Catering By Design - Without Love, It's Just Food

25/09/2025

“You can’t live a full life on an empty stomach.”

― Caroline Mitchell

Food is more than fuel. It’s connection, joy, and the centrepiece of every celebration.

At Catering By Design, we believe every event should be filled with flavour, laughter and moments that last long after the plates are cleared.

Because a full life deserves a full table.

https://cateringbydesign.com.au/

22/09/2025

“Karin and her team were thoughtful, considerate and went above and beyond in making the day stress-free and memorable for our family.

“Thank you!!”

Renee
5 star Google review

Hi Renee,

Thank you so much for your lovely review! It was such a pleasure to cater for your dad’s birthday celebration. I’m thrilled to hear that you and your family felt spoilt by our service and that the day was both stress-free and memorable.

Kerry and Julie were so touched by your kind words – they always strive to go above and beyond, and I’m glad they helped make the occasion extra special.

Thank you again for trusting us with such an important celebration. I hope we can work together again in the future!

Warm regards,

Karin
Catering by Design

18/09/2025

Office & Corporate Catering – Time to Book Now

The busiest season of the year is here. Melbourne Cup lunches and Christmas parties are filling up fast, and now is the time to secure your catering.

From elegant grazing platters and canapés to full sit-down menus, Catering By Design makes it easy to celebrate in style. We handle the details so your team can relax and enjoy the moment.

Let’s make your end-of-year event one to remember.

https://cateringbydesign.com.au/event-catering/corporate-catering/

18/09/2025

Tonight!

18/09/2025

Oh the places we go...

17/09/2025

It was a real privilege to support this year’s Community Pitch as a local business and proud community member.

Thank you to Bendigo Bank for the kind recognition — and to all the amazing local changemakers who were part of the event.

At Catering by Design, we say “Without love, it’s just food” — and this event had love in spades.

cateringbydesign.com.au

Community Pitch Partner Spotlight

A heartfelt thank you to Catering by Design and Funerals by Design’s Karin Slade for being a valued Pitch Partner at this year’s Community Pitch.

We loved having Karin involved this year, and hope to see her back again next year!

Karin brings an extraordinary blend of compassion and expertise to her work. When someone you love deserves a farewell filled with dignity, warmth and beauty, Karin guides every detail. As both a funeral director and caterer, she creates seamless, bespoke ceremonies and gatherings that honour your person with meaning and care.

👉 Discover more at karinslade.com
Funerals By Design Sydney
Catering By Design - Without Love, It's Just Food

17/09/2025

Cherry tomatoes are coming into season now and this recipe for Whipped Feta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes makes the most of their sweetness by roasting them in this simple but stunning dish.

Perfect as a starter, for grazing tables, or paired with crusty bread and a glass of wine.

Whipped Feta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

Ingredients

250 g cherry tomatoes
4 cloves garlic, unpeeled
2 tbsp olive oil for roasting
200 g feta cheese
2 tbsp sour cream or Greek yogurt
1 tbsp olive oil, extra
1 tsp balsamic vinegar
Sea salt and cracked black pepper
Fresh thyme leaves and a drizzle of olive oil, to garnish

Method

Preheat the oven to 200°C (fan forced).

Place cherry tomatoes and garlic cloves on a lined baking tray.

Drizzle with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper.

Roast for 20–25 minutes until tomatoes blister and caramelise.

While the tomatoes are roasting, blend feta, sour cream (or Greek yogurt) and olive oil in a food processor until smooth and creamy. Adjust consistency with a little more yoghurt if needed to create a smooth and spreadable dip.

Spread whipped feta onto a shallow serving bowl or platter and top with roasted tomatoes and garlic.

Finish with a drizzle of olive oil and scatter with thyme leaves.

Serve warm with toasted sourdough, crostini, or pita bread.

https://cateringbydesign.com.au/

14/09/2025

🌊 Supporting Community, Surf, and Stories 🎬

This Sunday’s Jack McCoy Australian Surf Film Fest is more than just a screening — it’s a heartfelt tribute to a local legend, Merc Psillakis, with 100% of profits from the event going to support his family ❤️

We’re proud to play a small part in this special night — by donating our Catering By Design cold trailer to keep the beers icy cold for everyone gathering to celebrate Merc, the film Going Surfin’, and the legacy of Australian surf culture.

And of course, it wouldn’t be a proper celebration without something local to sip on — thanks to the legends at Hang Ten Distillery, Warriewood, for providing some of the good stuff! 🥃Hang 10 Distillery

📍 Brooky Surf Club & Bennetts Surfboards, Brookvale
📅 Sunday, 14 September
🎟️ Book now: www.jackmccoy.com

Come for the film, the music, the stories, the auction, the legends — and raise a glass to Merc 🏄‍♂️🍻

03/09/2025

We catered for Shelley and the crew for this ad! Shelley was lovely... I thought she sounded perfect and then she did take after take...

02/09/2025

Wish you could only pay for what your guests actually drink?

At Catering By Design we agree!

Wish is why we DO NOT charge per-person flat rates. No overcharging. Just chilled drinks, ready to go—and only billed based on what gets opened.

When Catering by Design supplies your alcohol, you’ll avoid the guesswork and the over-spend. We’ll arrange everything, from delivery to glassware, so your bar is stocked and your budget stays on track.

Planning an event? Let’s raise a glass to simple, stress-free beverage service. 🍷🥂

https://cateringbydesign.com.au/fabulous-catering/beverages/

31/08/2025

Hosting a party? We’ll handle everything—so you can enjoy it. 🎉

At Catering by Design, we make it easy to feel like a guest at your own event. From delicious food and seamless service to venues, décor, drinks and even entertainment—we take care of it all.

