So you're planning your big event and now you're looking for the right catering team. If you're reading this blog, you already know that LULU Catering is an excellent choice for your catering needs. So now it's time to get ready for your consultation with one of our knowledgeable staff. This list of our 'top ten' questions that will be discussed at your initial consultation will help you be prepared for our meeting with you:

1. What is the goal for the event?

2. Where is the location of the event? (If you do not have a location, our staff will have some suggestions)

3. How many guests will attend the event?

4. What is your budget for the event?

5. What is the theme/decor for the event? (If you do not have any ideas yet, our staff will have some great ones for you)

6. What kind of food would you like at the event? 

7. What type(s) of beverage(s) would you like for the event?

8. What rentals will be needed for the event?

9. Who are the outside vendors (florist, photography, invitations, video) who will be participating at the event? (If you need some suggestions, our staff can also recommend some amazing vendors)

10. How many staff will be needed for the event.


Are you ready to schedule your catering consultation? Contact us here today, our catering team will help make your event memorable.

Whether it's a romantic dinner for two or a couples Valentine's Day dinner, the table sets the mood for the entire celebration of love and the romance that may come after. So your table setting should say, no shout love! Here are some ideas for setting the perfect table for your Valentine's Day dinner:

1. Use deep, romantic colors for your linens, plates or placemats

2. Use floral arrangements that are elegant, rich in color and even exotic

3. Use glassware that is elongated and sexy in design

4. Use napkin rings that are elegant and contrast your linen choices

5. Decorate the table with red or pink rose petals, red or pink  colored candies or gems

6. Use chair covers that are a few shades lighter than your linens or match your placemats

7. Leave a beautifully decorated name card on each guests plate, telling them what you love about them

With these tips, setting the perfect Valentine's Day dinner table can be easy. Planning a larger celebration of love? Our catering team will help make it both romantic and memorable. For more info,​ contact us here today.
​

Throwing an evening pool party in the heat of summer in the desert can be tricky and hopefully not 'sticky'. With temps usually over 100 degrees in the Coachella Valley during summer, keeping your guests happy and cool are a must if you want them to have a great time. Here are our recommendations:

1. If your pool is too warm, you can cool it with blocks of ice an hour or so before the event.

2. Rent industrial cooling/misting fans for the event.

3. Try adding an old-fashioned 'slip & slide' to a grassy area at your event location.

4. Summer games like corn hole (the popular bean bag game) and Giant Jenga will help them have fun and distract from the heat.

5. Projecting a vintage movie on a screen or wall at your event near the pool can add 'traditional' summer fun to your event and help keep your guests' minds off the heat. Try adding inner tubes as theater seating inside the pool.

5. Make sure your guests stay hydrated with delicious cocktails and non-alcholoic options. This should include fruit-and-mint-infused water.

6. Serve lighter fare, including choices like our delicious Ahi Tuna on Crispy Wonton Tostadas, and/or a delicious fruit station, featuring watermelon, papaya, etc.

7. A snow cone bar will make your guests feel like kids again, keep them cool, and remind them of their fondest summer memories.

8. An ice cream bar will not only help keep your guests cool, but also bring out the 'sweetness' in all of them.

9. Serving gelato can be a fun option to help keep your guests cool, and also remind them of their favorite summer trip to Italy.

​​Want to know more of our creative ideas for your summer pool party? Contact us here today, Our catering team will help make your summer pool party the 'coolest' and most refreshingly delicious in town.
​

So you're getting married this fall and you're searching for the perfect menu for your guests to enjoy at your reception. Well you're in luck, our creative team has come up with some fabulous and delicious menu ideas:

Beverages:
Pumpkin smash

Caramel Apple Sangria

​Gingerbread Martini

White grape  & cranberry Mimosa

Appetizers:
Beef Tenderloin with Arugula creamy horseradish on a crisp potato chip

Phyllo Cup with baked Brie & Raspberry preserve

Bacon Wrapped Dates stuffed with blue cheese and a balsamic glaze

​Butternut Squash soup shooters

Salad:
Heirloom Tomato Salad - Roasted Beets, blueberries, burrata cheese, baby arugula, with a drizzle of basil olive oil.

​Porcini Tart with Arugula Caramelized Onions, Goat Cheese on a puff pastry

​Citrus Salad - Organic mixed greens with fresh Grapefruit & Orange bites, goat cheese, candied walnuts and citrus vinaigrette.

Entrees:
Italian Skillet Chicken - Pan Seared chicken with Tri colored tomatoes and mushrooms in a white wine reduction.

