Planning Your Next Outdoor Event
There’s a reason people love getting together outdoors. Whether it’s a formal occasion or a casual neighborhood block party; the open air adds a relaxed, carefree ambience to any gathering. Let’s be honest, the food is usually the star of the show and how memorable it is can impact the success of your event – but who wants to spend hours cooking when you could be mingling with friends and family? Just sit back, relax, and, as Sam Gray says, “Let us do the grilling so you can do the chilling!” Our Chicago catering company will handle the culinary details while you have fun with your favorite people.
Our SunSational Picnic Menu offers plenty of options for you to choose from for your next outdoor event be it a corporate celebration, for the family, or a summer blowout bash with friends. These are just a few of our favorite picnic party ideas that will be sure to make your guests’ summer one to remember!
1. Classic barbecue
It’s the American summertime tradition with all the fixings you love, like angus burgers and all-beef hot dogs, Italian sausage, BBQ pulled pork, and smoked brisket. But don’t forget the sides; Additions like mac & cheese, grilled corn on the cob, potato and pasta salad are “musts” to complete any barbecue menu. The best part of having it catered is that you can enjoy quality time with family and friends instead of watching the grill!
How to build out this menu:
- Order from our entrée selections as well as our signature salads, sides & desserts.
- You may also choose from two packages perfectly suited to a classic BBQ: our Traditional Package or our Block Party Package.
2. Mexican Street Food
Spice up your next gathering by adding Mexican cuisine to the menu. Catered by Design offers a variety of tacos with our homemade roasted tomato salsa, salsa verde, fresh-chopped cilantro and lime. Envision quesadillas fresh off the griddle, served with Black Bean, Jicama, Red Pepper and Corn Salad. Make sure you save room for dessert because you won’t want to miss out on our house-made churros!
How to build out this menu:
- Choose our Mexican Street Food, Quesadilla and/or Tacos Any Day Packages.
3. Italian-style picnic
If you come from a big Italian family, you know there’s only one choice when it comes to food at family gatherings. Bring the traditional Sunday dinner outdoors and enjoy all your favorites, from Grilled Italian Sausage and Italian-Style Roast Beef to Rotini Spring Pasta Salad and Sun-Dried Tomato & Basil Mac & Cheese. Our House-made Biscotti is the perfect sweet treat to complement a hearty Italian menu!
How to build out this menu:
- Purchase our Abbondanza package for an unforgettable Italian feast!
4. Hometown fair
Is there anything more fun and nostalgic than fair food? Designed for the whole family (especially with little ones!), our picnic stations recreate the carnival atmosphere in your own backyard. Imagine jumbo soft pretzels with cheese and mustard or a build-your-own nachos bar with add-ons like chicken or ground beef. In addition, we can source popcorn, cotton candy and snow cone machines that would be available for rent!
How to build out this menu:
- Our stations are just what you need to make your hometown fair picnic a huge summer bash! If you’re throwing a corporate party, we can even quote upon request for games, inflatables, performers, and more.
5. Oktoberfest
Planning a fall celebration? Dust off your Dirndls and Lederhosen and book our Oktoberfest Package for an epic event your guests won’t soon forget. While the beer is flowing, we’ll be serving the German fare of your choosing, such as Smoked Sausage, Chicken Schnitzel or Wisconsin Bratwurst. Those with dietary restrictions will enjoy our delectable House-made Red and Black Bean Burger, which is vegan and dairy-free. Still hungry? Indulge in Apple Strudel or German Chocolate Cupcakes as a delicious ending to the festivities.
Contact Catered by Design to learn more about our picnic menu
Have questions? We’re happy to discuss options for your party or event and can customize any menu to meet your needs. Browse the full picnic menu for even more event inspiration, and feel free to contact us for information. We look forward to hearing from you!
