Advice

Advice and planning guides

Practical guides to planning food for weddings, parties and events, and everything about paella.

Planning and prices

How much paella per person?
A practical guide to portions for parties, weddings and events, whether you’re cooking yourself or booking a caterer.
What does paella catering cost?
The things that decide the price of live paella catering, and how to compare quotes like for like.
12 questions to ask a paella caterer before you book
Use this list to compare caterers like for like and avoid surprises on the day.
How to feed 100 guests without the stress
Big numbers need a plan. Here’s how to keep food simple and service quick.
Live paella vs hog roast vs barbecue
Three popular choices for outdoor events, compared honestly.
Outdoor catering and the British weather: your plan B
Live paella is outdoor food, so here’s how to plan for rain, wind and heat.

Paella at your wedding: a planning guide
How to plan a live paella wedding, from canapés to the evening, and what to check with your venue.
Wedding catering timeline: when to book what
A simple timeline for booking and planning your wedding food, so nothing is left to the last minute.
Evening wedding food ideas
What to serve when the dancing starts.
Canapé tapas or table tapas?
Two ways to serve tapas at an event, and when to choose each.

How to host a paella party at home
Everything you need to think about for a paella party in your garden, whether you cook or book a caterer.
Paella party checklist
Tick these off and your paella party will run smoothly.
Garden party food ideas for a crowd
Food for a summer garden party that lets you enjoy it too.
Sangria for a crowd
A simple way to make, scale and serve sangria at a party or wedding.
Tapas for a party: what to serve
How to choose a tapas spread that works for a party, a reception or a starter before paella.
Spanish desserts for weddings and parties
Sweet ways to finish a paella meal.

Corporate event catering ideas staff will actually enjoy
How to choose catering for work events that feeds everyone quickly and becomes part of the event.
Christmas party catering ideas
Something different for the office or family Christmas party.
Festival catering: a guide for organisers
How to choose and brief food traders for a festival, fair, market or community event.
Why paella is perfect street food
Giant pans, big flavours and fast service: why paella works at festivals and markets.

Paella for every diet: vegan, gluten-free, halal and allergies
Why paella is one of the easiest event meals for mixed dietary needs, and what to ask your caterer.
Vegan paella: a star, not an afterthought
How to make a vegan paella that meat eaters queue for too.
Allergens at events: what hosts should know
How to keep guests with food allergies safe at your wedding, party or event.
Leftover paella: is it safe to eat?
Rice needs a little care once it’s cooked. Here’s how to handle leftovers.

What is paella Valenciana?
The original paella from Valencia, and how it differs from the seafood paella many people picture.
A short history of paella
From the rice fields of Valencia to party food around the world.
What is socarrat?
The crispy base of a paella, and why everyone wants a spoonful.
The best rice for paella
Why the rice matters, and which varieties to look for.
Saffron in paella
The spice behind paella’s colour and aroma.
Seafood paella: what goes in
The coastal cousin of paella Valenciana.
Paella pans explained
Why the pan matters, and what to know before buying one.
How to cook paella for a crowd
If you’re brave enough to do it yourself, here’s how.
Paella vs risotto: what’s the difference?
Two rice dishes, two very different methods.

Ready to plan your menu?