Classic Catering Blog
Small Party Catering Melbourne | Grazing Boxes & Finger Food
Small Party Catering in Melbourne
Chef-made grazing boxes, grazing tables and finger food for birthdays, 21sts and gatherings of 5 to 40 guests, delivered ready to serve or picked up free from our Rosanna kitchen.
Classic Catering caters small parties in Melbourne from 5 to 40 guests. Grazing boxes for 5–8 people start at $115, a 1 m grazing table for up to 30 guests is $700, and finger food is $3.30–$7.70 a piece, about $25–$45 per guest for a 2–3 hour party. Everything arrives ready to serve, so you don't need staff, or you can pick up free from Rosanna. Book 7 days ahead.
What are the best catering options for a small party?
For most small parties the choice comes down to how many guests you have and whether people will be standing and mingling or sitting around a table.
Grazing boxes
Best for 5–25 guests. Cured meats, cheeses, antipasto, fruit, crackers and dips in a box you just open and share. Grazing boxes
Grazing tables
Best for 20–40 guests. A styled 1 m table serves up to 30, a 1.5 m table up to 40. The centrepiece of the party. Grazing tables
Finger food & canapés
Best for cocktail-style parties of 15–40. Mix small bites, canapés and sliders or bao to suit your budget. Finger food menu
Need plates and cutlery? Add an eco plate, wooden knife and fork, and napkin for $2.20 per guest. Plates & cutlery
How much does small party catering cost?
Three typical small parties, costed with our current prices. All prices exclude GST.
| Party | What's included | Ex GST | Inc GST |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 guests, birthday at home | 2–3 grazing boxes (from $115 each), picked up free from Rosanna | from $230 | from $253 |
| 25 guests, 2–3 hr cocktail party | 9 pieces each: 3 small bites, 3 classic, 2 premium, 1 deluxe ($41.80 per guest) + $70 delivery within 10 km | $1,115 | $1,227 |
| 30 guests, grazing table | 1 m savoury grazing table + $70 delivery within 10 km | $770 | $847 |
Saturday deliveries add $15 and Sunday $20. Dietary meals are quoted with your order. For full price lists see how much catering costs in Melbourne.
How much food do I need for a small party?
| Party length | Finger food per guest | 20 guests |
|---|---|---|
| Drinks and nibbles (1–1.5 hrs) | 4–6 pieces | 80–120 pieces |
| Cocktail party (2–3 hrs) | 8–10 pieces | 160–200 pieces |
| Instead of dinner (3+ hrs) | 12–15 pieces | 240–300 pieces |
For parties over 2.5 hours, include at least two substantial bites per guest, such as wagyu sliders or pork belly bao, so nobody goes home hungry.
Can I pick up or have party catering delivered?
Free pickup
Collect from our Rosanna kitchen or CBD office during business hours. The cheapest option for small parties.
Delivered ready to serve
$70 + GST within 10 km of Rosanna or the CBD, $90 + GST for 10–20 km, $120 + GST for 20–40 km. Saturday +$15, Sunday +$20. Find your suburb
Finger food delivery needs a minimum food spend of $550, about 15–20 guests. Staffed service starts from 40 guests, so smaller parties are delivered ready for you to serve.
How do I order catering for a small party?
Tell us your date, suburb and guests
At least 7 days ahead. Include any dietary requirements.
Pick grazing, finger food or both
Use our finger food estimator or ask Chef Rodney to suggest a menu.
Choose pickup or delivery
Free pickup from Rosanna or the CBD, or delivery to your home or venue.
Open, serve and enjoy
Everything arrives ready to serve. No staff, no fuss.
Hosting at home? Read our guide to catering a party at home.
Small party catering FAQs
How much does small party catering cost in Melbourne?+
Small party catering with Classic Catering usually costs $14–$45 per guest. Grazing boxes for 5–8 people start at $115, a 1 m grazing table for up to 30 guests is $700, and finger food is $3.30–$7.70 a piece, or about $25–$45 per guest for a 2–3 hour party. Prices exclude GST and delivery.
What is the minimum number of guests for party catering?+
Grazing boxes suit groups from 5 people. Finger food delivery needs a minimum food spend of $550, which is about 15–20 guests at 8–10 pieces each. Fully staffed catering starts from 40 guests.
Can I pick up my party catering instead of having it delivered?+
Yes. Pickup from our Rosanna kitchen or CBD office is free during business hours. Delivery is $70 + GST within 10 km, $90 + GST for 10–20 km and $120 + GST for 20–40 km, with a $15 Saturday and $20 Sunday surcharge.
Do you provide waitstaff for small parties?+
Full service with waitstaff starts at 40 guests. Smaller parties are delivered ready to serve, which is also the most affordable way to cater a party.
How much finger food do I need for 20 guests?+
For a 2–3 hour party allow 8–10 pieces per guest, so 160–200 pieces for 20 guests. If the food replaces a meal, allow 12–15 pieces each and include substantial bites such as sliders or bao.
How far in advance should I book party catering?+
Book at least 7 days ahead for party and event catering. Weekends in spring and December book out early, so earlier is better.
Do you cater 21st and milestone birthday parties?+
Yes. Finger food, grazing tables and grazing boxes are our most popular choices for 21sts, 30ths, 50ths and family celebrations at home or at a venue.
Can you cater for gluten-free, vegan or halal guests?+
Yes. Dietary options are available for most menu items and are quoted with your order. Let us know your guests' requirements when you enquire.
Plan Your Party Catering
Tell us your date, suburb and guest numbers and we'll suggest the best option for your budget.
Share your party
Date, suburb, guests and dietaries.
Get a menu & price
Within 24 hours.
Pick up or we deliver
Made fresh in Rosanna.
Contact the Classic Catering Experts
Fill out your details below and Chef Rodney’s team will follow up within 24 hours.