What is a coffee break, how to spell it, menu options, cost

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Good day, friends. Today we’ll talk about what a coffee break is, and we’ll also touch on many different concepts related to it. For fans of the game show “What? Where? When?" The term “tea break” is well known. In this program, time is allocated for drinking tea between game rounds in order to relieve tension among the program participants and give them the opportunity to take a breath.

But in real life, there are other options for intermissions with a snack, for example: coffee break, coffee break, coffee time, in which (as the names suggest) the main role is given to the use of a slightly different invigorating drink.

(By the way, people are interested in how coffee break is spelled - separately or with a hyphen. In English, Coffee Break is usually written separately, but in Russian it is more correct and, so to speak, more aesthetically pleasing to write with a hyphen).

We recommend drinking this drink from the Czech Leander porcelain set

Coffee break

Now let’s move on to explaining what a coffee break service is. Let's say you are at a business meeting or even a conference. The meeting dragged on, everyone was tired, hungry and thirsty.

An experienced lecturer can tell you that after forty minutes of a lecture, the listener gets tired, so it is customary to dilute the material with some light, humorous information. The same is true here: coffee breaks come to the rescue - buffets for short-term rest and restoration of strength lost during negotiations.

What could be better than a coffee break after a long lecture or seminar?

In parallel, during such a break with eating, in theory, there should be a rapprochement between the parties participating in the conference, and at the end of the coffee break, a consensus should be found in discussing a particular issue. But even if a pause does not help smooth out the rough edges in the relationship, it gives the negotiators the opportunity to refresh themselves and return to normal.

A long eight-hour conference should have at least three breaks.

Coffee breaks like this have been regularly held in the United States since 1936. True, at that time they were carried out to popularize coffee consumption and support its producers.

Here the company held a coffee break, and thus organized a short-term corporate vacation, limited in time - fifteen, at most forty minutes - and a certain number of dishes placed on the tables.

Over time, this American tradition was adopted by Europeans, and from Europe it was “tried” by Russian citizens at the end of the previous century... Of course, the capital’s public first experienced coffee breaks. Now this practice takes place everywhere in Russia, especially in large cities.

Coffee break, or a tasty break during hard work

Who hasn't dreamed of a tasty break while attending serious business negotiations, meetings, conferences or presentations? Surely everyone... After all, there is nothing better than taking a break and drinking a cup of fragrant coffee or strong tea during a multi-hour seminar... Such short breaks in the business world are called coffee breaks. During a coffee break, participants in seminars or serious business negotiations not only have time to switch gears, relax, chat in an informal setting, but also have a good meal. How to properly organize such a useful break, how to behave at such an event, and where did the concept of a coffee break come from?

What is a coffee break?

A coffee break (aka coffee break in English) is a break during negotiations, trainings, conferences and other events, which usually lasts from fifteen to forty minutes. Coffee breaks were first introduced in 1936. Initially, the organization of coffee breaks was carried out by the Pan-American Bureau, which united a variety of coffee producers from the United States, Canada and other countries. Around the same time, a campaign began to increase the population's coffee consumption. As a result, the so-called coffee break (in fact, this is how this concept is translated), or coffee break, appeared. After some time, this tradition came to the West, and then to Russia. The first coffee breaks began to be organized in Moscow in the 1990s, and later in St. Petersburg. And after a while, companies appear in other cities, organizing a holiday for tired participants of conferences and negotiations.

What is a coffee break for? Maybe it’s better to “serve the allotted time” among influential people, yawn into your fist, or even take a nap and, finally, go home? Not at all! Pundits have proven that even the most interesting lecture in the world can turn into a real punishment for you after forty minutes, concentration will begin to dissipate, then you will get tired, and then the result of a business meeting or conference will not be the most comforting.

