Potato and Salad Bars: Budget Friendly Meeting Menus

Sometimes, the hardest part of planning meetings and events is deciding on the food. Catering can bust the budget and cost must be considered. This is true whether planning a small luncheon meeting between colleagues and team members or when planning a large event to recognize outstanding employees.

Today, food planning for meetings is even more complicated as people make known their food preferences and medical issues related to foods. Easily accommodate people with specific dietary needs, and food sensitivities, with this menu.

With a potato and salad bar, diabetics choose the foods within their meal plans, in the amounts that are right for them. Gluten free individuals have lots of choices and need only to avoid the rolls and croutons if words or the symbol for ‘gluten free’ are on the packaging labels of the toppings you serve. Thrill vegetarian guests with your great selection of animal-friendly foods. And, vegans can easily enjoy the meal by including cheeses and butter-type spreads made from non-animal sources.

Some caterers already offer a lower cost, salad and potato bar option. Others may work with you to create this option when requested. A third choice is to handle the menu yourself. This menu requires little preparation, other than baking the potatoes, shopping, and opening bags to place items in serving bowls. The potato toppings and salad items are interchangeable.

• One baked potato per person attending: add in a couple of extras in case some people take two
• As many bags of lettuce or mixed greens as needed: estimate one six-ounce bag of mixed greens for every four guests
• One dinner roll per guest: check the ingredients to see that they contain no egg or butter if you have vegan guests
• For toppings, one bag of each, for up to ten guests should do nicely:
  • Shredded carrots
  • Chopped green peppers
  • Grape tomatoes
  • Shredded cheddar cheese (regular)
  • Shredded cheese (vegan)
  • Sour cream
  • Butter
  • Vegan butter substitute
  • Ranch dressing
  • Italian dressing
  • Bacon bits
  • Sunflower seeds
  • Garbanzo beans
  • Chili, without beans, is a good choice. It tastes great over potatoes and is an excellent alternative for people avoiding carbohydrates

Add paper bowls, plastic forks, spoons, knives, and napkins for serving. Iced tea, coffee, and water, already on hand in office settings, work well as the beverages for your luncheon.

Employees and guests serve themselves from a side table laden with food choices. A few nice touches, such as a vase of flowers, and a lovely tablecloth, will add an elegant touch.

Your meeting can begin as soon as each one fills her plate and returns to the conference table. Time is respected, as people eat while they listen to your presentation. Afterward, with satisfied appetites, discussions can begin.

A little invested time can save you money on food costs and present a delicious and filling lunch menu for your business guests. Contact elm Planning today to create your budget-friendly menu.