Wissen

Catering Equipment & Supplies

06.05.2021
Article by:
Milena Dettmann
Operations Manager
Summary
  • Organizes the needed catering equipment into 6 categories: glassware, cutlery, dishware, serving supplies, and furniture
  • Professional equipment is described as a calling card for your catering, making quality visible to the outside world
  • Dedicates a separate section to finger food-suitable dishware, distinct from classic porcelain

The catering business is fiercely competitive, which is why it's important to stand out from the crowd. Beyond the food and drinks you offer, your equipment can also tip the scales in your favor. Guests typically expect buffet and serving ware, cutlery, glassware, and matching tableware. For a comprehensive catering service, various furniture like tables and chairs, bar and counter systems, umbrellas, and heaters are provided. Even further reaching options include event tents, lecterns, or media technology. The more comprehensive your catering supplies, the more potential customers you can win.

Professional equipment & supplies as your calling card

Whether finger food, a BBQ, a summer party, a wedding, or a gala evening, your setup and catering equipment can be decisive for whether you get booked. To be prepared for every challenge, you need to be able to offer functional but also appealing supplies. Alongside the food and products you offer, your equipment acts as a calling card for your services.

Your collection should be as comprehensive as possible and chosen with care. When it comes to glassware, the range spans from elegant wine glasses to rustic beer steins. For dishware, high-quality porcelain is just as convincing as practical finger food dishes. Polished cutlery is an asset at any event, and visually appealing buffet and serving ware supports how food is presented, since presentation always matters too.

Classic catering equipment can be expanded with furniture, table and chair linens, event tents, media technology, and much more. With this equipment, you can offer clients the organization of an event, conference, party, or celebration, and more.

Glassware as a key element of catering equipment

Glasses and glassware are indispensable in catering. Different collections are needed for different occasions. Glass collections ranging from classic and timelessly beautiful to modern and extravagant should be part of your inventory. Cups, glasses, and jugs in a classic design serve their purpose well at summer parties, conferences, or professional events. Water, wine, and champagne glasses are typical additions when events run into the evening or the occasion is more festive. For weddings, birthdays, or events with upscale catering, glassware that meets higher design standards is recommended.

Elegant and high-quality cutlery

An essential element in catering is having the right cutlery for every occasion. Classic designs work well for a wide range of events. Make sure you have a basic set of knives, forks, and spoons available. Coffee spoons, dessert cutlery, and steak and fish knives can be added in sufficient quantity depending on the dishes served.

Elegant, particularly high-quality cutlery is the right choice for weddings, dinner parties, and gala evenings. Elegant, polished appetizer, dessert, and menu cutlery enriches any festively laid table.

Stylish porcelain or practical dishware for finger food

When it comes to dishware, you need to be prepared for countless scenarios. White dominates in terms of color, though certain events lend themselves to adding a bit of color. Plates in different sizes can be combined with classic coffee and espresso cups. Platters and serving bowls round out the setup and are essential for a successful table.

For festive occasions, the right porcelain should be discussed with the client. A small selection of high-quality, elegant collections is sure to delight guests. Flying buffets or finger food form a special case, served on dishware that's both practical and visually appealing. A gourmet spoon or a finger food bowl works wonderfully at a summer party or corporate event.

Serving & buffet supplies in catering

Buffet and serving ware play a major role in catering. The combination of functionality and appearance matters a great deal here. Candle holders, wine coolers, and other table accessories can add special accents to a festively laid table. Ladles and salad servers in sufficient quantity ensure things run smoothly at the buffet. Buffet supplies with chafing dishes for keeping food warm, platters, baskets, and beer taps prove not only useful but also visually enriching. Food can be perfectly showcased as a feast for the eyes.

Heated banquet carts, bain-maries, and heat lamps are part of excellent catering equipment, allowing food to be transported and kept warm. A carving station or a mulled wine kettle also adds a special touch to the setup.

Serving supplies are responsible for guests' overall experience. Food domes, chrome-plated platters, or aesthetically pleasing trays spark the interest of hungry guests.

Furniture for an extended catering service

While the basic elements of catering equipment cover the essentials, the service offered can be even more comprehensive and far-reaching. With the right furniture, you can significantly expand your target audience.

When it comes to chairs, seminar and banquet chairs are in high demand. Being able to offer both increases demand for larger events. High tables, folding tables, banquet and dinner tables, as well as seminar tables cover a broad spectrum of requirements. For cozy evenings with a lounge feel, lounge furniture or bar and counter systems can be the ideal choice. Matching bar stools complete the intended atmosphere.

An important factor is the number of available tables and chairs. Make sure your offering includes all furniture in sufficient quantities.

Outdoor events with special catering equipment

Outdoor events are especially popular in summer. Comprehensive planning and accounting for every eventuality is part of a caterer's job. Umbrellas protect against unexpected rain showers or intense sun exposure. Beer garden sets are practical, though not suitable for every event. Outdoor furniture in various designs, weatherproof and versatile, is in high demand. Heaters and fire pits not only create a cozy atmosphere, they're perfect gathering points at events on cool evenings.

For outdoor celebrations or special events, event tents are an optimal choice. Protected from the weather, tables of various sizes can be set up. With tent heating and flooring, rain and cold can't spoil the event.

Large events and conferences

If this is your specialty, the necessary equipment can be more extensive. Crowd management systems, barriers, or safety supplies can be valuable aids. Then there are lecterns, presentation options, audio technology, various light sources, and cables. Even a stage could be required for organizing a larger event.

As these catering equipment tips show, the range spans from smaller events with a buffet all the way to conferences with countless attendees. The larger the event, the more comprehensive the supplies needed.