June 21st marks the beginning of the season of lower temperatures, warmer clothes, and dry weather: winter. This season is beloved by many and brings its own unique characteristics and elements. In gastronomy, for example, we have ingredients and recipes typical of this time of year. Therefore, when planning an event during this period, it's necessary to think about a winter menu that is suitable and will please everyone. 

The popular saying goes that winter awakens the appetite, so this is the opportunity to create a menu that will win over your event guests. For parties held during this period, it's possible to explore different ingredients, focusing on pasta, soups, red meats, and even drinks that pair well with these dishes. 

In this article, we've listed tips and dishes that will make for a flawless winter menu for your event. Keep reading to find out more.

Winter menu for events: best options

First and foremost, it's worth highlighting that it's always beneficial to involve a catering team in planning your event's menu. This is because professionals are able to understand the hosts' personalities and create a menu based on them. Furthermore, they are also capable of developing creative, unique dishes with a diverse range of flavors. 

At Center Convention, whether for weddings, corporate events, 15th birthday parties, or other gatherings, you can count on this service, and to learn more, simply... Click here. 

Now, thinking about what's ideal to include in a winter menu, opt for heartier dishes and warm meals, such as soups and broths, hot sandwiches, and even warm salads.

Another tip is to consider the profile of your guests and have options that cater to everyone. For example, will you have vegetarian guests or guests with gluten and lactose restrictions? If so, know that it's possible to have different dishes that include these people.

Next, check out some insights to create the perfect winter menu for your event. First, let's talk about options for appetizers, main courses, and desserts, regardless of the service you choose: buffet, French, or finger food.

Tips for appetizers

Appetizers are ideal for welcoming guests at the start of your event. Therefore, it's best to choose light, casual, and easy-to-eat options. These dishes can be adapted for a roving service – where waiters serve appetizers – or a special cold buffet for winter, or even plated – in a French-style service. 

For appetizers, a good option is to invest in broths and creams that can be served in chafing dishes or in small portions. Furthermore, these are good options to please a wide variety of tastes and dietary restrictions. Some different flavor options are:

• Pumpkin and ginger cream;
• Potato and leek soup;
• Tomato broth;
• Pea soup;
• Cow's foot broth;
• Green broth.

Another idea, for a cold cuts platter, for example, is to invest in more options of cheeses, breads, jams, and pâtés that harmonize well. In addition, it's worth offering small boats filled with bobó – shrimp, vegetarian, salmon, red meat, or chicken – kept warm in chafing dishes.

What main courses to serve

Right after serving the appetizers, you can start offering the main course options. Remember that you don't necessarily have to stop offering appetizers. However, for the main meals, you need to think about more 'complete' recipes to complete your winter menu.

During colder temperatures, pasta and risotto are an irresistible choice and also offer a wide variety of flavors. As for meat options, filet mignon, lamb, and veal are good choices for colder periods. 

Finally, it's worth emphasizing that these options can also be offered across a wide variety of services. However, if your event will include... finger foods, Here's an extra tip for dishes that can be served in small portions:

• Mini gratins 
• Hidden gems with different flavors
• Stuffed potatoes
• Mashed cassava served with pot roast ragu.

Desserts: how to close the menu

For dessert, the classic: opt for sweets that include chocolate to complete your winter menu. To give you an idea of how chocolate and low temperatures combine, according to the Brazilian Association of the Chocolate, Cocoa, Peanut, Candy and Derivatives Industry, the Winter accounts for about one-third of annual chocolate production.

Therefore, gourmet chocolate desserts are always a good choice. However, if you want to stray from the traditional, try:

• Romeo and Juliet Soufflé
• Apple pie
• Baked coconut candy
• Sweet crepes

Opt for themed islands with a winter menu.

Another option for a winter menu that will win over guests at your event is to opt for themed food stations. And when temperatures are lower, there are two possibilities that are always a hit: fondue and pasta. 

In addition to contributing to the decoration of your party, since you can decorate these spaces, they make the event more dynamic and guarantee an explosion of flavors. 

For a fondue island, consider that savory options can include different mixes of cheeses and accompaniments such as meats, vegetables, breads, and toasts. Similarly, sweet fondue can feature white or dark chocolate, accompanied by fruits and more. 

As for pasta, it's necessary to offer a good variety of pastas and sauces, for example, white sauce, Bolognese, cheese mix, and tomato sauce.

Host your event with us!

Planning to hold your event during the cooler months and want a winter menu that will please your guests? Count on us! You can check out all the infrastructure available at the Convention Center and throughout the Center Shopping Complex by speaking with our team. Call us at (34) 3239-8300 or email comercial@centerconvention.com.br. You can also reserve a date by clicking [here]. HERE.