We thought we’d make things easy for you if you’re organising an office drinks party or event for clients by answering these often asked questions.
Papadeli’s guide to hosting with style, substance and seriously good food
When you’re hosting clients, every detail speaks for your business — your taste, your values, your standards. A drinks party is a brilliant way to build relationships, but it’s also easy to get wrong. A mediocre buffet or uninspired canapés can send the wrong message.
At Papadeli, we believe food should elevate your event, not just fill a table. Here’s our guide to planning a drinks party that feels thoughtful, delicious and unmistakably high‑quality.
Q: What’s the first thing to think about when planning a client drinks party?
A: Start with the purpose. Are you celebrating a milestone, thanking clients, or creating space for relaxed networking? Once you’re clear on the intention, everything else — the food, the flow, the atmosphere — can be shaped around it.
We always encourage hosts to think about how they want guests to feel: welcomed, impressed, relaxed, well looked after. That emotional tone guides the menu and service style.
Q: How much food should we provide?
A: We can advise you on this. We never recommend too much as we hate wasting food (and money). (To be fair, food is rarely wasted as staff are delighted to take it away and share in the office!). For a drinks‑led event, beautifully crafted canapés, grazing boards and small plates work best. They’re easy to eat, look stunning, and allow guests to mingle without juggling cutlery.
We design menus that balance abundance with elegance: enough variety to delight, but not so much that it feels chaotic. If you’d like us to help staff your event, our expertly professional and friendly team will help pace the food and ensure it arrives at the right time and everyone feels looked after.
Q: How do we avoid the “disappointing buffet” trap?
A: Quality over quantity, always. A buffet becomes disappointing when it’s generic, beige or clearly mass‑produced.
Papadeli’s approach is the opposite:
- Seasonal ingredients prepared by hand
- Bold flavours inspired by Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cooking
- Beautiful presentation that feels generous, not overwhelming
- Freshness — nothing sits around
Think vibrant salads, artisan cheeses, hand‑rolled arancini, slow‑roasted meats, colourful dips, and pastries that look like they’ve come straight from a deli in Barcelona or Naples.
Q: What about sustainability? Our clients care about that.
A: So do we. Sustainability is woven into everything we do — from sourcing local produce and reducing food waste to using eco‑friendly packaging and minimising single‑use materials.
We can also design menus that highlight plant‑forward dishes without compromising indulgence. It’s a subtle but powerful way to show your values in action.
Q: How do we cater for different dietary needs without making it complicated?
A: Inclusivity is part of good hospitality. We create menus where gluten‑free, vegan and dairy‑free options sit naturally alongside everything else — not as afterthoughts.
Clear labelling, thoughtful substitutions and dishes that everyone can enjoy make the whole experience smoother and more welcoming.
Q: What drinks pair well with a Papadeli menu?
A: Light, bright and sociable drinks work beautifully:
- Crisp white wines
- Sparkling wines or English fizz
- A couple of well‑chosen reds
- Low‑ and no‑alcohol options that feel grown‑up
We’re happy to advise on and supply pairings that complement your menu and the tone of your event.
Q: How do we make the event feel polished without being formal?
A: It’s all in the flow.
- Staff circulating with trays of canapés
- A central grazing table that acts as a visual anchor
- Drinks topped up discreetly
- Warm, attentive service
This creates an atmosphere that feels effortless for guests — and for you.
Q: How far in advance should we book?
A: For client events, earlier is always better, especially if you want bespoke menus or styling. But we can often accommodate shorter lead times, depending on the scale.
Q: What makes Papadeli the right choice for a business drinks party?
A: Three things:
- Quality – Everything is made by hand by chefs who care deeply about flavour and craft.
- Consistency – Whether it’s 20 guests or 200, the standard never drops.
- Sustainability – Thoughtful sourcing and minimal waste are part of our ethos.
Your clients will taste the difference — and they’ll remember it.
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