Catering Services

Charcuterie Delivered

We have a great option to help you get Charcuterie Boards Delivered.

We call ours “Grazing Tables.” These have been one of our most popular offerings for several years now especially during wedding catering.

We never saw Charcuterie as a fad. We have always done it.

Arranging a delicious and beautiful display of gourmet meats, cheeses, veggies and more are what go into our Drop-Off Charcuterie Grazing Trays.

For the longest time we only did these as part of larger staffed catering events. But we received so many requests to “just have them delivered.” So we answered.

They have been a great addition to our catering services.

Catering and Event Planning Email Tip

When it comes to planning your event – you might be interacting with a few vendors.

While we communicate by phone, text and email with clients, we find email is the best way to stay organized.

All important details should be discussed by email… Catering Menus, Timelines, etc.

Using the date of the event and the vendor in the subject line is the way to go.

Example… “9-28 Catering.”

Many times we just use the date because we know it’s catering… LOL.

But if you’re initiating the email thread with a vendor… certainly use their specific job in the subject line.

The other reason why we like to use email is because you can easily find information by searching your box.

It will be even easier to find things if you keep your email threads to one. You’re better off having an email thread with forty replies back and forth than twenty back and forth spread over ten different subject lines and conversations. Our standing record for replies back and forth in one email thread for one event is 75.

Always feel good about communicating with your vendors. A lot of planning goes into creating the perfect day and an open exchange is what you need.

Happy Planning!

Table Space for Catering

We often get the question… “How much table space do I need for food?” The answer depends.

Let’s say you’re going with a buffet-style dinner. The general rule is “Two Eight-Footers.”

This is plenty of room to fit salad, sides, and main dishes. We will always list the table space needed in our contract.

Maybe prior to dinner you have some displayed apps… cheese, veggies or maybe a Grazing Table.

The quantity you order will determine the table space needed. Usually, six foot tables are best for appetizers. Based on how many displayed apps you order for your event, we will let you know how much table space is needed.

Plated Dinner? None at all. Just the work/table space in the catering area matters on a plated meal.

What about for drop off catering service?

Depending again on the size of the order the general advice is “be sure to have plenty of table space.”

Of course, once an order is in place it is easy to advise a client on how much space they should prepare for. Since drop-offs can be all shapes and sizes with a few variables, we don’t usually specify until an exact order is received.

A Fork Secret Catering Tip

When setting up for staffed catering events all over New Hampshire that have china, flatware, water service etc., there are steps we take as soon as we arrive.

Get ready for cocktail hour. Start building any app displays, get ready for passed apps. Set the room. Folding linens, placing silverware, filling water goblets.

It’s very focused time. But what about for a more laid-back event?

If you’re using disposables… placing your plates, forks, napkins on your food table is the way to go, usually.

But there’s a little secret when it comes to “where to put your silverware?”

If guests are going to go through and help themselves to your main course, put your plates in the front of the line and place your forks, napkins, etc. at the end.

It’s a little “fork secret.” This way, your guests do not have to carry their forks down the food line… they’ll just grab them at the end.

Catering Planning Season…

Collaboration is key to lay the groundwork for successful events.

We take pride in returning emails and text messages promptly.

And Phone Calls are great to hear friendly voices and bounce things around.

Never Stress about Guests Catering and Successful Event Tips

Everyone has dietary needs or at least some preferences.

Some of your guests may need you to carefully consider the food you order for your event.

But… Do not stress about these guests!

Maybe it is the need to eat gluten-free.

Perhaps Vegan or Vegetarian.

And a few more. Not to worry.

The best place to start is with your menu selections.

So many of our clients are relieved to see that the menu they selected actually checks all the boxes. Basically… every guest can eat anything on the menu.

If plan “A” doesn’t work out… Plan “B” is…

You can simply order separate meals for these guests. We just pack them up separately and label them. Easy.

The food is going to be the simplest to plan and one of the best parts of your event… that is always our aim.

Grazing Tables and Charcuterie Boards

For the longest time our displayed apps like Artisan Cheese, Antipasto, Veggie Crudité, Mediterranean Trio and Fruit have been put out with the utmost attention to detail to be appealing to the eyes and taste buds.

