Drinks

• Water should be readily available throughout the lunch.BananaStock/BananaStock/Getty Images
  
  Whether the lunch is buffet-style or includes table service, the drink selection should include a variety of sodas, juices and perhaps sparkling water. After lunch, guests will likely enjoy a choice of coffee or tea. Have plenty of water on hand during the meal, either individual bottles or a pitcher with glasses. Alcohol is not often included in business lunches, but organizers of the lunch can take it into consideration if it will compliment the tone of the event.
  
  

Salads

• A variety of salads is a colorful addition to any business lunch.Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
  
  Salads in all of their incarnations can make a great accompaniment to a business lunch. It's also the one course where it's acceptable to offer it in large family dinner style portions where guests can serve themselves. Consider a green salad, beet salad with goat cheese and walnuts, mixed bean salad or a Thai noodle salad with shredded carrot and cabbage. Each salad should have a complimentary dressing served on the side, such as vinaigrette, Caesar, mustard and poppy seed, or sesame seed.
  
  

Pasta

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  Pasta is easy because it can be served during a buffet-style meal or a sit-down lunch with table service. Stick to simple pastas with a tomato or cream sauce and avoid baked pastas that can become messy and cumbersome. Keep it healthy with fresh grilled vegetables, such as eggplant, zucchini, mushrooms or asparagus.
  
  

Sandwiches

• Sandwiches are a simple and fresh lunch option.Thinkstock/Comstock/Getty Images
  
  Sandwiches are a great option for casual lunches with a large group. Sandwiches are already in individual portions and if they're made fresh, they can also be quite healthy. Order sandwiches with a variety of breads, cheeses and meats, such as roast beef or turkey on rye bread, whole wheat bread with smoked salmon and cream cheese, baguette with ham or prosciutto and brie, or tuna salad with lettuce on ciabatta. Include vegetarian options, such as grilled vegetable and cheese or avocado and tomato but have them served on a different platter to avoid confusion.
  
  

Main Courses

• Grilled salmon is an elegant and substantial main dish.Creatas/Creatas/Getty Images
  
  A business lunch with table service could offer a choice of main courses, such as roast beef, chicken cordon blu, or seared salmon. Try to avoid finicky items, like lobster or ribs, which can get quite messy and distracting. Main courses should come plated with at least one vegetable or side dish option, such as pureed potatoes, green beans, roasted root vegetables or a small salad.
  
  

Desserts

• Find pastries that are presented in individual portions.Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty Images
  
  Desserts can be a range of bite-size treats, such as cookies, eclairs, cupcakes, brownies, cups of chocolate mousse or panna cotta. You may even offer a cheese tray with a selection of fine cheeses, such as blue cheese, camembert, brie, a firm provalone, aged cheddar, or fresh chevre (goat's milk cheese). Some ice cream brands offer a range of flavors in individual portions, which is an acceptable choice if you have available facilities to keep the ice cream cold. Have some peanut-free options to accomodate guests with nut allergies.
  
  

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