Retirement parties are a significant milestone in a person's life — to a degree they are the cap-off of one of the most nerve-wracking yet rewarding parts of that life, their professional career. And a great way to celebrate their achievements and hard work is by going all out with their farewell celebration. Folks sometimes spare no expense with these events, doing all types of great things, or experiences, but the one thing they simply can’t disregard is food.
The menu plays a crucial role in setting the tone for the party, and it's important to plan it carefully to make the event memorable. In this article, we will explore the importance of food and drink in retirement party celebrations and provide tips for planning the perfect menu. Aristotle, some believe Ben Franklin, others attribute the saying to Moliere was quoted: “A person should decide whether they eat to live or live to eat?… what do they value the most, pleasure or substance?”
In the case of a party, the answer is rather simple, we’ll worry about the calories when tomorrow’s hangover kicks in. That’s why catering and what you pick for said menu and the sublime culinary buffet is so important – let’s dig into food for a retirement party.
The Significance of Food and Drink in Retirement Party Celebrations
Food and drink are an essential part of any celebration, and retirement parties are no exception. Canapés, antipasti, dips, finger foods, aperitifs, main dishes, even morsels, spread, and crudités, and all their French brothers are the lifeblood of any get-together. A well-crafted menu can set the tone for the event, period — and make it memorable for all the guests.
Retirement parties are a time for celebration, a time to toss caution to the wind, and a time to go a little wild. A time to damn the consequences and their caloric whammy. And the right food and drink can help create a festive atmosphere. Good food and drink can also help bring people together and facilitate conversations, making the event more enjoyable for everyone.
Foods play a significant role in gatherings for a variety of reasons. In many cases it is the glue that brings everyone together — a great cheese platter, for example, is known for its miraculous powers. The right cheddar can end hostilities and promote common bonds among enemies.
Here are some of the reasons why foods are such a hit at any event, including when it comes to a retirement party’s menu:
Social bonding: Sharing food is a universal way to create a sense of community and connection among people — psychologically speaking, studies have determined that it facilitates bonds and helps foment, at a neurological level, positive relationships. Gathering around a meal or snack can provide an opportunity for people to talk, share stories, and tell their tales. It even promotes healthy critical discussion with superiors. Scientists have determined that gossip is critical for social bonding as it builds relationships.
Celebrations: Food is often an integral part of celebrations and special occasions, such as birthdays, weddings, and holidays. In many ways, a menu can become the defining characteristic of that celebration. It is what will give your event its overall scorecard among your invitees. These events are often centered around a meal or feast, which brings people together and creates a festive atmosphere.
Hospitality: Providing food to guests is a way of showing hospitality and welcoming them into your home. In some cultures, it is even considered a rite of safety. In ancient times, if you were invited to eat and you took a meal on a stranger’s table you were given protection and sanctuary by that person. Serving food and drink can make guests feel comfortable and cared for, and can help to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Cultural traditions: Many cultures have specific foods and meals that are associated with their traditions and customs. It’s part of their folklore and what draws them together. Serving these foods at a gathering can help reinforce cultural identity and provide a sense of continuity with the past.
Metrics on Retirement
Now, let’s talk about retirements and how common they truly are. According to the US Census Bureau, around 10,000 baby boomers retire every day. This means that retirement parties are becoming increasingly common and it's important to plan them well to ensure they stand out.
The fad of parties as a whole is a 20th-century invention — it is something that came about in the late 50s. Before, folks didn’t really retire. In most cases, you lived until you kicked the bucket at your workstation. Few places actually gave you a retirement plan, and in most cases said the plan wasn’t a certainty. People, in many circumstances, didn't celebrate their retirement. Why? Because they had no idea what the future would hold, let alone how they were going to afford it.
Considerations for Retirement Party Menu Planning
When planning a retirement party menu, it's essential to consider the guest of honor's preferences and dietary restrictions — they’re the ones you’re really trying to give kudos to. It’s their last hurrah in the company. The menu should be a reflection of their taste, their preferences, and their desire. Sit down with them and talk it out. Let them unburden and tell you what they would like.
Also, it's critical to incorporate themed elements or personal touches into the menu that can make the event more special. It's also important to balance variety in the menu to cater to different tastes and preferences.
Creating a menu for any event, including a retirement party can be a bit overwhelming — there are a lot of factors to juggle. It can be a challenging and often daunting task, but here are some tips that can help you out:
Know your guests
Investigate the person you're putting up the party for. Consider not only their dietary requirements, but their preferences, their station at the office, their personal quirks, and their cultural backgrounds. And not just the main person’s - the quest of honor - but everyone else. For example, if your guests include vegetarians, you should ensure that there are enough vegetarian options on the menu.
Balance the menu
Offer a variety of dishes that cater to different tastes and preferences. Try to mix and match — not only tastes but culinary trends. Try to balance the flavors, textures, and colors of the dishes. This is key when it comes to retirement party menus.
Keep it simple
Don't try to overcomplicate the menu. Stick to dishes that are easy to prepare and serve. This will help you avoid any last-minute mishaps. Include dishes that appeal to everyone. Try to find meals and foods that are simple yet timely. Pro tip: guacamole is always in demand.
Consider the season
Choose dishes that are appropriate for the time of year. For example, in the summer, you might want to include light, refreshing dishes, while in the winter, you might want to serve heartier meals. It’s important to take into account the weather outside. The last thing you want is a room filled with folks sweating bullets because of the meal you prepared or set into motion.
Plan for the flow of the event
Consider how the menu fits into the overall flow of the event. Don’t stop the fun or a special moment just because it’s time to shovel in more food. For example, if you're serving appetizers, you might want to make them easy to eat while guests are standing and mingling.
Get creative
Think outside the box and offer unique, creative dishes that will leave a lasting impression on your guests. Seek out foods that are timely. And, every so often, insert food that might “spice” the menu. Something that will be on everyone's lips come Monday.
Consider the budget
Keep the budget in mind when planning the menu. Always plan for hiccups, incidentals, and eight balls — in most cases add an extra 15% to your budget just in case. You want to offer delicious dishes, but you also want to keep costs reasonable.
Don’t forget the drinks
Offer a variety of non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks to complement the food. No one has ever made a mistake by hiring an open bar with a couple of mixologists. Consider pairing wines or cocktails with certain dishes to enhance the overall dining experience.
Menu suggestions and ideas when catering for a retirement party
Let’s give you a quick idea of the most sought after, and more traditional options when it comes to menu ideas. These are the classics, icons in any retirement party menu, and they maintain that status for a reason.
For appetizers, consider options such as bacon-wrapped scallops, shrimp cocktails, and bruschetta. For entrees, you could opt for prime rib, grilled salmon, or chicken piccata. For sides, roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, and Caesar salad are always crowd-pleasers. For desserts, options like chocolate cake, cheesecake, and fruit tarts are great choices.
When it comes to drinking options, consider having a signature cocktail, wine, and beer. It's also important to have non-alcoholic options like lemonade, iced tea, and sparkling water. To create a visually appealing and memorable menu, consider incorporating photos of the retiree, their favorite quotes or phrases, or a special message.