Answering the 34 questions for your wedding caterer provided by Hitched, if you would like to read the original article with suggestions from the wedding pro's at Hitched take a look here >>>> 1. Are You Free on Our Wedding Date? You can ask our availability in the quote form on our website or through Hitched. 2. Will You Be Catering for Any Other Weddings on the Day? No. 3. Have You Worked at Our Venue Before? We’ve been catering in Stockport, South Manchester, Cheshire East since 2007, and have provided service at many venues, if we haven’t and you’d like us to familiarise ourselves with your venue our consultation service can include a venue visit. 4. Do You Specialise in a Certain Type of Cuisine? We are quite lucky that in our 30 years in hospitality, we have been caterers in 2 countries, the USA and the UK both countries have influenced our menus, service and overall vibe. 5. Which Are Your Most Popular Dishes? Couples like the menus that have a good mix of traditional British buffet fare and dishes that have American influences. The dish that gets the most compliments is our Chesapeake Bay Style Crab Dip. 6. Do You Offer Evening Food? We can either set up your buffet or grazing table for your main wedding breakfast or set it up for your evening guests. 7. Can I See Pictures of Your Food? Absolutely! There is a gallery on our website and Instagram @buffetheroes 8. Can I See Some of Your Reviews? Yes, of course, we have reviews in various places however Trustpilot should be your first stop. 9. Do You Have a Set Menu or Can We Request a Bespoke Menu? Yes, most couples do like our set menus and the full-service package is a pick n' mix style menu, however, we know some couples have their heart set on a specific dish and you only have to ask us, if we can do it, we will. 10. Where Do You Source Your Ingredients From? We use local suppliers and British import companies when providing American dishes that use American ingredients. 11. Do You Offer Halal and Kosher Options as Well as Other Dietary Requirements? We don’t provide Halal or Kosher foods, we provide personalised vegetarian boxes and are proud to craft individual and personal buffet boxes to meet your event's dietary needs, including Allergies, Gluten-Free, Vegan and Vegetarian. 12. Do You Offer a Children’s Menu? Most Children will enjoy the menu you have chosen, however, we do have a children’s menu you can order, it is provided in a personalised buffet pack with activity sheets and stickers or for grazing you can buy the kid's pack and it's scattered throughout the grazer. Children under 3 don’t need to be added to your headcount unless buying them an individual buffet pack. 13. Do You Make Wedding Cakes? Will You Charge a Cake Cutting Fee? We know an amazing cake designer and if you require a cake we can pass on her details. We don’t provide a cake-cutting service. 14. Do You Provide Silverware, Linen, Tables and Chairs? We can provide details of a supplier for these items. 15. Will Staff Lay Out Place Names and Menus if Required? No, as we don’t supply a silver service it would be the venue or yourselves who would lay your tables. We do provide candy and chocolates for your tables. 16. Do You Provide Bar Services? No. 17. Will You Include Sparkling Wine for The Toast? N/A 18. Do You Charge for Bottles Ordered or Bottles Opened? N/A 19. Can We Provide Our Own Drinks but Use Your Waiters to Serve Them? N/A 20. How Long Do You Need to Set Up? ·       Your lay and leave buffet can be set up in 10 – 20 mins ·       If you would like us to unbox your buffet ready to serve 15 – 30 mins ·       If you have ordered the tablescape it would be 45 mins – 1 hr ·       A grazing table is an art installation, installed at your venue, depending on your headcount it could take 30 – 90 minutes 21. How Many Waiters Will You Provide? N/A 22. Is there a Fee if the Wedding Overruns? N/A 23. Who Will Be in Charge of Coordinating on the Day? Me, I am the owner, chef, and catering manager. I have many roles and will personally coordinate your catering on the day, both in the kitchen and at your venue. 24. Do You Charge for Menu Tastings? A tasting box is included with a consultation or venue visit, put down your deposit for your wedding catering within 24 hrs of this meeting, and 50% of the cost will be discounted from your final balance. 25. When Can I Book My Tasting? After you have booked your venue it’s time to hire the caterer. Catering is one of if not the largest expense of your celebration and therefore booking them super early in your process allows you to figure out your budget, know when to expect your deadlines etc. Find caterers who fit your budget and book your consultations and tastings 1 – 2 years out. 26. When Do I Need to Give You Final Guest Numbers? 7 days before your wedding. 27. When Do You Need a Final Decision on the Menu? 7 days before your wedding. 28. How do You Deal with Last-Minute Requests? Last-minute requests for the caterer are very rare, and any request after 5 days before would need serious consideration. However, we do understand that even with the best planning things can come up and make things stressful, please don't hesitate to ask us as we will always do what we can to be helpful. 29. How Do You Charge? A Bulk Fee or Cost Per Head? Most of our menus are cost per head. 30. Can You Provide Meals for Other Suppliers? Yes, it is a common request for a meal to be provided for the photographer and DJ, it will be individually boxed for them. These meals are also included in our full-service package. 31. I’m Hiring an Outdoor Venue, Will You Bring Equipment Like Generators Etc or Do I Need to Hire It? The only thing we would require is tables and we can advise you on how many feet we would require to set out your buffet. 32. Do You Ask for A Deposit? Yes, a deposit is required to save your date in our diary. 33. When Do You Expect the Final Balance? Your final balance is due 5 days before your wedding celebration. 34. What is Your Cancellation Policy? For details of our cancellation policy and more go to the terms and conditions page of our website, everything you need to know about cancellations, how we work, deposits, payments etc is right there. Thank you Hitched for providing 34 questions for the wedding caterer, if you have any questions outside of these don’t hesitate to ask and if you would like further information from us about your wedding catering please go to the wedding page. Blog post by Lorna Robins head Buffet Hero a family catering business in Stockport. For more info contact us at info@buffetheroes.com www.buffetheroes.com

Another 10 best list about our favourite subject, buffet party food. This time with a twist. We were all brought up on traditional buffet food whilst making our favourite memories at our special occasions. It may feel a little old hat sometimes and if we love getting the caterers in, on a regular basis, it's nice once in a while to take a look at a new twist on the traditional buffet food and maybe bring a fresh new look and flavour to the buffet table as a whole. It's not that we don't love sausage rolls and sandwiches, we really do, the alternatives though are just as tasty. Take a look at this list of buffet twists and maybe there's a few you'd like to try next time. This list is not in any particular order. #1 - Dogs in Duvets The Americans call them pigs in blankets, but in the UK we already have a delicious finger food with that name. Dogs in Duvets though are a twist on sausage rolls. Hot dogs in puff pastry are delicious with ketchup or American yellow mustard for dipping. #2 - Mini Quiche Tartlets A slice of quiche is a delight on your plate at a buffet but little bite-sized quiches are a delicious alternative and a nice twist on this party food must-have. If you've never tried them, give them a go, don't eat the whole platter though, there are others in the buffet