10 Helpful Tips for Planning Food Catering for Parties

Planning for a party sounds like a tedious task. As a host, there are so many things to consider, starting from the theme of the party to decor, activities to plan to make the event more interesting, and especially the food menu. Planning the food menu is the most tiring task because you are determined to curate such a powerful and delicious menu that everyone will like.

Now, remember, no matter how hard you try, everyone will not be pleased, so while planning the event menu, it is best to stick to adding budget-friendly and common items that people prefer to eat most of the time.

Some hosts prefer to stay in the kitchen and cook by themselves to avoid extra expenses, but why take on everything yourself? As the host, you should look the best at the party and cater to the guests personally.

That’s why it is best to hire party catering services who can share your workload and take the responsibility of preparing and serving delicious and delightful dishes to your guests. However, planning for food catering for Parties is also a task, and you need to complete it skillfully so that the results of your efforts are awesome.

If you do not have an idea of where to begin, then we bring to you the top 10 tips that will help you plan party food catering services seamlessly.

10 Handy Tips to Plan Party Catering Services Skillfully

Here are some tips that you should keep in mind which will make your job simpler:

• Get a Head Count For the Party.

Before proceeding with party catering services, consider the number of attendees. When you have an estimated head count, it becomes easier to prepare the food menu and guide the caterers to prepare food for exactly the number of people.

Usually, we give an approximate head count, like 50-100 people, but this is a vague number. That’s why, to reach an accurate number, you should send out invites and keep track of the RSVPs. It will help keep track of how many people will be coming.

Remember, when it comes to hosting a party, you should never underestimate or overestimate how much food you’ll require. So, to be on the safer side, it is best to keep a buffer of about 15% of your total headcount so none of your guests will leave hungry.

• Budget Properly.

A fun party will drain your pockets, so that’s why, budget everything wisely. You might think of adding exotic dishes to your menu to impress your guests, but remember there are many other costs to consider as well. A party caterer will provide an array of packages to suit different budgets, but that’s not the final price.

Other costs will affect the final price, for instance, taxes, delivery fees, rental of tables, dishes, linens, and everything else. So, before finalizing a party caterer, ask them for a detailed breakdown of the costs involved and make a well-informed decision.

• Let Your Caterer Know What You Want.

A common mistake that most hosts make is that they hesitate to convey the theme of the party. The theme of the party sets things in motion, from decoration to food. So, whatever you are expecting from the food section, discuss this with your caterer.

Whether you want dishes to be presented in a specific way or you have no idea what should go on the menu, the caterer will help you with it. Caterers are masters when it comes to designing a menu; for instance, if you want to throw a summer BBQ, and this party will be incomplete without juicy burgers and fresh salads, the caterer will create a package accordingly.

• Don’t Worry About Dietary Dilemmas.

There are chances that some guests might have dietary restrictions, but do not let that thing stress you out. Reliable catering services can accommodate all dietary needs, like gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, and other special requirements.

However, whatever your requirements are, convey them to your caterer beforehand. It is best if you tell them before finalizing the menu so the menu can be adjusted accordingly. Most caterers will happily provide recommendations based on your dietary requirements to add mouthwatering dishes to your menu.

• Create a Menu Considering Everyone.

Different people have different preferences, and you have to consider everyone’s needs. We understand you want to provide exotic dishes to your guests, but there are chances that not everyone will like them. That’s why you should prepare a menu that has something for everyone. For instance, if children will be coming to your party, you can add Chowein and Manchurian, which are basically dishes that children will love.

Create a holistic menu that includes healthy and tasty appetizers, main courses, side dishes, desserts, soups, salads, and everything in between. This will ensure that none of the guests are bored at the grazing table.

Other Tips To Plan Food Catering For Parties Skillfully

• Remember, food shouldn’t just taste good; it should also look great. Ask your caterer for creative ideas for presenting the food in an eye-catching way and beautifully so that the feast table becomes a feast for the eyes.
• Ask the caterer to add their signature dishes to the menu or create unexpected menu items. However, a balance between crowd-pleaser dishes and the party's signature dishes is required.
• Organizing a party means planning a million little things. That’s why you should allow the caterer to do everything on their own, from menu planning to food preparation, delivery, setup, and cleanup.
• Catering services go beyond preparing and serving food. Ask your caterer what additional facilities they can provide, like alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and rental tables and chairs, and make a wise decision.
• Choose a party food catering service on which you can rely completely so you can focus on other aspects of the party and enjoy your party fully.

The Bottom Line

For your party to be a grand success, you need to ensure that your food and menu are a blast. It is only possible if you have the support of a reliable and expert party caterer who can accommodate your needs seamlessly.

If you haven’t found a reliable party food catering service, then Catering Corner can help. With our platform, you need to select your city, the type of catering services you require or the type of party you want to throw, and we’ll provide a list of suitable caterers. Try Catering Corner today and make planning catering services super simple.