30 Delicious Catering Ideas For Meetings

Want to take your meeting catering to the next level? Check out these 30 delicious ideas that’ll impress at every stage of the day!

From tasty snacks to hearty lunches, there’s something for everyone.

Just be sure your events venue can accommodate your options and any dietary requirements. 

Keep reading to discover the best catering choices for your next corporate event.

Explore These Best Food Ideas For Your Next Business Meeting

Breakfast

1. Continental

A classic continental breakfast offers a mix of light options, making it perfect for an early meeting.

Think fresh pastries, cereals, fruit, yogurts, and an assortment of breads with a variety of spreads.

Pair it with a selection of juices, along with your usual coffee and tea.

This well-balanced breakfast has something for everyone to enjoy.

2. Full English

For those who prefer a hearty start the Full English breakfast is a crowd-pleaser.

Include sausages, crispy bacon, eggs (fried or scrambled), grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, baked beans, black pudding, and hash browns.

Serve with toast and condiments to keep things traditional and filling.

3. Breakfast Burritos

For something a little more inventive, breakfast burritos are perfect for a grab-and-go option.

Let your delegates customise their burritos with fillings like scrambled eggs, bacon, and avocado.

Don't forget to provide HP sauce and ketchup for an extra flavour boost.

4. Bagel Stand

A bagel stand is a quick and tasty breakfast option.

Your team can customise their bagels with a choice of spreads, or you can ask your meeting venue to pre-fill them with a variety of flavours.

Popular choices include cream cheese & smoked salmon and avocado & bacon.

5. Pancake Bar

For a fun and interactive breakfast, a pancake bar is a great choice.

Set up a station where delegates can create their own pancake stack choosing from a variety of toppings such as maple syrup, fresh fruit, chocolate spread, and even bacon.

It’s a sweet and savoury option that offers a bit of flexibility, allowing guests to enjoy something both filling and fun to prepare.

Lunch Ideas

6. Afternoon Tea

Afternoon tea is a classic British option that works practically well for mid-afternoon meetings.

A selection of finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with jam and clotted cream, and an assortment of pastries and cakes is a real crowd-pleaser.

This catering style encourages a relaxed break giving delegates a chance to enjoy their food and network with colleagues. 

7. Sandwich and Wrap Platters

Sandwich platters are a staple for any meeting.

They’re easy to prepare and offer a wide range of fillings from classic options like ham and cheese to more adventurous choices such as chicken tikka or hummus and roasted vegetables.

Sandwiches can be customised to meet dietary needs and their easy-to-eat nature makes them perfect for a working lunch or mid-meeting snack.

Pair them with crisps, fruit, or a side salad for a complete meal.

8. BBQ

A BBQ is a great choice for a more relaxed lunch.

Be sure to offer a variety of meats, veggie options, and classic sides like coleslaw and potato salad.

It’s a fantastic way to encourage guests to mingle and enjoy some fresh air.

9. Food trucks

Food trucks bring a fun and dynamic catering option to your corporate event, offering a wide range of street food from tacos to gourmet burgers.

The food truck experience adds an element of excitement and novelty to your meeting, making it feel like a special occasion.

This is a great way to allow your delegates to try different types of food.

10. Tapas

Tapas are perfect for a meeting with a more relaxed vibe.

Serve up a variety of small plates including dishes like meatballs, olives, and chorizo, to give your delegates a taste of Spain.

This style of dining encourages sharing and allows guests to sample a little of everything, creating a social and engaging atmosphere.

Tapas can also be easily adapted to suit vegetarian and gluten-free diets, making it an inclusive option.

Buffet Ideas

11. Worldwide Cuisine Buffet

Take your delegates on a culinary journey with a worldwide cuisine buffet.

Offering a range of international dishes such as sushi, curries, pastas, and salads, this buffet style is ideal for those looking for variety.

It gives guests the freedom to pick and choose what they want, catering to different tastes and dietary preferences.

Whether you’re hosting a global team or simply want to offer something unique, this buffet is sure to impress.

12. Best Of The Season Buffet

Celebrate the best produce the season has to offer with a seasonal buffet.

Highlighting fresh in-season ingredients, this buffet could feature dishes like hearty vegetable soups, or light summer salads.

It’s an excellent way to create a menu that reflects the time of year and provides guests with fresh food. 

Plus, seasonal menus are often more cost-effective and can offer a more sustainable choice for catering.

13. British Pub Classics Buffet

A British pub classics buffet is perfect for adding a cosy touch to your meeting.

Featuring favourites like roast dinner, fish and chips, and hearty pies, this option will cater to those looking for homey flavours. 

Pair it with a variety of sauces and sides like mushy peas, gravy, and pickles for a true pub experience. 

14. Retro 80s/90s Buffet

Take your guests back to the past with a retro 80s/90s buffet filled with nostalgic party foods.

Think mini pizzas, devilled eggs, sausage rolls, and party rings for a bit of fun and familiarity.

15. Picnic Style Buffet

For an easy-to-eat option a picnic-style buffet is the way to go.

This could include a mix of sandwiches, fresh fruit, cheeses, and crisps, along with some sweet treats for dessert. 

It’s a great choice for outdoor events or any gathering where you want guests to feel comfortable and relaxed while they eat. 

Finger Foods

16. Charcuterie

A charcuterie board is a sophisticated option for meetings offering a variety of meats, cheeses, crackers, and accompaniments such as olives, nuts, and jams.