line. #3 - Chicken & Chorizo Quesadillas A twist on a regular chicken and cheese sandwich. We're adding chorizo and some Mexican spices to liven up this absolutely morish culinary delight, grab some guacamole, salsa or sour cream for dipping and you've found a new fave. #4 - Beef & Horseradish in Yorkshire Pudding Imagine a Sunday roast dinner on a buffet? As finger food!! WHAT!! This twist isn't particularly new I mean toad in the hole has been popular a long time but what is new at least in the last 5 years is having it on a party buffet. It's a true palate-pleaser and is perfect for your party. #5 - Chicken & Waffles Chicken Goujons or dippers are great, especially with a delicious dipping sauce BUT if you are a lover of the sweet & savoury collaboration, which is an American staple, e.g peanut butter and jelly (jam), full American breakfast with egg, sausage and bacon eaten with pancakes and maple syrup. I'm a huge fan of the salty-sweet combo and chicken & waffles are a surprising and divine addition to the buffet, which is thankfully becoming more popular in the UK. #6 - Mince Pie Rolls in Filo Traditional mince pies are becoming more adventurous every year. Chefs and home bakers are putting their own twist on them and this one is our favourite, I first discovered this twist at Jamie Olivers restaurant they are just a delicious and different way to present the age old festive mince pie. All mince pie connoisseurs will love them. #7 - Grazing Board The elevated cheese board we've all been needing in our life and now we can have it as a beautifully designed entire food table or a smaller platter version alongside a traditional buffet. #8 - Crab Rangoon or Crab Puffs Do you love a good crab dip? Imagine that shoved in puff pastry or crispy filo for a delectable finger food of epic proportions. If you love traditional prawn vol au vents and prawn cocktail then this tasty twist of gorgeous crab flavour and creamy cheesey goodness, is right up your street. #9 - Meat on a Stick Don't you just love Chicken Drumsticks on a buffet? The best ones are those that have a savoury delicate umami taste, to create this we use teriyaki glaze its fabulous. There is a twist on this though and it isn't just different flavoured drumsticks like peri-peri or BBQ but other types of meat sticks, like lamb koftas or chicken satay or kebabs. They are delicious, satisfying and a twist on an old favourite on the food table. #10 - Smoked Salmon Cheese Ball encrusted with Walnuts Sticking your knife into something cheesy and spreading it on a cracker or crisp bread is amazing and we have a signature crab dip that our customers go nuts for BUT what if there was a twist on a spreadable dip, in the satisfying shape of a ball? We do a spectacularly delicious smoked salmon cheese ball and upon request, pimento cheese (v) or cheese and bacon or buffalo chicken, the possibilities are endless. There may be more coming soon This list was really fun to put together, it's amazing how traditional favourites can become something different and even be a classic all on their own. It must be said that the traditional buffet is still the gold standard but slowly people want to try something new. If you like any of these food twists and wish to add them to your menu get in touch here >> Blog post by Lorna Robins head Buffet Hero a family catering business in Stockport. For more info contact us at info@buffetheroes.com www.buffetheroes.com

It sounds mad doesn't it and every year it feels like Christmas is in the shops long before we want to really think about it. But the Festive Season is the most important part of our religious calendar for many religions, not just Christian faiths. Even people who are not religious will still celebrate the season, gift giving and tree trimming and the like and of course indulging in festive delights, the kind we look forward to all year. Are you planning a Christmas party or festive soiree this year? Do you think you'll buy your catering the week before your party? Here is why you should get your booking in now. So, when should you book your Festive Parties: When it comes to booking your Christmas party catering, "the sooner, the better" is the way to go. Don't wait and certainly don't expect to get the caterer you want at a moment's notice during the busiest catering season of the whole year. As the holiday season approaches, caterers' schedules will fill up quickly due to such high demand. Waiting until the last minute will lead to limited options and a lot of stress. To secure the caterer of your choice, it's best to start your search and make a booking as early as possible. Many caterers begin accepting bookings several months in advance, so don't hesitate to get in touch and discuss your requirements well ahead of time. Bookings on the first of January for the Next New Year's Eve is not unheard of. Popular festive dates: Certain dates during the holiday season are exceptionally popular. These include weekends in December and dates close to and on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. As you can imagine, these dates tend to fill up rapidly, leaving you with fewer options if you delay your booking. If you have a specific date in mind for your Christmas party, mark it on your calendar have a conversation with your caterer now, today and get your date in the diary. Securing your best choice: Caterers that specialize in holiday events start receiving bookings in July, August, or September, clients are essentially reserving a spot on the caterer's calendar while they still have availability. This is when well-organised party planners get their dates booked as it gives them access to a wider selection of caterers, allowing them to choose the one that perfectly aligns with their preferences, budget, and they get to book their favourite menu. It also allows them to secure preferred dates without the constraints of the busy December calendar. What do you do if you left it late: Still ask the caterer if they have availability, every December is different, we have 4 delivery slots on New Year's Eve and 2 years in a row one slot was open, it's unusual but it does happen and you just might get lucky. This was a short and sweet ramble as to why you shouldn't wait, but it's because as a caterer I see time and time again our calendar booking up in August, September and October and everyone who are last-minute planners missing out on their desired dates and this has led to people booking a year in advance so they don't make the same mistake the following year. Blog post by Lorna Robins at Buffet Heroes, a family catering business in Stockport. For more info contact us at info@buffetheroes.com or for a quote www.buffetheroes.com

