Short answer
What catering disposables do I need for an event or office lunch?
For most events and office lunches you need food containers or bowls for each dish, cups with lids, cutlery, napkins, serving trays, bags or boxes for transport, and kitchen essentials such as gloves and foil. Work out quantities per guest, add a 10–15% buffer, and order everything from one supplier so it arrives together.
The core checklist
Use this list before every booking so nothing is forgotten.
- Mains and salads: kraft bowls, kraft containers or bagasse boxes.
- Soups and hot sides: paper soup containers with lids.
- Drinks: hot and cold cups with lids.
- Cutlery and napkins: one set per guest plus spares.
- Platters and bulk dishes: foil containers or larger takeaway boxes.
- Transport: carrier bags and boxes that stack safely.
- Kitchen: gloves, cling film and cleaning essentials.
How to calculate quantities
Multiply guest numbers by items per person (for example one main container, one cup, one cutlery set and two napkins) and add a 10–15% buffer for spills, second helpings and late additions.
Regular caterers save money by keeping a standing stock of their most-used items rather than buying per event.
Planning for the Christmas party season
November and December are the busiest months for office and private catering. Order core stock in October, then top up with next-day delivery as bookings come in.
Order before 12pm for next-working-day delivery across London on our dedicated fleet, with free delivery on orders over £59.
Get a catering supplies quote
Send us your typical event size and menu and we will put together a complete catering disposables quote.
Key takeaways
- Cover containers, cups, cutlery, napkins, platters, transport and kitchen items.
- Calculate per guest and add a 10–15% buffer.
- Stock up in October ahead of the Christmas party season.
- One supplier, one delivery — next day across London.
Author
Lan Olitoquit
Creative and Marketing Professional
Lan is a creative and marketing professional with over seven years of experience. He transforms brand messaging into compelling digital experiences, using data to craft high-converting campaigns. He is currently pursuing an MBA at San Beda College Alabang, bridging what business knows with what business does.
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