 8 to 15 pieces. - Dinner style cocktail parties require 15 to 20 pieces per person.

- Glassware, China and Cutlery: Renting what you need will make event planning a breeze. And it's eco friendly too. Your caterer should be able to provide you with these items. If you choose to use disposables, choose a catering company that uses eco-friendly products. Make sure to arrange for the delivery the day prior to your planned event or party. This ensures that you are ready to set up the day of the event. Early delivery allows you to check for missing items and gives you time to fix any problems.

- Double up on everything if you can. People tend to leave their glasses, plates, and cutlery wherever they wander. Plan on having as much as twice the amount as the number of guests.

- Service. If you are not planning on hiring serving staff for your event a buffet is your most economical choice. Stack plates at the beginning of the buffet. Ensure guests won't have to perform a balancing act while serving themselves by placing cutlery and napkins at the end of the buffet.

- To ensure that all your guests won't have to wait in a crowd around one buffet table, think about setting up several. Naturally this depends on the space available to you and also be certain there are plenty napkins, plates and cutlery at each.

- Wow factor. Providing butler service for your planned event will lend a certain elegance to the experience. If your budget allows for this extravagance it will also tell your colleagues that they are the best.

Planning any office event or party menu will be easy if you follow these few simple guidelines and you will be the go-to event planner for success.

Food sets the mood. Great catering creates great party and event moments-and great catering is what Simply Elegant catering does. We understand how food can shape any party, event or meeting. Our chefs stand behind every bite to match you and your company's style and budget. Simply Elegant works with you to make sure your catering works for you and your event -- not against you.

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