Planning catering for 12 people may seem simple compared to large-scale events, but it still requires careful thought and coordination to make everything run smoothly. Whether it’s a cozy family gathering, an intimate birthday dinner, or a small corporate meeting, serving the right amount of delicious food and drinks can make all the difference. With the right planning—covering portions, menu selection, and presentation—you can create a memorable dining experience that feels both effortless and well-prepared.

Catering Party Cost

When organizing a catered event, costs can vary dramatically depending on the level of service, menu complexity, and location. At the low end, catering might cost around $10 per person, while upscale affairs can reach $180 or more per person. To estimate your budget, consider which style of catering suits your event best—whether you want a simple drop-off delivery or a fully staffed and plated dining experience.
Many of the cost factors—like staffing, setup, and travel—depend on the service type you choose. Below, you’ll find a breakdown of common catering options and their average per-person prices.

Different Types of Caterers (With Average Pricing)

Here’s an overview of the most popular catering styles and what you can typically expect to pay per guest:

Drop Off Catering – $12–$20 per person

Drop-off catering is the most straightforward option. The caterer delivers the food to your venue, sets it up, and leaves you to handle serving and cleanup. It’s perfect for small gatherings (10–40 people) or casual meals such as boxed lunches or buffet trays. Because there’s minimal staff involvement, the cost stays low, but you’ll need to manage food temperature and presentation yourself.

Buffet Style Catering – $25–$50 per person

Buffet-style service strikes a nice balance between convenience and presentation. Caterers bring food in chafing dishes or warming trays, and guests serve themselves. Some staff may assist with refills and keeping the area tidy. Buffets are ideal for mid-sized events, offering flexibility, variety, and a moderate price point that still feels festive.

Traditional Catering – $50–$120 per person

Traditional or full-service catering delivers a more elevated experience. This option usually includes waitstaff, plated meals, setup and cleanup, and sometimes on-site cooking or final preparation. With multiple courses, personalized plating, and attention to detail, this style suits formal events and weddings—providing a polished dining experience at a higher but worthwhile cost.

Why Small-Group Catering Matters

Catering for a small group, such as 12 people, may seem easy at first glance, but it requires just as much care and planning as a large event. Smaller gatherings offer the unique advantage of intimacy—allowing you to focus on quality, personalization, and presentation. Every dish can be tailored to suit your guests’ preferences, from dietary needs to favorite flavors, creating an experience that feels thoughtful and curated. This level of detail helps elevate an ordinary meal into something memorable, where every guest feels seen and appreciated.

Beyond the food itself, small-group catering enhances the overall atmosphere. Because you’re serving fewer people, you have more flexibility with menu creativity, plating styles, and timing. Whether it’s a private dinner party, a small wedding, or a team lunch, well-executed catering ensures everything runs smoothly so the host can relax and enjoy the moment. It’s not just about feeding guests—it’s about creating connection, comfort, and an experience that feels effortless yet elegant.

How to Plan Catering for 12 People

Planning catering for 12 people might sound simple, but a well-thought-out plan can make the difference between a stressful experience and a seamless celebration. With a small group, every detail—from the menu to the table setup—has a greater impact. By focusing on organization, portion control, and ambiance, you can create an event that feels intimate, effortless, and perfectly balanced. Here’s how to make it happen.

Step-by-step guide: from guest list to menu selection

Start by confirming your guest list to understand preferences, dietary restrictions, and portion needs. Once you know who’s coming, decide on the event style—casual lunch, formal dinner, or themed gathering—and choose dishes that fit both the occasion and your catering budget. Mix a variety of proteins, sides, and desserts to keep the menu interesting while ensuring that everyone has something they enjoy. If you’re hiring a caterer, share these details early so they can craft a menu that aligns with your vision.

Estimating food portions and drink quantities

For a group of 12, accuracy in portioning is key to avoiding both waste and shortages. As a general rule, plan for about one pound of food per person for a full meal, including mains and sides. Offer a mix of beverages—around two to three drinks per person for a two-hour event—and include both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. It’s also smart to prepare a little extra for unexpected appetite variations, especially for crowd-pleasing dishes or signature cocktails that guests might want seconds of.

