Tips for Dealing with Picky Eaters
The stresses of planning an event are many. The highest consideration to make when planning a soiree is your guests and their experience. When choosing your menu you may find yourself having sleepless nights trying to create a tasty experience that all will enjoy. We have some tips to help you navigate through this culinary conundrum.
Tip #1:
Be Aware If you know that certain guests have been vegan for years it is only polite to have a vegan option for them. They will truly appreciate the gesture and you will save money in the long run by not giving them a dish they won’t eat.
Tip # 2:
Consider the Numbers: If you are planning an intimate dinner with friends it may be easier to create a menu that will satisfy everyone. In the case of a wedding, or a large gala, it is much harder to please everyone. A guest should understand that it is much harder to accommodate a picky eater in a large group. However, if you can offer a few different options like fish, meat or veggies, it will make for a better experience all around.
Tip # 3:
Know the Difference: It is one thing to make considerations for a diabetic, vegan, or a guest with an allergy. It is an entirely different thing to worry about a guest who just doesn’t like something. As adults, and especially as a guest, it is only polite to eat what is put in front of you. This is a basic rule we learned from childhood. In the case of a true food intolerance, accommodate. In the case of a blatant picky eater with no justification as to why, don’t stress out trying to find the perfect dish.
Tip #4:
Children: When planning your event and deciding to invite children or not invite children it is always important to consider food in the ultimate decision. If you are having a wedding with 150 people and decide that children will be included in that list be ready to have some food wasted. The chances of a child sitting down and eating Filet Mignon with Gorgonzola butter and truly appreciating the artisan bread it was served with is slim to none. Most caterers will make accommodations for the littler guests, but make sure that is a consideration you want to make. Do you want one guest eating lobster tail and the other eating a chicken finger? These are all things to consider when planning your guest list and menu.
Tip #5
Don’t Stress: Yes, food is a hugely important aspect of a great party. However, make sure that you consider all of the other things that go into make a spectacular experience for your invitees. Having a great meal will mean nothing if they had to sit on an uncomfortable chair. The best steak loses value if they never got a water glass to wash it down with. Food means nothing if your guests had to wait hours before they got to eat it. Throwing an event is like putting on a theater production. Every detail matters if, at the end, you want a standing ovation.