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Catering/Questions Answered by Expert Kay Cole
| Subject | Date Asked |
| dessert quantities | 10/20/2011 |
| Q: I am serving a group of about 180 for a Valentine dinner. It will be a plated dinner and dessert ... A: Becca, please forgive my delay in responding to your question...which by the way, is a toughy! ... | |
| sandwiches | 7/20/2011 |
| Q: Having a bridal shower for approx 32 people. Serving ham salad and chicken salad on croissants. ... A: Menu sounds very nice. I would figure about 2.5 ounces per sandwich...about a half a cup would be my ... | |
| sandwiches | 7/20/2011 |
| Q: Having a bridal shower for approx 32 people. Serving ham salad and chicken salad on croissants. ... A: 5 sandwiches per person of each type - but, I would adjust that to have more chicken salad than ham. ... | |
| Price for making Mac & Cheese | 5/21/2011 |
| Q: I asked a friend of mine to make me Mac & Cheese for 75 people. He said I would need 6 pounds. What ... A: Good Morning, I am unable to answer your question; I do not do pricing. However, if you are ... | |
| quiche | 4/15/2011 |
| Q: I am making a large quiche in a chafer insert pan. Do not want to over cook but I know getting the ... A: pans - there are half pans that fit side by side in chafing dish...I would suggest using two. Will ... | |
| party wings & fries | 4/7/2011 |
| Q: I was asked to cater a picnic at the park, however they would like to have party wings & fries. How ... A: Many variables here in your question. Are you just dropping off some disposable alumn. pans of wings ... | |
| Luncheon for 35 senior ladies | 3/15/2011 |
| Q: I need some advice on portion control for this luncheon I am preparing for 35 senior ladies. I am ... A: Wendy, In the long run...you will be happier that it is a buffet. soooooo much easier on you labor ... | |
| baked potatos for 40 | 2/22/2011 |
| Q: I wanted to know how to cook baked potatoes for 40 people, time/temp and how to keep them warm for ... A: I wrap mine in foil - cook on 350 to 375 for an hour to hour and a half depended on size of potato ... | |
| Self cater - Appetizer Portions | 2/20/2011 |
| Q: I am self catering my wedding reception and have decided on an appetizer buffet. The time is in the ... A: I was thinking 10 per person EXCLUDING the fruit cheese and veggie trays. Meatballs would be one of ... | |
| Self cater - Appetizer Portions | 2/19/2011 |
| Q: I am self catering my wedding reception and have decided on an appetizer buffet. The time is in the ... A: Smart time of the day for the reception....guests will have had lunch and will not be expecting an ... | |
| New Years Eve Party 200 people | 12/24/2010 |
| Q: Volunteer Fire Co. have party for 200 people. Roast Beef Ham Baked Ziti Potatoe Salad Pasta Salad ... A: http://www.angelfire.com/bc/incredible/Buffetchart2.html This web site will help you with amounts - ... | |
| potatoe salad | 12/14/2010 |
| Q: I need to make potato salad for 125 people... how many lbs of potatoes should I use? A: Sam, Quite honestly, I do not know the answer to your question off the top of my head. I did a ... | |
| Appetizers for Catering | 12/7/2010 |
| Q: I have a party for 42 guests and I am purchasing stuffed fresh mozzarella cheese (rolled with ... A: Menu sounds fantastic, by the way. In my opinion, a total of 15 pounds is way too much...especially ... | |
| Olive bar | 12/7/2010 |
| Q: I'm having a graduation party for 50 ppl and two things we'll be serving are ham a fresh ham ( i ... A: Clarence, Sorry that I missed your question and did not answer promptly...my apologies. For a ... | |
| Meal for 80 | 10/15/2010 |
| Q: I am having a luncheon for 80 people (men). I'm serving flank steak, pasta with a marinara sauce, a ... A: You can probably figure how much of the bagged salad to buy from the bag itself - it should tell you ... | |
| Meal for 80 | 10/15/2010 |
| Q: I am having a luncheon for 80 people (men). I'm serving flank steak, pasta with a marinara sauce, a ... A: ..I might consider 8 - 10 instead. Are you purchasing premade salad mix? or preparing salad ... | |
| Late lunch for a wedding | 9/3/2010 |
