Beyond the normal Festivus potluck menu which includes burgers, dogs and wings, is there any coordination with respect to balance of dishes, avoiding duplicates, and managing dietary restrictions? I’ve seen some events where you can “sign up” to bring various things like cups, drinks, etc. Pasted some typical “pros & cons” below… Catering Pros: 1. Professionalism: Catering services provide a professional touch to the event. The food is usually well-presented, and the service is handled by trained staff. 2. Convenience: Hiring a caterer eliminates the need for individuals to prepare and bring their own dishes. This can be especially beneficial for larger events where coordinating homemade dishes might be challenging. 3. Variety: Caterers often offer a diverse menu with a wide range of options to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. 4. Quality: Professional caterers are experienced in preparing large quantities of food while maintaining quality. This can be crucial for ensuring that all attendees receive safe and delicious meals. Catering Cons: 1. Cost: Catering can be more expensive than a potluck-style gathering, especially for large events. Costs can include not only the food but also service fees, delivery charges, and gratuities. 2. Limited customization: While caterers offer a variety of menu options, there may be limitations on customization. This might be a drawback if you have specific dietary requirements or preferences. 3. Less personal touch: Catered events may lack the personal touch that comes with homemade dishes. For some occasions, this personal connection through shared dishes might be more desirable. Potluck-style Pros: (Everyone bringing food to share): 1. Cost-effective: Potlucks are generally more budget-friendly since the cost is distributed among the attendees. It also eliminates the need for a professional catering service. 2. Variety and customization: Potlucks offer a wide variety of dishes, and attendees can bring their favorite or specialty dishes, catering to different tastes and dietary needs. 3. Community building: Potlucks create a sense of community as people share their homemade creations. It encourages interaction and conversation among attendees. 4. Personal touch: Homemade dishes add a personal touch to the event, making it feel more intimate and friendly. Potluck-style Cons: 1. Logistical challenges: Coordinating a potluck can be logistically challenging, especially for larger events. Ensuring a balance of dishes, avoiding duplicates, and managing dietary restrictions can be complex. 2. Quality control: The quality of the food may vary, and there is a risk of inconsistencies in taste and presentation. 3. Allergen concerns: Potlucks can be challenging for attendees with allergies or dietary restrictions, as it may be difficult to guarantee the absence of specific allergens. 4. Ultimately, the choice between catering and a potluck depends on the specific needs and goals of the event, as well as the preferences of the organizer and attendees. On Mon, Nov 13, 2023 at 11:32 AM Ethan O'Toole via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic@lists.vcfed.org> wrote:
Good input, Herb. Jeff ran this by me, I thought it was worth considering and giving it a try. If, due to cost or other reasons, its not feasible, I'll volunteer for grill work this year and give the prior grillers a break.
Keep it simple keep it easy. Catering just removes a lot of headache. Streamlines the process. Click button, stuff happens.
- Ethan