Event Planning Tips: Have to-go containers ready for your guests (and maybe vendors too)
I can’t tell you how many events I’ve worked or hosted where we over ordered on food. I was raised by parents who hated to waste food and so food waste at events really bothers me. One easy way to combat this is to just have to go containers available for your guests to pick up and take extra food with them.
You can certainly plan with your caterer to provide to-go containers or you can purchase them yourself. Amazon offers biodegradable food containers like this 50 pack (affiliate link). Having a smaller gathering, check your local Dollar Tree store of what they have. Having a bigger gathering, there are any number of shops online that can help you get affordable food containers for your guests.
Another alternative to buying single use items would be to connect with a local food pantry or other human services group to see if they would be willing to pick up and use any extra food you might have to support their constituents.