Brunch – The Other Corporate Meal

Posted on November 8, 2011 by Provence Bistro

The time of day that first comes to mind when planning a corporate party or event is dinnertime. Although still the most popular time of day for events, breakfast and lunch are quickly becoming a trending mealtime in corporate events. The benefits of scheduling your events during these times are apparent and being taken advantage of for their efficiency and convenience.

(1) Increased Productivity
Catering a breakfast event almost guarantees that your staff will become the early birds that catch the worm. Not only does healthy breakfast meals directly correlate to a rise in productivity, but you can rest assured that your staff will certainly be in attendance for the catered morning meeting. Sipping coffee and eating a provided breakfast will help the staff start their day off on the right foot.

(2) Cost
Dinner events cost more money to for the staff and labor require. This means that increased cost trickles down to the customers. Breakfast and lunch menus are almost always less expensive in product cost and labor cost, and those savings will surely be passed back to the customer planning their event.

(3) Convenience
Since you aren’t competing for the most popular time slots, you have more availability to work with. Picking and choosing your meeting day and time never got easier.

Breakfast Ideas
When planning a breakfast event, there are many different ideas to select. The most popular today is an omelet station and complete buffet. While some events do not have the proper equipment for hot breakfast stations, a platter of bagels, smoked salmon and other fixings pairs perfectly with a platter of baked goods. As for beverages, don’t forget the flavored coffees and espressos to give your staff that extra pick-me-up they need for the remainder of the day.

Lunch Ideas
Luncheons are simple to plan, considering the many items out there that can easily nourish your entire team during their lunch hour. Subs, sandwiches, quiches, brunch items, baked goods, meat and cheese platters, and fruits and vegetables are all perfect ideas for any luncheon (even those without proper heating equipment).

Posted in Provence Bistro, Winnipeg Corporate Events | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Food – An Important Party Element

Posted on October 31, 2011 by Provence Bistro

For many people, the focal point of any good party is the food and beverages. While being one of the most difficult elements of a party to plan, the food selection proves to be the most important. Choosing a venue that handles the food options will help eliminate the middleman between outside catering and venue staff.

When planning the food aspect of your event, following these rules will help keep the obstacles at bay.

(1) Know your budget.
Staying within your budget can make or break a party, not to mention future office parties. The venue, guest list and food selection all go hand-in-hand with a successful budget.

(2) Know your guests.
If your office consists of more casual employees who enjoy casual food, planning an elaborate gathering may make them uncomfortable.

(3) Quantity.
Make sure you have enough food for everyone. You do not want half of your guests to be fed and the other half go hungry.

(4) Know your guests preferences.
Religious requirements, ethnic preferences, allergies, vegetarians, etc, must be accommodated when serving food. Typically, a vegetarian dish should be available for those who require it and for those who simply prefer it.

(5) Rules for hors d’oeuvres.
Light fare should consist of about five pieces per person.
Medium fare consists of eight pieces per person.
Full fare is up to 15 pieces per person.
Dinner style fare is over 15 pieces per person.

(6) The Venue
When selecting a venue, keep in mind the extras that are required.
Cutlery
China
Glassware
Service Staff
Clean-up Staff

Planning your office holiday party? Looking for a venue that offers delicious high quality food? Contact Provence Bistro at Niakwa Country Club.

Posted in Provence Bistro, Winnipeg Corporate Events | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Corporate Holiday Parties Strengthens Team Morale

Posted on October 25, 2011 by Provence Bistro

Planning a successful corporate Christmas party requires specific goals and objectives. These goals should be geared towards building up the “team” element of your employees. Corporate Christmas parties are not a free-for-all at the bar, but a chance for employees to relax, mingle and get to know one another all while strengthening working relationships. Achieving this goal is simple by following a few rules when planning and celebrating your corporate Christmas party.

(1) Promote inter-department mingling
Don’t seat those in the same department together. They see each other and work together on a regular basis. Help different department employees meet those in other department, especially those that may overlap in duties. Introduce others and assist in finding common interests. These new connections help diversify the working relationships in your office, as well as bring the office together as a whole.