| Q: My daughter is getting married and she is having a hot sit down supper catered however we are ... A: ..if 250 is the total expected guest list...I would definitely cut down that number for the late ... | |
| Self-Catering Our Wedding | 8/31/2010 |
| Q: My SO and I have just set our wedding date for October of 2011, and we're considering self-catering ... A: I do like the dessert buffet idea...but, am having a problem with it for a 6PM wedding...some things ... | |
| Self-Catering Our Wedding | 8/31/2010 |
| Q: My SO and I have just set our wedding date for October of 2011, and we're considering self-catering ... A: I think the non-traditional sounds smart and fun...I have a couple of questions before I answer your ... | |
| Catering 30 yr high school reunion party for 200 ppl | 7/7/2010 |
| Q: I have just started my own catering & personal chef company and am currently building up the details ... A: ..wrote a really lengthy answer - but, it seems that it did not go thru as just recd word that I had ... | |
| work summer party | 7/6/2010 |
| Q: I am planning an Open House at our work facility for approximate. 144 employees and their families. ... A: First of all, you need to arrive at your estimated number of adults and children to plan for...you ... | |
| Servers Needed | 6/21/2010 |
| Q: I have catered for many years. I am putting together a Holiday Feast dinner for 500 people. I am ... A: Definitely, the servers should be the busers and desert servers...too many people is almost as bad ... | |
| Servers Needed | 6/20/2010 |
| Q: I have catered for many years. I am putting together a Holiday Feast dinner for 500 people. I am ... A: It sounds like you plan for the 24 servers to do their own dish up and then run the food to the ... | |
| catering | 6/10/2010 |
| Q: I will be catering a luncheon buffet for Golf Tournament for approx 90 people. Menu will be ... A: To arrive at a sales price...you need to figure out what your costs will be. Food cost, labor cost, ... | |
| Catering-Grad Party | 5/29/2010 |
| Q: I'm having a Grad Party with approximately 35-40 people. I can't be sure everyone will show up but I ... A: The more variety of items - ie: 4 choices of entree versus 2 - the more you will need, in my opinion ... | |
| Catering | 5/11/2010 |
| Q: We are having our sons graduation party in a week and was wondering how much of the following that ... A: I would suggest doing your calculations on 75 people...excluding the little ones...and, considering ... | |
| Sandwich salad portions | 3/18/2010 |
| Q: We are making food for a baby shower. We plan to have egg, ham, tuna and chicken salad between two ... A: I have to eyeball this sort of thing for finger sandwiches as it can vary on the number of ounces ... | |
| 50th birthday buffet for 80 | 3/6/2010 |
| Q: I am having a 50th birthday for my husband and 2 sisters on March 28th 2010. I expect to have about ... A: Carol, I tried to send a follow up to your note - and think that I just sent some sort of canned ... | |
| 50th birthday buffet for 80 | 3/6/2010 |
| Q: I am having a 50th birthday for my husband and 2 sisters on March 28th 2010. I expect to have about ... A: Good questions....and believe that I can help or at least give you some ideas and suggestions...tell ... | |
| quiche for 50 | 2/27/2010 |
| Q: I am attempting my first catered brunch, quiche for 50 people, should I use 9 in. aluminum pie tins, ... A: Is it a buffet or plated? If plated, the the triangular pie piece shape would look better on the ... | |
| Catering Cost | 2/5/2010 |
| Q: I'm doing to catering jobs and I'm concerned about what I should charge. The first is for 75 people ... A: First of all...get a feel for what others in your area are charging...some of this research can be ... | |
| Catering Cost | 2/4/2010 |
| Q: I'm doing to catering jobs and I'm concerned about what I should charge. The first is for 75 people ... A: Pricing can vary depending on many factors. Are you preparing the food, placing in alum. containers ... | |
| 30th birthday | 1/24/2010 |
| Q: I paid a catering company that coincidentally went out of business 2weeks ago and the owner will not ... A: Good grief! How horrible that someone would do this to you. I hope that you do seek any avenues to ... | |
| Pricing | 1/5/2010 |
