10 Epic Catering Themes To Have Everyone Buzzing

Every event needs an award-winning theme, right?

Your catering event doesn't need to be boring and plain. You can spice it up with a theme that will make the night unforgettable.

Are your creative juices not getting you anywhere? Read on for 10 epic catering themes to have at your next events!

Why Are Themes For Events Important?

You may be thinking:

"Why do I need a theme? Why can't I just put up whatever decorations I want and serve whatever food looks good?"

Themes ensure that your catering event has one overall cohesive train of thought. It brings all the elements of your party together to create harmony instead of chaos. It gives you something to strive towards and build upon, rather than just shooting ideas out left and right.

While themes aren't a requirement to host a great dinner party, it's something to consider if you are looking for your event to really be a hit.

Themes also are great hits no matter what age you are targeting. This means your family celebrations will always be enhanced. Your grandparents down to your youngest child will all have a grand time.

Picking a theme can be tricky, but in the long run, it's worth it! It will give your party the extra touch it needs to be special and memorable. The last thing you want is to plan parties that will be forgotten about by the next day.

1. Holiday Hype

Everyone loves the holidays, right? So why not give them a taste of their favorite holidays with a holiday-themed catering event.

Bring Thanksgiving or Christmas a few months early and deck that table out with all your holiday favorite foods.

2. Blast From The Past

Are you catering to an older crowd? Maybe choosing a blast from the past theme could be the hit you are looking for!

Whether you choose the 90s, 80s, 70s, people are bound to be hooked into traveling back to their younger days.

We can help you create the perfect catering menu for your event. Let's bring back all those good memories from simpler times!

3. Pajama Party

If you're targeting a younger crowd, a pajama party theme could be just the thing! Stocked with comfort food galore, this theme is a sure-fire way of being a hit to the Gen Z crowd.

What's better than spending a night in your pajamas? Eating breakfast for dinner.

You can choose to cater breakfast at your event and give your guests the illusion that they are at the pajama party of their dreams.

4. Mexican Fiesta

What's better than a Mexican Fiesta?

If you are a Mexican food fanatic, choosing a fiesta theme for your catering event could be a dream come true.

By building a taco bar set with all your Mexican favorites, your guests will have no choice but to enjoy themselves. On top of that, you can get the parties started with some traditional fiesta music!

5. Game On!

Are you looking to celebrate after a successful ball game? A sports-themed catering event could be just the way to do that.

We can help you stack your table with traditional sports food, like pretzels, churros, finger foods, and more.

Do a little something extra for all the hard work your team put into the game season.

6. Luau Dinner

You can make your dinner look classy and functional at the same time with a Hawaiian Luau. Let the simple decorations do the work and the Hawaiian food favorites fill up the table.

A Luau is a fun and simple theme for your dinner, especially if you are running on a tight budget. It also gives you the opportunity to get your creative juices flowing and make fun Hawaiian activities for your guests.

7. Pizza Party

Pizza is a worldwide favorite and can come in so many different options. This is an easy choice for a catering theme and can satisfy each one of your guests.

This is a good option if you have certain guests with allergies or vegan preferences. Pizza is very flexible to be made however you need it.

Are you looking to make the experience a bit more fun? You can even do a build-your-own-pizza party and let people choose what they want for their pizzas. This will make the experience not only tasty but fun too!

8. Bite-Sized Favorites

Get rid of the mess that may come with dinner parties and choose a bite-sized food theme. Mini burgers and hotdogs? Little desserts? Your table set-up will be chic and classy by presenting bite-sized foods.

The best part? The smaller the food, the more you can eat!

9. Around The World

You can take your guests on a journey by offering international favorites at your dinner.

Set your tables up with a little something from each culture. This is a great opportunity to be able to serve even the pickiest eaters. If you have a bit of everything, there's bound to be something for everyone to enjoy.

10. Under The Sea

A classic choice that is easy to replicate. Deck your tables out with all the seafood you can imagine. The possibilities are endless: poke bowls and sushi, salmon and lobster, shrimp and clams, and more!

This is a great choice for an aesthetically pleasing dinner that everyone will enjoy. Play some tropical music for an extra touch and let your guests dig in!

How Do I Get Started?

Are you ready to plan the ultimate dinner party? Then don't keep waiting! Kpacho can serve your catering needs and ensure that it is the event of your dreams.

