What’s the thing people often remember most about a holiday? The food. Fabulous meals, whether in a fancy restaurant, beach-side cafe, or little back-street taverna, tend to stick fondly in the memory.
However, if you’re in charge of feeding a large group in a self-catering stay, you’re faced with a different set of challenges. You don’t need to impress everyone (unless you happen to be a professional chef) you just need to get everyone fed on time and with enough to go round.
If you don’t have much experience, cooking on a grand scale can be daunting. Mostly it’s basic common sense: just take the meals you’re used to cooking at home and scale them up. However, there are a few useful tips, hints and ideas which will help you get ahead of the game when planning your holiday shopping and cooking.
We’ll take you through the things to think about when booking your stay: is the kitchen well-equipped with fridges, freezers, and oven space? Is there a BBQ or pizza oven? Which supermarkets deliver to the property? Are there some nice restaurants and pubs nearby, so that you’re not cooking every night?
We’ll list the things to get sorted out before you arrive: what’s the group’s food budget? Does anyone have any allergies or dietary requirements? Will you put together a meal plan? Will you create a cookery rota to share the load?
We’ll talk about what to consider during your stay: is the load being split fairly so that no one’s left feeling stressed? Is someone monitoring the level of snacks and drinks (running out of wine at 9pm is a very sad state of affairs)?
We’ll also point you in the direction of some of our gorgeous properties for large groups, all fully loaded with excellent kitchen and dining facilities.
Follow our checklist below to help you get organised when planning the catering for a large group holiday. And once it’s all sorted you can enjoy sitting down together with family and friends for some delicious, stress-free dinners - and then relaxing while someone else does the washing up.
We’ll list the things to get sorted out before you arrive: what’s the group’s food budget? Does anyone have any allergies or dietary requirements? Will you put together a meal plan? Will you create a cookery rota to share the load?
We’ll talk about what to consider during your stay: is the load being split fairly so that no one’s left feeling stressed? Is someone monitoring the level of snacks and drinks (running out of wine at 9pm is a very sad state of affairs)?
We’ll also point you in the direction of some of our gorgeous properties for large groups, all fully loaded with excellent kitchen and dining facilities.
Follow our checklist below to help you get organised when planning the catering for a large group holiday. And once it’s all sorted you can enjoy sitting down together with family and friends for some delicious, stress-free dinners - and then relaxing while someone else does the washing up.
Things to consider when booking a stay for a large group
Choosing the right property for your group is key to a successful stay. Choose the wrong place and it will have a big impact on your cooking and eating. A place without enough room in the fridge, not enough dining chairs, or an unexpectedly small freezer can really scupper your plans. Here are our top tips for what to look for in a potential holiday home.
The most important things to be sure of before you book are the white goods. Does the property have ample fridge and freezer space? Is there a big enough oven? Oven space is vital for big groups - many large properties have Agas, ranges, or double ovens. And when it’s time to clean up, is there a good-sized dishwasher?
Are there a generous number of glasses, plates, and other crockery? This should be a given in any well-equipped kitchen, but check if you can. Nothing’s more annoying than constantly having to wash up glasses and crockery.
What’s outside? Find out, so you can meal-plan accordingly. Lots of larger places offer a BBQ or a pizza oven. In some properties you’ll even find an ‘outdoor kitchen’ in addition to the inside one, great for sunny days eating alfresco.
We’re not saying you should base your choice of holiday home on whether Waitrose can get a van there, but it doesn’t hurt to double check the address is within range of an online delivery. No one will have the time, energy, or car-space to shop for and bring all the food with them, so an online delivery is a good bet. Make sure you book your delivery slot at least an hour after you’re due to arrive, in case of any delays.
First and foremost research the best gastro pubs, restaurants, and other eateries in the local area. A few well-chosen dinners out will take the pressure off the in-house catering team. Be sure to check opening hours, as places in rural areas can sometimes be closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Have a look on Google Maps and check if there are any food shops within walking distance. Will you be able to pop out for an emergency pint of milk, or does everything need to be ordered in?
If you’re unsure about any of the above, you can always ask! On Coolstays you can often contact the property manager/owner directly via email. They’ll be happy to answer any questions about the kitchen facilities and local amenities.
Check what kitchen facilities are available
The most important things to be sure of before you book are the white goods. Does the property have ample fridge and freezer space? Is there a big enough oven? Oven space is vital for big groups - many large properties have Agas, ranges, or double ovens. And when it’s time to clean up, is there a good-sized dishwasher?
Are there a generous number of glasses, plates, and other crockery? This should be a given in any well-equipped kitchen, but check if you can. Nothing’s more annoying than constantly having to wash up glasses and crockery.