A couple of years back we introduced our “Grazing Tables” that have a combination of meats, veggies, fruit, the best cheeses, etc. The colors, the contrast and the various elements that go into building them make it so enjoyable. To see the look on the face of the catering client and their guests is always the best part (for us anyway). Grazing Tables are our version of charcuterie boards.

Twelve 31 does not see this as any sort of “fad”. We plan to keep our grazing tables as an option for years to come.

It is fun to match the tables a little to the event when possible too.

Once we were able to hit St. Patrick’s Day and a Baby Shower all within 72 Hours of each other.

Catering Service on Short Notice

We love the opportunity to offer you “Catering Advice” that can also help you on all aspects of event planning.

Let’s talk about “Short Notice.”

Yes… it is possible. And a great example to use is how we are able to help our client, Eversource at the last minute.

Eversource expects a lot of their employees and subcontractors when storms threaten to knock out power. Therefore… They treat them well! They set up meals for them all day for multiple days.

While this is hard work for sure… we are able to pull off feeding a lot of people with catering services on short notice.
Since mother nature does not plan events, this is expected. But you have a little more time (probably).

While we probably can pull something off for you, what are the cons of short notice if you were to “procrastinate?”

Availability. We can not be there for every situation like we are for the power company.

Product Availability. As you get closer to your event if you don’t have the details of which food nailed down, there is a chance it may not be available, thus limiting your options.

Prep. Some selections require much more prep time than others if it is available.

If you have the luxury of time… use it!

Wonderful Winter Event Tips

Quick Tips for a Wonderful Winter Event:

1: For day time events look for spaces with great natural light and big windows that allow the sun to shine in.

2: If your event is in the evening use more comfortable and casual seating arrangements so guests feel cozy.

3: If your venue has a fireplace, take advantage of it. Cocktails by a roaring fire is always a winner!

4: We have been staring at festive lights and colorful decorations for a few months now, keep your decor clean and simple. Adding crisp white or ivory floral arrangements and some greenery will brighten up your space and give a fresh airy feeling.

5: When is comes to your menu, keep the seasonal ingredients but instead of a buffet or plated meal go with displays and small plates.

The freedom to graze and eat at their own pace will enable guests to feel satisfied but not feel like they ate another big heavy meal.

To finish off add fun sweets like a hot cocoa bar or a chocolate dipped fruit station instead of cookies and cakes. Our full catering menu can make any winter gathering wonderful!

Winter Catering Add a Hot Cocoa Station

Winter Catering is Fun!

We have several hot beverage options for our clients.

Our hot cocoa station is always a winner!

It comes with marshmallows, whipped cream, crushed peppermint, caramel, and chocolate sauce!

Local Catering Service Gives Away Italian Cookies

Just In Time for Holiday Party Catering…

But First!

Some of you know the Twelve 31 story…

Melissa, has been a Chef and Event Planner in Boston since the early 2000’s. But Twelve 31 is still, believe it or not, sorta new. The business was formed in late 2017. And our Grand Opening, after our Kitchen build out, was May.

Therefor…It’s our first Christmas and Holiday Season!

We’re celebrating by giving away FREE Italian Christmas Cookies with EVERY order.

There is no catch. Any order gets Cookies! The give-away is in proportion to the order. Simple.

Below I have added some links to our menus. Check them out. Whether it’s a big party with plenty of time to plan or a last minute gathering or something in between, we’ve got awesome food… AND… Free Cookies.

It’s our way of saying thank you to everyone who has made our first 6 months an amazing success!

And if you haven’t tried us yet, change that and get Italian Cookies too!

Menu 1: Catering

This is our full catering menu. Perfect for larger gatherings and more advanced planning. Although, we accommodate clients on short notice too.

Full Catering Menu

Menu 2: Heat & Eat

This menu is really catching on. Smaller quantities and shorter notice. You finish these in your own oven following simple instructions.

Easy Heat & Menu

Menu 3: “Game-Time”

Each item is a winner! Simple as that. Perfect for small or larger sports parties.

Sports Menu

Menu 4: “Main Street Mondays”

A “limited” menu. Right now, we only do 3 of these each week for those fast to get their orders in and reserve.

Main Street Mondays

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Catering Services

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