When a person gets tired, he reflexively tries to find another activity, looks for negative aspects in the event, or simply switches off and stops taking in information. However, fatigue also has another ally - hunger. A hungry belly is deaf to the perception of information. Therefore, every participant in conferences, debates and other events should be well-fed. In this case, a coffee break will always come to the rescue! Thanks to such a timely pause, meeting participants can always change the atmosphere, the topic of conversation (you can’t talk only about business around the clock!) and, of course, have a snack. In addition, a coffee break is also useful from a psychological point of view. If participants in business negotiations, a conference or any other event at some point reach a dead end and cannot find a consensus, then a life-saving break will always save the situation! And if a coffee break is successfully organized, it can have a beneficial effect on the outcome of the negotiations.

How to organize a coffee break? Serving rules

Coffee breaks are usually organized by special catering companies, so-called outdoor restaurants. They organize “coffee breaks” at any level of difficulty at a professional level. If you contact such a company, its experienced employees will, at no extra cost and very competently, prepare a coffee break for your off-site event. Specialists will definitely take into account all conditions and requirements. In any case, companies organizing coffee breaks always carefully study the essence and theme of the event, taking into account the preferences and wishes of the hosts and guests of the meetings. Many companies often develop a script for the evening so that the coffee break unobtrusively fits into the event. The budget for a coffee break can vary, it all depends on the event and the customer’s wallet.

Tips for having a coffee break

You can give the following tips for organizing a coffee break:

— table setting for a coffee break can be very different. It all depends on the coffee break menu, which includes a coffee, tea and cocktail table; — during coffee breaks they eat while standing; — table setting is usually carried out in a specially designated room. It’s good if there is a buffet with soft drinks nearby; - we must not forget about such essential things as paper napkins; — the trash can should be within reach during coffee breaks; — if the event takes place in the summer, the menu must include more fruits, vegetables, and soft drinks; — in winter, as a rule, organizers choose hearty, high-calorie dishes and tea; — vegetables and fruits must be washed, peeled, and cut in advance; — Coffee lovers usually drink coffee with cold water during coffee breaks. In such cases, there should always be a glass of water on the table; — for espresso lovers, thick porcelain cups must be placed on the table; - if the coffee cups are set out in advance, then the handle must point to the left, and the spoon must be placed on the saucer with the handle to the right in front of the cup.

Coffee break menu

In different cases, the assortment of coffee break menus may vary; such impromptu proposals are discussed in advance with the organizing companies. However, as a rule, the coffee break menu includes the following.

Cold snacks: - canapes (with salmon, carbonate, cheese) - sandwiches - croissants - tartlets - toast Sandwiches or sandwiches should be small in size, literally one bite.

Baked goods: - cakes - cookies - pancakes (with fillings for every taste) - pies (with meat, mushrooms, cabbage, apples) - baskets - buns - muffins

Desserts: - fruits

Drinks: - tea (green, black) - coffee (espresso, cappuccino, Americano, latte) - fresh juices - mineral water (carbonated and still)

The hit of this season is green tea with lotus. Coffee cannot initially be instant! This is bad form and yesterday! Coffee can be pour over, capsule, or prepared in an espresso machine. Cream is served with this invigorating drink. In addition, there should be cups, spoons, napkins, and portioned sugar on the table during the coffee break.

Usually, alcohol is not included in the coffee break menu, but if there are glasses on the table (it all depends on the event!), then you definitely need to serve snacks, hot and cold.

We, in turn, also have a little surprise for coffee lovers. Our company provides capsule devices for rent free of charge. The only thing you need to do is purchase capsules from us and enjoy your coffee break! Have a great time!

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Organization of coffee breaks

There is nothing super complicated about organizing a coffee break if you follow a certain set of instructions. The “cornerstones” of coffee time are:

• location;
• menu;
• dishes;
• service.

For each item, it is necessary to perform actions that require special attention from the hosts of the meeting. Recommendations from the professionals of the catering company (organizing the off-site coffee break) will contribute to the “edible break” at the highest level.

