Plan Your Holiday Party with Puff ‘n Stuff Catering

It’s almost that time of year again. Time to get together. Time to celebrate. And, of course, time to eat, drink and be very merry! There will be no Bah Humbug this year with Puff ‘n Stuff Catering’s new menus freshened up for this coming holiday season.

We have added some great new affordable hors d’oeuvres and Chef Attended Actions Stations that have been designed to suit your unique taste and budget. Some of our new items include a fabulous selection of savory butler-passed coronets. These little cones are filled with a variety of flavors — from Wine-Poached Chicken with Applewood-Smoked Bacon Crème Fraîche to Ginger-Soy Ahi Tuna Tartare with Five-Spiced Wasabi Crème Fraîche — and are sure to please your holiday guests.

The new Shabu Shabu Mongoglian Hot Pot Station is both vegetarian and meat-lover friendly and includes a variety of ingredients like napa cabbage, bok choy, shiitake and enoki mushrooms, carrots, onions, bean sprouts, snow peas, scallions and tofu – you can also add shrimp, pork chicken or sirloin.

As always, we have fantastic desserts to finish off any holiday gathering with some new pastries across the board and a new “S’mores Indoors” action station. And of course, our Executive Pastry Chef, Bruno Ponsot, has incorporated some of his traditional French favorites such as “Bouche de Noël”.

So this Holiday Season, don’t let the economic grinch spoil your holiday plans. We here at Puff ‘n Stuff Catering will create a menu to custom-fit all of your needs. Give your guests the gift of a holiday party they’ll never forget—and do it with the help of the elves here at Puff ’n Stuff Catering.

Retaining Your Talent in Economic Hardships

Many believe people are a company’s greatest asset, but I believe the culture created by the people working for you is your greatest asset. Culture defines who you are and aids in making hiring decisions. With the right culture, you can cultivate skills and encourage employee loyalty, and in the end, your business will come through stronger and much more efficient than before.

Though it is impossible to guarantee that your great employees will stay through the hardships, there are some measures you can take the greatly increase your chances.

Clearly define your Mission, Vision, and Values. Make sure you have developed a picture of today, tomorrow and what governs your decisions. An employee that understands where you are, where you’re going, and why, feels much more secure in their future.

Develop an Ownership Mentality. Empower your staff to give suggestions and ideas – from part time server to the Director of Sales. When your staff walks through your building or an event, you want them to think “How can I make this better? Can we do this more efficiently?” And reward these ideas. With a little encouragement, you’d be amazed at some of the things your employees at all levels think of.

Encourage Team Building & Communication. Send out a monthly newsletter. Announce birthdays, positive client feedback and new employees. As an off-premise caterer, many of our employees rarely step foot into the building, but they are valued too. Have your staff vote for an employee of the month, and reward that employee, even if it’s just a designated parking spot or a $20 gift card to Starbucks.

When your employees feel valued, when they feel like it’s their company too, they’ll work with you to create solutions and will understand that though things may be hard right now, they will get better.

As my good friend Simon T. Bailey says, “Losers look at what they are going through. Champions look at what we are going to do.” And it is your responsibility to create a culture of Champions.

Warren Dietel, Owner/President

Great Reviews from Brides

We love to see all of the wonderful things that brides are writing about us. We are so appreciative when a previous client takes the time to share their experiences.

If you are in the process of making your catering decision, then check out these testimonials from previous brides on Wedding Wire.

Thank you to all of our clients who take the time to write in about your events!

An Unrivaled Venue for Your Reception

The Ballroom at Church Street is Central Florida’s most elegant and distinguished venue. Located in the heart of downtown Orlando, it boasts over ten thousand square feet, a stunning stained glass atrium and enchanting brick courtyards. And whether you’re looking to host an intimate upscale reception or a celebration for over a thousand guests, this unique location can accommodate it all.

It’s easy to see why The Ballroom at Church Street has quickly become Orlando’s “hot spot” for wedding receptions. Winter, spring and summer weekends are filling up fast, so if you’re looking for a spectacular venue for your upcoming wedding reception (or ANY event!), contact us soon so you don’t miss out.

You’ve always dreamt of the perfect wedding held in the perfect place. You should expect no less when it comes to your reception. And no place is better suited than The Ballroom at Church Street.

Sandy George, Special Event Planner
407.478.5831 | sandy@puffnstuff.com

Puff 'n Stuff Catering Featured in Behind the Knot

It is always such a wonderful surprise to run across a testimonial from a happy client. We have had the pleasure of working with Erinn Ryan for years, and we were thrilled to see a spotlight of Puff 'n Stuff Catering featured on her blog found here:

Behind the Knot by Erinn Ryan

Thank you, Erinn for the wonderful compliments. And thank you to Tina Osterman, our Special Event Planner who has worked with Erinn for years. We are so proud of our whole team for going above and beyond for our clients!

Creating a Virtual Walkthrough of Your Event

In this ever-changing world of technology, Puff ‘n Stuff Catering is striving to bring everything we can possibly offer to better suit our clients' needs. We try daily to stay one step ahead of the curve. Our team is currently working with software developers from across the nation to offer the cutting edge in modern technology. Imagine building your special event from the bottom up and having the ability to do a complete 3-D virtual walkthrough that consists of linen colors, buffets, bars, dance floors, stages, table setups, centerpieces, etc. This little treasure should be available early next year.

Having the ability to do a scaled diagram of our venues has proven itself to be a valuable tool, both for our clients and for our staff. It allows us to create the event from an overhead perspective, complete with placement of everything we need to make the party memorable. It’s very easy to see the big picture once everything is in place. Now, let’s take that a step further.

Once your diagram is complete, let’s take it the extra mile. We put ourselves in the guest perspective and do a virtual tour of your event. You even have the option of the path in which to take. Maybe while doing the virtual walkthrough, you realize that you don’t care for the linen color that you have selected. No problem at all to fix. We make the necessary changes and see if we like it. You can literally walk through your event years before it ever happens. There’s no more “I wonder ifs.”

I have been technology's biggest fan for years - from owning a Commodore-64 to a reversible HD projection screen on a 5’ x 6’ porch/bedroom window. I am a happy camper to be involved in putting this project together. To help create a program that truly makes a difference is rewarding. Technology and hospitality have managed to unite for me and for that I am grateful.

~No imagination~

~No place for change~

~Know imagination~

~Know time to change~

Scott Foley, Operations Supervisor

scott@puffnstuff.com

S'mores Indoors

Puff ‘n Stuff Catering is introducing a new Chef Attended Action Station into our dessert mix and it comes just in time for those hot summer parties!! It is called the “Chef Attended S'mores Indoors Station.” It is a fun and interactive twist to the oldie but goodie S’mores! Everyone young and old loves a great S’mores and now you can offer your guest a fun way to have a S’more indoors (in the cool AC) or outdoors during those cold winter nights. This station is perfect no matter how formal or casual the event. The station offers crunchy graham crackers held by an old fashioned wooden clothespin dipped in decadent melted chocolate then swirled in creamy marshmallows and finished by being flame toasted before your very eyes! This is a station your guest will love and never forget.

Dana Alvarez-Ferry, Special Event Planner Associate

407.478.5829 | dana@puffnstuff.com