Actividades: An Al Fresco experience When it comes to selecting a menu for an outdoor event, clients are more prone to experiment with new flavours. The usual barbecue and grilled food may sound like nothing new, but you can change what you put on the grill, the sauces that accompany the food and of course, the presentation makes a visual impact. And serving the food straight from the grill to the plate adds freshness compared to just re-heating the food. You can also get inspiration for the menu from the type of event or the environment where the event will be held. For example, suggest fish or seafood for an event on a cruiser or on the beach, traditional food (meat, salad) for an event in the countryside. Also apart from being creative with the menu, make sure that the guests are seated comfortably. During a hot day, a gazpacho or a strawberry "soup" with mint for dessert are perfect options. From a vegetarian menu to meat, just make sure that you get food that does not need too much to preserve its goodness and freshness. For example, to serve raw oyster, you will have to cater a fridge to make sure that they stay fresh. If you are thinking in serving sushi, the freshness of the fish is important. Cheese, ice-cream and some type of sauces do not stay well under the heat. Lay out comfortable tables and chairs for a cosy-dining atmosphere. During the day, you can use umbrellas of different colours to give the ambience a lively touch, and candlelight for a dinner. Dress and decorate the food stations so that the "food zone" is more than just a usual buffet spread. Food stations gives more room for creative decoration according to the theme and also more interactions with and among the guests while they are waiting for their food. Just remember that since you have decided to have an outdoor event, make the outdoor element work for your event and combine it with a menu of freshness and goodness. Location selection Location is a key factor to consider for any event. Food menu can change based on the remoteness of the locale and whether guests will be sitting at tables or lounging on blankets. The more remote the location is, the more you will need to choose food that can be transported easily and maintain its freshness. For example, pick salads that will travel well and improve with the dressing when added just before serving. Sandwiches should be made using rustic, hearty breads that won't go soggy, such as sourdough, focaccia or baguettes. Often, outdoor menus take inspiration from the outdoor settings themselves. Your choice of location can also help you make some decision on the menu. For example, an event on a cruise may suggest serving seafood recipes. The weather risk Apart from making sure that there is a shelter for both sun and rain for your guests, the food also need its shelter. At a hot time of the year, care must be taken in to keep the food cool and avoid food that are vulnerable to spoilage, such as cheese, or food sherbets. They are many ways for shelters, from tents to refrigerators, ice where food can be presented on top and portable air-conditioners. In addition, time management is also important: serve the food at the right time and ensure fast service, you can also get waiters to serve some of the food in trays instead of having the guests waiting in queues. Just like any event, great food can help marks the success.