Pick one star dish
A single showpiece dish, such as a giant paella, is easier than lots of small ones and gives the party a focus.
Sharing boards
Boards of cheese, cured meats, olives, bread and dips can go out as people arrive and need no last-minute work.
Salads that hold up
Choose salads that don’t wilt in the sun: tomato and red onion, chickpea, potato or grain salads.
Desserts
Bite-sized desserts that don’t melt are easiest outdoors.
Drinks
A jug of sangria or a big pitcher of something soft, plenty of water and lots of ice.
Keeping food safe in the sun
Keep cold food chilled until it goes out, put it in the shade, and don’t leave it out for hours. Hot food served straight from the pan, like paella, avoids the buffet problem.
Bites for children
Simple chicken paella, bread, cheese and fruit keep younger guests happy.
Getting the timing right
Put nibbles out as guests arrive, serve the main dish an hour or so in, and save dessert for later in the afternoon.
Plates and cutlery
Decide early whether you’re using your own, hiring or using disposables, and make sure you have enough for seconds.
Putting it together
A simple menu for an afternoon garden party might be: olives, bread and a sharing board as guests arrive; a big paella with a vegetable pan alongside, with salad and lemon wedges; then fruit, a cake or churros later on, with coffee. Add a jug of sangria and plenty of soft drinks. It feeds a crowd, suits most diets and lets the host enjoy the party.
Food for different ages
Garden parties often bring together several generations. Older guests usually appreciate a proper seat and a hot meal; younger children prefer simple food they can eat with their hands; teenagers want something they can come back to for seconds. A big paella with a simple chicken pan alongside, plus bread, cheese and fruit, covers most bases. Make sure there’s shade and water for everyone, especially on a hot day.
Hand it over
Paella party catering takes the main event off your hands.
Planning an event? Tell us about it and we’ll suggest a menu and send a quote.