What’s outside? Find out, so you can meal-plan accordingly. Lots of larger places offer a BBQ or a pizza oven. In some properties you’ll even find an ‘outdoor kitchen’ in addition to the inside one, great for sunny days eating alfresco.
Find out which supermarkets deliver
We’re not saying you should base your choice of holiday home on whether Waitrose can get a van there, but it doesn’t hurt to double check the address is within range of an online delivery. No one will have the time, energy, or car-space to shop for and bring all the food with them, so an online delivery is a good bet. Make sure you book your delivery slot at least an hour after you’re due to arrive, in case of any delays.
Are there places to eat nearby?
First and foremost research the best gastro pubs, restaurants, and other eateries in the local area. A few well-chosen dinners out will take the pressure off the in-house catering team. Be sure to check opening hours, as places in rural areas can sometimes be closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Have a look on Google Maps and check if there are any food shops within walking distance. Will you be able to pop out for an emergency pint of milk, or does everything need to be ordered in?
If you’re unsure about any of the above, you can always ask! On Coolstays you can often contact the property manager/owner directly via email. They’ll be happy to answer any questions about the kitchen facilities and local amenities.
Before you arrive at your self-catering holiday...
We’re getting into the nitty gritty now. You’ve completed the first step and found a lovely place to stay with a great kitchen, spacious dining room, and a nice gastro pub nearby. Now it’s time to discuss and agree on your eating arrangements as a group. Planning is key here. We know it’s tempting not to bother, to think ‘oh we’ll just sort it out when we get there’. But when dinner time rolls around, the sink is full of dirty saucepans, you’re starving and somebody’s eaten both the garlic baguettes you bought, you’ll wish you’d planned ahead.
Agree this in advance to avoid recriminations later. Some groups choose to pay into a kitty, paying X amount per person, per day. Then all of the food is paid for out of this fund. Others decide to divide the meals up, so one couple cooks one night, one the next etc, and each buys and pays for what they cook. However you’ll still need a slush-fund for drinks, snacks, and other household bits.
Vegetarian, vegan, lactose intolerant - there are bound to be people with dietary requirements. Have a chat with them about how group meals can work best for them.
Your meal plan should basically consist of what you’re going to eat each day, for each meal. Once this is done you can then shop accordingly.
We’d suggest keeping it all as simple as possible. Make breakfast and lunch self-service or buffet-style to keep work to a minimum. You can then plan a sit down dinner, or BBQ, or whatever you fancy for your evening meal. Why not create a rota, then people can take turns at making dinner to spread the burden - and show off their culinary skills?
There are several different ways to do this. One person (or however many it takes) can do a single online shop for the whole trip, consisting of everything you’re planning to eat and drink. Alternatively you can divide up the food and drink between you and then everyone is responsible for bringing their allocated portion. Or you can do a bit of both - one big shop for all your shared drinks, snacks, breakfast, and lunch bits, and everyone brings the ingredients for the dinner they’re going to cook.
If the budget can stretch, booking a private chef for the evening makes a fun treat. They’ll come to the house, whip up a top class meal and you don’t have to lift a finger. Great for a birthday or special occasion. The property owner or manager often has someone they can recommend.
Agree your food budget
Agree this in advance to avoid recriminations later. Some groups choose to pay into a kitty, paying X amount per person, per day. Then all of the food is paid for out of this fund. Others decide to divide the meals up, so one couple cooks one night, one the next etc, and each buys and pays for what they cook. However you’ll still need a slush-fund for drinks, snacks, and other household bits.
Find out any allergies and dietary requirements
Vegetarian, vegan, lactose intolerant - there are bound to be people with dietary requirements. Have a chat with them about how group meals can work best for them.
Draw up a meal plan
Your meal plan should basically consist of what you’re going to eat each day, for each meal. Once this is done you can then shop accordingly.
We’d suggest keeping it all as simple as possible. Make breakfast and lunch self-service or buffet-style to keep work to a minimum. You can then plan a sit down dinner, or BBQ, or whatever you fancy for your evening meal. Why not create a rota, then people can take turns at making dinner to spread the burden - and show off their culinary skills?
Do the food shopping
There are several different ways to do this. One person (or however many it takes) can do a single online shop for the whole trip, consisting of everything you’re planning to eat and drink. Alternatively you can divide up the food and drink between you and then everyone is responsible for bringing their allocated portion. Or you can do a bit of both - one big shop for all your shared drinks, snacks, breakfast, and lunch bits, and everyone brings the ingredients for the dinner they’re going to cook.