Conducting coffee breaks

1. To begin with, choose a suitable place where the table is set at the time of the break. If the number of people gathered is small, then an area is allocated for a micro-feast in the same room where the main event is being held. If the group exceeds two dozen people, it is advisable to find a separate room for a coffee break.
2. In order to choose drinks for a coffee break, it is not necessary to have special skills, but, nevertheless, it is important to entrust this matter to a responsible person.

The standard and simplest coffee break in Moscow involves serving instant coffee or coffee brewed in a coffee machine, tea bags, sparkling or still water, and juice. However, you can agree to help with a coffee break with a restaurant and rent thermoses with natural coffee and freshly brewed loose leaf tea, which are served in this establishment.

1. Organizing and holding a coffee break for our people and guests from abroad is a little different. What our compatriots will take calmly, foreigners may not like very much. Let’s say that for foreign citizens the issue of strict adherence to hygiene standards is extremely important, therefore special packaging of various things especially for foreigners must be provided.

We recommend offering sugar, sweets, and cookies packaged, as well as cutlery along with dishes.

There is nothing super complicated about organizing a coffee break if you follow a certain set of instructions

Many of us consider disposable tableware a sign of cheapness and confirmation of the desire to save on guests. This is fraught with the emergence of alienation and coldness between the receiving party and the invitee. That's why it's important to have cups for tea and coffee, glasses for water and glass or porcelain plates for snacks during a coffee break. The presence of fabric tablecloths and napkins is welcome!

1. A coffee break involves exclusively communication, and, therefore, music or the TV on will only interfere.

Coffee break rules

When holding coffee breaks, certain rules are followed. Among them are the following:

• Duration: minimum 20 and maximum 40 minutes.
• Between breaks, an interval of 2.5–3 hours is maintained.
• Light snacks and cold and hot drinks are required.
• There should be no waiters or managers. During the pause, everyone serves themselves independently.
• The more high-ranking guests present at the event, the higher quality the products are used, the more elegant the tables are decorated and set.
• During a break, work issues are not resolved. The conversation is conducted on abstract topics.

A coffee break is an opportunity for participants in a business meeting to replenish their strength and relax. Such breaks are organized at seminars, conferences and even in offices. Often, during a collective vacation, it is possible to find a solution to an exciting problem and easily get back to work.

Coffee break menu

The event menu can be varied, it all depends on the creativity of the invitees and the purpose of the reception.

Coffee break (photo)

Usually the selection of dishes on the coffee break menu is modest; there is not an abundance of food here.

What is served during the coffee break:

• dessert and baked goods (muffins, cookies, chocolates);
• cold appetizers (canapés with boiled pork or cheese, tartlets with pate or caviar, fruits and vegetables);
• mineral water with or without gas;
• fruit and berry juices;
• black or green tea;
• ground or instant coffee.

Alcohol menu

The alcoholic menu for a coffee break includes:

• Sandwich. This could be a sandwich with chicken, fresh cucumbers, mayonnaise or lettuce.
• Confectionery products can be placed on the table the same as in the non-alcoholic menu (puff pastries, cookies, buns).
• It is advisable to provide enough apples, pineapples, oranges, pears, grapes and other fruits.
• It would be good to stock up on strawberries, raspberries, cherries, blueberries and other berries.
• For vegetables, tomatoes and cucumbers would be appropriate.
• As for drinks, in addition to mineral water, coffee, tea and a variety of juices, you should put red wine on the table.

  

Coffee break: description

Those who have had to take such breaks are told that although fifteen to twenty minutes will not be enough for proper rest, you should not drag out the coffee break for too long.

What does this mean?

If the pause lasts a long time, then the solidity of the event and its atmosphere are involuntarily lost, and the participants will not be able to be concentrated as before. This does not have the best effect on the course of negotiations. Therefore, you should consider a reasonable length of coffee time.

During coffee breaks in the office, it is not customary to name portions, or assign seats to specific individuals. Wherever the person wanted to go, he went there. During a coffee break, people should feel relaxed, they can walk, stand, choose their favorite dish or drink.

