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Kitchen, Catering and Hostess Tips

 

Hors d'oeuvres:

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  • Pre-heat your oven to be ready at 350

  • Recommend 4-6 types for variety

  • Be sure to include Vegetarian, Vegan and Gluten Free Options

  • Vary between Hot and Cold Hors d’oeuvres for ease of service and timing

  • Include a few stationary items such as spiced nuts, crudité, cheese platter or charcuterie

  • Formula is One bite every 10 mins; so for 2hrs it is 12 bites per person

  • *Small parties you may need more per person than on large events

 

Coffee:

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  • One pound of coffee is 35 cups

  • Offer Regular and Decaf varieties

  • Coffee too weak? Here’s my trick:  Pour the brewed coffee back over the grinds again and let it drip through-some coffee not “perked?” Pouring the hot half brewed coffee back over the grinds will help save a batch in a pinch!

  • Include Milk, Half and Half, Skim and other Non-Dairy options to suit your guests’ preferences as well as sugar substitutes

  • Order from Pea Pod or Insta Carte so you don’t have to make a last-minute trip!

  • To Go cups with lids are also a nice touch for departing guests

 

Additional Items:

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  • Paper Towels, Windex or kitchen cleaner/sanitizer, disinfectant

  • Tissues, hand sanitizer and wipes

  • Broom and dustpan/mop to clean up any spills

  • Additional garbage bags needed for all disposable/recyclable items

  • Garbage and recycling bins; bags and cans

  • First Aid Kit (Band Aids)

  • Cookie trays for heating any warm hors d’oeuvres

  • Additional Sterno for chaffers

  • Birthday Candles? Tip: Keep some in the pantry at all times

  • Lighters instead of matches

  • Fire Extinguisher for a Fire Pit, Candles, and Sterno

  • Baggies, Zip Locks, To-go Containers, Tupperware, Plastic Wrap, Aluminum Foil for your leftovers and treats to go for your guests!

  • Tip: Take out containers from restaurants and grocery stores work great for this!

  • Tip: Don’t have an extra fridge for leftovers? Use a large cooler with left over ice to temporarily store your leftover party food.

  • Tip:  When is your garbage pickup? If there is too much garbage to fit inside your cans or garbage area, extra bags will need to be stored inside to prevent animals from ripping into it. You may need to schedule an extra pick up or rent a small dumpster for a larger event.

  • On a Septic Tank? Maybe time for a pump out!

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    Need more tips?  

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