How Much Food for a Party? A Simple Planning Guide
By the Mahabati team3 min read
Planning a birthday or an engagement at home? How to choose the serving style and the dishes, and how to stop ordering too much food.
At a Lebanese party, running out of food is every host's fear. So most of us make far too much, then eat leftovers for a week. A bit of planning fixes both.
These tips work whether you cook yourself or order from a caterer.
Start with five details
Before anything else, write down five things. The date and time, because a sit-down lunch and an evening gathering need different food. The place, because it changes delivery and setup. A rough headcount, and how many of them are kids. The type of event, because a birthday at home is not an engagement. And any diets or allergies among your guests.
Choose how the food is served
A buffet, where guests serve themselves, works for most birthdays and home gatherings. Sharing platters on each table feel warmer and suit family lunches and engagements. Individual boxes are easiest for offices, or for events where people move around a lot.
Also decide if you need people to serve, or delivery only. This changes the price more than most people expect.
How much food do you need?
Don't guess the amounts on your own. A full lunch needs much more food than an evening with drinks and bites. Give your caterer the headcount and the time of the event, and let them suggest the quantities. They do this every week.
If your guest list isn't final yet, say so. It's easier to plan for a range early than to change everything the week before.
Mix the familiar with something new
At a Lebanese table, guests expect a few dishes they know. A good spread usually has one hearty main, a couple of fresh salads and some finger food.
For example, our catering spreads have included ouzi (rice and meat topped with toasted nuts), mini burgers, quiche, canapés, pastries, a salmon and avocado salad, and an endive, pear and blue cheese salad.
Comparing prices
Most catering prices depend on four things: the menu, the number of guests, the location and the service. When you compare two quotes, check what each one includes, like delivery, serving dishes and setup. Sometimes a cheaper quote just includes less.
Book early
Popular dates go first, especially weekends and the holidays. The earlier you ask, the more choice you'll have on the menu and the date.
Want someone else to cook?
Send these five details to a caterer and you'll get a clear quote fast. We do event catering for birthdays, engagements, weddings and home gatherings in Beirut, Metn and Keserwan. Need food for your team every day instead? Read our guide to office lunch delivery in Beirut.
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