How to plan and organise your event

Planning a party for any event can seem like a daunting task, but with few simple tips from successful caterers in London, you can ace the task and make that event memorable.

Numbers

Consider how many guests you can fit in your space - if you're planning an outdoor event; if it rains, everyone might end up inside! If you want to have big numbers in a smaller area, suggesting people drop in between specific hours rather than all arriving at a designated time.

What type of event will it be?

For a large crowd, a fork buffet is a much lesser fuss on the day than finger food, where you're constantly heating nibbles up and passing them around. A cold fork menu is simpler than hot and can be prepared in advance leaving you free to chat with guests.

Space

How big is your fridge? Clear out all the unwanted items by depleting stocks beforehand or asking a neighbour to store a few items. For hygiene reasons, you do need to ensure food is refrigerated. Think about ways you can stack items. Drinks require a lot of space, so chill them well in advance then transfer them to ice-filled bags.

Equipment and staff

Make life manageable by having big enough equipment for cooking and ample serving dishes, plates and glassware. Borrow these from friends if necessary. This saves your time, space and washing up. If you can, hire crockery, cutlery and glasses from a company that offers a 'return dirty' service. The small charge these companies make is well worth to your time and efforts. If you're planning a canapé party, it's always worth considering hiring professional event caterers in London. They can refill plates and do the serving, allowing you a free time to talk and mingle with your guests."

Write a time plan

A time plan is a handy tool to stay on top of your ideas. Write a list of almost everything that requires being ordered or arranged - flowers, food, drinks, helping hands, decorations, equipment. Assign sufficient days and check them off when they're finished. The food, drink and home preparation will require a more detailed plan, and it's worth assigning times as well as days to these.

Food safety

●     Take food out of the refrigerator just before you start to serve. If people are grazing over an extended period, it's best to put out smaller quantities and refill them once they've run out.

●     If you're serving hot food, make sure it stays hot while you're serving it.

●     When the party is over, if food has been out for 1 1/2 hours, it should go in the bin.