Feast Under the Stars: Winter Catering Tips for Tent Events

If you’re wondering how to cater a winter marquee event or looking for tips for catering in cold weather, you’ve come to the right place. At Marquee Monkeys, we host events in all seasons and all weather conditions. Hey – welcome to Melbourne, right!

We know the logistical steps event planners should take, as well as how to lean into the characteristics of each season, to pull off a memorable, authentic dining experience that flows seamlessly.

In this blog, we’ll go through some comfort food ideas for winter catering, as well as provide practical tips on keeping food warm and appropriate for guests attending an event in colder weather.

The Allure of Winter Tent Events

Outdoor winter dining is an opportunity to bring people together in cosy, intimate set-ups that feel warm and inviting. You can curate romantic, under-the-stars atmospheres, made possible through clear span marquees that showcase the night sky. Alternatively, you can use white or black marquees to block out the world completely and decorate your own mini-universe that transports guests as soon as they step inside the marquee.

Whether you’re planning a pop-up dining situation for a winter corporate dinner with a twist, or looking for winter wedding catering under a marque, there are plenty of complementary catering options available for your feast under the stars.

Catering Logistics To Consider in Cold Weather

Our winter marquee catering tips start with the logistics. When you’re sending out the invites, make sure you inform guests (and especially any staff working who will be back and forth between the marquee and the rest of the venue or kitchen), that the event will be hosted outside, in some capacity.

All of our marquees are fully waterproof and weather resistant, but you can further insulate your tent event space with removable flooring such as rugs and carpets, and further insulation measures, such as portable heaters. This isn’t just great for insulation, but also avoids people walking in mud or heels slipping through the soil.

Warming Winter-Inspired Menus

Seasonal catering for outdoor events is all about working with the colder conditions, not against them. Looking for the best food ideas for winter tent events? Our secret is to take comfort food and simple meals and elevate them into fine dining, through approachable and authentic culinary experiences. Think of gourmet, rich winter vegetable soups, truffle cauliflower mac and cheese, and rich espresso chocolate mousse.

If you’re looking for more in-depth, fully fleshed-out hot menu ideas for winter outdoor events, we can supply names of trusted vendors, caterers and local food and beverage suppliers in Melbourne to help you tailor the perfect four-course meal, or light bites and buffet selections.

Don’t forget the drinks for your winter event catering! Mulled wine and cider, gourmet or boozy hot chocolate, hot toddies and Irish coffees are all crowd pleasing winter warmers that taste delicious and will infuse the room (or the space inside your marquee) with a delightful aroma.

Smart Serving Strategies

The main challenge for winter event catering is keeping food hot enough and guests warm and toasty. This is especially important for red meat and poultry dishes, as there’s a heightened risk of food poisoning from bacteria growth once food cools down and is left out unrefrigerated. If you’re planning a buffet for your outdoor winter dining, we suggest implementing staggered food stations to prevent crowding, or calling up groups by table.

If you’re hosting a seated service, make sure you have enough waiters to efficiently serve all guests at the same time for each course, and reduce the risk of food cooling down before it reaches the table. Make use of heated surfaces on kitchen pass areas, or use self-serve warmers within the marquee to keep food warmer for longer once it’s left the kitchen or preparation area.

Decor & Ambience Tips For Feasts Under the Stars

If you want to keep the ambience cosy and the decor snug, decorative lighting is one of the most stylish ways to achieve it. String lights, fairy lights and lanterns all emit a beautiful warm glow that replicates twinkling stars in the night sky. You can also use draping to create shadows and soft silhouettes.

To amp up the ambience, install fire pits (if your venue allows it, and provided there is adequate ventilation – no one likes their clothes to smell of bonfire after an event). You could hand out sparklers or marshmallows on wooden sticks for a rustic but refined touch. Ensure you have enough throws, outdoor pillows and blankets to pass around if you intend to invite guests to spend some of the evening outside. Nothing brings the mood down at a party, marquee wedding or corporate event faster than cold or uncomfortable guests.

Book Your Winter Tent Event Consultation Today

Planning a magical winter event? Let us bring the feast to you! Marquee Monkeys provides robust, sturdy tents to make catering in cold weather effortless. We’ll keep your guests warm, sheltered and connected under our canopies. With our winter marquee catering tips, you’re all set to pull off your event – now you just need to source the right tent!

If you’re hosting your function in Melbourne, contact the team and tell us about your party size and event needs. We can supply the best marquee for the job, as well as any other furniture and equipment you might need, from tables and chairs to lighting, cutlery and glassware.