Your wedding day is one of the most significant moments of your life, and every aspect of it should be memorable, including the catering. While planning a wedding involves countless decisions, one area where couples may be tempted to cut costs is catering. However, choosing the cheapest option for your wedding catering may not be the wisest decision. In this blog, we'll explore the reasons why you shouldn't go cheap when it comes to your wedding catering and a real-life example of really bad planning. Catering Expertise: Catering is an art that requires skill, experience, and event expertise. Professional wedding caterers have the knowledge and the training to create a diverse and delicious menu that suits your preferences and if necessary dietary needs. They have experience with different cooking techniques, food presentations, and timings for feeding large numbers of people. Opting for cheap catering services often means compromising the quality of the food and the skills of the catering team, which could impact the overall dining experience for you and your guests. Customization and Personalization: Your wedding day is unique, and the catering should reflect your individuality as a couple. There are many professional caterers that can offer exactly what you are looking for in the way of personalized services, working closely with you to design a menu that aligns with your vision and theme. Those that can accommodate specific dietary restrictions and cultural preferences. Create signature dishes that leave a lasting impression. If you haven't planned your wedding properly for whatever reason and cheap catering options are all you have left for the remainder of a small budget then you have limited yourself to a service that lacks the flexibility to cater to your specific desires, resulting in a generic and uninspiring dining experience. Attention to Detail: When it comes to your wedding day, it's all about the details. Professional wedding caterers understand the importance of presentation and pay close attention to even the smallest of details. From beautifully arranged food stations to exquisite table settings, they go the extra mile to create a visually stunning ambience. Inexperienced or cheap caterers often neglect these crucial elements, leading to a lacklustre overall experience that has no atmospheric or aesthetically pleasing elements, this in turn fails to create a lasting impression on you and your guests. In other words, you can have all the bells and whistles you want but you really don't want your celebration to end at the buffet table. Service and Professionalism: The level of service at your wedding can greatly impact the overall experience. Professional caterers have well-trained staff who are adept at delivering exceptional service. They understand the significance of your big day and strive to provide a seamless and enjoyable dining experience for your guests. From the warm welcome to the attentive servers, every aspect of the service is meticulously planned and executed. Cheap catering services often lack the necessary resources and professional staff, leading to subpar service and potentially leaving a negative impression on your wedding day. Peace of Mind: Your wedding day should be stress-free and enjoyable. Choosing a reputable and experienced wedding caterer can alleviate a significant amount of stress associated with the catering aspect. Professional caterers handle all the logistics, from menu planning and ingredient sourcing to food preparation and presentation. They have the expertise to handle any last-minute changes or unforeseen circumstances, ensuring a seamless catering experience. Opting for a cheap catering option may lead to unexpected problems, leaving you and your loved ones to deal with unnecessary stress on a day that should be filled with happiness. This is a real-life story of bad planning If you've read any of my blog posts then you know I've seen a lot in my 30 years in the hospitality industry in 2 countries. Catering isn't just my profession it's my passion. I've seen wedding disasters and I know what makes a wedding celebration a triumph. Your catering should be the largest expense in your wedding budget, that is a fact and booking your catering should be done as soon as you've chosen your date and booked your venue (check your venue allows outside catering for more food options). So here's the tea I got a quote request 2 weeks before the wedding, that went like this: "Estimated headcount: 80 - 90 Looking for a wedding buffet quote, for sandwiches, quiche, pizza etc. We only want to spend £100, £1 a head would be preferable." My first reaction was, how can anyone actually be serious with this, they're actually asking a catering professional to essentially work for free because once sandwich, quiche and pizza ingredients have been purchased, enough ingredients to feed 90 people, I'm now supposed to create them and be paid with what's left, then there was an etc. so they wanted more food for 90 people. £100 doesn't even start to cover everything you need not the ingredients, the caterer's time, overheads or even the petrol to deliver it to the venue. This is not viable, this is bad planning, and this is cutting costs on something that should be a lot more important. To find out more about this quote, why it doesn't work and what the client could have done instead please read it here >>>> While it may be tempting to cut costs on your wedding catering, it's crucial to remember that the quality of food and service can significantly impact your special day. By investing in a professional and experienced wedding caterer, you ensure that your guests are treated to a culinary experience that matches the significance of the occasion. So, prioritize quality, customization, attention to detail, and a professional service when selecting your wedding caterer. Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and providing your loved ones with a remarkable dining experience will create beautiful memories that will last a lifetime. Blog post by Lorna Robins at Buffet Heroes, a family catering business in Stockport. For more info contact us at info@buffetheroes.com or for a quote www.buffetheroes.com

We Brits do love a good buffet, don't we? And when we go to a party that has those "traditional" buffet foods we get all that tingly nostalgia and thoughts of parties from yesteryear. To get on this list these party finger foods needed to be classic buffet fayre, a popular item on a buffet and be easy to hold in your hand or with a cocktail stick. Most of the foods on the list are currently on our menus, with a few exceptions, which are foods that have been requested from time to time. This list is not in any particular order. #1 - Sausage Rolls Meat wrapped in pastry dates back to the ancient Greeks and Romans. The modern sausage roll that we know and love originated in 19th-century France and became popular in the UK in the early 1800s as a cheap street food. It is now a beloved British snack that we dress up in cocktail attire for our celebrations. #2 - Pork Pie served with English Mustard, Picallili or Pickled Onions The pork pie is quintessentially British through and through. Pork pies have been around for centuries and as far back as the 1390s. We love this snack and adding a little tangy sauce to it brings out the flavours. Mostly eaten cold and best served on a ploughman's lunch or of course at a party. #3 - Deviled Eggs Served as a starter (appetiser) in ancient Rome before a fancy meal these, delicious little treats seemingly have a history of being celebratory fayre. They still are on both sides of the pond, devilled eggs are also an American party staple. #4 - Stuff on Sticks As a kid of the 70's it was tradition to have the family round on New Year's day and I witnessed my mother preparing the buffet and doing mind-boggling feats of nonsense that included cutting a slither off a rather large potato wrapping it in foil and laying it on its now flat side. I was horrified by her craft idea until later on when she invited me to help put cubes of cheese and pineapple on sticks and stick them in the potato. We had a silver potato for cocktail sausages, hot dogs and cheese & pickled onions.....Genius! As you can see pictured is my now well-honed craft and provide Harry and Hetty the healthy hedgehogs for children's parties. << Take a look here #5 - Chicken Drumsticks What can you say about a hunk of meat that has its own stick to hold, this is why people love them on a buffet. What a chicken drumstick does give me visions of though is Kings of England past sitting in a grand medieval hall, shouting obscenities to the musicians, and ripping a large bite out of a drumstick and swilling ale. #6 - Vol au vents This very light pastry case with a name like "vol - au - vent" which means windblown has French origins. I now know that these pastry cases can be filled with pretty much anything but back in the 70's I only knew of Prawn and Mushroom Vol au Vents, I never liked the look of them and I didn't try