During the event

🧠 Plan ahead

Make a list of the items you need and estimate the amount of food you will need based on the number of guests. This will help you avoid overbuying and wasting food. Have a look at our 'Before the event' section for more ideas on this.

✍ Label your dishes

Guests will know what it is in each dish - this can help those with allergies but will also reduce food waste from people taking items they may not like.

📍 Choose location wisely

Think about the best location for your food table. Try and keep it out of the sun (or maybe rain!) to make the food last longer, especially items that should be refrigerated. Having a gazebo or shelter just in case the weather changes is a great way to plan for the sun or the rain and keep the party going whatever the weather.

🧊Try to keep food cold

Keeping your food cool for as long as possible will prevent your food from spoiling. Why not try this hack (but using reusable containers) to keep things fresh or have items in the fridge ready to go.

🤔 Serve buffet-style

A buffet-style meal allows guests to serve themselves and choose the amount of food they want to eat, which can reduce the amount of leftover food.

🤏 Serve smaller portions

If you can't do buffet style, consider serving smaller portions to your guests to reduce food waste. You can always offer seconds if anyone wants more!

🥛 Use reusable tableware

Instead of using disposable plates, cups, and utensils, use reusable tableware to reduce waste.

📦 Encourage guests to take leftovers home

Provide containers for guests to take any leftovers home or tell guests they can use their own. This will reduce the amount of food waste and allow guests to enjoy the food later.

🐌 Compost your uncooked food scraps

If you have a compost bin, make sure to compost any uncooked food scraps like fruit cores, veg peelings and salads! This will help reduce waste and provide nutrients for your garden.

♻️ Set up a food waste recycling station

Have a food waste caddy ready for plate scrapings/ dropped food etc. Make sure this is clearly labelled using our waste labels here. Don't forget you can line your food waste caddy with anything from a plastic bag to newspaper. Find out more about food waste recycling in Gloucestershire.