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

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

Locally recognised events caterer for adult and kids’ parties, weddings and engagements, wakes, he

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11/12/2025

We cater to any taste or dietary requirement: gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, nut-free and other special diets.

We’ll tailor a menu to suit your taste preferences, your event theme, your dietary requirements and, of course, your budget!

https://cateringbydesign.com.au/fabulous-catering/food-and-menu-ideas/

11/12/2025

12 Days of Christmas Catering
Day 2 - Festive Non Alcohol Drinks

Every great Christmas table needs good drinks, and not everyone is sipping bubbles all day. The smartest hosts make non alcohol options that feel just as fun as the cocktails. When your alcohol free drinks look beautiful and taste refreshing, they become part of the celebration instead of an afterthought.

Think beyond water. Create drinks that feel special. Sparkling strawberry and basil coolers, mango and mint spritz, cucumber lime soda, rosella iced tea, or a ginger peach punch with lots of ice. Load everything with fresh fruit and herbs, serve in big jugs on a tray of ice, and suddenly everyone wants to join the mocktail side of the table.

Keep the flavours refreshing and not too sweet. Light, fruity mocktails are perfect for a hot Australian Christmas Day and pair beautifully with seafood, salads and grazing boards.

https://cateringbydesign.com.au/

10/12/2025

Day 1 - The Seafood Platter

Day one is all about the real hero of the Aussie Christmas table, the seafood platter.

While most of the world is basting turkeys and roasting potatoes, we are lining up at the Sydney Fish Markets at 5am with Santa hats on, iced esky bags in hand, and a fierce determination to get the biggest prawns in the pile.

Cold, sweet prawns, Sydney rock oysters, bugs, smoked salmon and lemon wedges stacked high. This is what Christmas looks like down under.

Serve your seafood on crushed ice with fresh herbs, mango salsa, dipping sauces and proper finger bowls so no one wipes their hands on the good festive tea towels.

Add a bowl of cherries to the centre and suddenly you have a show-stopping Christmas platter worthy of a magazine cover.

Tip: Buy extra. Someone will “only have one prawn” and then quietly eat twelve.

https://cateringbydesign.com.au/

09/12/2025

Where can I hire a private catamaran for my next event?

Imagine celebrating your next corporate event, birthday, family gathering or intimate wedding aboard your own luxury catamaran.

Our sister company, Sailing By Design, creates fully catered, private events for up to 20 guests on Sydney Harbour or Pittwater. Choose your food and beverage package, step aboard and relax. Everything is taken care of, from catering and service to setup and cleanup.

Enjoy Sydney Harbour aboard TooUp, a 40-foot Fountaine Pajot, or escape to Pittwater on Double Vision, a 33-foot Seawind catamaran.

Perfect food, perfect views, and perfect company, brought to you by the same team behind Catering by Design.

https://cateringbydesign.com.au/venues/catamaran-on-pittwater/

08/12/2025

Introducing The 12 Days of Christmas Catering – Aussie Style!

If you are looking for tips, tricks and inspiration for hosting the perfect event this festive season, we have put together your ultimate festive guide to stress-free entertaining during the summer celebrations that are Christmas in Australia.

From planning ahead and keeping it cool to creating stunning grazing tables and signature desserts, our 12-day countdown will help you breeze through the holidays like a pro.

It is officially that time of year when the sun comes up early, the playlists come out of hibernation, and the fridge becomes a rotating door of “just one more thing” for Christmas lunch.

Over the next two weeks, we will be counting down to Christmas with 12 catering and entertaining ideas designed to make your festive season effortless, elegant and full of flavour.

Follow along for recipes, hosting tips, and the kind of sneaky catering hacks that make the day run like you planned it weeks ago.

Stay tuned for Day 1: Plan Early, Celebrate Freely.
https://cateringbydesign.com.au/

07/12/2025

Prawn Tacos with Mango Salsa

As the weather warms up and outdoor entertaining begins, nothing says summer quite like fresh seafood, vibrant flavours and easy-to-share dishes.

These Quick Prawn Tacos with Mango Salsa are a bright, zesty option for long lunches, casual gatherings or weeknight dinners under the sun. Sweet mango, juicy prawns and a touch of spice come together in the perfect balance of fresh and fiery.

You can either serve them preassembled or lay out the ingredients on a buffet table and get your guests to assemble their own!

