At Renaissance Catering, we believe that food brings people together, and there’s no better way to celebrate this than with our family-style catering services. Perfect for creating a warm, inviting atmosphere, family-style dining encourages guests to share dishes and engage in a communal dining experience that fosters connection and camaraderie. Whether you’re hosting a wedding, a corporate gathering, or a family reunion, our family-style catering is designed to create a memorable dining experience that brings joy and togetherness to every event.
Family-style dining is perfect for occasions where you want to create a sense of community and togetherness among your guests. This catering style is particularly popular for weddings, anniversary celebrations, family reunions, corporate retreats, and holiday parties. It’s also a great choice for any event where a more casual, interactive dining experience is desired.
In family-style dining, large platters of food are placed on each table, allowing guests to serve themselves and share dishes with one another. This setup not only creates a relaxed and convivial atmosphere but also allows guests to enjoy a variety of dishes at their own pace. The focus is on creating a communal dining experience that feels like a gathering around the family table, where food is abundant, flavors are shared, and memories are made.
Our family-style menu is designed to offer a variety of dishes that cater to all tastes and preferences, featuring comfort foods and traditional favorites that are perfect for sharing. Here are some examples of dishes that can be served family-style:
Appetizers
Antipasto platters with cured meats, cheeses, and marinated vegetables; Caprese salad with fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella; and assorted dips like hummus, baba ghanoush, and spinach-artichoke dip served with fresh bread and crackers.
Main Courses
Herb-roasted chicken with garlic and rosemary, slow-braised beef short ribs with red wine reduction, baked ziti with ricotta and marinara sauce, and grilled salmon with lemon-dill butter.
Sides
Creamy mashed potatoes, seasonal roasted vegetables, buttered green beans with almonds, and Caesar salad with house-made dressing and croutons.
Desserts
Assorted pies (apple, pecan, pumpkin), chocolate mousse cups, tiramisu, and seasonal fruit cobblers with vanilla ice cream.
We understand that every event is unique, and we are committed to providing a menu that reflects your specific theme and vision. Whether you’re hosting a rustic outdoor wedding, a chic corporate gathering, or a festive holiday party, we will work with you to create a menu that aligns with your event's style and enhances the overall dining experience.
We recognize the importance of accommodating all guests, and our chefs are experienced in preparing dishes that cater to various dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options. During the menu planning process, we’ll work closely with you to ensure that all dietary restrictions are considered and that every guest has delicious and suitable options to enjoy.
We’ll work with you to create a customized family-style menu that aligns with your event’s theme and dietary needs. Our chefs are happy to accommodate any special requests or craft unique dishes that reflect your personal style and vision.
What is family-style catering, and how does it work?
Family-style catering is a dining concept that focuses on creating a communal and interactive experience for guests. Instead of individually plated meals, large platters of food are placed on each table, allowing guests to serve themselves and share dishes with one another. This approach encourages a relaxed, social atmosphere, similar to a family gathering around the dinner table. It promotes conversation and interaction among guests while offering a variety of dishes that everyone can enjoy. Family-style catering is perfect for events where a more intimate and engaging dining experience is desired.
What types of events are best suited for family-style catering?
Family-style catering is ideal for a wide range of events where creating a sense of togetherness and community is important. It is particularly well-suited for weddings, anniversary celebrations, family reunions, corporate retreats, holiday parties, and other gatherings where a more informal, yet elegant dining experience is preferred. This style of catering is also great for events where you want to encourage mingling and interaction among guests, as it allows everyone to share and enjoy a variety of dishes in a relaxed setting.
Can the family-style menu be customized to fit the theme of my event?
Yes, our family-style menu can be fully customized to align with the specific theme and tone of your event. Whether you're hosting a rustic country wedding, a sophisticated corporate event, or a festive holiday gathering, we can create a menu that reflects your event's unique style. Our team will work closely with you to select dishes, flavors, and presentation styles that complement your theme, ensuring a cohesive and memorable dining experience that enhances the overall ambiance of your event.
What are some popular dishes served family-style?
Some of our most popular dishes served family-style include a variety of appetizers, main courses, sides, and desserts that cater to diverse tastes. Examples include antipasto platters, Caprese salad, herb-roasted chicken with garlic and rosemary, slow-braised beef short ribs, baked ziti with marinara sauce, creamy mashed potatoes, roasted seasonal vegetables, and assorted pies like apple and pumpkin. Our family-style menu features a range of comfort foods and traditional favorites that are perfect for sharing and provide a satisfying, communal dining experience.
Do you accommodate dietary restrictions with family-style catering?
Absolutely! We are committed to accommodating all dietary needs and restrictions with our family-style catering services. Our chefs are experienced in preparing dishes that cater to various dietary preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options. During the menu planning process, we work with you to identify any dietary restrictions and ensure that all guests have delicious and suitable options to enjoy. Our goal is to provide a diverse and inclusive menu that satisfies every guest while maintaining the communal spirit of family-style dining.