Events in the catering industry – ideas and suitable equipment
People love special experiences – and that's where your opportunity lies. With creative catering events, you can transform your restaurant or hotel into a place where guests feel comfortable, talk about and want to return to. Whether it's public viewing of sporting events, after-parties following concerts and trade fairs, themed dining or smaller, recurring events such as book clubs or regulars' tables, these events will help you attract new and regular customers and increase your sales. We'll give you ideas on how to successfully plan and equip your events.
Catering events – why they are so important
Events offered by your catering business increase awareness of your brand and help you build a personal relationship with your visitors and increase your sales. In addition to events held as part of larger gatherings, you can also offer recurring, independent events. Be creative when it comes to event ideas, dishes, drinks and decorations. This will make your events fun for you, your team and your guests!
Advantages of catering events at your establishment:
- Marketing & image: Events are an effective marketing tool that strengthen your image and position your establishment as a lively meeting place.
- Word of mouth: Enthusiastic guests are your best advertisement. They share their positive experiences with friends and family or online, bringing you more customers.
- Customer loyalty: By hosting recurring events, you retain existing customers and attract new ones at the same time.
Catering events during major events and for special occasions
Catering events during major events such as international sporting and cultural events are the ideal opportunity to increase your sales. This was demonstrated, for example, by Taylor Swift's ‘Eras Tour’: in the German city of Gelsenkirchen, where the singer held concerts on three consecutive days in 2024, the accommodation industry recorded an increase of approximately 171 per cent compared to the previous year, while catering sales rose by approximately 95 per cent. This was shown by research conducted by Mastercard.
Event ideas for major events
Is there a major regional, national or international event taking place in your area? Take advantage of the influx of visitors and organise after-parties, public viewing or kick-off events in your restaurant or hotel. This will allow you to fully exploit your sales potential and attract new guests.
These options are available:
- Public viewing and fan zones during sporting events (world championships, winter sports competitions, city runs, etc.)
- Events on national or international holidays and regional events with a party atmosphere (Oktoberfest, New Year's Eve, Christmas, carnival, St. Patrick's Day, Halloween)
- Participation in city or summer festivals and Christmas markets
- After-parties during major trade fairs or after concerts
- Corporate events and banquets
- Large private celebrations such as weddings, christenings, anniversaries
The perfect catering equipment for large events If you are planning catering events during a large event, you can expect a larger number of visitors. This requires precise planning and reliable, professional and functional event equipment. This will ensure that everything runs smoothly and that you make a good impression.
Outdoor furniture for catering events
This furniture will make your event a complete success! Robust and flexible furniture options are the right choice for outdoor public viewing. Choose lightweight, stackable and robust tables and chairs. These can be rearranged flexibly and stored in a space-saving manner. Our Baruba outdoor bar series is ideal for serving drinks outdoors: various elements can be flexibly expanded so that the bar adapts perfectly to your needs. The high-quality material mix of powder-coated aluminium, textile covering and rope mesh is designed for outdoor use – and is therefore extra robust. Place a few bar tables near the bar where your guests can relax and enjoy their drinks.
Our tip:
Would you like to host weddings at your establishment? In this magazine article, you can find out how to successfully navigate the wedding season. Read our outdoor catering guide for valuable tips on planning and implementing outdoor events.
Crockery and cutlery for large numbers of visitors
For catering events during large-scale events, use functional yet robust crockery and cutlery as well as simple glasses. In these situations, your guests are usually more interested in eating and drinking than in a sophisticated atmosphere. What's more, this equipment can withstand frequent washing. And if something does break, the financial damage is limited. At LUSINI, you can purchase practical super packs of crockery for this purpose at a great price.
However, when there is a very high volume of guests, it may also be advisable to use plastic or disposable tableware, disposable cutlery and disposable cups. These do not need to be washed up, thus reducing your workload. In addition, plastic and disposable products are break-proof – a clear advantage, especially when dealing with large crowds.
