Fantastic food ideas for any hen party
Whether you’re having a themed party or fancy putting on an impressive spread, our fun and filling food ideas will have you covered!
Tits and tacos
Not only is this a great name and theme idea (think Day of the Dead flower crowns or sombreros and ponchos), Mexican food is hard to fault. We suggest serving the food family style: baskets of soft and hard tacos, bowls of bean mixture (a great vegetarian option), your choice of meat cooked in Mexican-style spices, guacamole, salsa, sour cream, cheese and any other toppings of your choice. We love to add charred corn, jalapeños and hot sauce. In addition to the tacos, place a few bowls of corn chips, guacamole and salsa around for snacking. And don’t forget to make a few jugs of margarita, of course.
Don’t want to cook? Mexicali Fresh and Zambrero offer catering packages.
Pizza party
Pizza and wine is a match made in heaven. Provide pre-made bases, all the toppings and a few different types of vino. Prosecco to start, followed by red, white and rosé. Cater for one pizza per person, plus a few extras just in case.
Don’t want to cook? Sal’s Pizza, Toto Pizza (Auckland), Hell Pizza, Proper Pizza (Auckland) and local pizzerias are all great options.
Platter party
Here, at The Bride Tribe Collective, we love a platter party. Think a selection of your favourite cheeses, dips, breads, crackers, crudités, cured meats, smoked salmon, olives, pickled onions, mini gherkins, fruit, patês, nuts and much, much more. You name it, it probably goes on a platter. If you have vegans or vegetarians attending, ensure you separate the meat and fish from the vegetarian/vegan products. Check to see what cheeses the vegetarians eat – flexi-veges will eat any, but strict vegos won’t touch those made with rennet.
Don’t want to cook? A quick Google and you’re bound to find various companies that offer pre-made platters or grazing tables.
Barbecue and babes
Pick up a selection of meat, seafood and vegetarian options. Sausages and skewers are failsafe options. For vegetarians, make skewers with halloumi and vegetables. For vegans, omit the cheese. Serve with nice breads, rolls, salads and grilled corn on the cob. For drinks, we’d recommend jugs of easy cocktails, wines, ciders and beers.
Don’t want to cook? Unfortunately there’s no catering option for this one. We recommend either roping in your dad/a family member or ordering your Butler in the Buff to cook.
Boozy brunch
If there’s a lot of you, you’ll need easy, feeds-a-crowd meals. A brunch frittata, corn fritters (keep them warm in the oven), smashed avo and feta on toast, filled croissants and bagels are easy options. If it’s a smaller party then perhaps whip up the bride-to-be’s favourite dish. For drinks, think mimosas, bloody Mary, bubbles and coffee!
Don’t want to cook? Search for a café that does boozy brunch in your area.
Sushi and sake
This one is pretty self-explanatory. Either pre-make a selection of different maki rolls or set up a DIY station. Not a fan of sake on its own? Incorporate it in a cocktail.
Don’t want to cook? St Pierre’s Sushi delivers nationwide and offers catering options
Pot luck
If you’re doing pot luck AKA ‘everyone brings a plate’, we’d suggest delegating certain types of dishes e.g salads, sandwiches, cheeses, baked goods – that way you won’t end up with seven cakes and nothing savoury. Ensure that everyone knows about any dietary requirements or allergies in the group. You could also get everyone to bring a bottle of wine or spirits for making cocktails.
Don’t want to cook? Sorry, cooking is the point of this one!
The ultimate party food for your inner child
Yes, think 10-year old’s birthday party. We’re talking chicken nuggets, sausage rolls, mini cakes, lolly jars, mini pizzas, mini sandwiches, fries and anything else your inner child is craving. Drinks should be bright, fun and probably have umbrellas and a dash of food colouring.
Don’t want to cook? Happy Meals from McDonald’s are a great option.
Afternoon tea
Scones, cakes, club sandwiches, quiches, biscuits and anything you’d find at a British high tea. Drinks should either be cocktails served in teapots or bubbles.
Don’t want to cook? Search for a place that does high tea in your area.
Sticks and skewers
Everything is to be served on sticks or skewers. Fruit kebabs, cake pops, canapés, meat skewers and we’ll even let you get away with fondue. We don’t recommend serving drinks on skewers, but pretty much any beverage will go with this.
Don’t want to cook? Have all the elements pre-prepared and ready on plates/platters.
Wellness bowls
If you’re opting for smoothie bowls, fill a few jugs with different flavoured smoothies. Provide bowls of fruit and assorted toppings. Ensure there’s a dairy-free option if required. For buddha bowls, set the table with rice, salads, toppings, proteins and dressings.
Don’t want to cook? Ha! Poke (Auckland) deliver poke bowls and others can be found on Uber Eats. Tank also offers catering options.
Tapas and sangria
Look up recipes for traditional tapas – patatas bravas, fried chorizo, squid rings, croquettes. Stick to things that can be made ahead or partially made ahead. Serve with jugs of white and red sangria.
Don’t want to cook? Stick to olives, cheeses, cured meats and other cold tapas ingredients.
Americana (hot dogs, fried chicken, beers etc)
Hot dogs, fried chicken, loaded fries, fried pickles, New York-style pizza, sliders, burgers and anything else that hails from the U S of A. Drinks? Be like the Sex in the City girls and opt for Cosmos or go a little more dangerous with a pickle-back shot.
Don’t want to cook? Hit up Uber Eats for an array of deep-fried goodness.