them until I was a teenager, I missed out. #7 - Coronation Chicken This dish was created by Constance Spry and Rosemary Hume during the preparations for the coronation banquet in 1953 for Queen Elizabeth the 2nd may she rest in peace. This dish has now been made into a sandwich filling, a pasty and a vol au vent. However, you like your Coronation Chicken it's great finger food. #8 - Chocolate Cornflake cakes Being a kid and seeing the cornflake cakes your mate's mum made would put such a huge smile on my face as well as the egg butties. OMG! a winning combo. These sweet chocolatey crispy balls of cornflakes were a fabulous treat. All the mums knew to make loads because we'd be willing to fight over them. #9 - Cheese on Crackers I remember these being in 1 of 2 different presentations whenever there was a party that served them. It was either Primula cheese on a Ritz cracker or it was sliced cheese on a Jacobs cracker with a blob of Branston Pickle, either way, they were delicious party food. #10 - Melon Boats The first time I carved up a honeydew melon to make the boats just seemed too much like hard work. Back in the day, these melon slices would be presented with fancy cocktail sticks of maraschino cherries and sometimes a slice of orange. There may be more coming soon This list was really fun to research. I found out some really interesting food history facts, took a stroll down memory lane and fell down a nostalgic rabbit hole. I hope these finger foods brought back some good memories to you and if you'd like to add them to your menu get in touch here >> Blog post by Lorna Robins head Buffet Hero a family catering business in Stockport. For more info contact us at info@buffetheroes.com www.buffetheroes.com

As I've always said food is important at any event, it is a culturally essential experience. Food is the love language that we all speak fluently and that is why catering plays an essential role when we're celebrating life's milestones. This is the 'why' for the passion I have for my job, providing delicious food, efficient service, and an enjoyable ambience for my clients and their guests to enjoy, it's everyone's language. From weddings and birthdays to graduations and retirement parties, I see how catering is a critical part of these events. So, what does a catering service actually provide to you and your event? A personal working relationship for your intimate family occasions Catering provides an opportunity for a caterer and their client to work together and create a menu that meets the needs and preferences of the host and their guests. We work closely with our clients to develop a menu that accommodates dietary restrictions, preferences, and in some cases cultural traditions, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the food. Once you and your caterer have started this close working relationship and you hire them for every occasion, you get to know them and how they work and they get to know you and your needs for your events. Working smarter not harder by hiring a professional to do the work for you Catering provides a professional service that takes the burden of preparation and serving off the host. This allows the host to focus on the event and socializing with their guests, without having to 'work' or worry about the serving of food. A caterer is qualified in food hygiene and safety and hiring someone who knows how to provide safe food to your event is crucial. Caterers provide well-designed and aesthetically pleasing food presentations Catering provides a festive and celebratory warmth for all occasions whether it's an elegant plated dinner or a casual buffet, a well-executed catering service can help to set the tone for the event and make it a memorable experience for all in attendance. Caterers spend years perfecting their craft and it shows on the buffet table. Finding the right caterer for your budget is achievable Catering provides a variety of options for all budgets, from simple finger foods and canapes to elaborate multi-course meals, this means you should always be able to find a caterer that offers what you need for your event. Caterers can customize their service to make it more personal to you Catering can also provide a more unique and personalized service by including special themes, decorations, or presentations that reflect the milestone being celebrated. E.g. this could include menus that reflect your cultural heritage or menus that include vintage and nostalgic favourite dishes. Caterers can help you with event planning and sourcing suppliers Catering may also provide money-saving tips, other services, event planning advice and where to source the suppliers who can help you create the vision for your event. This will simplify your planning process and help you with such things as hiring and renting items like tables, linens, chairs, dinnerware, cakes, DJ's etc. In summary, catering plays a crucial role in celebrating life's milestones by providing delicious food, efficient service, and a celebratory atmosphere for hosts and guests alike. It helps to make these events more memorable, enjoyable, and stress-free for everyone involved. If you would like to talk to us about your event get in touch today right <> Blog post by Lorna Robins for Buffet Heroes a family catering business in Stockport. For more info contact us at info@buffetheroes.com www.buffetheroes.com

These aren't just foods that impress from a caterer's perspective these are the 10 finger foods that clients love that are inexpensive and impress people time and time again. To get on this list these party finger foods need to look good, be easy to hold in your hand and be delicious. Most of the foods on the list are currently on our menus, with a few exceptions, which are foods that have been requested from time to time. This list is not in any particular order. #1 - Vol au Vents The mushroom vol au vent is the favourite of our clients even though it's vegetarian it's enjoyed by everyone and goes great on a party buffet table. There are also great filling choices for weddings such as prawns and brie & pear. A great vegan/dairy-free option is coronation chickpea vol au vents. #2 - Crab Cakes with a spicy sauce Crab cakes are so good, spicy, and flavourful and usually served with a spicy sauce. This is an amazing finger food. Our crab cakes are made with the same recipe we used when we had our company in the USA, they are Louisiana-style crab cakes and they have that unique but insanely delicious flavour that you didn't even know you loved until you had them for the first time! Served with a spicy, tangy and creamy sauce that will blow your socks off. #3 - Bruschetta This delightful finger food is an Italian antipasto favourite, usually thin slices of toasted Ciabatta bread, brushed with garlic and oil and topped with variations of tomatoes and fresh basil, grilled vegetables, pesto and sun-dried tomatoes, cured meats, or cheeses. #4 - Mini brioche rolls This sweet and doughy roll compliments a multitude of fillings, some caterers even make sliders with these delicious gems. What has become most popular for us is beef with horseradish sauce and smoked salmon and dill in cream cheese. An impressive and delicious handful of goodness. #5 - Bacon Wrapped Dates Pitted dates, stuffed with the cheese of your choice, wrapped in bacon, what's not to like? Caterers make these with garlic cream cheese, goat's cheese, blue cheese, and manchego. Although these are not popular for us to sell there are caterers who sell them like hotcakes. You may have also heard of Devils on Horseback, which is usually made with either stuffed prunes or dates with a more spicy filling. #6 - Mini Quiche Tarts Everyone loves a quiche wedge right? It is just delicious party food that is good for the soul but you need a fork to eat it. There is a more impressive presentation of the fabulous quiche though and