Ready > Set > Plan
Planning food for a crowd is your first step to success. Cooking for a large crowd starts with a plan. The plan for success begins with organization, to-do lists, schedules and deadlines. Organization can make preparing large quantities of food that much easier and help everyone maintain some degree of sanity.
Planning is the number one factor that will make the difference between a so-so, problem plagued event and a well-organized, smooth flowing success. Well, maybe not that dramatic, but you get the idea!
What's The Purpose?
The purpose of the event is usually what initiates your involvement and may or may not be your idea. The purpose will dictate the make-up of the attendees and will shape your expectations. It will determine how you want everything to look and feel and the kind of experience you want your guests to enjoy.
For example, a fun and simple menu is best for a kid’s soccer league celebration. For a couple’s dinner dance, a sophisticated gourmet feast may be in order, all within budget of course.
The purpose of the event will shape the list of people or groups that “belong” at the party and the number of guests will be shaped by the budget. It is crucial to have a very close head count of the number of attendees before you confirm the event space, the menu and the food quantities.
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To-Do Lists
I am a total list-making kinda gal. Perhaps it comes from the frustrating experience of forgetting to marinate the chicken for the Chicken Adobo. The chicken was less deeply flavored but thankfully only I seemed to notice! No matter, MAKE TO-DO LISTS! You can never be too prepared.
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Making lists is mostly about breaking down each major task into smaller tasks or goals. These small tasks must be completed before moving on to the next larger or overall goal.
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These tasks and goals may span over many days or weeks and should be written down as a calendar or spreadsheet. Once smaller tasks are defined you will be amazed how much can be done in advance.
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As in life, if you take it one step at a time the final goal will become that much less daunting. I promise.
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Check out these iOS and Android apps for organization and list making. Useful for planning food for your large crowd event.
Delegate, Delegate, Delegate!
A strong plan for crowd cooking starts with your first key to success....a fleet of willing, able and cooperative volunteers. You're gonna need help!! Maybe the first thing on your to-do list.
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Do not be afraid to prepare work schedules and hand out assignments. Divide your helpers or volunteers into groups for detailed tasks such as shopping, food prep, transporting food, cleaning, wait service, etc.
If yours is a mega-event, consider drafting a “second in command” to lighten your load or take over in case of an emergency. If possible, everyone should have sufficient cooking abilities and/or food knowledge.
It is very important to devise a menu that you and your production staff have the confidence to handle. Above all else, helpers should have a passion or readiness to take on the challenge of cooking for a large group of people.
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Remember, the kitchen will be full of hot pots, sharp knives, heavy pans and lots of action. When you are in the thick of executing the event there is nothing more hazardous than timid or disinterested individuals.