Brown Sugar Spiced Grilled Pork Chops topped with a Mango & Sweet Potato puree

Pistachio Crusted Chilean Seabass

​Braised Short Rib served with red wine reduction sauce

Desserts:
Frutti Di Bosco (Mixed Berry Cake)

Coppa Raspberries & Cream

Chocolate Truffle Mousse 

Limoncello Flute

​
​Want to know more of our creative ideas for your wedding reception? Contact us here today, our catering team will help make your special day both delicious and  memorable.
​

1. The Cake Makes the Day
It’s not the era of the same old birthday cakes. It's now important that the cake at your party makes a statement. It should also have a design that reflects the overall theme of your party. If your little girl is a fan of Barbie, then that might be the theme of the party and a classic 'Barbie silhouette' might be the shape of your cake. If your grown-up son is a race fan, then NASCAR could be the theme, with the cake designed in the shape of a car or race track.  If there are a large amount of guests attending your party, your will need a two-tier or three-tier cake.

2. Serve Fun Drinks
Try serving interesting cocktails, mocktails or innovative shakes topped with ice-cream. This is sure to be a hit among children who are attending as well as adults. Who can resist the beauty of a glass filled with chocolate, ice-cream and topped with a cherry?

3. Wet their Appetite with Delicious Appetizers
Starters or appetizers play a pivotal role in any birthday party. Be it a children or adults, guests just love to fill themselves up with enticing starters. The specific appetizers that are served at your party should also fit with the overall theme of the birthday celebration. Some creative appetizer ideas are Smoked Salmon Potato Chips, Bratwurst Sliders and Ahi Tuna Towers.  

4. The Main Course is Crucial
​Again we refer to the overall personality of the guest and theme of the birthday party. If your birthday boy or girl loves movies and you have selected a 'Hollywood' theme, then try serving a main course that reminds them of their favorite film(s). 

5. 5-Star Candy Bar
Having a candy bar at your birthday party is just the way to tell your guests and honoree how 'sweet' they are. The most popular sweet treats that could be offered to guests at your party are a variety of candies, cake pops, sugar sticks, etc. A candy/sweet treat bar will add an additional layer of excitement to your party and the treats should be arranged according to your theme.

6. Add a Decadent Dessert Menu
Some might feel that having a cake and candy/sweet treat bar is sufficient for your party but that’s not true. Having a side dessert menu can complete your entire birthday party. When it comes to a desert menu, think creatively! If you are having a '50s' themed party, delicious cheese cake, served in various flavors or hot fudge sundaes are great ideas.

Want to know more of our creative ideas for your birthday party? Contact us here today, our catering team will help make your celebration both amazing and delicious.​

1. Add greenery to your display. Cut branches off the bottom of your Christmas tree and put them into your tablescape, or tie them to the back of your dining chairs with big bows.

2. Turn your place-card holders into takeaway items for guests as parting gifts. Try using a little potted plant or a small wrapped scented candle in a box with a bow.

3. Choose a sparkling napkin ring. It’ll add little extra shimmer to your table. Try tucking a small menu inside each one, so your guests can get excited for the meal to come.

4. Give your plates some glitz. Use a food safe paint that sets in the oven, and paint simple designs in gold around the edges of all white dishes.

5. Use different levels when displaying food. Set piles of books on a buffet or sideboard and cover them with a tablecloth. Place each of your serving dishes on different piles — the height will add interest and drama to your dinner party.

Want to know more of our creative ideas for your holiday dinner? Contact us here today, our catering team will help make your holiday celebration both delicious and  festive.

We all want the perfect holiday party, but because of schedules or the busyness of daily life, many wait to plan or book a holiday party until right near the holidays. With LULU Catering & Events, the perfect holiday party is within your grasp! Here are some reasons to book it now:

1. Better Attendance
​The earlier you set the date the better the turnout you’ll have at your party. During the busiest time of the year, it’s important to have your party details locked in early so your guests can plan around it.
​
Tip: Having your Christmas party in January is a great idea. This way everyone’s family parties & vacation time are over, you can kiss the Holidays goodbye and kick off the New Year!

2. Get What You Want
​Vendors and Venues fill up fast. And the best ones go first. The longer you wait to book, the less likely you will get the vendors you want for your party, especially on the date that you want.

Tip: Thursdays & Fridays are the most requested days for a business party. So make sure you reserve early for your venue of choice and any entertainment.

3. Pay Less & Stress Less
Planning a  party can be very stressful, especially if you wait until the last minute. Get everything done early and take a lot of pressure off yourself. This will mean you will have a lot more time to focus on fun things to do, and you will be more creative when it comes to the agenda, theme, decorations and even promotion of your now awesome Holiday Party! And as the old adage goes; the early bird catches the worm…a very nice discount for booking your holiday party NOW rather than later.

Tip: Most venues, catering and entertainment companies will offer discounts or a special package for booking early. This gives you more money to wisely spend on the decor, menu or….champagne!

Let’s get the Holiday Spirit going!

Contact us here today about booking your holiday party. Our team will help make it your most festive event yet and one your guests will be talking about for years to come!