How to Assemble a Simple Reception Package for Any Party
By Tre Mari Bakery | Published: 2026-10-13
Category: How-to Guides
Build a stress-free party catering setup by choosing one package, adding a dessert platter, and covering dietary gaps like soup. Here is the step-by-step method.
Quick answer
Start with one catering package sized to your guest count, then add a shareable dessert platter and a warm option like soup for dietary gaps. For around 40 guests, Package #1 - Simple Reception covers the savory base; pair it with an Assorted Small Cannoli Platter and a liter of Tre Mari Vegetable Soup to round out the table without over-ordering.
Match the package to your real guest count
A standing reception with mingling guests eats differently than a seated dinner. Package #1 - Simple Reception is built for a standing reception of around 40 guests, with 2 focaccia trays (24 tomato sauce, 24 sliced potato), 2 mini sandwich platters totaling 40 assorted cold-cut sandwiches with lettuce and mayo, and one 16-inch assorted cookie platter holding 90–100 cookies. That mix leans on finger food, which is exactly what you want when people are holding a drink and talking.
Add a dessert that scales with the crowd
The cookie platter inside Package #1 gives you a sweet finish, but a dedicated dessert platter makes the table feel intentional. The Assorted Small Cannoli Platter comes in two sizes: a 12-inch tray with 15 cannoli or a 16-inch tray with 30. Choose the large for a 40-guest reception if dessert is a focal point; choose the medium if you are also serving cake or the cookie platter is doing most of the work.
Cover dietary gaps with a warm, simple option
Cold-cut sandwiches and focaccia are crowd-pleasers, but they leave vegetarians and anyone craving something warm without a clear choice. Tre Mari Vegetable Soup comes in a 1-liter size, which is easy to heat and serve in cups or small bowls. It is not a full meal replacement for a large crowd, so treat it as a supplement rather than the main event. If you have more than a few vegetarian guests, order multiple liters.
Set up the table so people can serve themselves
A party catering setup works best when guests can reach everything without asking for help. Put the focaccia and sandwiches on the main table, keep the cookie platter and cannoli at a separate dessert station, and place the soup at the end of the line with cups or bowls stacked nearby. This keeps traffic moving and prevents the dessert table from getting crowded before the savory food is finished.
Step-by-step reception assembly
- Confirm your guest count and format: Decide whether the reception is standing or seated. Package #1 is designed for a standing reception of around 40 guests. If your count is significantly higher or lower, adjust quantities or add a second package. Checkpoint: a standing crowd of 40 is the baseline; seated guests may eat more, so plan accordingly.
- Order the base catering package: Start with Package #1 - Simple Reception for the focaccia, sandwiches, and cookie platter. This gives you a complete savory and sweet base without piecing together separate items. Common mistake: ordering multiple small items instead of one package often costs more and creates gaps.
- Choose your dessert platter size: Add the Assorted Small Cannoli Platter in the 12-inch (15 cannoli) or 16-inch (30 cannoli) size. Match it to whether dessert is the main sweet or a secondary option alongside the cookie platter. Checkpoint: for 40 guests, the large tray works if cannoli are the star; the medium is enough if cookies already cover the table.
- Add a warm or vegetarian-friendly option: Order Tre Mari Vegetable Soup in 1-liter units. It heats quickly and serves guests who avoid cold cuts or want something warm. Order more than one liter if you expect several vegetarian guests. Common mistake: assuming sandwiches cover everyone; cold cuts and mayo leave vegetarians without a main.
- Set up stations for flow: Place savory items on the main table, desserts on a separate station, and soup at the end with cups or bowls. This keeps guests moving and prevents bottlenecks. Checkpoint: if the dessert table is next to the entrance, people will crowd it before eating the main food.
- Do a final count before serving: Verify you have enough sandwiches, focaccia pieces, cookies, and cannoli for your headcount. Package #1 includes 40 sandwiches and 90–100 cookies, which fits around 40 guests when combined with other items. Next step: if your guest count creeps up, add a second dessert platter or extra soup rather than a second full package.
Products that make this setup work
- Package #1 - Simple Reception: Package #1 - Simple Reception is ideal for a simple, standing reception of around 40 guests and includes 2 focaccia trays, 2 mini sandwich platters, and one 16-inch assorted cookie platter. This single package covers the savory base and a sweet finish, so you do not need to build a menu from scratch.
- Assorted Small Cannoli Platter: The Assorted Small Cannoli Platter is available in a medium 12-inch tray with 15 cannoli or a large 16-inch tray with 30 cannoli. You can scale the dessert to your guest count and decide whether it supplements or replaces the cookie platter.
- Tre Mari Vegetable Soup - 1 Liter: Tre Mari Vegetable Soup comes in a 1-liter size. A warm, vegetarian-friendly option fills a gap that cold sandwiches and focaccia leave open.