If you are ready to get started, contact us today to see how we can help!

Book Now!

Fun Party Set-Ups for the Holiday Season

We may still be in the heat of summer, but there's no better time than now to start planning for your holiday parties. Planning a party takes time, effort, and creativity. Don't wait until the last minute to figure out how you want to wow your guests this holiday season.

We've gathered together our top 10 favorite fresh party ideas for you to use in your planning this year. Whether you're planning a family, friends, or work party, don't waste an opportunity to celebrate. You never know, the party you plan could turn out to be an annual tradition.

Read on for some fun holiday party ideas to get you in the spirit of the season.

1. Ugly Sweater Party

An ugly sweater party is a tried and true party theme but there's a reason why it's so popular. They're a lot of fun! Everyone likes to get cozy in an outrageous holiday sweater as they spend time with friends and family.

There are still opportunities to make your ugly sweater party different than the rest. Do a contest where everyone votes on their favorite sweater at the party and hand out cheesy trophies. Have fun catering at your party so your guests can indulge in their favorite food.

2. Holiday Movie Night

Who doesn't love watching Christmas movies? You don't have to do this party in December either. Host it the weekend after Thanksgiving while everyone is in town to kick off the holiday season.

If you have multiple rooms in your house with TVs, have a different movie playing on each screen. Have specific party meals in each room that are tailored to the movie playing. This is a great opportunity to eat your favorite holiday foods and movies.

3. Wreath Making Party

Host a wreath-making party with friends and family this year. Holiday wreaths can be made from greenery from local markets or with artificial goods you can find at a craft store. Eucalyptus leaves, evergreens, magnolia, and dried citrus slices are great options for autumn or winter-themed wreaths.

Don't worry about trying to feed your guests while you're busy working on a wreath. Have a catering company bring food for your event. Focus on having fun with your guests and leave the stress of cooking to someone else.

4. Cookie Swap

Learn new cookie recipes by hosting a cookie swap. Have your guests bake their favorite holiday cookies and bring them to the party. They can either put the cookies in individual packages for everyone to take home or on a tray so guests can sample throughout the party.

Recommend that people bring small handouts with the recipe printed out so people can grab the ones for their favorite cookies.

5. Gingerbread House Making Party

Who doesn't love putting together a gingerbread bread house? This is a great option for kids or adults. Depending upon your skill level, you can make the pieces of the houses ahead of time or buy premade pieces for your guests to put together.

6. Block Party Open House

If you have a neighborhood that loves to go all out during the holidays, host a neighborhood block party/open house. Each house can have a different theme for the holidays. Themes can include:

  • Winter wonderland
  • Traditional Christmas
  • Vintage Christmas
  • Hawaiian holidays

Guests can roam between houses, sampling drinks and food wherever they go. This is a great way to bring your neighborhood together in a fun, unique way.

7. Hawaiian Holiday Party

You don't have to have a winter wonderland-themed party in order for it to feel festive. Pair palm trees with poinsettias, stringing them with twinkle lights. Have your guests wear their favorite Hawaiian-themed shirts and give them leis.

A Hawaiian-themed party is a great opportunity to have fun with your menu. Served roasted pork and pineapple-themed drinks to your guests, really amping up the island flavor.

8. Vintage Cocktail Party

If you really want to go glam for the holidays, host a vintage cocktail party. Ask your guests to come in their best 1920s glam outfits. There are plenty of Christmas cocktails to choose from, including eggnog and peppermint martinis.

Serve finger foods and other easy-to-eat appetizers for your guests to enjoy while they walk around the party. Hire a bartender to make your party feel even more sophisticated. Have a few non-alcoholic drinks available for guests to choose from.

9. White Elephant Party

Is there anything more classic than a white elephant party? If you've never played it before, it's like a twisted version of Secret Santa.

Ask your guests to bring a wrapped gift, ensuring you put a dollar limit on whatever item they bring. Each of your guests will take turns picking out a present to open. Another guest can steal the gift or exchange it as the game progresses.

Your party can definitely get hilarious as your guests get competitive. The goal of the evening is to end up with the best gift.

