So, you need to organise an event but you are not sure where to start?
RECIPE FOR SUCCESS INGREDIENT CARD
Ingredient
Organise Stress-Free Functions
Question:
What is the best way to organise an event?
Answer:
For many people, organising a function is an undertaking full of stress and worry. Naturally, as a restaurant owner/caterer, you want to eliminate as much as possible any cause for anxiety on the part of your client. The more relaxed, competent and experienced you appear the more a nervous host/hostess will be reassured.
Most tasks fall into a sequence of 4 simple steps namely: planning, organising, implementing and evaluating.
Step 1: Planning
- Choosing a venue (if necessary)
- Deciding on the style of service
- Deciding on the menu
Step 2: Organising
- Collating the recipes
- Ordering food
- Storage of food
- Determining the order of preparation
- Organising staff (if necessary)
Step 3: Implementing
- Preparation and cooking
- Keeping food hot or chilled
- Garnishing and presenting food
- Serving food and attending to the guests’ needs
Step 4: Evaluating
- Reflecting on any difficulties encounter
- Reviewing guest satisfaction
- Evaluating the success of individual dishes
The function co-ordinator must consider and cater for every likely contingency, so the importance of basic preparation cannot be overemphasised. The client will think of you as the expert, so a professional approach to planning, together with consistency, is the key to success.
