How to Order Olive Garden Party Trays for Your Next Event

Planning a gathering for family, friends, or coworkers? Olive Garden party trays offer a convenient and delicious way to feed a crowd without the hassle of cooking. From classic pasta dishes to fresh salads and warm breadsticks, these trays are designed to please a variety of tastes. In this guide, we'll walk you through the ordering process, menu options, and insider tips to ensure your event is a hit.

What Olive Garden Party Trays Are Available

Olive Garden's party trays come in several varieties to suit different preferences and dietary needs. The most popular options include:

• Pasta Trays: Choose from spaghetti with meat sauce, fettuccine alfredo, or five-cheese marinara. Each tray serves 8-10 people and costs around $50-$60.
• Salad Trays: Their famous house salad is available in a large tray (serves 10-12) for about $25. Add extra dressing if needed.
• Soup Trays: Options like minestrone or chicken & gnocchi come in gallon sizes (serves 8-10) for approximately $35.
• Appetizer Trays: Includes lasagna fritta, stuffed mushrooms, or calamari. Prices vary, typically $40-$55 per tray.
• Dessert Trays: Tiramisu, black tie mousse cake, or strawberry cream cake – perfect for a sweet ending. A tray serves 10-12 for about $40.

Most trays come with a side of garlic breadsticks (usually 12 per tray) and can be customized with extra sauce or cheese upon request.

How to Order Olive Garden Party Trays

Ordering is straightforward, but there are a few steps to ensure everything goes smoothly:

1. Plan Ahead: Place your order at least 24-48 hours in advance, especially for large events or during holidays. You can order online via Olive Garden's catering page or call your local restaurant directly.
2. Choose Your Menu: Decide on the number of trays and combinations. For a balanced meal, consider one pasta tray, one salad tray, and one dessert tray for 20 people.
3. Select Pickup or Delivery: Most locations offer free pickup, while delivery may have a fee (usually $5-$10) and a minimum order amount (often $100). Check with your local store.
4. Specify Serving Instructions: Let them know if you need disposable plates, utensils, napkins, or serving spoons. These are often included but confirm.
5. Review Your Order: Double-check the total cost, pickup time, and any customizations (e.g., gluten-free pasta or extra breadsticks).

Pricing and Budget Tips for Olive Garden Catering

Olive Garden party trays are reasonably priced, but costs can add up. Here’s how to stay within budget:

• Compare per-person cost: A pasta tray at $55 serves 8-10 people, which is about $5.50-$6.88 per person – a great value compared to restaurant dining.
• Mix and match: Avoid ordering too many trays. For a party of 20, one large salad, one large pasta, and one dessert tray is sufficient. Add an appetizer only if guests are extra hungry.
• Watch for deals: Olive Garden occasionally offers catering specials, like 10% off orders over $150 or free delivery. Sign up for their email list to stay informed.
• Skip extras you don’t need: You can decline disposable tableware if you have your own, saving a small fee.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Ordering

Even seasoned planners can slip up. Avoid these pitfalls:

• Underordering: A tray labeled “serves 8-10” might only feed 6-7 hearty eaters. For a group of adults, assume one tray per 6-8 people.
• Forgetting dietary restrictions: Ask about gluten-free or vegetarian options. Some sauces contain meat or dairy. Olive Garden can accommodate with advance notice.
• Not checking pickup time: If you order for noon, but the restaurant is busy, your food might not be ready until 12:15. Call ahead to confirm.
• Ignoring reheating instructions: Party trays are designed to be served warm. If you’re picking up early, ask how to reheat pasta without drying it out – a splash of milk or water and a few minutes in the oven works.
• Overlooking sides: Breadsticks are included, but you may want extra salad dressing or marinara sauce. Order these separately.

Real-World Tips for a Successful Event

Here’s what experienced hosts wish they knew:

• Order extra breadsticks: They’re a crowd favorite and disappear fast. You can add a dozen for about $5.
• Use chafing dishes: If you’re serving buffet-style, keep pasta warm in chafing dishes with sterno fuel. Olive Garden doesn’t provide these, but you can rent or buy them cheaply.
• Label the trays: If you have multiple pasta types, use small signs to avoid confusion.
• Consider the time of day: For lunch events, lighter options like salad and soup work well. For dinner, go with heartier pasta and dessert.
• Ask about customizations: Some locations allow you to add grilled chicken or shrimp to pasta trays for an extra charge. It’s worth asking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order Olive Garden party trays for delivery? Yes, most locations offer delivery for orders over $100, with a small fee. Check with your local restaurant.

Do party trays come with breadsticks? Yes, each pasta or entrée tray typically includes 12 breadsticks. Salad and soup trays may not, so confirm when ordering.

How far in advance should I order? At least 24 hours is recommended, but 48 hours is safer for large orders or weekends.

Are there vegetarian or gluten-free options? Yes, Olive Garden offers gluten-free pasta and vegetarian sauces (e.g., marinara, alfredo). Notify them when ordering.

Can I reheat leftover party trays? Absolutely. Store in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, adding a little water or milk to pasta to restore moisture.

Conclusion

Olive Garden party trays are a fantastic choice for stress-free catering. By understanding the menu, ordering correctly, and avoiding common mistakes, you can serve a delicious meal that impresses your guests without breaking the bank. Next time you’re planning a party, consider Olive Garden – your taste buds (and your wallet) will thank you.