Whether it’s a backyard birthday, milestone celebration, or surprise party (without surprise costs!), our expert team handles every detail so you don’t have to lift a finger.

No stress. No hidden fees. Just great food, great vibes, and unforgettable moments.

📞 Ready to party without the prep? Get in touch today. 0412 269 049

27/08/2025

It’s International Red Wine Day and we’re pouring it straight into the pot (and maybe a glass or two on the side). 🍷

These lamb shanks are browned for depth, then gently simmered with root vegetables and wine until they’re melt-in-your-mouth tender.

Served with mashed potatoes, this rustic dish is hearty, and full of soul—just what you need on a chilly Sydney night and the perfect way to celebrate International Red Wine Day!

Lamb Shanks with Red Wine & Root Vegetables Recipe

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil
4 lamb shanks
salt and pepper (to taste)
6 cloves garlic, unpeeled
2 stalk of celery, roughly chopped
4 carrots, quartered lengthwise and cut into 5 cm segments
1 large onion, coarsely chopped
½ cup tomato paste
1 cup red wine
3 cups chicken stock
800 g can crushed tomatoes
1 medium sweet potato, peeled and roughly chopped into 5 cm pieces
1 medium turnip, peeled and roughly chopped into 5 cm pieces
2 parsnips, peeled and chopped into 1 1/2-inch pieces

Method

Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large deep frying pan, Dutch oven or flame-proof casserole dish on medium high heat.

Season the lamb shanks with salt and pepper, add them to the pan and brown well on all sides, working in batches if necessary. Transfer the shanks to a plate.

Add the garlic, celery, and onion and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, about 10 minutes.

Add the tomato paste, wine, chicken stock and crushed tomatoes and bring to the boil.

Return the shanks to the pan, cover the pan, and reduce to a simmer to braise the shank for 3 hours, or until the meat is falling off the bone tender.
Turn the shanks from time to time as they cook.

While the lamb shanks are cooking, preheat the oven to 180°C.

Put the root vegetables in a large baking pan and toss with enough olive oil to coat.

Season with salt and pepper and roast in the oven, stirring occasionally, for about an hour, or until tender. Add to the lamb shanks and stir to combine.

Serve with mashed potatoes and crusty bread.

https://cateringbydesign.com.au/

24/08/2025

What’s one thing you wish you didn’t have to think about when planning an event? 😅

Is it the menu? The timing? Who’s bringing the ice?

Or maybe it’s everything all at once!

At Catering by Design, we take the pressure off so you can actually enjoy the celebration you’re hosting. From the food and drinks to the setup and styling, we handle the details, big and small.

Drop your event stress in the comments. We’ve probably got a solution for it. 💬👇

https://cateringbydesign.com.au/event-catering/

21/08/2025

Did You Know?

We can customise all of our menus?

Every event is different. That’s why we create menus that suit your tastes, theme, dietary needs, and guest list.

Whether it’s vegan, gluten-free, halal, or all of the above—we believe everyone deserves to eat well.

https://cateringbydesign.com.au/

18/08/2025

We Go Where the Celebration Is!

From elegant estates to coastal rooftops, we’ve catered in some of the most memorable spaces around.

At Catering By Design we have years of experience catering for events on the beach, on islands, on boats and in the park, all without access to a kitchen!

Because our catering trailer is a mobile kitchen and is fitted out with all the kitchen equipment we need, we can easily cater for large quantities efficiently and effectively.

Whatever equipment you need for your outdoor event we can supply – chairs, tables, glassware, plates, servingware, decorations, lighting, sound system…and of course all of the delicious food and drinks and the staff to serve it all.

Need help picking a venue? Ask us, we know the layouts, lighting, and logistics like the back of our hand.

Great food deserves a great setting and we know just the place.

https://cateringbydesign.com.au/venues/

14/08/2025

Golden, crispy, and impossible to resist…

Our arancini balls are the bite-sized heroes of any event.

Choose from:
🌿 Pumpkin & Sage (v) – creamy, earthy, and full of flavour
🧀 Mushroom & Mozzarella – melty, cheesy perfection
🍅 Bolognaise – rich, hearty, and oh-so-satisfying

Perfect as canapés, as part of a grazing table, or served as warm comfort food for your guests.

📅 Got an event coming up? Let us bring the flavour.
📞 Get in touch today to start planning your menu.



https://cateringbydesign.com.au/fabulous-catering/

12/08/2025

“Karin was excellent at giving good advice about the quantity of food needed for the event and she was completely spot on.

“I highly recommend using Catering by Design for your event - you will not be disappointed.”

Meg Dunn

We’re here to make your event feel effortless and unforgettable—from first bite to final toast.

https://cateringbydesign.com.au/

10/08/2025

QUESTION:

Can you recommend and organise musicians, bands or a DJ for my event?

ANSWER:

Yes we can!

We have been booking bands and performers for over 40 years and can recommend and organise anything from a harpist or solo guitarist right through to dance bands, Top 40, jazz bands and brass bands or even DJs to pump up the party!

https://cateringbydesign.com.au/faqs/

07/08/2025

Meet the team behind the table.

At Catering by Design, we’re more than just chefs and event planners.

We’re storytellers, flavour curators, and perfectionists who care about every detail.

From our talented kitchen crew to our front-of-house stars, every member of our team plays a part in creating seamless, unforgettable events.

We bring passion, precision and personality to every function, whether it’s an intimate gathering or a 500-guest gala.

We don’t just cater. We collaborate. And we can’t wait to work with you.

Get to know us: https://cateringbydesign.com.au/about-us/our-team/