How to Cater a Party Without the Headache
Planning a party should be fun, not frustrating. But when you throw catering into the mix, things can quickly get overwhelming. From figuring out what to serve to managing food temperatures and dietary preferences, event hosts have their hands full. The good news? It doesn't have to be complicated. With a few smart strategies and the right food partner (hey there, Burrachos!), you can pull off a delicious, memorable event without breaking a sweat.
Use these stress-free event catering solutions to save time, reduce stress, and wow your guests.
Step 1: Set Your Budget
Before you pick your menu or count the folding chairs, you need to figure out how much you can spend. Setting a realistic catering budget helps guide the rest of your decisions—from guest count and venue choice to your food options.
Tip: Build in a little wiggle room for surprise expenses like extra serving supplies, last-minute guests, or delivery fees.
Step 2: Finalize Your Guest Count Early
You don’t need an exact headcount, but you do need a solid estimate. The difference between catering for 20 or 50 is huge in terms of cost, food prep, and logistics. A confirmed guest list also helps ensure you have enough food, seating, and space to go around.
Step 3: Pick the Perfect Venue
Hosting at home? Renting a banquet hall? Backyard BBQ? Your venue plays a big role in your catering setup. Make sure it can accommodate warming equipment, buffet stations, and enough space for guests to comfortably move around while grabbing their plates.
Step 4: Choose Easy Catering Food That Delivers
You likely don’t need a five-course plated dinner to impress your crowd. In fact, some of the most beloved party foods are also the simplest. The key? Opt for food that’s easy to serve, easy to eat, and easy to clean up. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or a full-blown celebration, the best easy catering ideas check a few key boxes:
- Minimal Last-Minute Prep: Choose meals that travel well and don’t require a lot of finishing touches.
- Flexible for Dietary Needs: Buffets and build-your-own stations allow guests to choose what works for them.
- Stays Fresh and Tasty: Whether hot or cold, your dishes should hold up for the duration of the event without wilting, drying out, or losing flavor.
- Crowd-Pleasing and Customizable: When guests can build their own plates, everyone walks away happy.
- Dietary Friendly: Options that cover a range of dietary needs—vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free—keep everyone included.
- Portable and Packable: Easy to transport, easy to set up, and easy to clean up.
Step 5: Create a Timeline You Can Count On
Most party plans unravel during last-minute prep. Instead, work backward from your event time. When will the food arrive? How long does setup take? Who’s helping? Having a clear schedule makes your day smoother and gives your chosen catering meal time to shine.
Step 6: Plan Decor and Equipment
Think of your food area as a mini event within your event—your taco turf, burrito basecamp, and guac ground zero. You want it to look good, flow smoothly, and easily handle your hungry crowd. Here are some items you might need to keep things festive and functional:
- Utensils, Plates, Napkins, and Cups: Go festive or keep it simple—just make sure you have enough for seconds (and possibly, thirds).
- Serving Utensils and Tongs: You don’t want people using forks to scoop beans. Trust us. Stock up on the right tools for the right dishes.
- Warmers and Coolers: Get insulated containers, warmers, or chafing dishes to keep cold things cold and hot things hot.
- Serving Tables or Food Stations: Set up sturdy tables for your spread. Dress them up with themed tablecloths and decor.
- Food Labels: Use signs for ingredients and allergens. This not only helps guests make informed choices, but it also saves you from answering the same questions over and over and over again.
- Beverage Setup: Ice buckets, drink dispensers, or coolers stocked with sodas, waters, or juices make self-serve sipping simple.
- Miscellaneous Supplies: Paper towels, foil, take-home containers, and backup utensils—because running out is a party foul.
- Trash, Recycling, and Cleanup Stations: Keep the mess under control with clearly labeled bins. Bonus points for having extra bags and wet wipes nearby.
Step 7: Prep Serving Areas the Day Before
Want to feel like a party pro the day of your event? Set the stage early. Prepping your serving areas the day before is one of the best ways to curb chaos and help you keep your cool when guests start arriving.
Start by setting up your food tables or buffet stations and mapping out where everything will go—mains, sides, toppings, drinks, and desserts. Use sticky notes or labels to “reserve” each space so you don’t have to make last-minute layout decisions while guests are knocking on the door.
You'll also want to stack extra supplies underneath the table or in a bin nearby so you can quickly refill without leaving the party. If you're using warmers, chafing dishes, or coolers, get them out and ready to go. All you have to do on party day is plug them in, fire them up, or fill them with ice.
Planning ahead gives you one less thing to worry about when you're juggling music, food delivery, and greeting guests the day of.
Step 8: Set Up for a Smooth Flow
Even the tastiest food can become a headache if your setup slows things down. A little planning goes a long way. Guests should be able to grab food, find a seat, and start eating without a traffic jam. Place napkins and plates at the front, with utensils and drinks at the end. This avoids congestion and confusion while guests are getting their food.
Step 9: Cater Your Event with Burrachos
At Burrachos, we believe great events start with great food—and even better service. Our taco and burrito catering options are designed to take the pressure off you and put the flavor on the table. Whether you're hosting a backyard birthday bash, a wedding, or a team lunch at the office, Burrachos is easy food to cater that checks every box:
- Customizable burrito and taco bars to please every palate
- No cooking required—everything’s ready to serve
- Fresh, flavorful ingredients your guests will rave about
The best part? We keep it fun, flexible, and oh-so-delicious. Catering should be something you look forward to, not something that stresses you out.
Call on Burrachos for Event Catering Today!
Make catering the easiest part of your event with Burrachos! Our build-your-own taco and burrito bars take the hassle out of food planning, offering simple, stress-free setup with customizable options for every guest. No complicated prep, no last-minute scrambling—just fresh, flavorful food ready to serve. Whether it’s a big celebration or a casual gathering, let Burrachos take care of the catering so you can enjoy the party.
Explore Burrachos’ taco and burrito bar options, and say goodbye to catering chaos—for good. Book your catering order today!