Makes 10 full sized tacos or 20 mini tacos

Salsa Ingredients
• 1 mango, peeled and cut into small cubes (about 2 cups)
• 1–2 fresh chillies, finely chopped
• ¼ medium red onion, finely chopped
• ¼ cup fresh coriander, finely chopped
• 1 tsp lime zest
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• Salt, to taste

Taco Ingredients
• 500gm medium prawns, peeled and deveined
• ½ tsp chilli powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• Vegetable oil, for cooking
• 10 medium or 20 mini fresh tacos
• Chopped fresh coriander or micro herbs
• 2 diced avocadoes
• Lime wedges

Method
1. Combine the salsa ingredients in a bowl, toss gently to coat and refrigerate until ready to serve.
2. Mix together the prawns with the chilli powder, garlic powder and salt.
3. Preheat oil on a barbecue or in a frying pan. Once the oil is hot, cook the prawns in a until pink, opaque and lightly browned.
4. Assemble the Tacos or lay out the ingredients and get your guests to assemble them themselves.

04/12/2025

Looking to take advantage of Sydney’s incredible climate by holding your next event outdoors but not sure where to go?

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.

Some of the local outdoor venues we have catered at and can recommend include:
• Bible Garden – Palm Beach
• Church Point Jetty – Church Point
• Clontarf Reserve
• Currawong Beach – Currawong
• Fairlight Beach
• Freshwater View Reserve
• Governor Phillip Park – Palm Beach
• Manly Dam
• McCarrs Creek
• Oxford Falls Peace Park (has a kitchen)
• North Curl Curl Community Centre
• Shelly Beach at Manly
• Stanley & Florence Twight Reserve – Collaroy
• Stony Range Botanic Garden – Dee Why
• Whale Beach
• Or even your favourite park!

As we regularly organise outdoor catering events in the Northern Beaches Council area, we have a working knowledge of council requirements and restrictions, such as public liability insurance and marquees. We can also advise you on the finer details, such as where nearby toilets are located or whether alcohol is permitted.

And don’t forget, 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!

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

02/12/2025

Party Equipment for Hire

If you’d like to take the most of the beautiful summer weather with an outdoor celebration, Catering by Design has everything you need to host a memorable event under the sun.

Our extensive range of event equipment for hire includes marquees, tables, chairs, glassware, crockery, outdoor heaters, lighting, and even decorative touches to bring your theme to life. Whether you’re hosting a private celebration or a corporate gathering, we can supply and set up all the essentials so your guests stay comfortable and your event looks picture-perfect.

Even if you’re managing the catering yourself, you can still hire all the equipment you need from us. From a single table to a fully styled setup, we’ll help you create the perfect outdoor experience.

Call Karin at Catering by Design on 0412 269 049 to book your summer party equipment today and make entertaining effortless.

https://cateringbydesign.com.au/equipment-hire/

30/11/2025

Food Safety Rules Everyone Should Know

As the weather warms up and summer entertainment begins, it’s the perfect time to brush up on food safety. Warm temperatures and outdoor dining can make it easier for food to spoil, so a few simple precautions go a long way in keeping every guest happy and healthy.

Whether you’re hosting an event or preparing a simple family meal, following a few key food safety rules keeps everyone happy and healthy.

1. Keep it clean
Wash your hands, benches, utensils and cutting boards before and after handling food. Always separate raw meat, seafood and poultry from ready-to-eat foods.

2. Cook it right
Make sure meats are cooked through and piping hot in the centre. Use a thermometer where possible — poultry should reach 75°C and mince dishes at least 70°C.

3. Chill it promptly
Refrigerate perishable foods within two hours (or one hour on a hot day). Keep your fridge at or below 5°C and your freezer below -18°C.

4. Store smart
Cover food securely and store leftovers in shallow containers so they cool quickly. Label and date them, and use them within two to three days.

5. Reheat once
When reheating, bring food back to at least 75°C and serve immediately. Only reheat what you’ll eat. Food should never be reheated more than once.

6. Know the danger zone

Bacteria thrive between 5°C and 60°C. Avoid leaving food sitting at room temperature for long periods, especially during outdoor events or in warm weather.

At Catering by Design, we believe beautiful food should always be safe food. Food safety isn’t just good practice. It’s the foundation of every delicious, worry-free meal we serve.

https://cateringbydesign.com.au/

27/11/2025

Party Security and Guest Safety with Catering by Design

Behind every great celebration is a team that cares about the details you don’t have to think about. At Catering by Design, we take event security and guest safety seriously, ensuring your party runs smoothly from start to finish.

Our team works closely with venues, suppliers and event organisers to manage safe food handling, responsible service of alcohol and crowd flow, so you can focus on celebrating while we take care of the logistics.

From staff training to responsible service practices and clear event coordination, we create an environment where everyone feels comfortable, cared for and free to enjoy the occasion.

