It’s picnic season; the season where friends and family gather around a grill for casual get-togethers with the foundation of All-American classics that speak a universal truth: relax, kick-back, and enjoy some sunshine! A picnic is a perfect theme for any get-together, but, how can you ensure that your party still packs a punch of modern and classic style? Hiring a caterer is your best solution to help marry the casual concept of a picnic to the desire for an upscale and classy twist.
Burgers and dogs…
There are so many ways to take your main course over the ‘casual’ edge; choosing quality meats, corresponding fresh-baked buns, and rethinking the traditional staples of a picnic main course are ways to start. Instead of a traditional hot dog, featuring different sausages can put a different spin on the hot-dog, often put in the ‘childish and cheap’ category by picnic goers. If burgers are more on par with your picnic preferences, stay clear of preformed frozen patties. A hand-crafted recipe that allots at least a ¼ pound of ground beef per burger will make a statement of luxury and hospitality to your picnic guests.
Accompaniments…
After decisions have been made about the main course, dressings, condiments, and accompaniments are the next step in taking your picnic to the next level. Presentation is what it’s all about! Awkwardly squirting ketchup out of the bottle can really put the brakes on class and style. Consider presenting the condiments in trays, bowls, or cups that are not traditionally designed to carry such simple ingredients. Small spreaders, butter knives, and niche cutlery also play a large role in a presentation success. One also needs to consider the order of your picnic presentation; walk through a guest’s experience of building their burger… is everything in the right place? When you take the extra time and effort to care about the small details, it can elevate your event in ways that don’t cost any extra!
Classic doesn’t have to be fancy…
Putting emphasis on making classy and modern choices doesn’t mean that all choices must be elevated beyond the simple classics of a picnic. Consider your side dishes; and keep them simple, not stuffy! Dishes that include few ingredients help define picnic classics; corn on the cob, sliced watermelon, and baked beans. When choosing side dishes, don’t forget the accessibility of the venue. If the guests will be standing the whole time, perhaps corn on the cob isn’t the best idea. If there is little to no shade, mayonnaise or cream-based salads might be a turn-off after sitting in the sun.
Picnics are an American standard; whether it is the theme of your wedding, a family reunion, a work-event, a birthday celebration, or just a get-together of friends, a picnic has the ability to bring people together and have a deep sense of nostalgia and comfort. While it’s components are inherently simple and classic, it’s important to partner with a caterer to ensure your picnic is well-planned and executed in a modern and classy way. Be Creative Catering serves Northern Kentucky and the Greater Cincinnati Area. Offering a wide area of menu choices, their picnic classics are a perfect choice for your next gathering.