| Q: How do I go about pricing for soups? I am also approaching restaurants to sell my desserts. How do ... A: Re licensing - you can check with your locals to find out for sure - I am no expert in that area - ... | |
| Pricing | 1/5/2010 |
| Q: How do I go about pricing for soups? I am also approaching restaurants to sell my desserts. How do ... A: just to sell retail a Qt. of soup - Or, wholesale to restaurants? ~ Regarding selling desserts to ... | |
| Chicken at a wedding reception | 12/21/2009 |
| Q: my fiance and I are getting married. We have decided on a buffet style reception, and going with ... A: Additional note 12-22 - David: It sounds like you have already eliminated the possible problems! ... | |
| gathering | 12/17/2009 |
| Q: I plan on having some people in & out for the holidays. It will amount to about 1 1/2 to 2 hrs. of ... A: ...I am thinking that you may be high on the amount of veggie pieces per person. Do you have some ... | |
| gathering | 12/16/2009 |
| Q: I plan on having some people in & out for the holidays. It will amount to about 1 1/2 to 2 hrs. of ... A: Jeanine, If I were you, I would go with mini dollar type rolls for your little sandwiches - it would ... | |
| Wedding catering | 12/7/2009 |
| Q: and thank you for your time, I am hiring a catering company for my wedding, and our wedding will be ... A: Victoria, you could try asking a caterer...but, remember - quite honestly, they are in business to ... | |
| Wedding catering | 12/7/2009 |
| Q: and thank you for your time, I am hiring a catering company for my wedding, and our wedding will be ... A: Victoria, I doubt that there would be legal issues; however, I do not know your states's health ... | |
| Daughter's Wedding | 12/1/2009 |
| Q: My daughter is having a marquee wedding next June and I am doing the catering for 130 guests. Cold ... A: Dee. First of all, here is a web site that might be interesting reading for you on buffet amounts: ... | |
| Catering Pricing | 11/13/2009 |
| Q: I'm starting a small catering business and I'm trying to figure out how to charge for each item. ... A: A small catering business cannot figure their food cost the same as perhaps a hotel or restaurant ... | |
| Catering Quantities | 10/30/2009 |
| Q: I'm hosting a party and planning on serving chicken salad sandwiches on mini croissants along with ... A: Robin, forgive me - I thought I had answered this question several days ago. Is it a lunch or ... | |
| mac and cheese | 10/27/2009 |
| Q: 3-4 oz servings, probably 2 hrs apart) and would like to serve mac and and cheese- my sauce is roux ... A: This is a good question and I am not sure that I have the answer for you! My only suggestion would ... | |
| Lunch for 15 with no ktichen | 10/26/2009 |
| Q: I am catering a 3 course lunch for 15 people but the building where the lunch is has no kitchen. ... A: I would suggest reheating when you get on-site in a chafing dish that you will be serving ... | |
| serving soup and salad | 10/21/2009 |
| Q: I am having a Scrabble party, and serving soup and salad for a light dinner before the games begin. ... A: Pat, a couple options for you to consider....if the seating card tables are far from the kitchen, ... | |
| Appetizer Buffet for 150 | 10/15/2009 |
| Q: I own a restaurant and have just started getting some requests for catering. I have one for 150 ... A: I think that you will find that catering is profitable and fun. My first question...are you doing ... | |
| Re: Per Person | 10/14/2009 |
| Q: I am having the event at a hotel. I do have weddings and Christmas parties as well as New Years at ... A: I was not a good cook that became a caterer as most folks do...I was a director of catering with a ... | |
| catering quantities | 10/14/2009 |
| Q: I am hosting a hospitality suite for 200 people for three days. How much of what do I need? ... A: Got you! My first bit of advice is to make a good packing list of the stuff that you will need to ... | |
| catering quantities | 10/13/2009 |
| Q: I am hosting a hospitality suite for 200 people for three days. How much of what do I need? A: Jan, be happy to help; however, have some questions for you first! Type of hospitality? IE: ... | |
| Serving per person | 10/13/2009 |
