What works in a garden
Garden party food needs to be easy to eat standing or sitting on a lawn, cope with the weather, and suit a mix of ages and diets. Hot street food cooked to order is a good fit: it doesn’t sit out on a table for hours, and guests can come back when they’re ready. Cold dishes and dips work too, as long as they’re kept cool and in the shade.
Food ideas
- Tacos from a food truck or trailer. Hot, quick and easy to hold, with fillings such as slow-cooked pork carnitas, chicken tinga, beef birria or a vegan option like spiced mushrooms or black beans.
- A build-your-own taco bar. Guests build their own plates. See our taco bar guide.
- Loaded nachos. Good for sharing and grazing through the afternoon.
- Quesadillas. Popular with children and easy to cut into wedges.
- Burrito bowls. A filling option for guests who prefer to sit down with a fork.
- Chips, salsa and guacamole. Set out early so guests have something while they arrive.
Space in the garden
A food truck or trailer needs level, firm ground and access wide and high enough to drive in. In many gardens, the best spot is on the drive or at the edge of the lawn, rather than on the grass itself. Measure the gate, check for low branches, and send your caterer photos. Our space and power checklist covers access, power, water and protecting the lawn.
Shade, rain and wind
Plan for both sun and rain. A gazebo or marquee gives shade on hot days and cover if it rains. Put dips, salads and desserts in the shade. Have a plan for where guests go if it pours: a covered patio, a garage or the house. Weight gazebos properly, as wind can be a bigger problem than rain. Our wet-weather plan has more ideas.
Seating and comfort
Not everyone needs a seat, but older guests and families will want one. Mix a few tables and chairs with picnic blankets and poseur tables. Put bins for rubbish and recycling near the eating area, and have plenty of napkins: tacos are best eaten with your hands.
Timing
For an afternoon party, food often works best an hour or so after most guests arrive, once people have settled in. Tell your caterer what time you’d like to eat, and they’ll plan their arrival and set-up around it. If there’s a cake or a speech, agree when it fits.
Keeping food safe in the heat
Hot sun is hard on food. Keep cold dishes such as guacamole, salsas, salads and desserts in the shade, covered and topped up in small amounts rather than set out all at once. Hot food served straight from the truck is at its best and safest when eaten soon after serving. Put out plenty of water for guests, and keep drinks cool in a shaded spot.
A simple running order
- Before guests arrive: the caterer sets up; you set out chairs, shade and bins.
- Arrivals: drinks, chips and dips.
- Food: the hatch opens or the taco bar is ready, and guests eat at their own pace.
- Later: cake, more drinks, and seconds for anyone still hungry.
Neighbours
A friendly note to neighbours goes a long way, especially if there’s music, a vehicle parked on the road, or a generator running. Let them know the date and rough timings.
Getting a quote
Tell us your date, address, numbers and any diets, plus a photo of the garden and the route in. Our menus include vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free options, with allergen information for every dish. Contact us for a quote through our quote form.
Planning an event? Tell us about it and we’ll suggest a menu and send a quote for your event.