10. Bring Your Own Tradition Party

Every family has its own sets of Christmas traditions. Some traditions include:

  • Hiding the Christmas pickle
  • Making homemade hot chocolate
  • Having a gift exchange
  • Making a special dish

Whatever your guests' holiday traditions are, ask them to bring them to the party. This kind of party is a great way to learn more about your loved ones. You never know, one of their traditions may become one of yours.

Use These Fresh Party Ideas This Holiday Season

If you're out of ideas for themes for your holiday parties, no problem. Use one of our fresh party ideas when planning your next event celebration. Enjoy spending time with your loved ones this year as you host memorable events.

Leave the party catering to us. Contact Kpacho to discuss the menu for your next event.

Book Now!

2021 Event Catering Trends

2021 Event Catering Trends

With widespread COVID-19 vaccination efforts underway, 2021 is off to a positive start. As more shots get into arms, people are ready to get out and celebrate.

Birthdays, anniversaries, and wedding receptions are all important parts of our lives. After a long year of separation, you want to make sure your first event is a smash. You also want to make sure your guests are safe.

Are you planning your first event in over a year? You're probably curious about the latest event catering trends. K. Pacho has you covered.

Read on to learn more about 2021's catering trends and why we're the perfect spot for your next big party.

Social Distance is the New Normal

Safe gatherings and social distance are the latest trends for catering companies. Vaccinations alone won't be enough to make people feel completely safe.

Although people are ready to gather, they'll feel more comfortable at a safe distance. When you book a caterer, you want assurance that guest safety is the highest priority.

You'll need a larger space for fewer people. K. Pacho has enough space to accommodate your party. We also offer many different dining layouts, and our catering manager will work with you to meet your safety needs.

  • Chef's Table: An intimate space seating up to 10 guests perfect for a small business event or private family party.
  • Private Dining Room: Normally seats up to 20 guests but is perfect for a moderate-sized gathering with proper spacing.
  • Backroom: This space seats up to 100 guests but can fit 60 socially distanced guests at multiple tables.
  • Main Dining Room: K. Pacho's main dining room offers guests social distancing in a gorgeous, comfortable space.
  • Bar and Lounge: Our bar and lounge have space for 100 guests and comfortable sofa-style seating for comfortable gatherings.

Staggered Meal Times

Pre-pandemic events were all about gathering as many people as you could in one space. Unfortunately, those types of events are still not possible.

The latest catering trends give you options. Host your next event at K. Pacho and stagger the meal times. Shift dining is a fantastic and safe way for your event to host as many guests as possible.

Between your dedicated dining times, the K. Pacho staff flips and sanitizes the room per CDC guidelines and our own strenuous COVID safety plan.

Social Wrist Bands

Many people spent the last year working from home. If you weren't able to work from home, you still avoided large social gatherings.

As a sense of normalcy returns, people will have a different comfort level as they gather again. The challenging part while hosting an event is to make everyone feel comfortable.

Some people are ready for close, social interaction. Some aren't. How do you mitigate that?

A new catering trend is colored wristbands illustrating an individual's comfort level. Here's how they work:

  • Red: No physical contact, uncomfortable with social interaction.
  • Yellow: Comfortable with socially distanced social interaction.
  • Green: Comfortable with any social interaction.

K. Pacho's catering staff will help you distribute these wristbands and work overtime to ensure your guests' comfort.

Plated Dinners

Buffets, grazing stations, and passed hors d'oeuvres are staples of catering businesses. K. Pacho offers the most creative Mexican-style cuisine guaranteed to please even the pickiest eater.

Your guests, however, may not yet feel comfortable showing themselves to the buffet. Buffet-style service isn't for everyone, and you have to respect that.

Until people are comfortable, why not utilize the catering trend of individual dinners? These are, of course, nothing new in the catering world. More businesses now offer this style of service to put guests at ease.

The Safety Swag Bag

The swag bag, or goodie bag, is a way you keep your company at the front of any client's mind after an event. These bags expand your reach and leave your guests feeling cared for and respected.

When you're inviting strangers to an event, it's impossible to know what safety precautions they take. Everybody has an opinion on masks and social distancing.

The first thing you should know when booking a caterer is that K. Pacho takes these guidelines seriously. We want all of your guests to have a safe, comfortable experience.

You can take safety to the next level by giving out a safety swag bag to your guests. These bags are a hot catering trend and feature masks and hand sanitizer with your company logo.

