Our Guide to Party Catering: By the Numbers
When it comes to hosting an event, food should be at the top of your list. If you’re planning an intimate dinner party, a large birthday celebration, or something in between, organising the right amount of food (and the right type of catering) can make all the difference.
At DiVino at Home, we provide authentic Italian catering for all kinds of events in Melbourne. We’ve put together this guide to party catering by the numbers, so you can feel confident about choosing the right catering service, and providing the right amount of food for your guests.
How to plan catering for a certain number of guests
Planning your party catering isn’t only about quantity. You’ll also need to think about variety, timing, and style. Italian catering is always a wonderful choice… wink wink. Start by thinking about the type of event you’re hosting (i.e. a cocktail party will require light bites), the mix of guests and their requirements, and the duration of your event. Once you’ve factored in these details, you can estimate how much food and drink you’ll need.
Breaking down catering options by the numbers
Here, we’ve put together sections based on the approximate number of guests that will be at your event, and tips on how to best cater for them.
Catering for 20 people
A guest list of around 20 is perfect for more personal celebrations such as birthdays, family events, or small parties at home. With a smaller group, you have more flexibility to serve high-quality dishes and customised menus, or a highly-curated sit-down dinner with three courses.
For example:
A grazing table or antipasto spread works beautifully for a relaxed vibe.
Consider a mix of finger foods, such as arancini, bruschetta, or sliders, balanced with a couple of hot dishes.
Desserts can be plated individually or shared in the centre of the table.
Consider gourmet catering for those extra special occasions.
At this size, catering for 20 people is all about attention to detail, ensuring everyone feels looked after.
Catering for 50 people
Once you reach 50 guests, structure becomes more important. Catering for 50 people works best when you balance efficiency with variety. Some options include:
Buffet-style catering with several mains, sides, and salads to keep things moving smoothly.
Canapés and finger foods for cocktail-style events.
Drinks service that’s well coordinated, so guests aren’t waiting too long.
This group size is ideal for weddings, milestone birthdays, and corporate functions. Professional planning ensures your event runs seamlessly.
Catering for 100 people
Large-scale events require careful organisation. Catering for 100 people means consistency is key and every dish needs to be fresh, plentiful, and delivered on time.
Popular approaches include:
A formal sit-down meal with set courses.
A buffet with multiple stations to avoid long queues.
Cocktail-style catering with roaming platters and canapés.
For events of this scale, coordination between catering staff and event organisers is essential to keep service smooth and enjoyable for all.
Catering for more than 100 people
When guest numbers climb beyond 100, catering logistics become even more important. Whether you’re planning catering for 80 people at a corporate event or scaling up to several hundred at a wedding, the right plan makes all the difference.
For larger groups, consider:
A combination of buffet stations and roaming staff for efficiency.
Large-format dishes (like whole roasts or pasta stations) that can serve many guests quickly.
Clear scheduling to ensure food comes out at the right pace.
At this level, professional party catering is vital and you’ll want a trusted team that can handle both the food and the flow of service.
Let’s chat about your next event
No matter the size of your guest list, DiVino at Home can provide tailored party catering to suit your needs. From catering for 30 people at a family gathering to a large corporate function with hundreds of attendees, our team is here to ensure your event is memorable for all the right reasons.