Quick answer

For private party catering in London, the easiest option is usually a relaxed sharing menu that works for standing guests, mixed dietary needs and flexible group sizes. Choose a caterer that can advise on portions, delivery or staffed service, setup timing and menu balance, so the party feels generous and easy rather than like a formal seated dinner.

Not every private party needs a sit-down meal. Birthdays, team socials, family get-togethers and flat-warmings all work well with food that guests can graze on while standing, moving between rooms or spilling out into a garden. The challenge is making that kind of catering feel considered rather than an afterthought – enough food, the right mix of dishes, and a format that suits the space you actually have.

What is private party catering, and when do you need it?

Private party catering covers any event where food is provided for a group outside a restaurant setting – at home, in a rented space, or in a garden or outdoor area. It sits between a full sit-down dinner and a basic finger-food spread. Common occasions include birthdays, engagement parties, christenings, team socials, leaving dos and casual family reunions.

The right approach depends on three things: how many guests you're feeding, whether people will be seated or moving around, and how much time you have to prepare or manage food on the day.

How much food should you order for a private party?

As a rough guide, plan for 6–8 shared pieces per person across mains, sides and sharing plates if food is the main focus of the party, and slightly less if it's a shorter event with a bar or drinks-led format. Mixed sharing plates tend to go further than individual portions because guests naturally take smaller amounts of several dishes rather than one large plate.

Delivery or staffed catering: which is right for your party?

Delivery works well for smaller, informal gatherings where guests can help themselves and there's someone available to set food out and refresh platters. Staffed catering suits larger parties, events where the host wants to be a guest rather than running the kitchen, or occasions where hot food needs to be timed and served properly.

How do you plan for dietary needs at a private party?

Ask guests for dietary requirements when you send invitations, then build the menu around a base of naturally shareable dishes – vegetables, dips, breads and salads – that most dietary needs can fit around. Clearly labelling dishes for guests, rather than relying on the host to remember who eats what, keeps service simple and avoids awkward questions on the day.

How do you keep a private party catering menu feeling generous, not formal?

Generous doesn't mean elaborate. A relaxed sharing menu built around a few strong centrepieces – grilled meats, warm flatbreads, mezze-style sides – reads as thoughtful and abundant without needing table service or a multi-course structure. Keeping the format standing-friendly, with food that's easy to eat one-handed, matches the tone of most private parties better than a formal plated meal.

Before you enquire, confirm:

•        guest count

•        date and timing

•        delivery or staffed service

•        dietary requirements

•        preferred menu style

•        indoor or outdoor setup

•        budget range

FAQs

How far in advance should I book catering for a private party?

Most caterers recommend booking at least two to three weeks ahead, and earlier for larger events or peak periods like December.

Can you cater for vegetarian or gluten-free guests?

Yes, a sharing menu built around vegetables, dips and grilled proteins can usually flex around most common dietary needs with advance notice.

Is delivery or staffed catering cheaper?

Delivery is typically more cost-effective for smaller, informal gatherings, while staffed catering costs more but removes setup and serving from the host.

How much should I budget per guest?

This varies by menu style and format, but sharing menus generally offer better value per head than individually plated courses.

Do I need a formal seating plan for private party catering?

No,  most private party catering is designed around standing or informal seating, which is part of what keeps it relaxed.

Plan your next private party with Le Bab

Le Bab's catering menu is built around sharing dishes – free-range grilled meats, warm flatbreads, mezze and sides – designed for relaxed group settings rather than formal dining. Whether you're planning a birthday, a team social or a family get-together, Le Bab's catering team can advise on portions, delivery or staffed service, and menu balance for your event.

Get in touch through the private event enquiry form to discuss your party, or browse the full menu and Le Bab's London locations for inspiration.

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