that is mini tarts or tartlets, as you can see they are a great little finger food. #7 - Caprese Skewers Buffet Heroes provides a gorgeous Caprese salad for buffets and grazing tables and can put it on skewers for you when requested. I think it is a fitting addition to this best finger food list, it covers the brief perfectly. #8 - Mini Spring Rolls Spring rolls are a delicious, crispy little Philo pastry-filled finger of lusciousness. The variations in fillings are endless. My personal favourite is anything I can dip in sweet chilli sauce like vegetable or duck and these fillings are also popular with our clients. #9 - Finger Sandwiches Finger sandwiches are simple finger food that can have a whole selection of fillings presented on your buffet and everyone loves a sandwich, the finger sandwich is versatile in that you can even make them festive or seasonal with fillings that your guests associate with the time of year and are an impressive presentation. #10 - Fresh Veggies & Fruit Displays There is nothing more impressive than a colourful display of fruits and veggies, not only does this food cover almost everyone's dietary requirements but it also looks fabulous on your buffet. There may be more coming soon This list is obviously not extensive it doesn't cover any high-end catering companies' fabulous signature finger food creations and as always there may be an opportunity in the future to write more lists. If any of these impressive finger foods are something that tingles your taste buds and you'd like to add them to your menu get in touch here >> Blog post by Lorna Robins head Buffet Hero a family catering business in Stockport. For more info contact us at info@buffetheroes.com www.buffetheroes.com

Weddings are one of those most special moments that people cherish for a lifetime. But planning a wedding can be a daunting and expensive task, especially when it comes to catering. Catering is one of the most significant expenses in a wedding, and it can quickly add up if you're not careful. However, with a little creativity and careful planning, you can cut down the cost of catering without compromising on quality. Here are some ways to cut costs on wedding catering. #1 - Choose a buffet-style wedding breakfast Choosing a buffet can save you so much money compared to a sit-down silver service dinner. With a buffet, you won't have the extra cost of serving staff which can be a huge uplift on your bill. You can provide a selection of finger foods with salads and even a hot self-serve meal, which can significantly reduce the cost. #2 - Opt for a local caterer who provides seasonal food Choosing a caterer who uses seasonal and locally grown food is not only more cost-effective to the caterer but those savings are passed on to you. If you are environment conscious this is also more environmentally friendly as local produce is fresher and requires less transportation, reducing the carbon footprint and a great way to support local farmers and businesses. Choosing a caterer whose location is close to your venue also cuts the mileage on delivery costs down too. #3 - Get married later in the day to limit the number of meals needed Your guests come from far and wide to spend the day with you celebrating your marriage and they need to be fed and offering a few meals can quickly increase the cost of catering. You don't have to offer cocktail hour hors d'oeuvres, a main full sit-down dinner and a huge evening buffet if you get married later in the day. You can limit the number of eating times, and serve snacks instead of full meals. e.g A full buffet for your daytime wedding guests which is usually a smaller gathering than when you add the evening guests in the mix. Then provide a snack for the evening such as a hot sandwich. I recently attended a wedding that offered fish finger rolls, they were really good and a brilliant idea. #4 - Cut down on the number of guests No one likes to hear this and of course, it's a very obvious way to cut costs. The more guests you have, the more expensive the catering will be. Consider cutting down on the number of guests by having a smaller, more intimate wedding. This can significantly reduce the cost of catering and other expenses. Don't invite the neighbour you had when you were 5 even if your parents say you should, and don't invite anyone you haven't had a face-to-face conversation with, in the last year even if a few years back they invited you to their wedding and don't invite the whole office only those you work closely with and consider a good friend. #5 - Consider a cash bar Alcohol can be a significant expense in a wedding. Consider having a cash bar instead of an open bar. This way, guests can purchase their drinks, and you won't be responsible for the cost. #6 - Serve a welcome drink if you must If you feel you must provide at least one drink, how about just the first drink on guest arrival? You could provide poured flutes of prosecco and a bucket filled with ice and beer bottles on the table near the door for guests to take as they walk in. #7 - Choose a less formal setting Formal settings can be expensive as you're locked in to use the in-house caterer, so consider a less formal setting such as a backyard, a park or the local social club. This will save you money on catering because you'll be able to price shop around local caterers and choose the best for your budget. #8 - DIY dessert table Instead of ordering a large fancy expensive cake, consider having a DIY dessert table. This will allow you to save money on the cake while also providing a fun element to your wedding. Items just as a sweetie bar, cupcake stand, macaron basket or little petite fours are great ideas. #9 - Hire a food truck Food trucks are so popular at weddings. They are often less expensive than traditional catering, and they can provide a unique and memorable experience for your guests. These come in many variations such as the trucks and vans that sell fish and chips, pizza, burgers and hot dogs and of course the ice cream guy. #10 - Negotiate with your caterer Don't be afraid to negotiate with your caterer. Ask if there are discounts or specials, especially if you're having a large wedding. They may even be able to work with you to create a menu that fits your budget. Catering is an essential part of your wedding, but it doesn't have to break the bank. By following these tips, you can cut costs without compromising on quality and still have the wedding of your dreams. Remember, it's your special day, and with a little creativity and careful planning, you can make it a day to remember. To see our wedding packages take a look here >> Blog post by Lorna Robins at Buffet Heroes, a family catering business in Stockport. For more info contact us at info@buffetheroes.com www.buffetheroes.com

