Planning the perfect menu doesn’t need to be stressful. In fact, the process can be fun, especially when you’re working with a catering company, like Goode Co. Catering & Events that specializes in delicious food and unforgettable events. So, no matter if you’re hosting a wedding, a simple soirée, or a Houston Texans watch party, we’ll help you craft the perfect menu, so you can score major points with your guests.
Some of our savory selections include our tried-and-true ‘que, authentic Tex-Mex, and Creole-infused seafood. We also offer a melting pot of Houston’s classics, which blend our culturally diverse region with a splash of coastal freshness, bringing you the ultimate taste of Texas. With our full-service catering menu and delivery menus, we’ll ensure your guests have Goode food, but an even more memorable experience.
Now that we’ve got your mouth watering, learn how to plan the perfect menu for your next private event.
Common Menu Challenges to Avoid
Do you want to know the secret to a stress-free event? Preparation. Although challenges will inevitably arise during the planning process, it doesn’t hurt to know what mistakes to avoid, including:
- Not matching the menu to the event
- Not considering guests’ dietary needs
- Not having enough food or drinks
- Not curating a flavorful enough menu
Read through the eight most important menu planning tips for your private event.
1. What Type of Event Are You Planning?
Before picking the menu for your private event, think about the event itself. Will your party be indoors or outdoors? Are you choosing the right venue for the event? Are you planning a small family get-together, like a baby shower or birthday party, or are you hosting a celebration with a large head count, such as a wedding or corporate event?
Other questions to ask yourself before choosing the perfect menu for your catered event:
- Why are you hosting the party?
- What is the goal of the event?
- What do you want your guests to leave with?
2. Knowing Guests’ Dietary Restrictions
When you send out the RSVPs for your private party, ask about your guests’ dietary restrictions. For their safety and comfort, you’ll want to make sure the menu meets their needs.
3. The Best Type of Food to Serve
If you’re planning a holiday event or hosting a simple soirée, don’t be afraid to get creative with the cuisine by selecting a fun assortment of catering options. For small parties, opting for a delivery catering menu might be the best choice if you want to conveniently host in your own home. Goode. Co. Catering & Events, for example, offers BBQ catering—including a wide range of meats: brisket, pork ribs, homemade sausages, and chicken—as well as Tex-Mex catering, like fajitas, freshly rolled tortillas, and chile con queso. Get the whole enchilada when you opt for the Backyard Party special or Breakfast menu.
Food for a larger group, like planning the catering for a corporate event, might be trickier since you’ll need to accommodate more guests. But use this as an excuse to do it big—Texas style—choosing a full-service menu that provides a vast selection, like Goode Co. Catering & Events’ array of live cooking, fresh carving, and curated cocktails.
4. Curating a Balanced Menu
When planning the perfect menu, think about creating a balanced assortment of flavors, garnishes, and textures, as well as mixing cold and hot dishes. These elements are good to consider for appetizers, main courses, sides, desserts, and even drinks. It’s a delicate dance to create a balanced menu, but nothing makes the heart skip a beat like a good meal.
5. Pairing Drinks with Food
Don’t forget about that pop, fizz, clink! Whether you’re selecting a caterer for a large event or a small party, pairing the drinks with your food will elevate the dining experience. Plus, specific wines and specialty cocktails complement slow-cooked meats and desserts, adding that Texas twang to the overall dish. Lift your guests’ spirits with Goode Co. Restaurant’s Yonderlust, an airstream-turned-bar service that brings classic Texan drinks and Southern hospitality to event catering in Houston. For guests who want non-alcoholic options, mocktails are a fun way to bring flair and flavor to the menu.
6. Serving a Swoon-Worthy Presentation
Presentation matters. It’s your guests’ first impression of the food before they take their first bite. In addition to the table setting and décor, you’ll want to consider how the meal is arranged: from the plates’ design to the visually-appetizing garnishes topping the entrées.
Another hot tip? Think about if it makes sense to have a buffet or wait staff for your private event. Plus, this is the time to unleash your creativity, getting ahead of the curve with 2025 catering trends or incorporating an interactive dining experience for your guests.
7. When to Choose Delivery
Catering doesn’t need to be complicated. Whether you’re celebrating a baby shower with loved ones or enjoying a Houston Rockets watch party, a delivery catering menu will come in clutch. Goode Co. Catering & Events takes the guesswork out of what to serve, providing perfectly cooked and conveniently packaged meats, Texan-sized sides, homemade baked goods, and double-dip-worthy sauces.
For a Goode Time, Connect With Goode Co. Catering & Events
No matter the party, we know how to craft a goode meal. With a sprawling selection of full-service catering and a delivery catering menu, we serve prime-cut quality food and an even more rare experience.
We also provide private dining options with our venues: Goode Company Kitchen & Cantina, Goode Company Barbeque, Goode Company Seafood, and Goode Company Armadillo. So, whether you want mesquite-smoked BBQ or a splash of Creole-infused seafood, we handle everything from set-up to see-you-next-time.
If you are planning a holiday corporate event make sure to book catering early!