| Q: I am making several appetizers for 50. I have meatballs, pineapple sausages, Prosciutto %26 ... A: I would use same proportion as before...which means bumping the croissants up to 150/175 and then ... | |
| Serving per person | 10/8/2009 |
| Q: I am making several appetizers for 50. I have meatballs, pineapple sausages, Prosciutto %26 ... A: I would think that 100/125 total on the two chicken salads would be fine. A thought/trick: Even ... | |
| Serving per person | 10/7/2009 |
| Q: I am making several appetizers for 50. I have meatballs, pineapple sausages, Prosciutto %26 ... A: 6 to 8 per person is an industry norm..however, you are correct that numbers typically increase when ... | |
| Party for 250-300 Heavy appetizers | 8/28/2009 |
| Q: I am trying to figure out quantities for a fundraiser we are sponsoring for a charities. I am having ... A: I HAVE BROKEN WRIST...FORGIVE DELAYED RESPONSE AND TYPING - 8/10 IS NORM...BUT WILL ONLY WORK WITH ... | |
| wedding reception w/150 + | 8/21/2009 |
| Q: I am cooking for my daughters wedding reception. We are BBQ ribs and chicken tenders. I am planning ... A: Teri - it sounds like you have the service covered and try to do as your buddies say, and let them ... | |
| wedding reception w/150 + | 8/20/2009 |
| Q: I am cooking for my daughters wedding reception. We are BBQ ribs and chicken tenders. I am planning ... A: A couple of questions - Time of Day - sounds like evening during dinner hour? Is the reception at ... | |
| catering party for 100 people | 8/10/2009 |
| Q: im having a hard time figuring out how far in advanced i can cook food and it will still taste fresh ... A: I would not do any farther than the day before - any further out and you would need to freeze/thaw ... | |
| amount of food for kids party | 8/10/2009 |
| Q: We are having a cookout for a party of about 65. How much pasta and potatoe salad and I guess fruit ... A: you mention in subject line..."kids party" - how many are children and how many of the 65 are ... | |
| Portions | 8/7/2009 |
| Q: Please could you advise me on the approx weight an uncooked cocktail meatball should be, as well as ... A: I am afraid I may not be of much help with your questions. The weight of a chicken wing can vary ... | |
| Wedding for 80 people. | 7/14/2009 |
| Q: I went over my budget for my wedding, so, I am trying to cute back with the catering. However, I am ... A: I would be happy to help with your planning. However, I have a few questions to clarify before I can ... | |
| BBQ - Ribs and Chicken | 7/9/2009 |
| Q: I'm having a graduation party for my Daughter from college and my son from HS. I'm expecting about ... A: party sounds great! Here is a web address that I think will be very helpful in your calculations ... | |
| Catering party for 60 | 6/24/2009 |
| Q: Im planning for 2 finger food items, 1 salad, 3 entree items and 1 dessert in a buffet function. How ... A: I need a little more information first: Is this a dinner or luncheon buffet? Are you doing the food ... | |
| need catering numbers | 6/19/2009 |
| Q: I need some catering numbers for the following: 140 employees hamburgers buns can pop bags of ... A: Anne, A couple of extra thoughts on cost savings....instead of the pool...look around your plant, ... | |
| Catering a wedding of around 225 | 6/18/2009 |
| Q: I am caterering my daughters wedding. I am making spagetti w/meatballs, salads, fettucine alfredo ... A: I would plan on 1.5 rolls per person. Typically, the rule of thumb for spaghetti sauce is 1/2 cup ... | |
| Catering for 300 kids/adults | 6/15/2009 |
| Q: I am handling the food for a weekend camp in August. One of the meals is a Chinese dinner. The ... A: ..good options and color contrasts for a buffet...it should make most happy. If it were me, I ... | |
| Food Catering Quantities - BBQ | 6/9/2009 |
| Q: I am having a party and catering a BBQ for about 50 friends and family. It's a Baby ... A: I think your idea of 4 - strips per person sounds fine...not sure how many pounds that would work ... | |
| meat amounts for finger sandwiches | 6/9/2009 |
| Q: I am doing a reception for 150 people. The bride wants small sandwiches on rolls turkey and ham as ... A: I agree that one oz. of meat is fine on mini roll - as long as rolls are small especially if you are ... | |
