Help! I've been asked to cater a party!?

Question

I am not an experienced caterer. I cook for my family, but I've never done any entertaining. I recently barbecued for my family and invited my best friend to have a bite. It was only the second time I've barbecued, and the first time she'd ever tasted my cooking. She took plates home for her boyfriend, his mom, and her friend, Dee. Now, from tasting this one meal, Dee wants me to cater her 25th birthday party.

I have no idea how to go about creating a menu for roughly 50 people. This would be my first time doing anything on this scale. I get the impression they are expecting actual food, not just finger foods. What are some good items to prepare without over-extending myself?

Answer 1

I would be honest and just explain that you are not a caterer. Why would she assume you were and be able to do something of this caliber? Or even want to? Are you trying to start a catering business?

If this is for a party she may want to get someone who has the experience you clearly don't.

If she enjoys your cooking then maybe you could offer to bring a dish to pass. That way everyone wins. You are not stressed about having to do a job you have no experience with, she relax @ party knowing she has a competent caterer, and if she really enjoys your food she gets a little bite.If she enjoyed it that much don't be surprised if the actual catere gets a tad jealous :)

Answer 2

Don't do it , are you crazy?  Tell her you are not qualified, don't want the responsibility, and will not do it. If you lose her as a friend, she's not your friend.

Answer 3

I hate to say this, but I wouldn't do it.  If somethings not just perfect she'll put the blame on you.  You're also going to have to figure out the cost of everything and if somehow you short yourself money, you're in the loss.  If I were you I would tell her that you would love to, but you don't want to be responsible for someones birthday catering, especially when you don't have the experience.

Answer 4

for someone with no real catering experience, cooking a meal for 50 is a lot! did you ask her what type of foods shes looking for, I'd start there first and if it's something you think is too much for you then I'd say to tell her you don't feel comfortable doing such a big meal...maybe offer to do one of the dishes and she'll have to find others to do the rest.

maybe some type of stuffed chicken b*****s like chicken Kiev or something, mashed potatoes, veggies, salad and bread?

Answer 5

That's strange that she asked you to do it... since you won't be able to relax and attend her party as a guest then:) .....  First, you need to ask her exactly what she wants, and then find out how much she wants to spend..... deduct an hourly amount for you time, and work out a menu from that ......  Come back and ask for answers when you find out your budget, and what she expects to get......

Answer 6

hi, if i were you, i would nip down to the local KC or MacDonald's,as they will be able to tell just how much fifty people will get thought.also when preparing the food always work backwards e.g cook and prepare foods that last longest and foods which can quickly be warmed up safely. AM sure you will be fine,just watch that you are not being taken advantage of.

Answer 7

I am sure u will do great. make sure u do some researching before you take a wack at it.

Answer 8

Assuming she's wanting barbecue and sides, this is what I'd do.  (If you're not sure, you need to ask her!  She knows her guests better than you.)

If it's barbecue she wants, I suggest doing pork and chicken.  The easiest way to do these is to get pork loins and chicken quarters.  Cook the pork loins whole, then serve it shredded, or "pulled".  Cut the chicken quarters so you have a leg and a thigh of each to extend them.  I suggest doing all of this the day before or early-morning of (depending on the time of the party).  Barbecue refrigerates well and is easy enough to warm in the oven before bringing it over.  Dinner rolls go well with this stuff

Talk to her about what sides she'd like.  Limit her (and yourself!) to preparing three sides, like baked beans, coleslaw, and a veggie casserole.  Baked beans won't take long, and casseroles are better made the day of.  Coleslaw, however, tends to do better when it's made the day before...the flavors need a little time to soak together.

Make and serve all of this in those disposable aluminum pans and cover them with aluminum foil.  It's also best to make more than they might need (your friend is the one paying for it, anyway) -- better to have extra than to run out!  Think 8oz. (1/2 lb) of meat and 6oz. of each side per guest, plus enough for 10 more.

I hope your friend is planning on paying you for your time and energy, too.  I would charge maybe $100 or so in addition to the cost of food.  If you're doing this as a favor, though, don't expect anything more than gratitude and experience.  Best of luck to you!  I know how you feel!!