Book a private chef
If the budget can stretch, booking a private chef for the evening makes a fun treat. They’ll come to the house, whip up a top class meal and you don’t have to lift a finger. Great for a birthday or special occasion. The property owner or manager often has someone they can recommend.
There will always be someone who eats more than everyone else
Managing a large group during a holiday
If you’ve planned and shopped ahead, once you arrive you should be able to kick back and enjoy eating, drinking, and generally making merry. There are still a few things to remember however.
Check in to make sure everyone is happy with the cooking and clearing up situation. Everyone has different standards, which can prove something of a shock, especially if you haven’t been away on holiday together before. If someone’s ability to clear up after themselves hasn’t improved since uni, maybe think about having a quiet word. Or at least just be glad you don’t have to live with them permanently. A clean-up rota alongside the cookery rota can go a long way to making things equitable.
A word about food fairness. There will always be someone who eats more than everyone else. If they are eating you all out of house and home, you might like to suggest they put some more cash into the kitty, or buy some extra supplies for themselves. Or otherwise just roll your eyes and be glad you only have to live with them for a few days.
Monitor the snack sitch - don’t let the food and drink run out. Be flexible and generous with provisions. Keep the cupboards brimming with tasty treats and the fridge full of lovely things to eat - after all, you’re on holiday, treat yourselves!
Is everyone happy?
Check in to make sure everyone is happy with the cooking and clearing up situation. Everyone has different standards, which can prove something of a shock, especially if you haven’t been away on holiday together before. If someone’s ability to clear up after themselves hasn’t improved since uni, maybe think about having a quiet word. Or at least just be glad you don’t have to live with them permanently. A clean-up rota alongside the cookery rota can go a long way to making things equitable.
A word about food fairness. There will always be someone who eats more than everyone else. If they are eating you all out of house and home, you might like to suggest they put some more cash into the kitty, or buy some extra supplies for themselves. Or otherwise just roll your eyes and be glad you only have to live with them for a few days.
Keep an eye on food levels
Monitor the snack sitch - don’t let the food and drink run out. Be flexible and generous with provisions. Keep the cupboards brimming with tasty treats and the fridge full of lovely things to eat - after all, you’re on holiday, treat yourselves!
In summary....
We hope this list of tips and hints helps you when thinking about meal planning for a big group holiday. To sum up:
Choose the right property, with good and plentiful kitchen facilities and a BBQ or pizza oven for some outdoor cooking fun. And research where is good to eat in the local area so that you can book some meals out and take the pressure off the home chefs.
Planning ahead is the key to ensuring full tummies and happy holidays on a group getaway. Get your budget and your meal plan sorted out in advance and everything will fall into place from there. We also think a rota for cooking and washing up helps keep things fair and gives everyone a turn to do their thing in the kitchen.
Sort out your shopping before you arrive. You can either do one big shop for everything, or divide the responsibility up between you.
Get busy relaxing. The hard work has been done, the food is bought and the meals are planned. As a group, your only further job is to ensure the fridge stays nice and full and to check-in and make sure no cooking and washing up resentments are brewing. And if the worst comes to the worst, there’s always Deliveroo.
(Remember, Deliveroo is not a nationwide service. You might not be able to get your pizza delivered in the wilds of Scotland!)
Choose the right property, with good and plentiful kitchen facilities and a BBQ or pizza oven for some outdoor cooking fun. And research where is good to eat in the local area so that you can book some meals out and take the pressure off the home chefs.
Planning ahead is the key to ensuring full tummies and happy holidays on a group getaway. Get your budget and your meal plan sorted out in advance and everything will fall into place from there. We also think a rota for cooking and washing up helps keep things fair and gives everyone a turn to do their thing in the kitchen.
Sort out your shopping before you arrive. You can either do one big shop for everything, or divide the responsibility up between you.
Get busy relaxing. The hard work has been done, the food is bought and the meals are planned. As a group, your only further job is to ensure the fridge stays nice and full and to check-in and make sure no cooking and washing up resentments are brewing. And if the worst comes to the worst, there’s always Deliveroo.
(Remember, Deliveroo is not a nationwide service. You might not be able to get your pizza delivered in the wilds of Scotland!)
Find your big group getaway on Coolstays
Have a look at Coolstays to find the perfect place for a large group getaway. We have a wide variety of properties around the UK, Europe, and worldwide. Why not see how the other half live with a stay at a castle or beautiful stately home? Book yourselves a luxurious villa with a swimming pool, or a laid-back beach house. We’ve got a fabulous selection of rural retreats too, from farmhouses and cottages to barn conversions, with hot tubs, games rooms, and gorgeous country views. Whatever you’re looking for, check out our collection of unique and unusual properties for an unforgettable group stay.
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