| Food Catering Quantities - BBQ | 6/8/2009 |
| Q: I am having a party and catering a BBQ for about 50 friends and family. It's a Baby ... A: Congratulations Ayanna on the upcoming arrival! I am not sure a per pound entree calculator would ... | |
| Brunch Fellowship | 5/1/2009 |
| Q: Our Church is having a light brunch fellowship for Mothers' Day. We are planning on 80 in ... A: Laurrie, do not feel "clueless" - this is a tough one and there is not a set formula that I know. I ... | |
| planning the right amount of appetizers for 150 - 200 adults | 4/26/2009 |
| Q: I have been asked to provide soft seasoned goat cheese, hummus, and a black olive pesto with ... A: Elizabeth ~ I agree...this is a tough one. May I assume that you are a caterer and selling the food ... | |
| Appetizer buffet... | 4/21/2009 |
| Q: I am planning an "appetizer" buffet for a post-conference meet-n-mingle event. Attendance will be ... A: The word "light" is good! No one should expect dinner with this invite...sounds great. If you are ... | |
| Appetizer buffet... | 4/21/2009 |
| Q: I am planning an "appetizer" buffet for a post-conference meet-n-mingle event. Attendance will be ... A: ...several factors to consider. Is the meet-n-mingle sponsored by the main conference?...or, is ... | |
| How much to order? | 4/9/2009 |
| Q: I am hosting a surprise birthday party for my wife's 60th birthday. We are having about 60 -70 ... A: Rick, instead of just my two cents...will be giving you a dollar fifty's worth of advise...just ... | |
| How much to order? | 4/8/2009 |
| Q: I am hosting a surprise birthday party for my wife's 60th birthday. We are having about 60 -70 ... A: Believe I can, Rick. A few questions first. Are you having it catered such as a caterer with ... | |
| Party food for an outdoor event | 3/6/2009 |
| Q: I'm planning a birthday party for my kids at the local zoo. I'm having trouble estimating how much ... A: RE: Cupcakes vs. cake - cupcakes would be great...but, check your costs vs. a sheet cake.(Unless you ... | |
| Party food for an outdoor event | 3/4/2009 |
| Q: I'm planning a birthday party for my kids at the local zoo. I'm having trouble estimating how much ... A: My vote is for pizza. I believe it would be easiest on you and certainly appreciated by the kids and ... | |
| quantity of food to purchase | 2/17/2009 |
| Q: Ok, my question I think is 3fold. I am working on an event for 175-200, mixed children and adult ... A: Sounds like a great menu! It sounds like you have a good handle on quantities to serve. Based on my ... | |
| Caviar/Vodka | 2/16/2009 |
| Q: I'm hoping to serve black caviar with vodka at a small intimate gathering. Does this have to be ... A: Jay, traditionally, as you note...caviar is served as an appetizer. However, I am not aware of any ... | |
| Catering for 75 | 2/5/2009 |
| Q: I am catering a party for 60- 75 people. We are having Tri-Tip and chicken breast. How much meat ... A: a good rule to follow with two buffet entrees, both pretty desirable as you have, is to prepare for ... | |
| Catering Party for 50 | 1/27/2009 |
| Q: My neighbor has asked me to cater her husband’s promotion party for 50 people, most of whom are ... A: the menu sounds great..lots of variety. I think that your plan of 6 pieces or 1-1/2 sandwiches per ... | |
| wedding reception | 1/26/2009 |
| Q: A friend of mine thinks she, friends and family can cater her own wedding. I have volunteered to ... A: Jaime, I hope that your friend has considered all that needs to be done in addition to food ... | |
Kay Cole
Top Expert on this page
Expertise
I welcome questions regarding quantity of food and beverages for parties and major events. Also, I enjoy creating theme and scheme ideas for both corporate events, as well as social ~ not only food ideas, but decorations and service suggestions. I do not offer recommendation of caterers, however.
Experience
I have 13 years experience in hotel catering; and, an additional 15 years experience as owner/operator of catering/event design firm. I am currently a meeting planner.
Education/Credentials
All of my training has been "on the job." I have been fortunate to have been trained by the best in the industry.
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