Drop-off catering

Ready-to-serve trays delivered by a restaurant or caterer, with no staff staying.

Typical Houston price
$12 to $25 per guest
Book ahead
2 to 7 days
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We'll find Houston vendors and get you quotes.

What to expect

How it works
Food arrives in disposable pans with sternos or on platters; you set out and serve. Needs a table and a few outlets or sternos.
How much to plan
Order about 1 lb of entrée-plus-sides per adult; half for kids.
  • Dropped off, no one stays

Styles to choose from

  • Restaurant trays

    Tex-Mex, BBQ, pasta, Asian.

  • Boxed meals

    Individual meals.

  • Hot buffet in pans

    Wire racks and sternos included.

How to book it

Book ahead2 to 7 days2 weeks in December.

What we'll ask you

Your request asks a few quick things, so vendors can price it right:

  1. Which drop-off catering styles interest you?Restaurant trays, Boxed meals, Hot buffet in pans
  2. How many guests will this serve?
  3. Any dietary needs?None, Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-free, Nut allergy, Halal, Kosher, Dairy-free
  4. What time should they start?

Houston notes

  • In summer keep hot food above 140°F and cold food on ice; Houston heat makes outdoor drop-off food risky after 2 hours.

Doing it yourself? Cook a big batch (rice, beans, guisado) and borrow chafing dishes.

Great for

Pairs well with

Hosts often book these alongside it.

Chafing dishes and catering equipment$10 to $40 per chafer or dispenserParty supplies$0.50 to $1.50 per guestCustom cake$3 to $8 per slice

Cheaper alternatives

Close to the same idea, for less.

Full-service caterer$20 to $125 per guestTaquero (taco catering)$10 to $35 per guestTamales$11 to $45 per dozen
Drop-off catering

Want this at your party?

Add it to your free planner. We'll ask Houston vendors to quote, and you compare them side by side.

Add it to my party

We'll find Houston vendors and get you quotes.

$12 to $25per guest
Add it to my party