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Meal planning for special occasions - Coggle Diagram
Meal planning for special occasions
Characteristics of diners
Age
consider meal portion size
Culture
may have certain expectations for how food is prepared
Health
Dietary needs
Number of people catering for
This may determine whether you choose an informal, casual option or a more formal approach. Allergies, intolerances, and other special dietary and religious considerations, such as a guest who is a vegan or coeliac, should also be considered to ensure that the needs of the guests are met.
Occassion and setting
Attendees: family, friends, business
A menu must not only be suitable for the type of celebration, but also be appropriate for the setting or location of the event. For example, if guests are at a picnic and sitting on the grass, then portable finger foods would be suitable
Event venue
Resources
Equipment
When the host plans a menu, it is necessary to determine that the right equipment is available to prepare and serve the food. The host must be familiar with how to use each piece of equipment safely.
Ingredients
Ingredients: should be in season to ensure that they are reasonably priced, be of high quality, so they must be purchased from a reliable supplier
Skills
The skills of the host and kitchen staff must be appropriate to the menu. When planning foods for a special occasion, always remember to try the recipes beforehand to determine their degree of difficulty.
Money
The host should have a budget and select ingredients that fall within that budget.
Time
Planning a menu that allows for preparation prior to the event is helpful. Convenience foods are also an ideal way to save time and effort in the kitchen.
During an event, a workflow plan will enable specific tasks to be completed in a set order in the designated time frame. Workflow plans act as a guide to check that all tasks are completed in an efficient and timely manner.
Sensory appeal
Aroma
Flavour
Colour
Texture
Nutritional value
Special occasions do require special foods, and this can often be at the expense of nutrition.
Seasonality
When selecting the menu, the time of year should play a large part in determining food and beverages. Seasonal local foods should be included in any menu.
Duration
The time of day and duration of the meal is also an important consideration for menu planning. Choose the meal type and menu options appropriate for the timing and duration of the event.