Grandmas Backyard BBQ

The definition of catering is-”Supplying of Food for a Social Event”

If you’re reading this, it’s likely you haven’t quite decided if you want to prepare your own food or if you want to hire a caterer. Only you can make that decision. The article is written in an effort to help you make the appropriate decision for your particular situation and what you then need to do next.

Making the Decision

• How many people will be attending?

• Can you cook the food required to feed the amount of people who are invited?

• Do you have grill, oven or stove-top space to do all of the cooking?

• Do you have enough serving dishes for all of your food?

• Do you have enough dishes to serve the food on for all of your guests?

• Do you have enough silverware for all of your guests?

• Do you have the tables needed for placing the food on for serving? (We are assuming potluck style here as if you decide to do a sit-down event with servers that is another whole area that would need to be addressed.)

Let’s say you have given this some thought and you still want to do it yourself.  Next thing to think about is the food. 

Type of Food

• What type of food do you want to serve? Here you need to think about your guests.
  • Consider whether the majority of people can eat chicken if that’s what you choose.
  • Do you need to add another main entree?
  • Will you have vegetarians attending?
  • Will there be children?
  • What kind of sides will you have?
  • Will you serve desserts?
  • What will you have to drink? Alcohol?  Soda?  Water?

You  have now decided that you still want to do it yourself.  Good for you.  But we aren’t done yet.

The Budget

The are many things to consider when working up a budget for your event.  You certainly don’t want to be caught off guard without enough money.  Price this stuff in advance so you can prepare a complete budget.

• How much meat or poultry will be needed? PRICE?
  • Don’t’ forget that if you need a lot you will need to have a place to store it.
  • If you are buying at the last minute be sure that your source has enough for your needs.
  • How much for your sides?  PRICE?
  • Make a list of all ingredients needed for each side.  PRICE?
  • Again, make sure you have a place to store everything until needed. You have to consider the health risks of leaving food out too long.

• Desserts
  • If you have determined the type of dessert and you are going to make it yourself,   be sure to develop of list of all ingredients needed.  PRICE?

• Drinks (Check your local laws regarding liquor licenses)
  • Liquor   PRICE?
  • Beer?    PRICE?
  • Soda Pop   PRICE?
  • Water?   PRICE?
  • Ice?    PRICE?

• Other Costs Not to Be Forgotten
  • If you are doing a barbeque, how much charcoal will be needed?  PRICE?
  • Do you also need to rent a barbeque?  PRICE
  • If using paper products to save money, how much is needed?  Don’t forget paper plates, glasses, plasticware, napkins, etc.  PRICE?
  • If you are using paper products, do you have enough of your own dishes for all guests? If not then you need to consider rental.
  • Do you need to rent tables?  For serving food or guests?  PRICE?
  • Do you have enough chairs or will you need to rent them also?  PRICE?
  • Do you need table cloths.  Paper or rent are options.  PRICE?
  • Do you have enough servingcontainrs or do you need to rent them also?  PRICE?
  • If you are using people to serve the food…PRICE?
  • Do you need to hire a bartender?  PRICE?
  • Do you need to rent coolers?  PRICE?
  • Trash bags for all litter  PRICE?

If the above does not break the budget and you still want to cater it yourself, be aware that there is another hidden cost.  One that may make you think twice. Ask yourself these questions.

• How much time will it take away from my time with my guests? Are you willing to give up that time?
• If you are using friends to server and help you, can you count on them during the party to be there for you?
• Is it fair to ask friends to take time away from a party they were invited to work?

If you can answer positively on all fronts then you are ready to move forward.

If you think it might be better to consider an outside caterer, then now is the time to start looking.  You’ve done much of the work already regarding the menu so it won’t be as hard.

Regardless of your decision, please enjoy your event and good eating!!