Catered meals are a great option for groups who want to use mealtimes as an opportunity for fellowship and for groups who want to provide a more upscale dining experience for their guests.  You will have 1-2 hours per meal to make an impact on your guests.  How can you best use this time?  Here are a few ideas of how you can create special moments during your catered meals:

1. Decorate with purpose.  Integrate decor that ties into your event theme.  This can be as simple as adding key Bible verses on each table as part of the centerpiece.  Or, you can plan something more elaborate with a stage backdrop, customized centerpiece, and themed color scheme. 
2. Get the conversation started.  Consider providing a list of conversation prompts on each table.  You might even challenge your attendees to sit with someone they don’t know or consider assigning them to tables for at least one meal to encourage them to meet someone new.   
3. Customize. Venues have standard catering menus, but they also typically offer add-on options and may allow some menu customization.  Consider an upgrade for a special touch.  
4. Make it fun. Play a game during the meal.  You can have each table play as a group, or you can set it up so that everyone plays as individuals.  Create your own Jeopardy game or use a website like Kahoot to build your own trivia game.  If you want to keep it simple, you can provide printouts for attendees to complete together or individually.   
5. Plan a special program.  This could be a serious, meaningful time with a worship leader and speaker or even a time for team training.  You could also plan something lighter like a Christian comedian, band, or skit as a special evening of entertainment.

Think of your catered meals not just as a time for your guests to eat but as an opportunity to create a memorable experience.  Use mealtimes to integrate your event theme and accomplish your event purpose.  If you need suggestions on how to add a special touch to a catered meal at Ridgecrest, reach out to your Event Coordinator.  We are here to support and guide you as you bring your event vision to life!