Setting the right atmosphere for small events

A small gathering offers the perfect opportunity to create a cozy and personal setting. Choose a theme or color palette that complements your menu and venue, and pay attention to details like table arrangements, lighting, and music. Even simple touches—fresh flowers, candles, or coordinated tableware—can elevate the dining experience. The goal is to make guests feel comfortable and special, with an atmosphere that encourages connection and conversation.

Use Service of Saiga Catering

Choosing Saiga Catering for your event means enjoying a seamless, stress-free experience from start to finish. Specializing in intimate gatherings and small-group events, Saiga Catering takes care of every detail—menu design, preparation, delivery, and presentation—so you can focus on your guests. Their chefs craft flavorful, well-balanced dishes that showcase fresh ingredients and authentic taste, ensuring every plate leaves a lasting impression. Whether you’re hosting a private dinner, a corporate meeting, or a family celebration, their team delivers food that feels both comforting and refined.

Beyond delicious meals, Saiga Catering offers flexibility and customization to fit your needs. From personalized menu options to creative setup ideas, they tailor their service to match your theme, budget, and preferences. The professional staff ensures everything runs smoothly on-site, maintaining the perfect temperature, timing, and presentation. With Saiga Catering, you don’t just get great food—you get a complete dining experience that elevates your event and leaves your guests delighted.

5 Recommended Saiga Catering for 12 people

For a group of 12, this curated menu from Saiga Catering offers a perfect mix of flavors, textures, and presentation. Designed for easy sharing and smooth service, it combines Saiga’s signature Vietnamese-inspired dishes with modern comfort food appeal. Here’s how you can arrange your catering spread for a balanced, crowd-pleasing experience.

1. Large Banh Mi Platter

Start with a centerpiece that everyone loves — the Large Banh Mi Platter. Each sandwich is crafted with freshly baked baguettes filled with flavorful proteins like grilled pork, chicken, or tofu, plus pickled carrots, daikon, cucumber, jalapeños, and cilantro. It’s perfect for a handheld option that’s both filling and convenient, making it a versatile main course for any small gathering.

2. Garlic Noodles Tray

As a delicious carb base, the Garlic Noodles Tray delivers buttery, garlicky goodness with a subtle umami kick. The noodles are lightly coated in a rich sauce that pairs perfectly with proteins like BBQ chicken or crispy pork belly. It’s the kind of comfort dish that guests always go back for seconds of.

3. Crispy Pork Belly Tray

The Crispy Pork Belly Tray brings a luxurious touch to the menu. Each bite features perfectly rendered layers of meat and crackling skin, balanced by a tender interior. This dish works beautifully alongside the garlic noodles or even sliced and served inside mini banh mi rolls for a creative twist.

4. BBQ Chicken Tray

Add smoky depth to the menu with the BBQ Chicken Tray. Marinated in Saiga’s house-blend sauce and grilled to juicy perfection, this dish provides a flavorful yet lighter protein alternative to pork belly. It’s a guaranteed crowd favorite that complements both noodles and salad sides effortlessly.

5. House Salad Tray

Round out the spread with a refreshing House Salad Tray featuring crisp greens, herbs, and a light vinaigrette. The fresh, tangy notes help balance the richness of the proteins and noodles, ensuring every plate feels complete and well-rounded. It’s the perfect finishing touch for visual balance and a refreshing palate cleanser.

Dessert & Drink Menu

Complete your catering spread with Saiga Catering’s delightful dessert and drink options—crafted to perfectly complement the savory trays. These selections add a sweet and refreshing finish to your meal, offering a blend of indulgence, balance, and Southeast Asian flair. Whether you’re wrapping up a lunch meeting or hosting an intimate dinner, this menu ensures your guests end on a satisfying note.

Cookie Box

Saiga’s Cookie Box features a selection of freshly baked cookies that deliver the perfect touch of sweetness after a savory meal. Soft on the inside and crisp on the edges, these cookies often include classic flavors like chocolate chip or seasonal favorites. They’re easy to serve, share, and enjoy—ideal for casual gatherings or as a grab-and-go treat.

