How to choose a grazing caterer in Melbourne
To choose a grazing caterer in Melbourne, ask about notice, what is included, set-up and clean-up, food safety, allergies, delivery, deposits and cancellation, then check reviews and photos of real work and get the quote in writing. This guide lists the questions and shows how Platter and Co answers each.
Use these questions to compare any caterers you are considering. We are one caterer among several, so our answers are short and factual. We are a women-owned business with a kitchen at 238 Flinders Street.
What notice, deposit and cancellation terms should I expect?
Ask how much notice each service needs, what deposit is required, when the balance is due and what happens if plans change. Terms differ between caterers, so get them clear before you book.
- Notice: our grazing boxes need at least 24 hours, and our grazing tables at least 5 days. For anything sooner, call 0481 974 842.
- Deposit: a table needs a 50% non-refundable deposit to confirm the date, and the balance is due 72 hours before the event.
- Cancellation: for a box due Tuesday to Friday we ask for 24 hours' notice, and for a Saturday, Sunday or Monday order, cancellation is by 2pm on the Friday before. Orders are non-refundable, though we are happy to issue a credit for another time. Our refund and cancellation policy has the detail.
What is included, and who sets up and cleans up?
Ask what the quote covers: the food, the serving boards or dishes, set-up, clean-up and any hire items. A table set up for you is a different job from a box left at the door.
- Tables: our team arrives up to 2 hours before the event, sets up at your venue and supplies what you need for the day.
- Clean-up: the set-up is disposable or recyclable, so clean-up is easy and nothing needs to come back to us unless you hire stone, dishes or silverware.
- Hot food: if you ask for it, the venue needs a fully functioning kitchen.
- Boxes: made fresh to order in our Melbourne CBD kitchen, then delivered or picked up for free.
How does the caterer handle food safety?
Soft cheeses, cold meats, dips and cut fruit need care once they are out. Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) advises that perishable food should be eaten or put back in the fridge within 2 hours, and thrown out if it has been out for more than 4. Ask how long the food will be out at your event and how the caterer plans around it. Our guide on how long a grazing platter can sit out explains the 2-hour/4-hour rule.
- Boxes: keep the box in the fridge until you're ready to serve, and enjoy it on the day.
- Tables: tell us the start and finish times when you enquire, and we'll help you plan.
How does the caterer handle dietary needs and allergies?
Ask which needs they can cater for, and what they cannot promise. A clear, honest answer helps you decide.
- We can cater for gluten free, dairy free, nut free, vegan and vegetarian needs on request, for both boxes and tables.
- Tell us when you order or enquire, and tell us about any allergies so we can advise.
- Our kitchen handles a range of foods, so we do not make allergen-free guarantees. See gluten free and vegan grazing for how to ask.
Where does the caterer deliver, and in what time slots?
Ask about the delivery area, the time window and whether someone needs to be there to receive the food. For a table, ask about venue access and arrival time too.
- Boxes: we deliver across Melbourne, quoted with your order depending on the drop-off suburb, in one-hour slots between 9am and 3pm. Pick-up from 238 Flinders Street is free. See our delivery areas.
- Tables: set up at your venue, with our team arriving up to 2 hours before the start time.
How do I check reviews, real photos and the quote?
Look for reviews on an independent site such as Google, and ask for photos of real work, not only stock images. Then ask for the quote in writing, with the date, guest numbers, what is included and what costs extra.
- Reviews: we are rated 4.6 stars from 22 Google reviews.
- Photos: our gallery shows tables, boxes and canapés we have made in Melbourne, and you can find us on Instagram at @platterandco.melbourne.
- Quotes: every order is quoted individually. Table quotes follow your guest numbers, menu and venue, and we usually reply within 24 hours. For a table, we send an invoice once we have confirmed your date is free.
Questions people ask
How early should I contact a grazing caterer?
As early as you can once you have a date. At Platter and Co, boxes need at least 24 hours' notice and tables at least 5 days, and popular dates can fill up.
Should I ask how long the food will sit out?
Yes. Food Standards Australia New Zealand says perishable food should be eaten or refrigerated within 2 hours and thrown out after 4, so ask how the caterer plans around that.
Do you guarantee allergen-free food?
No. We can cater for gluten free, dairy free, nut free, vegan and vegetarian needs on request, but our kitchen handles a range of foods, so we do not make allergen-free guarantees.
How do I get a quote from Platter and Co?
For a box, use the request a quote form and we reply with a price, usually within 24 hours. For a table, send the enquiry form with your date, guest numbers and dietary needs, and we reply within 24 hours.
Do you deliver across Melbourne?
Yes, for boxes. Delivery is quoted with your order depending on the drop-off suburb, and pick-up is free. Tables are set up at your venue.
When you are ready, see our grazing boxes and grazing tables and send the enquiry form below with your date, guest numbers and dietary needs.
What our customers say
4.6 ★ from 22 Google reviews · Read them all on Google
★★★★★
I had a last minute order for a cheese platter box, and received excellent customer service. Great communication and updates through the day. Really happy with the final product! We will be return customers!
Kim V. · Google review
★★★★★
It fed 70 guests with ease and left everyone raving — not just about how stunning it looked, but how delicious everything was.
Sarah M., first birthday party · Google review
★★★★★
Jess did our grazing table for our wedding and she was nothing short of spectacular from the get go! She was so helpful and lovely catering to everything we asked for and the food was so fresh and such a big hit.
Rebecca R. · Google review