Corporate events can be tricky to execute in a way that inspires connection and satisfaction with your guests. Organizing corporate events (both big and small) is a complex task, requiring tons of planning, consideration, and forethought — let us make it simple.
Whether you’re planning a gala dinner, hosting colleagues from out of town, or holding a casual cocktail reception, we have the blueprints for hosting delightfully delicious corporate events. Here are several tips on how to approach corporate catering and an overview of what we offer at Catered by Design, your premier Chicago caterer.
Gala at Sanfilippo Estate
Choosing the Right Menu
The right menu for your event should complement your vision and the occasion, as well as account for a variety of dietary preferences. Catered By Design includes a plethora of delicious vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free options in all of our menus!
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- Special Events & Plated Dinners: For high-profile dinners, corporate awards, and galas, our Special Events plated menu offers elegance and variety. Turn the night into an upscale experience with our sophisticated composed salads and our decadent plated desserts.
Caprese Composed Salad | V | GF | CN
Looking for inspiration? One company hosted a corporate dinner at Skydeck Chicago, which featured Thai Chicken Bites and Coconut Shrimp for their hors d’oeuvres, an elevated surf-and-turf entrée of Sliced Beef Tenderloin with Cabernet Sauce, a Grilled Shrimp Scampi Skewer, and last but not least, a Raspberry Cheesecake for dessert.
Raspberry Cheesecake
- Grazing & Action Stations: Grazing and Action Stations are apt for business events that involve networking and interactions. They allow one to be on the move and talk to many people while enjoying a delicious spread. Picture a captivating spread of Shrimp Shooters, Asian Vegetable & Noodle Salad, and Ceviche Shooters floating midair thanks to our Transparent Skyline Wall!
Transparent Skyline Wall
- Cocktail Receptions: Our cocktail reception menu is perfect for smaller venues or events centered on mingling or ice-breaking while keeping your guests happy and full. A recent corporate reception we catered featured passed hors d’oeuvres like Chesapeake Bay Crab Cakes, Mini BBQ Meatballs, Crisp Baked Potato Cups, and a sweet finish with House-baked Cookies and Carmelita Brownies. With limited space, cocktail reception service paired with a tailored beverage package maximizes guest interaction without feeling crowded or forced.
Mini BBQ Meatball | DF
Beverage Packages that Elevate Events
Often overlooked, tastefully selected beverage pairings can elevate events and give them the extra pizzazz they deserve. We often pair beverage packages with plated dinners or station-style events, while our cocktail reception menu naturally includes them.
Signature Wine Tree
Our signature wrought-iron Wine Tree always makes a visual impact, serving both as décor and a practical way to showcase selections. Recently, for the Elgin Symphony Orchestra Gala at Sanfilippo Estate, we featured this piece for guests to take from upon entering the grand space. Coffee and espresso bars are also increasingly popular for conferences, providing customizability, energy, and an interactive experience.
Custom Menus for Memorable Branding
One of the benefits of full-service catering is menu customization that reflects your brand or theme.
Ploughman’s Salad
For example, the International Women’s Associates annual gala draws inspiration from different cultures and cuisines each year, with their 2025 event at Venue West featuring dishes inspired by England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. To name a few stand-out dishes, guests enjoyed Fish & Chips, a traditional Ploughman’s Salad, and Vegetarian Cottage Pie.
For corporate holiday parties, customized menus add a layer of charm and create memorable moments. Offerings like our Epicurean Hot Chocolate Bar, Fudge Brownie Salted Caramel Milkshakes, and Peppermint Stirrer Sticks combine seasonal fun with variety and deliciousness.
Corporate Holiday Party
Logistics: How to Make it Seamless
A seamless event is one without worry or waste. At Catering by Design, we consider the hallmark of full-service catering to be every detail being considered and managed for you:
- Initial Inquiry & Consultation – We understand and align goals, guest count, and event format.
- Tasting & Menu Customization – Refine culinary vision.
- Rentals & Setup – Ranging from linens to glassware, we handle the details.
- Event Staffing – Our staff are trained to ensure smooth service, whether for plated or interactive menus.
- Integration with Programming – We time service to flow around presentations, awards, or networking.
- Breakdown & Cleanup – At the end of the night, the space is left spotless.
Enhancing the Guest Experience
At any corporate event, food can set the tone for how successful it will be. In the same vein, thoughtful and tasteful touches elevate them and leave an impression with guests and hold your company in high regard.
- Beverage Pairings – Offerings such as varied wine and beer offerings, along with signature cocktails and mocktails give your event a personalized touch.
Aperol Spritz
- Signature Equipment – Utilizing our signature pieces can make your event memorable by showcasing selected bites in a dazzling way.
Sip & Savor Wall
- Inclusive menus – To enhance reach and guests’ satisfaction, make sure to offer vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free options for inclusivity.
Grilled Vegetable Stack | V | GF | DF | VGN
Sustainability in Corporate Catering
Sustainability in an industry like corporate catering is an important facet to consider. As a sustainable Chicago catering service, Catered by Design engages in environmentally conscious business practices in addition to being a reputable corporate caterer. We consciously prioritize the environment from our ingredients and packaging to our catering procedures and employee training.
Cherry Tomatoes from our herb garden
Additionally, we have designed our menus to source locally as much as possible, reducing environmental impact while offering quality flavor. Our disposables are 100% compostable and non-toxic, our dinnerware is reusable, and we work to ensure guest counts are accurate to minimize waste. These practices go a long way in sustainable growth and minimizing detrimental impact on the environment.
Chicago Corporate Catering Trends
There are always new trends and practices shaping the city’s corporate events, and some of them might be useful for catering services to implement into their offerings, such as:
- Interactive elements like our attended grazing stations and chef action stations are sure to stand out. Let us dazzle your guests by preparing their meal quickly and beautifully, such as with our Back of the Yards Carving Station or our Pasta “Made Your Way” station.
Back of the Yards Carving Station
- Health-conscious menus are here to stay! Ranging from plant-based and gluten-free offerings to lower-carb and diet options, we have a variety of inclusive options to choose from.
Vegan Mushroom Meatball Bite | V | GF | DF | VGN
- Locally inspired menu options from our Chicago Favorites station to our Wrigleyville Sliders are the perfect fit for a Chicago theme. Our Grazing & Action Stations menu highlights Chicago’s incredible cultural diversity, as each station is named after different areas in the Chicagoland area, such as our Little Italy risotto station or Pilsen Mexican Street Food station.
Pilsen Mexican Street Food Station
From plated galas to cocktail receptions and custom holiday menus, Catered by Design’s full-service catering ensures your corporate event in Chicago is seamless, engaging, and unforgettable. With careful menu planning, venue pairing, and thoughtful touches, we take pride in being one of Chicago’s premium caterers and sharing our delicious creations with each and every guest.
Champagne offered upon guest arrival
If you have any questions regarding your catered event experience, email us at [email protected], or if you’re ready to start planning your event with us, contact us here. We look forward to helping you bring your event to life!