Buffet & Transport If you would like to offer a buffet during your event, you will also need the appropriate equipment for storing and, if necessary, transporting your food between the kitchen and the event venue. In our theme world ‘Setting up a buffet – practical tips’, we have summarised all the important information you need to know about buffets.
Experiential dining: catering ideas for regular events
Make regular catering events part of your concept! In addition to events held as part of large-scale occasions, smaller, independent and recurring catering events such as regulars' tables or themed evenings also attract new customers to your establishment. We present a range of event ideas along with the appropriate equipment and event decorations.
Event ideas for the catering industry
Open your restaurant or café to new target groups, increase your visibility in your town or region, and help people make new friends! Organise recurring, interactive events yourself or team up with regional groups to host events for them. This will increase your sales and allow you to make optimal use of your premises even outside peak hours.
Ideas for recurring gastronomic events:
- Theme nights (e.g. Italian night with music and a matching menu)
- Author readings, poetry slams
- Book clubs, reading evenings
- Handicraft meetings (knitting, crocheting, sewing, crafting)
- Wine tastings with matching dishes
- Cocktail courses
- Game nights
- Regulars' tables, parents' evenings
- Club meetings
- Live entertainment with bands or DJs
- Experience gastronomy (murder mystery dinners, live cooking, candlelit dinners)
- Possibly smaller weddings, christenings, birthdays
Event supplies for your restaurant
If you want to attract guests to your restaurant with recurring gastronomic events, a cosy and inviting atmosphere is a must. In contrast to event supplies for large events, you can rely on more sophisticated products that can be used over the long term. Of course, your goal is still to act economically and purchase versatile equipment.
Tableware for the laid table
Of course, you can use your existing tableware for smaller catering events and create a connection to the event with the appropriate decorations. In general, tableware sets with special details or in elegant colours have a casual feel and are suitable for a wide range of events.
When it comes to cutlery, opt for classic shapes, high-quality materials and professional workmanship. This makes it perfect for all occasions and easy to clean in the dishwasher.
Depending on the type of event, you may need additional glasses (e.g. cocktail glasses, wine glasses and carafes) in addition to your basic equipment. Also make sure that you have enough water and soft drink glasses available and that they are free of scratches and limescale deposits – to make a hygienic and stylish impression on your guests.
The perfect table linen and service clothing
Complete your table setting with beautiful table linen that matches the colour of your crockery and other decorations. Invest in new workwear for your service staff too: to make a good first impression on your guests and ensure comfort for your employees.
Our tip
Add a personal touch and have your table linen or service clothing decorated with your logo or lettering. Find out more about our personalisation service!
Inviting event decorations
Carefully selected, beautiful decorations create a particularly cosy atmosphere and add the finishing touch to your venue. The choice is yours – do you prefer a minimalist, Scandinavian interior or would you like to follow the greenery trend and focus on greenery and plants? With candles and lights, vases, decorative cushions, blankets and the right furniture, you can turn your restaurant or café into a unique and distinctive location. In addition to general decorations, seasonal decorations, such as Christmas decorations, provide even more comfort for your guests.
Planning – how to organise successful catering events
Good preparation is the key to successful events in the catering industry. Plan your events well in advance and keep track of all important dates. Use an annual calendar to plan seasonal occasions, public holidays and regional events in advance. This will allow you to schedule your staff in good time, adjust purchasing quantities and take delivery times into account. Approach local businesses, clubs or event agencies to facilitate collaboration, attract new target groups and increase your reach in the region. Be sure to use social media to market your events: promote your events on your own channels or in local Facebook groups to reach potential participants. Social media also pays off after the event. With authentic photos and videos, you can create a sense of closeness, evoke emotions and increase brand recognition.
Events in the catering industry – equip now
Whether it's a large city festival, World Cup party or cosy theme night – the right products are the basis for a successful event. At LUSINI, you will find everything you need for your next event: from durable event equipment and elegant tableware to modern service clothing and decorative accents. Equip your venue professionally now and create unforgettable experiences for your guests and smooth processes for your staff. Discover our versatile range for the hotel, catering and hospitality industries – and benefit from quality, functionality and design from a single source.