Whether it’s a corporate celebration, private gathering or large community event, you can trust us to deliver not only exceptional food, but peace of mind too.

https://cateringbydesign.com.au/party-security/

25/11/2025

Did you know?

When we supply the alcohol, you’ll only pay for the drinks you consume!

So there are no nasty shocks when you pay the bill and no per person flat fees which assume every guest is a heavy drinker.

We can arrange for the alcohol to be delivered just prior to your event – all pre-chilled and ready for consumption – along with any glassware you require.

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

23/11/2025

It’s only a month until Christmas. Time to book your Office Christmas Party!

The countdown to Christmas is officially on, and our calendar is filling fast. Whether you’re planning an office lunch, a cocktail-style celebration, or a full festive feast, Catering by Design brings the sparkle and the food to your corporate celebration.

From fresh seasonal menus to elegant grazing tables and beautifully presented desserts, we’ll create a seamless event that lets your team relax, connect and celebrate another successful year.

We can even host a private on-water event for your team onboard our spacious and stable Cateramarans in either Pittwater or Sydney Harbour.

Enquire now to secure your preferred date before Santa beats you to it.

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

19/11/2025

A big thank you to Karin Slade and Catering by Design for making our 2025 Season Awards Presentation at Sargood on Collaroy so memorable!

From delicious homemade canapés and finger food to setting the perfect atmosphere with music and welcoming staff, the night was a huge success for our 180 guests.

Highly recommend Karin and her team for anyone looking for outstanding food and service!

- Lorraine Landon

17/11/2025

Only 5 Weeks to Christmas Eve!

The countdown is on, and Christmas is closer than you think. If you’re planning a festive gathering, office party or end-of-year celebration, now’s the time to book your catering.

From elegant grazing tables and cocktail canapés to full festive feasts, Catering by Design will take care of the food, setup and service so you can focus on celebrating.

Don’t wait until the silly season rush! Secure your Christmas catering today and let us help you create an event to remember.

16/11/2025

Summer Zucchini and Basil Spaghetti

Light, fragrant, and full of fresh summer flavour, this pasta is the perfect way to make the most of a seasonal glut of zucchini, capturing the fresh flavours of summer in southern Italy.

Known in Italy as “Spaghetti alla Nerano”, it’s a classic Italian dish named after the beach town where it originated, the coastal village of Nerano on the Sorrento Peninsula.

Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
• 6 small zucchini (approx ½ a kilo)
• ½ cup light olive oil
• 400 g dried spaghetti
• 3 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
• 50 g butter, chopped
• ½ cup grated Grana Padano or parmesan, plus extra to serve
• 2 cups basil leaves, plus extra to garnish
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges

Method
1. Slice the zucchini into very thin rounds using a mandoline or sharp knife
2. Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat.
3. Fry the zucchini in batches until lightly golden and place cooked zucchini on a plate, saving the olive oil in the pan to cook the sauce.
4. Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente.
5. Reduce the heat to medium, add the garlic, and cook gently until fragrant.
6. Return the fried zucchini to the pan, stirring gently to crush some of the zucchini..
7. Once the pasta is cooked, reserve a cup of cooking water and drain the spaghetti
8. Add pasta to the zucchini mixture along with half the reserved water, increase the heat to high and toss everything together until the liquid is mostly reduced.
9. Lower the heat, then add the butter, Parmigiano and basil.
10. Toss vigorously with tongs or a wooden spoon until the butter melts and the sauce turns glossy and creamy. Add a little more pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
11. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper and finish with extra grated Parmigiano, fresh basil leaves, a drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon.

This pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp glass of chilled white wine or sparkling mineral water infused with lemon and mint. Serve it family-style on a large platter for easy summer entertaining.

https://cateringbydesign.com.au/

27/10/2025

What a weekend! 💍
Saturday’s bride was truly the most relaxed and stress-free bride I’ve had in my 38 years of creating weddings.
On the way to the venue her soon-to-be husband had to slam on the brakes — the cake toppled — and she simply sent me a photo saying, “Can you fix this?”

We did! 🙌 The two tiers became one tear on a cake stand, and no guest was any the wiser. Everything came together beautifully for such a fun, love-filled celebration.

Huge congratulations to Bec and Scott — thank you for asking Catering By Design to be part of your amazing day. xx

13/10/2025

Party Decorations That Transform Any Space

Even the simplest venue can be totally transformed with the right décor. At Catering By Design, we go beyond food and drink, creating magical event spaces with:

🌸 Elegant flowers and greenery – from centrepieces to floral arches in your colour theme
💡 Stunning lighting – string lights, lanterns, candles and more
🎈 Beautiful balloons – delivered and inflated onsite so you can stay stress-free
💍 Wedding décor – tailored designs that bring your vision to life
🎶 Music and entertainment – from classical quartets to DJs, we’ll set the perfect vibe

When you book with us, you’re not just getting catering. You’re getting a full experience designed to make your event unforgettable.