Bread Pudding Box

The Bread Pudding Box offers rich, comforting warmth in every bite. Made with layers of soft bread soaked in a creamy custard and baked until golden, it’s finished with a drizzle of caramel or condensed milk. The result is a decadent dessert that’s both nostalgic and satisfying—perfect for guests who appreciate homestyle flavors with a modern twist.

Vietnamese Coffee

A Saiga signature, the Vietnamese Coffee is bold, aromatic, and sweetened with condensed milk for a balanced, energizing finish. Brewed using strong Vietnamese beans, it’s served over ice for a refreshing yet robust drink that pairs beautifully with both savory and sweet dishes. It’s a must-have for those who enjoy rich, full-bodied flavors.

Thai Tea

Vibrant, creamy, and mildly spiced, Saiga’s Thai Tea brings a pop of color and comfort to your drink lineup. Made from brewed black tea mixed with milk and a touch of sweetness, it’s served chilled and perfectly complements the catering menu’s bolder flavors. Guests will love its smooth, cooling texture—especially during warm-weather gatherings.

Lemon Guava Green Tea

For a lighter, more refreshing option, the Lemon Guava Green Tea combines zesty citrus and tropical fruit notes with the natural earthiness of green tea. It’s crisp, slightly tart, and ideal for balancing rich dishes like pork belly or noodles. This drink not only refreshes the palate but also adds a bright, tropical touch to your catering experience.

Together, these desserts and drinks elevate your Saiga Catering spread, offering a harmonious blend of comfort, creativity, and cultural inspiration that leaves every guest satisfied.

Choosing Saiga Catering for your 12-person event means more than just serving great food—it’s about creating a complete dining experience filled with flavor, warmth, and connection. With a menu that combines authentic Vietnamese-inspired dishes and modern presentation, Saiga makes it easy to impress your guests without the stress of planning or cooking. Each tray is designed for sharing, conversation, and satisfaction, turning a simple gathering into something special. Whatever the occasion, Saiga Catering ensures that every bite feels like a celebration.

Choose Saiga Eatery For Your Event

When planning catering for 12 people, choosing the right partner can make all the difference—and Saiga Eatery delivers exactly what you need. Specializing in small-group catering, Saiga combines authentic flavors, creative presentation, and professional service to turn any gathering into a memorable dining experience. From savory trays and fresh salads to flavorful noodles and signature desserts, every dish is crafted with care to satisfy a variety of tastes and preferences.

Whether you’re hosting a private dinner, business lunch, or family celebration, Saiga Eatery offers the perfect blend of quality, convenience, and customization. Their menu options are designed for easy serving and effortless enjoyment, ensuring that your event feels both elegant and relaxed. With Saiga’s commitment to freshness, flavor, and flawless service, your catering for 12 people will be seamless, stress-free, and absolutely delicious—because every guest deserves to enjoy food that’s made to be shared.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can easily order catering for 12 people through Saiga Eatery’s website or by contacting their team directly. Simply choose your preferred trays—such as the Banh Mi Platter, Garlic Noodles, or Crispy Pork Belly—and they’ll help you customize the portions and setup to match your event style.
Saiga Catering designs their trays to serve approximately 10–12 guests, making it simple to plan your portions. For a balanced meal, consider combining one protein tray (like BBQ Chicken or Pork Belly), one noodle or rice option, and one side or salad tray. Adding desserts and drinks completes the menu perfectly.
Yes, Saiga Eatery offers convenient delivery for small events, including groups of 12. You can schedule delivery at your preferred time, and the team ensures your dishes arrive fresh, warm, and beautifully packaged for easy serving.
Absolutely! Saiga encourages customization so you can create the ideal spread for your guests. You can mix proteins, carbs, and sides—such as pairing Garlic Noodles with Crispy Pork Belly and a House Salad Tray—to suit everyone’s preferences.
Saiga Catering combines restaurant-quality food with the ease of group service. Their dishes are flavorful, beautifully presented, and designed for sharing, making them perfect for intimate events. With a range of menu options, reliable service, and a focus on fresh ingredients, Saiga ensures that catering for 12 people feels effortless and delicious.

Catering for 12 people - Small Group Event