Yeah, it’s still dramatic! If you haven’t read part 1 please do so first, we break down why the party planner or host is the cause of an environmental disaster due to avoidable food waste from a lack of appropriate planning. There are no pointing fingers or even blame shaming it’s just food for thought and a way of looking at events from an environmental perspective especially as one of the top 5 listed reasons for avoidable food waste by the experts is badly planned events. I want to go a step further though and take some of those badly planned event problems off the shoulders of the host and put it on the shoulders of the invited guests. As you will see below, it isn’t always the host who creates the problem. That one friend You know the ones, who are well known to be fickle, non-committal or make excuses to duck out of arrangements you’ve had for months, constantly. You even know on the day of the event, that, that person is most likely going to call you to back out, you can set your watch by it, they are so predictable. The most popular excuses are the kids are sick, they have to work, or they’ve been rushed to the hospital or someone they know has and you know it’s a load of crap, they are just not polite enough, to be honest (I am not talking about people with a real illness and genuine emergency). But here is the most unbelievable thing about this person, if you didn’t invite them, all hell would break loose and if you told them the truth that you know they wouldn’t come anyway, you better buckle in for the infinity war. Let’s take a sidebar here If you don’t have a friend like this, it might be you. Please, understand your friends and family try hard to make you a priority, that is why they continue to invite you in the hope that one day they’ll be a priority to you. This blog is to show a behind-the-scenes look at how being this person affects the people they are supposed to care about most and how it impacts the bigger picture. Are you a polite or rude party guest? Our client Sharon had invited people to a special party and was really stunned by how many people didn’t show up. Sharon had arranged an amazing party for her son’s christening. She did everything right and planned appropriately. She had paid for a venue, catering, a DJ, balloon décor throughout the room, a children’s entertainer and a gorgeous cake. She had booked all this for the 35 family and friends that said they would be there. Over the course of the afternoon, 16 people showed up, 9 of them kids. That’s 19 of her family and friends that didn’t show up. I’m aware that sicknesses and emergencies happen all the time, it’s possible a few people had a genuine reason for not being there, but 19? There was no inclement weather, in fact, it was a beautiful April day. If Sharon was your friend or cousin or sister, how would you feel knowing she had wasted £200+ on no-shows? And this is only secondary to the amount of food that was prepared and wasted. Sharon paid for her guests to eat and be entertained for the afternoon. So, who are you in this scenario? Are you one of the 16 that showed or the 19 that let her down and why? Let’s take a look at who the no-shows are. Selfish Susan Susan has no intention of going to her friend's or family members' party for whatever reason. Maybe she can’t afford it, or it’s not her scene, but she doesn’t like kids running around or loud thumping music and would rather stay away than spend a few hours for the sake of her friend or family member. Susan should speak up. Say she can’t make it and be honest. But when you’re selfish and you don’t want to look bad you have to come up with a conniving plan. Susan thinks to herself ‘I’ll tell them I’m coming but, on the day, I’ll tell them I’m ill’ and guess what selfish Susan, you’re not the only person that does this, it’s the predictable behaviour of the fickle one as mentioned above. Inconsiderate Ian Ian has every intention of going to the party, he R.S.V.P.’d with a ‘yes’ and then on the day he just can’t be bothered. He’s not sick, there is no emergency, and he has no valid reason he just doesn’t want to get out of his pj’s, and it’s too much effort. Ian calls his friend and tells them a flat-out lie as to the reason he can’t go. Let’s face it, if you have to lie about anything to anybody, it’s because you want to save face for doing something you feel is wrong. If you know it’s wrong, why are you doing it? Ignorant Irene When you are as rude as Irene you basically have no manners at all. You decide that you’ll go unless something better comes along in the meantime. But just in case nothing does make sure you’re on the guest list by RSVPing ‘yes’ and then make that a no if you end up with other plans. Arrogant Annie and Entitled Eddie The arrogant and entitled rude guest may not impact food waste and may not have been that bad for Sharon’s situation but they are people that we come across from time to time, sometimes in our own families and they impact our lives and hearts. Let's say the event is a wedding for example. Annie has an invite to her cousin's wedding, she checks the date in her calendar, she has nothing planned, but Annie considers herself a popular woman and her company is in demand. She’s really not sure whether committing to her cousin’s wedding is the best use of her time and she decides not to R.S.V.P. keeping her options open. On the actual day of her cousin's wedding, Annie realises she’s not quite as popular as she thought and going to a wedding isn’t the worst thing, she could do that day. She gets dressed up and goes. Her cousin is shocked to see her, Annie isn’t written into the seating plan, they haven’t bought her a meal, and Annie is now the problem the bride on her wedding day doesn’t need. The bride hands the problem to her wedding planner and that’s why Annie ends up on the kid's table next to dribbling Tarquin and eating the child’s chicken nugget option. So, Annie how did that work out for you, huh? You’ve upset your own cousin. You created more work for the wedding planner just when she had it all under control and running smoothly. How are you more important? And why on God’s green earth would you think you are? Entitled people, who are like this and get exposed, don’t usually get invited again, now who’s the popular one? And just for kicks and giggles, there is only one more arrogant person worse than Annie and that’s Entitled Eddie, and he is the type of person that is truly up his own…well you know, where the sun doesn’t shine. He gets his invite, and he doesn’t acknowledge it in any way, no ‘thank you for the thought’, no rsvp and he doesn’t show up. Replying and going is beneath him because it isn’t HIS day, and he wouldn’t be the centre of attention. But then he starts seeing the photos online and he’s really bothered that the guests who attended had an amazing day without him, how dare they! In order to put the attention back on himself, he starts leaving hurtful comments and putting the wedding and his cousin down. After all negative attention is still attention. My take on Eddie is that if 'where the sun doesn’t shine' is such a nice place, stay up there. Polite Penny I think we should all try to be more like Penny. She is a genuine and trustworthy person who doesn’t need to think about conniving plans because she doesn’t make them. Being a polite guest comes very naturally to Penny. She appreciates her friends and family and loves spending time with them. When Penny gets her invitation, she doesn’t reply right away, she takes some time to check her diary, and she considers how much it will cost her to get there in fuel or in taxis. Or if the party is in a faraway location decide if she will need a hotel room and can afford it. Once she has done her research and comes to a decision Penny will then R.S.V.P. and she always does this before the date specified. If Penny can’t go for any reason, she politely declines the invitation. The effects of rude guests To the host it’s wasted money and disappointment, to the caterer it’s wasted time, food and money, to the environment wasted food makes a detrimental impact. Did you know food waste sent to landfills, while decomposing gives off methane, this is a greenhouse gas that can be up to twenty times more potent than CO₂. Food wasted due to rude people is avoidable waste*. At the end of the day We lie and make conniving plans because we care about how we appear and don’t want to appear heartless and unkind, but in fact, it is a very twisted way to look at it and you actually appear exactly how you’re trying to avoid appearing. You look like a fool and a liar; people aren’t as stupid as you think. Do you actually prefer to be thought of badly and the topic of gossip than simply saying no? Since when was saying no perceived as such a shameful thing? It isn’t and you have the choice to say no and say it honestly. Let’s all celebrate our lives with each other, stop letting meaningless things get in our way and if what’s in the way is you, get over yourself. *Always dispose of food waste in the green bin so it can be appropriately treated and turned into valuable resources such as compost, fertiliser, and renewable energy. * These rude guest tactics have been shared with me over the years by my conniving friends and family, names have been changed to protect the foolish but they know whose on blast :D Blog post by Lorna Robins head hero at Buffet Heroes. Buffet Heroes is a small family-run catering business in Stockport, Greater Manchester. Want more info? Email us or visit our site Info@buffetheroes.com www.buffetheroes.com

