No birthday party is complete without food, whether you’re serving tasty appetizers or a complete dinner. Rather than spending all of your time preparing the food yourself, consider scheduling full-service catering. This allows you to spend more time with the guest of honor, without worrying about being in the kitchen. Below are several strategies to help you throughout this process.

How to Plan Full-Service Catering for a Party

1. Finalize the Guest List

While you don’t need a precise number, it is helpful for both you and the catering service to have an estimate on the size of your event. Send out invitations with RSVP dates and give your invitees plenty of time to respond. Once you can confirm everybody’s availability, share the final count with the caterer.

2. Plan the Menu

One of the most significant benefits of full-service catering is flexibility. You and the caterer can build a top-notch menu with something for everyone, from picky eaters to the birthday guest. Offer at least two different entree options: one meat and one vegetarian. Then, ask guests if they have any special dietary needs, such as food intolerances, religious requirements, allergies, and dietary restrictions.

3. Place the Order Early

When planning a birthday party, order the food a few weeks in advance. This will ensure that you can book the catering services on your preferred date. Additionally, it gives you plenty of time to adjust the menu as you continue planning, if necessary. The restaurant will handle everything you need when it comes to the food—you can focus the rest of your time on planning the perfect event.

4. Strategize the Layout

Setting up for a party requires much more than putting chairs and tables where they fit. Select long, rectangular tables to present and serve all of the food easily. Map out and organize seating to allow extra room for mingling and foot traffic. Choose round tables for the dinner to encourage group conversation.

5. Have a Spot for Everything

Check with your caterer to see how much space you will need and what supplies they will provide. Then, create a unique place for beverages, utensils, dinnerware, and sauces. This will make setup much more efficient on the day of the party. Guests will also have an easier time finding what they need, so they don’t have to keep asking you about the location of various items.

If you need reliable full-service catering to throw a successful birthday bash, contact Sufi’s Kitchen. Based in Atlanta, GA, this local favorite serves a diverse menu of delicious Mediterranean and Persian food. They offer full service on-site catering for large groups, as well as same-day pickup options for more intimate gatherings. Visit the website to learn more about catering services. To begin discussing your next event with a friendly team member, call (404) 888-9699.