Catering an event off-site requires organization, teamwork, and planning. Accounting for catering equipment and other supplies before your staff jumps onto the delivery truck will ensure that each item is included. Luckily for you, we’ve created a catering checklist to help you get prepared for your next event and set up your employees for all the success in the world. If you’re just now getting involved in catering, this is a helpful introduction to all the supplies and items needed for an off-site, full-on catering event. Read on to learn more!

All the Right Table Settings

The type of event will always dictate the types of table-setting items and supplies you will need. Upscale weddings and other high-class events require more items for completing table settings, and these include cloth napkins, charger plates, and stemware. A picnic or barbecue may only require a few dinner plates, glasses for drinks, and flatware. A list of other essential table settings you need while catering include:

• Tablecloths
• Napkins
• Dinnerware
• Glassware
• Charger plates
• Salt and pepper shakers
• Water pitchers

Displays and Other Décor

By providing some simple décor rental items for all of your clients, you can increase the total balance of event invoices, too. Many customers would rather pay a catering company to rent easy items like vases and table numbers than look around for a separate rental company. Don’t forget to display risers or display stands that let you highlight dishes and take advantage of vertical space on all of your tables. Items to consider including are:

–       Cake stands

–       Risers

–       Candles or candleholders

–       Cupcake towers

–       Table number holders

–       Centerpiece decorations

–       Vases

–       Signs

–       Chalkboards

Supplies for Transportation

You will need catering transport supplies to transport your prepared meals off-site without losing their temperature. This is why insulated food pan carriers are a food company’s best friend. You can load them up with different food pans of various sizes and use them to keep food either hot or cold. Consider using outdoor coolers to help transport ice and drinks. For dry ingredients, use food storage tote bags and boxes.

Over 5,000 Products For Your Home or Business

At H.C. Walterhoefer, we have over 5,000 products ranging from paper goods to cleaning supplies to meet your personal or business needs. If you want something that we do not offer in our store, just ask us for it, and we will do our best to get it for you. Our store has everything you need! Stop by today to get supplies for your next event, all your restaurant needs, and the best cleaning products at the best prices. We even deliver! So call us today at 410-368-5070. We are located at 2331 Washington Blvd., Baltimore, MD 21230, and we are open from Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Google+ to stay up to date with everything H.C. Walterhoefer.