How to spell

Anyone who knows even a little English can translate the expression coffee break as coffee break. The literal translation is “coffee break.”

In English, the phrase coffee break is written separately, as two different words.

In Russian writing, coffee break must be written with a hyphen , because the second inflected component is combined with an independently used, indeclinable noun.

Sometimes, instead of the usual word coffee break, you can hear the variant coffee time (time for coffee). But regardless of the name, the essence of such events does not change.

What type of word coffee is: masculine or average – find out here.

This publication will reveal the secret of the unusual taste of lungo coffee, as well as recipes for preparing the drink.

You can learn about the benefits and harms of decaffeinated coffee, the best brands, and how it is made from our article.

Coffee break options

What dishes and drinks to serve during a coffee break are decided depending on what event the break is being prepared for. Menu may vary. Now there are excellent options for non-alcoholic breaks and with alcohol. What is their difference, we hope, is clear without further explanation. We would like to add that when choosing the second option, hot dishes can be added to the standard list of snacks.

And here is a sample coffee break menu with the addition of alcoholic drinks:

• sandwiches (with chicken, cucumber, mayonnaise and salad);
• baked goods (various cakes, cookies, gingerbread);
• fruits (apples, pears, oranges);
• berries (strawberries, cherries, raspberries);
• vegetables (cucumbers and tomatoes);
• soft drinks (mineral water, juice, tea, coffee);
• alcohol (red or white wine).

What dishes will be on the menu is not least influenced by the time of year. Let’s assume that if a coffee break is started on a hot July day, then people won’t enjoy eating heavy food.

It is more appropriate to fill the plates with slices of fruit and pieces of vegetables, instead of hot tea, place soft drinks on the tables, including simple filtered water. But in winter, on the contrary, it is more correct to give preference to high-calorie snacks and even hot food.

Non-alcoholic menu

The following should be included in the non-alcoholic menu for a coffee break:

• Dough products. Often breaks are made up of puff pastries, muffins, cheesecakes and croissants.
• Non-alcoholic coffee break snacks should only be served light. It is desirable to have vegetables, fruits, canapés, and tartlets.
• Drinks that do not contain alcohol. This can be carbonated or non-carbonated mineral water and various fruit juices.
• Tea should be of several types. Can't do without black, green and grass.
• It is also advisable to provide coffee of several types and varieties, as well as supplement it with cream.

History of origin

An event such as a coffee break is an American idea. The reason for this break was the release of a new product - instant coffee. A Pan-American Bureau was created to distribute it. It consisted of suppliers of this product from the USA, Canada and other countries.

A campaign aimed at increasing demand and consumption of coffee began in 1936. A PR campaign was created to promote the product. The advertising slogan was: “Take a break, drink a drink and relax.” After this campaign, the concept of “coffee break” entered the American lexicon. Organizing such an event is becoming a tradition. Now any press conference, business meeting, presentation in America does not take place without a coffee break.

Varieties

The following types of coffee breaks can be distinguished:

• Philosophical. Includes a workshop and a short break. Over a cup of aromatic tea or coffee, some philosophical problems are discussed.
• Cocktail buffet. After negotiations, conferences, and so on, there is a coffee-tea break with a small snack.
• Outdoor tea party. For a coffee break, premises are usually selected where there is a cafeteria, dining room or bar with the necessary equipment (dishes, furniture, serving items). But sometimes the event can take place in the fresh air, in nature.

  

Why are these activities necessary?

They are very important when conducting business seminars, creative meetings, conferences, business negotiations, presentations, exhibitions and other corporate meetings.

Organizing coffee breaks at such events is necessary so that participants can take a little break, relax, discuss the information received, and share their impressions of what they heard and saw over a cup of coffee.

After such a break, a person is often ready to look at previously discussed issues in a new way, and then make the most correct decision.

You can organize a coffee break for other occasions, for example, on the occasion of an anniversary, engagement, wedding, sporting competitions and other celebrations.