Planning a successful company event? Look no further than Kalm Kitchen!

Andros UK is in the business of ‘fruit transformation’, which, might we say, sounds like an absolutely brilliant business to be involved in.

In addition to their range of chilled dairy products, they’re perhaps best known for their gingham-lidded Bonne Maman brand of marmalades, spreads, conserves, curds, chutneys, compotes and more.

Their UK team is based in two locations and so they wanted to get everyone together at an annual company day to discuss plans for the year ahead and try new products. Andros UK chose Morden Hall in Wimbledon and asked Kalm Kitchen to help with their catering on the day.

The day began, as all days should, with a sampling of delicious new products, including juices, jams and yoghurts. Pastries, tea and coffee refreshments were laid on to accompany the morning’s presentations.

We provided a three-course lunch with a difference; as our client was providing the dessert from one of their new ranges. So we collaborated with Andros to pair this with the starter and main courses.

The starters included a choice of Poached duck eggs on asparagus short spears with a truffle hollandaise and Kale salad with deep-fried kale, roasted sweet potato, avocado mousse and pomegranate seeds.

The main course featured Summer squash arancini and Salt & vinegar roasted macadamia crust fillet of cod. These were all tailored to offer a choice and provide dietary and allergen options.

Tea and coffee were provided during the afternoon presentation session. After this, we wrapped up with drinks at the bar before the team’s transport arrived.

Looking to personalise your next company event?

We loved tailoring our offering with the client to make their day unique, memorable and effective as an annual get-together.

Kalm Kitchen is here to make your event a success. Get in touch with a member of our team. Email info@kalmkitchen.co.uk or call us on 01483 813360 to discuss your specific needs.

There are so many amazing wedding venues around Surrey, but for some couples there is nothing quite like celebrating at the family home. A marquee wedding offers the chance to set up your own space, embrace the outdoors and get every detail exactly the way you want it. Here are our top tips for making yours a big success…

Talk to the experts

One of the major factors in choosing a marquee wedding is that it puts you in complete control of your event. Not only is there huge scope to choose the size and design of your space, you can put it (almost) exactly where you choose. However, that does come with its own set of complications, so don’t under-estimate the work involved in bringing a marquee wedding to life. It’s really important to work with a company who will be able to talk you through all the details. A company such as Surrey-based Inside Outside Marquees will help you get to grips with the unglamorous details you may not have considered. Take for instance loos, electrics, water supplies, heating – all things that can easily get disregarded while you’re busy imagining the fun parts!

Say it with flowers

Think about the style of wedding you’re creating as that will dictate the type of structure you choose. For example, will it be fixed frame, open-sided, or even a giant tipi. Once you’ve decided that, and where you’ll locate it, the options are endless when it comes to designing the interior of your marquee. Linings, drapes, dressing and decorations, not to mention lighting, will all have an impact on the final mood you’ll create. Flowers add the finishing touch and can raise the bar from special to absolutely spectacular. Hanging foliage is a big trend right now. Alice at MeadowFolk Flowers told us, ‘By hanging foliage and flowers from the ceiling, you’re bringing the outside in, and creating a woodland canopy above the guests. Try stringing swags of foliage garlands around the sides of a marquee, hanging beams for foliage to cascade over, or use metal hoops to create a chandelier effect. It really does transform a reception room into a much more enchanting and romantic space.’

Fabulous food

Having your wedding in a marquee shouldn’t limit your options for catering at all. At Kalm Kitchen we can help you plan every part of the process involved in delivering exceptional food to your guests. We love using nature to its advantage when serving up food outdoors or under canvas. For summer weddings we can set up a whole host of beautiful grazing stations; from botanical-inspired edible gardens to patisserie bars, kebab stalls and tables stacked with summer treats. If you’re after something more formal, that’s also no problem. Fine dining can be achieved as long as you’re working with a professional catering company who know and understand all the logistics of bringing your most imaginative plans to life.

Great British weather

One of the biggest points for discussion when planning a marquee wedding is… the weather! Of course there’s nothing you can do about it if the heavens open, but it’s good to have contingency plans in place. Make sure you’ve set aside enough space that everyone can be under cover if needed, and that you’ve set up adequate access if the ground gets damp. Heating is a good idea to keep guests warm as the sun dips – even in the height of summer. And if you’re blessed with high temperatures make sure you have a way keeping your guests cool too.

If you’d like to talk to one of our team about planning your marquee wedding, call us on 01483 813360 or drop us a line at info@kalmkitchen.co.uk. Find out more about Inside Outside marquees, and download their handy marquee guide here.

Credits… Photography: (main image)… Anneli Marinovich {annelimarinovich.com/}. (Clockwise from top left)… 1 & 2. Anneli Marinovich {annelimarinovich.com/}. 3. Wild Weddings {www.wildweddings.co.uk/}. 4 & 5. Mary Anne Photography {maryanneweddings.com/}.