This is ideal for grazing during a meeting as it allows guests to help themselves at their own pace.

It’s a great choice where you want to offer a wide variety of flavours without the need for full meals. 

17. Farmhouse Feast

The farmhouse feast offers a hearty selection of rustic finger foods including cold cuts, cheese, crusty bread, quiches, pies, and homemade chutneys. 

Pairing these with pickles, salads, and fresh fruit ensures there’s something for everyone to enjoy. 

18. Canapes

Canapes are a great option for a refined and elegant meeting.

These bite-sized snacks can include items like smoked salmon blinis, mini quiches, and stuffed mushrooms.

Canapes are ideal for networking events or any occasion where guests need to mingle and eat without interrupting conversations.

They’re also easy to prepare in advance and can be served cold or hot, depending on the dish.

19. Skewered Delights

Skewered foods offer a convenient option for finger foods. 

From chicken and vegetable skewers to halloumi and veggie options, these tasty treats are easy to eat while standing or networking.

Skewers can be served hot or cold and are a great way to add variety to your event catering. 

20. Dessert Grazing Table

For those with a sweet tooth, a dessert grazing table is the ultimate treat.

Featuring an array of cakes, cookies, pastries, and chocolates, it allows guests to indulge in their favourite desserts throughout the day. 

Snacks

21. Cream Tea

For a classic British treat serve cream tea with freshly baked scones, clotted cream, and jam.

Paired with a nice cup of tea or coffee, it’s the perfect way to take a break and relax during a busy meeting. 

22. Fruit Platters

Fruit platters are a light and refreshing snack, offering a colourful selection of seasonal fruits. 

These are perfect for a quick pick-me-up or for those looking for a healthier snack option. 

23. Cinema Style Snacks

Add a bit of fun with cinema-style snacks.

Popcorn, nachos, mini hotdogs, and soft drinks are perfect for informal meetings, training sessions, or when you want to create a relaxed atmosphere.

The nostalgic appeal of cinema snacks adds a playful element that many will enjoy.

24. Sweet & Savoury Pastries

Pastries are always a hit!

Offer a mix of options like sausage rolls, croissants, and Danish pastries, giving your delegates a range of flavours to choose from.

Pastries are ideal for a mid-morning or mid-afternoon snack, as they’re easy to eat.

25. Smoothie Bar

For a healthy and refreshing snack, a smoothie bar is a great option.

It’s an energising treat during long meetings and offers guests a variety of choices to keep things interesting.

Dinner

26. Traditional Roast

Nothing beats a traditional British roast dinner complete with roast meats, crispy potatoes, seasonal vegetables, Yorkshire pudding, and rich gravy.

A roast dinner offers a comforting and filling meal that’s perfect for an evening event. 

27. Healthy Buddha Bowls

For a healthier dinner option Buddha bowls are a great choice.

Filled with nutritious ingredients like quinoa, roasted veggies, avocado, and protein sources such as chicken or tofu, these bowls are satisfying and packed with flavour.

They’re perfect for those looking for a lighter yet wholesome meal option. 

28. Middle Eastern Spread

A Middle Eastern spread offers a delightful range of flavours from hummus and falafel to tabbouleh and lamb koftas.

This style of catering is perfect for those seeking vegetarian or halal options and offers a variety of delicious dishes.

29. Grilled Feast

For a simple yet satisfying dinner a grilled feast is a fantastic food option.

Offer a selection of grilled meats, fish, and vegetables served alongside sides such as rice, couscous, and salads.

Grilled food is always a crowd-pleaser, and it’s easy to prepare in large quantities.

30. Build-Your-Own Burger Bar

A build-your-own burger bar is an interactive and fun dinner option that lets your guests customise their burgers.

Offer a range of buns, patties, toppings, and sauces, allowing guests to create their ideal burger.

This style of catering encourages mingling and creates a casual, laid-back atmosphere.

It’s also perfect for accommodating dietary preferences, as you can include veggie, gluten-free, and halal options.

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We hope you’ve enjoyed exploring these delicious catering menus that are sure to wow your attendees at your next meeting.

At Easthampstead Park in Berkshire, we’re experts in catering for all types of events from meetings to outdoor team-building days, so be sure to check us out!

Frequently Asked Questions Related To Catering Ideas For Meetings

What can I serve for a breakfast meeting?

For a breakfast meeting go for a selection of light and energising options that cater to various tastes. Consider serving a mix of fruit platters, yogurt, granola, and assorted pastries. You could also include more substantial choices like scrambled eggs, bacon baps, and bagels with smoked salmon and cream cheese. Be sure to offer both hot and cold options along with beverages like coffee, tea, and freshly squeezed juice.

What kind of food do you serve at a meeting?

The food served at meetings depends on the time of day and the type of meeting. Common options include sandwich platters, salads, or a mix of finger foods like pastries and fruits. If it's a longer meeting you might offer a buffet with hot and cold options to keep everyone fuelled throughout the day.

What are the healthy food options for meetings?

Healthy food options for meetings are perfect for keeping attendees energised and focused. Think along the lines of fresh fruit platters, veggie sticks with hummus, and salads with lean proteins like chicken or quinoa. For snacks try offering nuts, protein bars, and yogurts. You could also include a smoothie bar and Buddha bowl station with wholesome ingredients like avocado, grains, and vegetables. These options provide a nutritious boost without sacrificing flavour.