Catering 1 minute read
The food plan behind a relaxed gathering
The most useful catering plan fits on one page: who is eating, what they are eating, and when the food needs to be ready. Start there before choosing individual trays or fillings.
Work backward from the first plate
Write down when guests should begin eating. Then allow time for collecting the order, traveling to the venue, and arranging the food. Confirm the collection time before committing to the schedule.
For guests eating at different times, explain that schedule when discussing dishes and quantities. A single serving time on your notes can hide the fact that half the guests will arrive later.
Make the handoff clear
Choose one person to confirm the order and one person to collect it; they may be the same person. Share the agreed dish list, quantities, and pickup details with both. Keep ingredient questions attached to those notes so they do not get lost between people.