Food Ideas for Corporate Parties

Office parties usually center around the highly anticipated free food. So make sure you put a lot of thought into what prepared food you'd like to order.

Are you aware of your colleague's dietary restrictions? When it comes to ordering, here are a few ideas for different budget ranges, according to www.familyeducation.com:

Tight budget: ($10 per person) — If you don't have much to spend, focus on one menu element, such as a fabulous cake or superb finger foods. Don't try to provide booze on a low budget; instead, provide sodas and water, and do a little research so you can suggest a great venue for an "impromptu" after-party, should anyone want to grab a few drinks.

Average budget: ($10-$20 per person) — With a little more money to spend, try to find unexpected and delicious food. Consider an ethnic specialty, such as Chinese, Thai, or Indian catering; you'll find prices are lower than you think for ample amounts of quality food.

Big budget: ($20 per person) — If you have a large budget, use it. People will appreciate elements of gourmet food and surprise. Surprise is the key to planning a successful menu for your co-workers. Decide on one that's least familiar to the people with whom you work. They'll get a kick out of trying something new, especially if it's on the company's dime.