Everyone in the room will have a mask to help protect your other guests. Handing out the safety swag keeps you from having to play the role of public safety officer while you're hosting your party.

Bring Your Party Home

Catering companies and restaurants had to pivot hard in 2020 to stay afloat. Take-out dinners and at-home catering became a part of everyone's business model.

Service industry experts expect this trend to continue. Why not? An at-home catered party can be both comfortable and fun.

We'll take your next family event over the top. We offer a selection of family-style meal packages and to-go cocktails prepared by our chefs and mixologists. Let us do the work for your next at-home event.

2021 Event Catering at K. Pacho

The restaurant business and event catering changed so much in the past year. The latest catering trends reflect much-needed comfort and safety.

At K. Pacho, we've embraced these trends and set a few of our own. Contactless menus, extra sanitation, and heightened service protocols are a few of the ways we go above and beyond to keep you safe and happy.

Are you ready to book an event in the New Hyde Park area that features the most delicious Mexican cuisine? Contact us today and find out what we offer.

How To Celebrate National Margarita Day In Style

How To Celebrate National Margarita Day In Style

What is it about margaritas that can make any meal feel so festive? This beloved tequila cocktail combines delicious notes of salty and sweet to deliver a wonderful and unique flavor experience. On February 22nd, otherwise known as National Margarita Day, come to K. Pacho and celebrate in style! With a live DJ and complimentary Olmeca Altos tastings, who wouldn't want to spend the holiday at K. Pacho? While we love them all year long, there's nothing better than enjoying a margarita (or two) on this special day dedicated just for this delicious beverage. The classic margarita features tequila, triple sec and lime juice but our bartenders have many creative and tasty variations for you to sample. Fresh Mexican cuisine and a lively atmosphere will round out the perfect National Margarita Day experience!

 

Who Invented the Margarita?

The origin of the margarita is somewhat mysterious, with multiple bartenders trying to take credit for creating this delicious cocktail. We do know the drink originated in Mexico, where a straight shot of tequila would often be accompanied by a lime wedge and a dash of salt. Beginning sometime in the 1930's or 40s, the margarita was introduced as a much sweeter reinvention of that classic tequila experience. The mix of flavors was delightful, intriguing, and incredibly memorable.

One popular story says that in 1948, socialite Margaret Sames featured margaritas at a dinner party. One of her guests loved it so much that he requested the recipe and added the cocktail to his hotel bar's menu. From there, margaritas grew more and more popular, culminating in 1977 with Jimmy Buffett's famous hit song "Margaritaville". This sweet and salty concoction eventually became one of the most popular cocktails of all time. Today, margaritas remain the perfect drink for celebrating any happy occasion. Especially if that occasion happens to be National Margarita Day!

 

An Extensive Margarita Menu

At K. Pacho's margaritas are serious business all year long, and they're as beautiful to look at as they are full of flavor. The menu features 10 unique margarita varieties, ensuring quite a range of delightful options for every palate.

If you're in the mood for a spicy kick, try the Spice, Spice Baby Margarita or the Wild Child Margarita, both of which feature Tanteo Jalapeno Tequila and will definitely bring the heat.  Enjoy the bold, tropical flavors of the Passion Fruit Margarita, with Sauza Hornitos Silver Tequila and passion fruit puree. The Sinner and the Saint Margarita is popular for delicious flavors and stunning presentation, including a salt rim, fresh basil leaves, mango puree, and St. Germain Tequila. For a sweet and refreshing combination, try the Lime In The Coconut Margarita, which blends Olmecca Altos Blanco Tequila, crème de cacao and coconut puree.  With such a wide collection of tasty options, there's simply no better place to celebrate National Margarita Day than K. Pacho.

 

Inventive, Flavorful Mexican Cuisine

What do you pair with a delicious margarita? Mouthwatering Mexican food made with fresh ingredients, of course. K. Pacho's inventive menu features several showstopping dishes, like the popular Flaming Cheese appetizer, a delicious four-cheese fondue served at the table with a rum fire. Taco lovers will be pleased to choose from five flavorful varieties, featuring ingredients like roasted chicken, seared pork loin and pineapple mango salsa. If you have a taste for seafood, enjoy the scrumptious K. Pacho Paella, which has fragrant saffron rice topped with clams, mussels, calamari, shrimp and chorizo sausage. The menu also accommodates diners with diet restrictions, including options that are vegan, vegetarian or gluten-free. Try to leave some room for dessert! The sweet treats on the menu include gourmet churros, coconut Tres Leche cake and a decadent Mexican mudslide made with Kahlua, Tequila, Bailey's and ice cream.

