A catering menu depends largely on the type of event you are holding. Different catering menus are appropriate for different times of the day and should be adapted to the formality of the event. Here are some ideas for catering menus.

Breakfast can be a number of things. A variety of cereals in attractive dispensers with fresh, cold milk should be a staple. Trays of fresh, seasonal fruit are always well received. Scones, rolls, biscuits and toast should be served with an array of jellies and jams to top them. You can serve yogurt with a variety of toppings such as granola and dried fruits. Hot catering menu options could include an omelet station, bacon, sausage, and any other breakfast meats. Breakfast catering menus are usually served buffet style.

Brunch can include many or all of the same items as breakfast. A few other things like a meat carving station are usually expected. A salad bar would be another thing that would be a nice addition to a brunch catering menu.

Lunch will usually have a salad of some type, whether it is a salad bar or a standard salad. An array of deli meats and cheeses are always a hit at lunch time. You can again serve fresh fruits and cheeses, and a vegetable tray with some tasty dip is also a good idea. Desserts can include things like ice cream sundaes or small finger desserts.

Dinner can be as formal or informal as you like. If it is going to be a buffet style, go for a variety of meats. Hot side dishes should be served along with a salad of some sort. Think all the colors of the rainbow. Make sure your catering menu does not only include yellow or green foods. The more colors your guests see, the more appealing the catering menu will be. Desserts at dinner are usually a little more elaborate and can be varied to suit your tastes.

Another catering menu option would be to go for a theme. If you do this the sky is the limit. It could be all picnic foods, a Chinese theme, barbecue, Mardi Gras, Famous People or anything else that strikes your fancy. This is a really fun type of event and is sure to be remembered.

Some folks have a catering menu comprised of entirely soups and salads. This can be a very economical type of catering menu. It is good to have classics on hand like vegetable and chicken noodle soup, but go a little exotic or unusual for your more adventuresome guests. Provide small bowls so that they can just try a little of each soup. This is a lot of fun and is always well received.

Catering menus are as different as the people who plan them. Tell your caterer what type of event you are planning and what kind of atmosphere you want to create. They should be able to provide you with some great ideas and sample catering menus.