WOW! Dramatic much? Everyone is talking about the environment and it's such a huge issue. It feels bigger than anything we could possibly do to help the environmental problems. Problems, that we clearly have and our planet is really letting us know it's getting tired of us taking advantage. So why the heck is a caterer writing a blog about the environment? Well, I'm not just writing one blog about this but this is the first of two. Me adding the voice of a caterer whether others agree or not is something I feel is necessary even if it's just food for thought, (pun absolutely intended) and even if only one person reads it. It's true we are all making small moves to help the environment, we recycle, freeze our food more, reduce our plastic use, and plant trees but did you know your event, big or small may have an impact on the environment? Let me explain. Recently I catered a party and it was a milestone birthday so the host thought more people would come than actually did. (recently means 2019 not during the great unpleasantness). She ordered way too much food. I asked her 'do you plan your parties like this all the time, where you just guess your headcount?' She said 'doesn't everybody?' ERM NO! It got me thinking though. Are people this misinformed about something so crucial to the environment as massive avoidable food waste created by events OR do people in general just not know how to plan an event? When Googling ‘avoidable crisis of food waste and causes’ you will find the 5 main causes of avoidable food waste according to Conserve Energy Future Lack of appropriate planning. ... Purchase and preparation of too much food. ... Errors in industrial processing and keeping up with food safety policies. ... Managerial, financial and technical constraints. ... Over-preparation of food in restaurants, hotels and the food service industry. What happens to food waste if not processed properly? "if food goes to the landfill and rots, it produces methane—a greenhouse gas even more potent than carbon dioxide. About 6%-8% of all human-caused greenhouse gas emissions could be reduced if we stop wasting food". – World Wildlife Fund Who is the cause of these problems? Even reading that you can see a 'lack of appropriate planning' and 'it's the restaurants and food services that are the cause and to blame' for the massive amounts of food waste. And so you feel a bit smug about the fact that the avocados that you threw out on Wednesday are just not as bad as what these guys are responsible for. I see what you mean but where do food businesses get their cues from? for example, booking a table at a restaurant The restaurant has a guaranteed reservation and so they know exactly how much food to get in for the people coming through the door, they make some allowances for choice and walk-ins. You made the reservation so you said you'd be there and they are ready to feed you. But then you don't show up. HMMMMMmmm! This can contribute to this food waste, so we as consumers are just as much to blame. You're having a party and just like the lady in the above scenario, you take a stab at the headcount based on an extremely uneducated guess. Guessing your headcount is a lack of appropriate planning as stated above as something to avoid due to its impact on the environment. So, let's actually look at how foolish guessing is. If you think giving out 120 invites means that 100 will show up, where did you get that information from? How did you come to that number? And if you then order food for that 100 people and at the actual event 70 show up, you've just bought food for 30 people who weren’t even coming in the first place. This is such a waste of your hard-earned money, the caterer's time and most importantly a grievous amount of food wasted. This is an irresponsible lack of planning and just so you know "a rookie mistake". Even if you have been planning family parties for years and think you're a badass planner and this is how you've always done it, you're a rookie. I know this may be patronising to some people but those who plan parties by guessing need to know how not to guess. Have you ever heard of an R.S.V.P? It is French, it stands for Respondez, s'il vous plaît. It means to respond, please. It's been around since 1845 and became popular in the early 1900s. Some would say this is very outdated, well maybe so but I think the planet would disagree. It's still used for weddings and by those who know how to plan a party like a boss. Outdated or not the r.s.v.p needs to be the norm again. Why is r.s.v.p mostly used for weddings? Because it is an important event and must be planned properly and responsibly. The chef needs to know exactly how many they're cooking for, so no one goes without. All events are as important as a wedding, all events need to be planned properly and responsibly. So how is it planned? 1) You get a date for your party and a venue. 2) You save the date with your chosen caterer (no exact headcount required at this point) 3) You send out your invitations, whether through snail mail, email or social media, usually 6 weeks before the event, 8 weeks to those who live far away. 4) Your invites should have an R.S.V.P. date on them approximately ten days prior to your event. 5) All those that do not respond by this date or respond no, go on your 'no' list, you can recheck with them but unless they give an absolute yes it’s a no. 6) Everyone that responds with a maybe goes on the 'no' list, unless they change it to a yes by the r.s.v.p date. why? Most people who say maybe just don’t want to hurt your feelings and are unlikely to show up, however, there are a few genuine maybe's but the person in question will change their maybe to a yes or no by the r.s.v.p date. You can recheck with the rest just in case but 'maybe' is a negative answer. 7) All those who say yes, are likely to be there, don’t forget to include yourself in the headcount. 8) This number is now quite reliable, and this is the number of people you buy food for. 9) Caterers are actively reducing food waste so please never order less food for the number of people you know are coming as you won’t have enough food. Caterers used to have a bad reputation for being irresponsible food wasters and that is no longer true. 10) So, you sent out 120 invites and 70 people responded with a yes, then 70 people is your final headcount for your event and this number is based on actual numbers given to you by your guests. It's not a perfect science by any means but it is responsible and appropriate planning. When you use this method you will have so much more success from a money standpoint and the impact on the environment as your food waste should be minimal to none. Go here to check out the best party planning tips >>>> PLEASE NOTE: Always put food waste in green bags and green bins for proper disposal never in a regular bin. Blog post by Lorna Robins owner of Buffet Heroes in Stockport. Servicing the Stockport, Manchester and Cheshire area of the North West. For party catering requests please email info@buffetheroes.com Or fill in a quote form at https://www.buffetheroes.com

