Putting on the Ritz Catering specializes in upscale event dining that blends fine restaurant standards with seamless service. Clients rely on the team to design menus, coordinate staffing, and execute polished experiences in venues ranging from historic ballrooms to modern rooftops.
From cocktail receptions to seated dinners, the brand positions itself as a turnkey solution for luxury hospitality, using seasonal ingredients, meticulous plating, and responsive project management to meet high expectations.
| Event Type | Service Style | Typical Duration | Capacity Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corporate Gala | Seated Dinner with Service Station | 4 hours | 150–500 guests |
| Wedding Reception | Plated Dinner & Open Bar | 5 hours | 80–300 guests |
| Product Launch | Buffet with Live Cooking | 3 hours | 50–200 guests |
| Private Dinner | Family Style Service | 2.5 hours | 12–60 guests |
Catering Menu Design and Seasonal Ingredients
Menu development begins with a detailed tasting session, where the culinary team aligns dishes with the event theme, dietary needs, and budget. Seasonal ingredients guide produce selection, ensuring vibrant flavors and responsible sourcing.
Signature Courses and Pairings
The kitchen structures menus around balance, moving from bright amuse-bouches through layered main courses to curated dessert pairings that highlight regional wines and artisanal cheeses.
Event Logistics and Onsite Execution
Logistics teams coordinate floor plans, electrical needs, and service flow to optimize guest movement and minimize congestion during peak moments. Detailed run-of-show documents clarify timing for each course, speeches, and entertainment transitions.
Staffing and Training
All servers undergo role-specific training in plating standards, glassware handling, and anticipatory service, ensuring polished coordination with venue staff and vendors throughout the event.
Brand Presentation and Guest Experience
Visual storytelling appears in linen choices, centerpieces, and digital wayfinding, creating a cohesive atmosphere that reinforces the host’s identity. Thoughtful lighting, sound design, and spatial layout encourage natural mingling without overwhelming the senses.
Personalization and Special Requests
Whether it is a custom cocktail bar, allergy-conscious children’s menu, or multilingual host staffing, the team tailors details to reflect the client’s narrative and guest expectations.
Sustainability and Responsible Sourcing
Putting on the Ritz Catering evaluates suppliers for transparent labor practices, regional sourcing, and waste-reduction initiatives. Composting partnerships and minimized single-use serviceware help lower the environmental impact of each event.
Measuring Impact
Clients receive post-event reports detailing sourcing percentages, leftover redistribution, and carbon-conscious routing used by suppliers and delivery teams.
Planning and Partnership Considerations
Successful collaboration depends on early timelines, clear scope documentation, and consistent check-ins, enabling the team to manage procurement, permits, and vendor coordination efficiently.
- Confirm event objectives and preferred service style with stakeholders
- Schedule menu tastings and finalize dietary accommodations
- Review site logistics, load-in procedures, and parking access
- Lock in staffing levels, training needs, and backup coverage plans
- Finalize contracts, insurance requirements, and payment schedules
FAQ
Reader questions
How early should the venue be set up for a seated dinner?
For a seated dinner, the team typically requires four to five hours before guest arrival for full staging, including table setups, temperature checks on hot stations, and final garnish preparation.
Can menus be adjusted for large numbers of dietary restrictions?
Yes, the kitchen can design parallel menus for gluten-free, plant-based, and allergen-sensitive guests, provided advance notice allows for ingredient sourcing and separate prep protocols.
What staffing ratio is recommended for a standing cocktail event? A ratio of one server per 75 to 100 guests is suggested for a standing cocktail, with at least one dedicated bartender and runner to maintain smooth beverage service and replenishment. How are last-minute changes handled on the event day?
A dedicated event manager coordinates real-time adjustments, with pre-approved contingency menus and staffing flex points to accommodate minor timing shifts or unexpected guest count changes.