Catering for a Party/BBQ

[Prawn_86]

Hi all,

We are looking at having a smallish gathering and was wondering if anyone has any catering experience.

We will have about 30 people coming for a casual bbq and afternoon drinks. What is appropriate levels of beer, wine, and meat/food to buy for this number of guests?

Thanks

[EverNothing]

I have a Certificate III in Hospitality and I remember my catering course. It was a nightmare. The most important thing you have to worry about is your time management skills. Thirty people might not seem daunting, but it could get ugly quickly if your undermanaged and stressed out. Drinks, salads and dips are relatively easy to organize because you can start preparation the day before. Cooking meat on a BBQ is a pain in the arse regardless of how many grills you have or how many mates are helping you. My advice, hire a meat caterer. They cook everything fresh that day and deliver the meat straight to your door at a time you choose, afternoon or evening. Some companies actually travel to your house and cook the food then and there so you can relax and mingle with your guests.

If your thinking about hiring take a drive down Gouger Street, there are catering businesses all over the place or check out truelocal.com.au (much better than the Yellow Pages).

If your thinking about managing the food(s) yourself, may god have mercy on your soul. :p

Good luck, mate.

[Prawn_86]

Had the bbq yesterday and everything went a treat. Had 3 different types of meat and just cooked up one lot every hour or so to keep people happy. Also had a heap of salads and desserts, and cheese platters, so everyone seemed happy.

Oh and lots and lots of beer :)

[EverNothing]

Beer GOOD!!!

So, did you end up chartering a meat caterer like I advised or did you do all the cooking yourself? Thirty mouths is a lot to feed at lunch.

[Prawn_86]

Beer GOOD!!!

So, did you end up chartering a meat caterer like I advised or did you do all the cooking yourself? Thirty mouths is a lot to feed at lunch.
Managed to do it all ourselves, it wasnt too bad. We had a big bbq plate, so just cooked up a course every couple hrs, kept everyone happy. Plus i roped in a couple others to help out so i wasn't stuck by the bbq the whole time

[kennas]

Plus i roped in a couple others to help out so i wasn't stuck by the bbq the whole timeIsn't that where the real party happens. All the blokes standing around a flame, cooking meat with a can of beer?

[Prawn_86]

Isn't that where the real party happens. All the blokes standing around a flame, cooking meat with a can of beer?
Of course, but its good to not have to be the only one standing there :)