Well, I don’t know about you, but it feels to me as if the weather has finally broken here in Michigan. I feel like summer in Michigan equates to parties. Just like peanut butter goes with jelly, certain parties go hand in hand with summer. Outdoor concerts, poolside parties and company picnics are just a few of the things that come to mind instantly.

Whether you gather a few friends for an impromptu poolside party in the backyard or you plan for a company picnic, the focal point of a great picnic is the food that is served.

It is really easy to envision a day filled with fantastic food and plenty of fun. However, planning a company picnic can seem like an overwhelming task. In fact, for some people, planning any type of event can cause anxiety. Just last week, we executed a company picnic for 200 employees in Troy. The planning was done (within a month) down to the floral centerpieces for the tables from our Floral Department. We arrived on a beautiful morning with their order. Their employees had the BBQ grills hot and tongs in hand, ready to grill the beef, chicken and vegetable kabobs. We complemented the meal with our wild-rice pilaf; fresh-cut fruit; and crisp, tossed salad. Of course, the meal was completed by the cookie and brownie trays for dessert (from our Bakery Department).

When talking about a BBQ, most people think hot dogs and hamburgers. In this day, when a lot of people are trying to eat healthy, I suggest a grilled chicken breast as another option for a meal. Marinated chicken breasts can be creatively garnished on a bun or even sliced up and put on top of a salad entrée served at the party. Either way, your attendees are able to create a plate that fits their dietary needs or enjoy an option that differs from the typical.

Thinking Luau? Thinking a Fiesta? Let us help you plan food for your themed event.

Whether simple and store bought or hardy and handmade, picnic foods can be creative, fun and delicious. If you are just not sure where to start when it comes to a menu, party planners are often the best people to help you come up with options for your event. You want your company picnic to be an event to remember, complete with fun activities and good food. Company picnics are a way to show your appreciation of your employees. Nino’s party planners look forward to helping you with your next event.