(2) Limit drinking
An open bar can be an open invitation to disaster. While forcing a drink limit is overkill, implying a limit may be required. A third or fourth drink may help to break the ice, but will certainly help increase cringe-worth moments.

(3) It’s not work.
Don’t turn the Christmas party into a chance to work. This will put a damper on the atmosphere. Ask people about their interests outside of the office. Family, holiday plans and sports are all topics that deemed “suitable” for discussion at a corporate Christmas party. Religion and politics are a no-no in almost any environment, especially a corporate environment.

(4) Remember your position
While it is not suggested to be overly managerial, if you are a supervisor, remember this and respect your subordinates as well as your boss. Anything said or done at a corporate Christmas Party cannot be erased the next working day. Maintaining your professional integrity is vital to maintaining your career.

Posted in Provence Bistro, Winnipeg Corporate Events | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Office Party – Planning Countdown

Posted on October 18, 2011 by Provence Bistro

When it comes to any type of party planning, there is never too much organization. Corporate party planning is the same. The larger the party, the more planning required. Here at Provence Bistro, we are well versed in planning any gathering from intimate affairs to parties for over 200 people.

Months Before your Party:

  • Know you goals for the party. Do you prefer a full catered meal or small appetizers, cocktail bar, or simple non-alcoholic drinks?
  • Prepare your budget.
  • Choose a date and a venue. Be flexible. If you find your perfect venue, your dates may need to be flexible.
  • Create a guest list of all employees, clients and guests that will be attended or will be invited.
  • Determine if you will be supplying hotels or busses to and from the venue.
  • Decide on a disc jockey or other forms of music entertainment.

One to Two Months before the Party:

  • Send out invitations if travel or hotel bookings are required.
  • Implement any themed décor or entertainment bookings.
  • Review your budget.
  • Know your final head count
  • Finalize your food and drink decisions with the venue.

Party Day:

  • Do a final walk-through of the venue. If you have selected Provence Bistro or Niakwa Country Club, you need not worry about anything further.

After the Party:

  • Encourage employees and guests to complete a comment card for tips and ideas on next year’s party.

If you are looking for a venue for your corporate holiday party, contact Provence Bistro at Niakwa Country Club today.

Posted in Provence Bistro, Winnipeg Corporate Events | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Holiday Party Ideas – For Your Clients

Posted on October 11, 2011 by Provence Bistro

Christmas decorations will be hitting the retail shelves any day now, which means the holiday season is near. The closer we get to the season of joy, the closer you get to arranging a holiday party like no other…hopefully. Following the checklist of party planning, your theme should be chosen by now. For corporate parties and client appreciation parties that are fun and memorable, try adding one of these fun ideas to the mix.

(1) A Christmas Story
Seriously, that leg lamp is loved by all. Shop around for ‘A Christmas Story’ décor and ensure that laughs and conversations will easily be started at your next corporate Christmas party.

(2) Murder Mysteries
Murder mysteries are the new trend in team building exercises for corporate retreats. The ‘fun’ aspect of role playing, the ‘thrilling’ aspect of a mystery, all which requires team work and employee bonding that will be brought back into the office on Monday. You employees may be thankful for the deterrent from all-things-Christmas.

(3) It’s a Small World
Creating a client appreciation holiday party with this theme will surely include all cultures that your clients may embrace. With options such as Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Diwali and many others, this theme is a perfect way to learn about other cultures as well as include the traditions of your minority staff members and clients. Tip: If you are including one cultural celebration, try your best to include all cultures.

(4) The Hideous *fill in the article of holiday clothing* Party
Whether it be hideous Christmas sweaters or hideous light-up reindeer ties, hosting a party that requires attendees to wear their most hideous holiday clothing will be filled with laughter and, hopefully, many photo-ops for the office bulletin board.

Don’t forget that Provence Bistro at Niakwa Country Club is a great place to hold your upcoming corporate holiday party.

Posted in Provence Bistro, Winnipeg Corporate Events | Tagged , , | Leave a comment