With the warmer days quickly approaching, backyard barbeques and gatherings are in the future for many New Englanders. If you’re in the midst of planning one of these gatherings, what better way to impress your guests than with a traditional New England clambake? Let’s face it, us New Englanders are spoiled when it comes to seafood! From Maine coast crab cakes and off the boat lobsters, the possibilities are endless.
Setting the tone
One of the best features of hosting a New England clambake is that they’re laid back! Forget about renting linen and seat covers, break out the red and white checkered plastic tablecloths, and you’re off to a great start! Line your table with essentials like wet naps and those silly white plastic bibs with the red lobster image. Come on, we know you know what we’re talking about, and we promise they’ll be people wearing them!
Other items to consider making readily available on the tables are:
- Shell crackers
- Seafood picks
- Oyster crackers
- Sliced lemons
- Decorative themed community bowls for extra shells (functional and stylish)
Choosing the perfect menu
Whether you’re looking to roll up the sleeves or hire a caterer, selecting the right menu for your crowd is a must. For example, as weird as it may seem, you may have people attending that don’t enjoy seafood. We don’t get it either. However, we appreciate every palette, and that’s why our team at Celebrations Catering makes it easy to customize your catering menu for the perfect gathering. Below are a few ideas to consider for your clambake:
- Shellfish – clams, steamers, shrimp cocktail
- Lobster
- Make it fancy and go surf and turf – lobster with steak tips or chicken is perfect for those non-seafood folks
- Crab cakes
- Clam or Seafood chowda
When creating your menu, it’s also important to consider the pairings. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Potato salad
- Pasta salad
- Mixed green salad
- Corn on the cob
- Fruit Salad
- Watermelon slices
Stock the bar
With any backyard gathering, having a selection of beverages for all ages and preferences is crucial! From local microbrews to summer sangrias, lemonade to an abundance of water – considering your crowd will ensure that everyone’s thirst is quenched.
With over 30 years of experience, Celebrations Catering has helped in making your event go as smoothly as possible from start to finish. Whether you’re looking to host a New England Clambake or full-service plated event, our team is here to help. Contact us today and let our team do the work, while you relax and enjoy the company!