Should a buffet which is a communal food concept be available during a pandemic and is it safe? We can’t say whether it is or not we’re not scientists we’re caterers. If evidence of norovirus outbreaks is anything to go by then we feel that buffets must have safety measures in place that are adhered to and if they are they are no riskier than a social gathering with safety measures in place that are adhered to. Do not gather until precautions are lifted. We want to go back to social gatherings it’s a cultural necessity, a mental health booster and an exciting and fun prospect that we all need. After all who doesn't love a good wedding? But there is an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 that exists in any public place where people are present (this includes having a party at your house where people that don’t live with you are gathering with you). Choosing to gather during a pandemic will always be at your own risk and all your guests who choose to attend assume that risk for themselves. If you choose to have a social gathering you must take the health and safety of others seriously and take precautions and this includes any serving of food. BUT WHATS THE concern with the serving of food or buffets The spreading of a virus due to any activity that includes other people and providing food is the activity we are addressing. An infected person can spread a virus either by direct contact or touching and using communal serving utensils which are then used by everyone else as well and then those people sitting down with their food and eating it with unwashed hands. As I understand it, If you take some of that risk away and provide a solution you could be potentially slowing the spread of the virus. SIDE NOTE: Touching communal food with your hands and then putting it back on the tray for someone else to grab is unacceptable behaviour. If you touch it, eat it or bin it, this is why we want to stop this from happening by individually boxing your buffet. CAN WE have a party food buffet safely? Recently we attended a webinar for the USA catering industry, it was to provide buffet restaurants and hotels in Vegas with solutions and the equipment for getting back to providing the famous 'all you can eat' buffets as safely as possible. Their ideas were great but I don't think we are there yet for the party food buffet. I loved their ideas and they can totally be put in place but going forward there is still the social distancing problem and people don't think and certainly don't social distance at a buffet table. These tools would work fabulously to provide safer gatherings post-pandemic. These tools are · Hand sanitiser for the guests before the buffet line to reduce the number of germs getting on the serving utensils. · A disposable serving utensil for every communal food platter available or for smaller groups a serving utensil for each person. · Individually wrapped disposable cutlery · Disposable cups & plates · Signage reminders not to touch the food with hands · Hand sanitiser after the buffet line to clean hands before eating (just in case someone touched the serving utensils without sanitising) · Or use the BEST Alternative. THE BEST Alternative Everyone gets their own buffet box and eats from that, no cross-contamination, no touching other people’s food, social distancing a sinch. Just a smiling face with a box of goodies. Caterers are used to providing individual boxes as we do it all the time for those with food allergies if it’s ok for those that need it, why can’t it be ok for everyone? This is the option that most buffets in hotels etc are using and so are we. Other safety measures include Social distancing markers at the buffet table Strictly keeping young children away from the buffet table Asking someone to leave the line if they do not adhere to safety measures or you see them touching food with their hands. Venues could also provide portable sneeze screens. WE NEED your help though It’s all well and good to provide the tools to someone with the intention of keeping them safer, but for them to actually be safer, they have to use them. If these ideas are ill-received by you, you are not ready to host a gathering during a pandemic, so please don't. IF YOU must gather please be smart about it, use your common sense and expect others to as well. As the host, it is up to you to do all you can so no one comes with an uninvited guest and no one goes home with an extra one. It would be acceptable to put on your invite ‘that attending this party during a pandemic is at your own risk as you could be potentially exposed to the virus, please don’t come if you’re unwell’. We need to do whatever we can to slow or hopefully stop the spread and also get back to life as normal as possible and get used to safety measures. Buffet Heroes will provide the following service for all buffets from now on. 1. Delivery to the venue before guest arrival. 2. Masks and gloves will be worn at the venue and follow venue protocols 3. Individually wrapped disposable cutlery for each attendee. 4. Hand sanitiser provided 5. Your cold finger fork buffet, hot buffet and kids' buffets will all be individually boxed. During the lockdown, Buffet Heroes pivoted its offerings to include afternoon tea boxes and Grazing platters as well as individually boxed buffets for funerals and our vintage grazing platter for 4 – 6. These offerings will continue to be available to those who want a little treat or as a food gift for the elderly and those shielding. Employers can also buy boxes for home workers or those attending zoom meetings. Blog post was written by Lorna Robins owner of Buffet Heroes in Stockport. Buffet Heroes produce Grazing Tables and traditional cold buffets in Manchester, Stockport and Cheshire areas of the North West. Get in touch with email info@buffetheroes.com

Facing coronavirus and being responsible and taking this seriously means social distancing, self isolation and not attending any event, function or party of any numbers but especially gatherings of close family, friends, elderly and those with underlying health problems, within the next few months and maybe longer. The hospitality industry as a whole is taking a huge hit just like everyone else and the health and well-being of customers and staff is the issue at the forefront of all decisions being made. For all of these reasons and more is why responsible venues are taking government advice and exercising the right to cancel all events and this is why you could lose your deposits for your venue, caterer, DJ, bumpy castle, photo booth etc. And this would be a financial nightmare if your event was cancelled with only a few days notice. There is a solution and a way you could keep your bookings active without the loss of some or even all your deposits. Postponing, that's right! Read the terms of service for all your service providers or give them a call and ask if you can postpone instead of cancel and could you keep your booking active without losing the deposit by doing so. Even though the health of your guests should be your greatest concern also consider the emerging climate, what if: Your venue has supply problems and unable to provide basic services. Your caterer can't supply the food you've ordered due to shortages and restrictions from some suppliers. And all deliveries would also be on a contactless basis. Your DJ could not attend your event potentially putting themselves and their family at risk. Remember, no one has a crystal ball and can predict the future but calling your event team to ask to postpone if your event is before September 1st 2020 is a smart move. Our recommendation is to postpone until after September and then review the situation again at that time. Don't cancel, postpone. Blog post was written by Lorna Robins owner of Buffet Heroes in Stockport. Buffet Heroes produce Grazing Tables and traditional cold & hot buffets in Manchester, Stockport and Cheshire areas of the North West. Get in touch with email info@buffetheroes.com Or quote form at https://www.buffetheroes.com/get-a-quote