📞 Contact Karin on 0412 269 049 to find out more about our complete event packages.

08/10/2025

Fresh strawberries on top, silky jelly-infused cream inside, and a golden pastry shell holding it all together. With strawberries in season, this tart is light, luscious and the ultimate spring showstopper.

Perfect for sharing… if you’re willing to!

Fresh Strawberry Tart with Strawberry Jelly Cream Filling

Ingredients

Cheesecake
200 g cream cheese, softened
½ cup thickened cream
2 tbsp icing sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
85 g packet strawberry jelly crystals (powder)
½ cup boiling water
¼ cup cold water

Topping
400 g fresh strawberries (2 punnets) , washed, hulled and halved
½ cup strawberry jam
1 tbsp water

Method

Preheat oven to 180°C

Grease a tart tin and line with pastry, pricking the base with a fork.

Bake for 20-25 mins until golden, remove from the oven and cool.

While the tart base is baking, dissolve jelly crystals in boiling water, stir until fully dissolved, then add cold water and allow to cool slightly.

Beat cream cheese, icing sugar and vanilla until smooth.

Slowly add the cooled liquid jelly, mixing until combined.

Fold in whipped cream to create a light, airy texture.

Pour filling into the cooled tart shell and refrigerate until set (about 2–3 hours).

Arrange halved strawberries on top of the set filling.

Heat jam and water in a small pan until melted and smooth and brush gently over strawberries for a glossy finish.

Serve chilled

06/10/2025

This or that - Cheese Platter OR Dessert Table?

Do you lean savoury or sweet when it comes to celebrating?

Would you prefer to end a meal with a perfectly styled cheese and meat platter overflowing with artisan cheeses, crackers and fruit…

OR

A dessert table stacked with cookies, cakes, tarts and bite-sized treats?

At Catering By Design, we say why not both?

Because every great event deserves options that bring joy to every guest.

https://cateringbydesign.com.au/fabulous-catering/food-and-menu-ideas/

02/10/2025

Event Equipment Hire Made Easy

Even if we aren’t catering your event, we can still help make it unforgettable.

Catering By Design offers a full range of event equipment hire so you can create the perfect setting:

🍽 Tables, chairs, crockery, cutlery and glassware
🌸 Linens, flowers, candles and décor
💡 Sound, lighting and lounge furniture
🚻 Even portable restrooms for larger gatherings

From intimate dinners to grand celebrations, we’ve got everything you need to set the stage for a seamless event.

https://cateringbydesign.com.au/equipment-hire/

01/10/2025

Venue Spotlight: Catamaran on Pittwater

As the days get longer and the sun warms up Pittwater, there’s no better way to elevate your event than out on the water.

“Double Vision” Seawind 1000 is an incredibly impressive and versatile luxury 33 foot catamaran…the ideal venue for your next corporate event, small wedding, birthday party or any private gathering.

Bringing together breathtaking views, salty air and a relaxed elegance, holding an event on a catamaran transforms any gathering into something unforgettable.

Whether it’s a corporate event, milestone celebration, or just a gathering of friends, our catamaran sets the tone for magical memories.

https://cateringbydesign.com.au/venues/catamaran-on-pittwater/

28/09/2025

What milestone are you celebrating next?

From the very first birthday to the 100th, every milestone in life deserves a table filled with flavour and joy.

At Catering By Design, we create menus that bring people together for:

🎂 Birthdays big and small
💍 Engagements and weddings
💐 Anniversaries, from silver to diamond
👶 Baby showers and gender reveals
🙏 Christenings and naming days
🎓 Graduations
🌅 Retirement parties
🏡 Housewarmings
✈️ Farewell and welcome home gatherings

Whatever the occasion, we believe every celebration should be remembered for the food, the laughter, and the people around the table.

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

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/

Address

10C Ponderosa Parade
Warriewood, NSW
2102

Website

http://www.cateringbydesign.com.au/

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We are Catering By Design — a locally recognised events caterer for adult and kids’ parties, weddings and engagements, wakes, hen’s day and buck’s night, baptism/christening, baby showers, bridal showers and corporate functions.

finger food catering for parties for all ages | corporate catering in Sydney | cupcake parties for kids

Offering full service catering across the Northern Beaches and beyond, our purpose is to create the perfect event. We do this by preparing delicious food presented by experienced wait staff who understand that their role is to be of service to you and your guests.

We believe it is our job to make you look good and enjoy the event as if you were a guest yourself.

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

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