 

This February 22nd, enjoy a festive atmosphere, amazing margaritas, and delicious Mexican food. Book your reservation today for a memorable National Margarita Day celebration!

The Ideal Dinner Out on Valentine’s Day

The Ideal Dinner Out on Valentine’s Day

Valentine's Day is the perfect time to show your sweetheart how much they mean to you, and a romantic dinner out is a classic Valentine's date. K. Pacho is always the ideal choice for a romantic Mexican dinner for two, with a fabulous atmosphere and delicious Mexican cuisine. 

 

Valentine's Day in New Hyde Park

When February 14th rolls around, don't be stuck for ideas! Visit K. Pacho in New Hyde Park for Valentine's Day Happy Hour, dinner, or Late Night Lounge Hours. You can't miss with their delectable drink menu, a huge variety of Mexican entrees and appetizers, and a beautiful, exciting atmosphere. There are vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options on the menu as well. 

 

Valentine's Day Happy Hour at K. Pacho

Get the evening started the right way with the famous Happy Hour at K. Pacho. The bar and lounge at K.Pacho's is a warm, unique space with a mix of high top tables and comfortable couches. You and your date will enjoy internationally inspired appetizers, inventive meals, and creative drink options while soaking up the lively atmosphere. 

Two amazing Happy Hour appetizer suggestions to share include:

  • Flaming Cheese - This creation truly has to be experienced to be believed. K. Pacho's Flaming Cheese consists of four cheese lava served with crispy corn tortilla chips and warm pretzels, all presented tableside in a rum flambe. 
  • Holy Guacamole - K.Pacho's guacamole features the mouthwatering flavors of jalapeno, tomato, cilantro, onion, and lime. 
  • Themed Specials

Valentine's Mexican Dinner

K. Pacho is the perfect choice for a romantic Valentine's Day dinner. The stunning main dining room is filled with warm, muted light and rustic decor. Flowers and light music give just the right ambiance for Valentine's Day. Diners will enjoy classic and modern Mexican dishes that have love in every bite. Indulge in delicious Valentine's specials and menu items such as:

  • Skirt Steak Asada, featuring steak marinated and grilled to perfection, served with chimichurri, seasonal vegetables, and Spanish rice. 
  • Chipotle Shrimp served with a sweet, smokey glaze and sweet potato and roasted vegetable hash. 
  • Fork & Knife Burritos, stuffed with your choice of skirt steak, mojo chicken, shrimp or braised pork shoulder, as well as beans, Spanish rice, pico de gallo, cheese, and avocado puree.
  • Harvest Grain Bowl with sautéed vegetables, cilantro agave glaze, quinoa pico de gallo, fruit salsa, pickled vegetables black beans, and avocado puree.
  • Latin Rub Chicken, a slow-roasted half chicken topped with hominy, tomato, arugula, cilantro, red onion, and avocado lime dressing.

 

K. Pacho Tacos = True Love

Of course, K. Pacho is known for tacos, with choices that will make any taco lover in your life happy. Whether you dive into the Street Taco, Mojo Chicken Taco, Al Pastor Taco, Crispy Volcano Shrimp Taco, or Veggie Taco, you and your date can make it a Valentine's Day taco fest like no other. Mojo marinade, onion cilantro relish, pineapple-mango salsa, margarita slaw... it's the little extras at K. Pacho that make all the difference. Don't forget about Frat Boy Tacos, or to make your tacos macho by adding an extra taco, rice, and beans for just five bucks.

 

Friday Night Lounge Hours in New Hyde Park

Valentine's Day is on Friday night this year, and that means you and your date can enjoy K. Pacho's Late Night Lounge Hours. Relax at the massive bar, enjoy a special cocktail, entertainment, and a late-menu until 1 AM. What better way to top off a perfect Valentine's Day?

For an unforgettable Valentine's Day, choose K. Pacho. Come for happy hour, dinner, or late night for delicious Mexican cuisine and fantastic dining experience. Contact us today with any questions about planning the perfect Valentine's date. 

Let's get started!