Cook yourself or get it catered?

Question

My daughters christening is in 2 weeks and I am so undecided on a food menu and I dont know if I should cook everything myself or have the event catered. I am having it in my backyard and there will be about 65 guests. Which way sould I go and what kind of food should I have?

Answer 1

Have it catered, trust me,,,I love to cook but you sometimes underestimate the timing and fall behind and end up cutting some items out. You don't have to hire a professional caterer that have extra charges, etc. See if there are any restaurants around that have party packages or dishes that they can drop off and you just place them on the table. You can also cut some costs by getting a veggie tray, meat platter, cheese/fruit tray from a local grocers. If you have a more gourmet grocers around they may offer some nice dips, etc.

Also remember that just because your having 65 people, you dont have to get every dish serving 65 people. You can tweek it to just serve 25 people on some things, etc. Something that serves 65 people is assuming your only have that one dish! Good Luck!

Answer 2

Your daughters christening I am sure is a very important day for you and your family,you would much rather spend it with your guests and family , then trying to manage laying out food for 65 people. I run a restaurant that aso does catering. Depending upon your tastes, BBQ would be a good option. It's ideal for outdoor eating, most everyone likes it, and the cost is reasonable (we cater BBQ and provide 2 meats, usually pulled pork, and chopped BBQ chicken with 2 sides, dessert, beverages and everything else needed, include plates, cups, napkins, ect. for about $9.00 a person) this way you can have the caterer set up the tables, layout and maintain the food line by keeping it stocked and clean, and you can spend the day celebrating your daughter....

Answer 3

If you can spare the mony get it catered. Cooking for 65 people, no matter how simple the menu is a lot of work.

Italian food is the easiest to do yourself and also the cheapest to have catered. Plus everyone likes it so I would go that way.

Answer 4

Well, for 65 people I would probably cater. That's a lot of food, but considering the season it might be hard to get one. Instead of getting a caterer you might want to have a restaurant cater. They should be able to do it last minute. A friend of mine had a party and "Olive Garden" catered. I had never eaten there (I generally avoid chains), but it was pretty good. Check your favorite restaruant as well. Also, do a search in your area for bbq caterers. It will be so much easier. Generally they will also provide paper products.

Answer 5

If you can afford it, I would get it catered. I had a frist communion party for my twins and had 82 people. I was able to get food for everyone from a local grocery store that did catering. They only required 2 days notice. Restaurants usually require 24 to 72 hours notice. Caterers may require a week or more. If you can get someone who charges by the tray of food rather than per person, it will save you money.

Answer 6

If you have enough time and resources (including people who can help you around), I guess it's alright to cook. But if you're going to do it all on your own.....cooking for 65 people can be stressful. Catered food is less hassle (you can even include a few of your specialties), plus you'll have time to entertain your guests.

Answer 7

If you were to cater, the caterers should have been hired a while back and the menu set already. I don't think you will have much luck getting someone so late notice.

Answer 8

I would cater it. I have cooked for 100 people and it's a lot of work. If you do cook, keep it really simple and get some help.

Answer 9

i say get it catered. it's going to be a lot of work for you to cook for 65 guests. you should be able to relax and enjoy the day. =]

Answer 10

Keep it simple and casual. Do picnic type foods since it's in the backyard and enjoy the day and your company and have it catered. But bake the cake yourself!