Simply Homemade: A Charleston Caterer for Family-Style Meals and Events

What Simply Homemade offers

Simply Homemade is a Charleston-based catering company that specializes in comfort food and family-style service. The caterer focuses on Southern dishes and home-cooked flavors rather than formal plated service, making it a fit for casual gatherings, corporate lunches, reunions, and events where guests want to feel like they're eating at someone's table rather than a banquet hall.

The company works directly with clients to build custom menus around their event size, budget, and preferences. Rather than offering a fixed set of packages, Simply Homemade treats each event as its own project, which means you describe what you want and they work backward from there.

Key Takeaways

• Simply Homemade specializes in family-style service and Southern comfort food, not formal plated dinners.
• The caterer builds custom menus for each event instead of offering preset packages, so you can shape the offering to your guest count and budget.
• Contact the company directly to discuss your event date, location, and food preferences before pricing.
• Simply Homemade serves events across the Charleston area, though delivery distance and setup fees may vary by location.

How family-style catering works

Family-style service means food arrives at your event in large platters and bowls that guests pass around the table, rather than individual plates prepared in the kitchen. This approach encourages conversation, lets people take the portions they want, and creates an informal, welcoming atmosphere. It works well for rehearsal dinners, church gatherings, office parties, and milestone celebrations where the focus is on people rather than presentation.

Simply Homemade handles the cooking, transport, setup, and often cleanup, depending on what you arrange. You provide the venue and tables; they bring the food, serving pieces, and staff to plate and manage the meal. This division of labor means you can focus on your guests while the caterer manages the logistics.

Menu options and customization

Simply Homemade draws from Southern and comfort-food traditions—think fried chicken, collard greens, mac and cheese, biscuits, and slow-cooked vegetables. The company can also work with dietary needs, regional preferences, and seasonal ingredients. If you want a menu built around Low Country traditions, barbecue, or a mix of styles, you discuss that directly with the caterer rather than choosing from a printed list.

Because menus are custom, the cost depends on what you order, how many people you're feeding, and how far the caterer has to travel. Reach out with your event details to get a sense of pricing for your specific situation.

Event sizes Simply Homemade can handle

Simply Homemade works with events ranging from small intimate gatherings to larger celebrations. The company has catered corporate functions, family reunions, weddings, and community events across the Charleston region. If you're unsure whether your event size fits their capacity, contact them directly—they can tell you whether they're available on your date and what logistics would apply.

Smaller events (20 to 50 people) often have lower minimums and simpler setup. Larger events (100+ people) may require more lead time and coordination, but the caterer has the experience to manage them.

How to contact Simply Homemade and plan your event

Start by reaching out with basic information: your event date, the number of guests, your location, and the kind of food you're imagining. Simply Homemade will discuss availability, answer questions about their process, and work with you to build a menu and quote. Most caterers ask for a deposit to hold your date, with the balance due closer to the event.

Lead time varies depending on the season and how busy the caterer is. For major holidays or peak wedding season, book further in advance. For smaller weekday events, you may have more flexibility. Ask about their current availability when you call.

What to expect on the day of your event

Simply Homemade typically arrives early to set up tables, platters, serving pieces, and any warming equipment needed. Staff will plate food, manage the meal service, and handle cleanup afterward if that's part of your agreement. You should confirm with the caterer exactly when they'll arrive, how long setup takes, and what time they'll be ready to serve.

Family-style service usually means the food goes out all at once or in waves, depending on your preference and the menu. The caterer can advise on timing—for example, whether appetizers should come out before the main course or whether everything should arrive together for a casual, all-at-once feel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Simply Homemade deliver outside Charleston?

The caterer serves the Charleston area, but delivery distance and any associated fees depend on your specific location. Contact them with your address to confirm they can reach you and what the logistics would look like.

Can Simply Homemade accommodate dietary restrictions?

Yes. When you discuss your menu, mention any allergies, vegetarian or vegan needs, or other dietary requirements. The caterer can build a menu that works for your guests or prepare separate dishes for those with restrictions.

What if I don't know what menu I want?

Simply Homemade can suggest menus based on your event type, guest count, and budget. They have experience with what works well for different occasions and can guide you toward options that fit your vision.

Do I need to provide plates, utensils, and napkins?

That depends on your arrangement with the caterer. Some events include service ware; others don't. Confirm what's included in your quote and what you'll need to provide or rent separately.

How far in advance should I book?

For smaller events, a few weeks may be enough. For larger events or peak seasons (spring and fall weddings, holiday parties), book at least a month or two ahead. Contact Simply Homemade with your date to see what their current schedule looks like.