Private Party Catering That Feels Like Home—Just Elevated

One summer evening in Carroll Gardens, we catered a backyard dinner for twelve. The host had just renovated her brownstone and wanted to celebrate with friends—nothing formal, but special. We served chilled cucumber soup in espresso cups, grilled peaches with burrata, and lemon thyme chicken with roasted baby carrots. She didn’t lift a finger. Her guests lingered until well after dark. And as we packed up the last tray, she said, “I actually got to enjoy my own party.”

That’s what private party catering should feel like. It should feel effortless for the host, unforgettable for the guests, and entirely tailored to the people in the room. At NY Susan’s Kitchen, we create menus that reflect the moment—whether you’re hosting a birthday, celebrating a milestone, or gathering family for the first time in years. Our food is personal, seasonal, and designed to match the energy of your event, not define it.

Because Intimate Gatherings Deserve Great Food Too

Private events often fall into two traps: over-planned or underfed. Either everything feels stiff and overdone, or it’s too casual to feel like a celebration. Our goal is to hit the balance—a meal that feels thoughtful but easy, elegant but not fussy. We believe in roasted seasonal vegetables, fresh herbs from the market, slow-baked tarts, and platters passed family-style with conversation in between.

We cater events where the table matters. Where the food supports the laughter, not steals the spotlight. Where pacing, plating, and comfort come first. And where no one’s stuck in the kitchen—or hovering over a stove.

Private Party Catering, Built Around Your Occasion

Every event is different, and our menus are designed to match. We cater:

• Milestone birthdays and intimate dinner parties
• Engagement celebrations, baby showers, and anniversaries
• Family gatherings, multi-generational meals, and long-overdue reunions
• Casual cocktail evenings or full-service plated dinners

For those planning something light and lively, our cocktail party catering packages offer seasonal small bites, signature drinks, and trays that encourage movement and mingling. For sit-down meals, we provide full-service pacing—plated, buffet, or hybrid depending on your space.

A Sample Menu for a Small Gathering

While every menu we create is customized, here’s a look at what a seasonal dinner for ten might include:

To Start:
Whipped ricotta with citrus zest and thyme oil, served with grilled sourdough
Roasted beet and walnut salad with honey vinaigrette

Main Course:
Herb-marinated leg of lamb, slow-roasted and served with pomegranate glaze
Wild rice with caramelized shallots
Charred broccoli with lemon and toasted sesame

To Finish:
Olive oil cake with orange blossom glaze
Chocolate-dipped figs and rosemary shortbread

This style of menu gives guests room to relax and explore the table without rushing. We offer pacing support throughout the meal and can provide staff if desired—or let you take the spotlight while we remain quietly in the background.

How We Serve and Style the Night

We treat private events with the same care we give our own tables. Our setup is subtle and intentional—real platters, linen-lined baskets, garnishes that feel like part of the dish, not an afterthought. Whether your party is in your living room, backyard, rooftop, or rented space, we adapt our presentation to complement the mood, lighting, and space.

For family-style meals, we create a flow that encourages sharing and natural conversation. For plated courses, we time each dish to the energy in the room—unobtrusive but seamless. We also offer partial service, where we help set the tone and quietly exit before dessert, leaving you with a clean kitchen and happy guests.

Let’s Make It a Party You Actually Enjoy

The best part of a catered private party is being fully present. You get to toast without worrying about the oven. You get to sit down and stay there. And your guests get a meal that feels like it was made for them—because it was.

Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or just carving out time to reconnect, we’d love to help. Our birthday party catering ideas are perfect for hosts who want something relaxed but refined. And if you’re planning something bigger, like an all-ages reunion, our family reunion catering services offer ways to feed everyone—without losing the intimacy.

At NY Susan’s Kitchen, we don’t just cater meals. We create moments that feel like home—with better lighting and no dishes.