How to Order Costco Party Platters: A Step-by-Step Guide
Planning a party can be stressful, but ordering food doesn’t have to be. Costco, known for its bulk groceries and unbeatable prices, offers a fantastic selection of party platters that can cater to a variety of tastes and budgets. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process of ordering Costco party platters, from browsing the options to picking up your order, ensuring your next event is a delicious success.
## Why Choose Costco Party Platters?
Before we dive into the how-to, let’s explore why Costco party platters are a popular choice:
* **Affordability:** Costco’s prices are notoriously competitive, and their party platters are no exception. You can feed a large group without breaking the bank.
* **Convenience:** Ordering a pre-made platter saves you time and effort in the kitchen. No more prepping, cooking, and cleaning – simply pick up and serve!
* **Variety:** Costco offers a diverse range of platters, from sandwiches and wraps to shrimp cocktails and fruit trays, catering to different dietary needs and preferences.
* **Quality:** Despite the affordable prices, Costco maintains a high standard of quality for its food products. You can expect fresh ingredients and flavorful combinations.
* **Generous Portions:** Costco is known for its bulk sizes, and their party platters are no different. You’ll get plenty of food to feed your guests, often with leftovers.
## Understanding Costco’s Party Platter Options
Costco’s party platter selection can vary slightly depending on your location and the time of year. However, here’s a general overview of the types of platters typically available:
* **Sandwich Platters:** A classic choice, sandwich platters usually include a variety of fillings on different types of bread or rolls. Common options include turkey, ham, roast beef, and vegetarian fillings.
* **Wrap Platters:** Similar to sandwich platters, but with fillings wrapped in tortillas or flatbreads. These can be a lighter and more portable option.
* **Shrimp Cocktail Platters:** A crowd-pleasing appetizer featuring cooked shrimp served with cocktail sauce. These platters often come in different sizes to accommodate various party sizes.
* **Fruit Platters:** A refreshing and healthy option featuring a colorful assortment of fresh fruits, such as melon, grapes, berries, and pineapple.
* **Vegetable Platters:** A classic appetizer, vegetable platters typically include a selection of raw vegetables like carrots, celery, cucumbers, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes, served with a dip.
* **Meat and Cheese Platters:** A sophisticated option featuring an assortment of cured meats, cheeses, and crackers. Perfect for cocktail parties or wine tastings.
* **Chicken Wing Platters:** A game-day favorite, chicken wing platters typically include a variety of flavors and sauces.
* **Sushi Platters:** Select locations may offer sushi platters with a variety of rolls and nigiri.
* **Salad Platters:** While less common, some locations may offer large salad platters with various toppings and dressings.
It’s essential to check with your local Costco to see what platters are currently available and their prices. You can do this by visiting the store in person or calling their deli department.
## Step-by-Step Guide to Ordering Costco Party Platters
Here’s a detailed guide to help you order your Costco party platters with ease:
**Step 1: Check Your Costco Membership Status**
To order any items from Costco, including party platters, you must be a member. Ensure your membership is active and hasn’t expired. If you’re not a member, you’ll need to purchase a membership before you can place an order. There are different tiers of membership, so choose the one that best suits your needs.
**Step 2: Visit Your Local Costco or Call the Deli Department**
While Costco doesn’t offer online ordering for party platters (as of the last update), you have two primary options for placing your order:
* **In-Person Visit:** The best way to see the current selection of platters and their prices is to visit your local Costco. Head to the deli department and look for the party platter display. This allows you to visually inspect the platters and ask the deli staff any questions you may have.
* **Phone Call:** If you don’t have time to visit the store, you can call the deli department. Find the phone number for your local Costco on the Costco website. When you call, be prepared to ask about the available platters, their prices, and any customization options.
**Step 3: Browse the Available Platters and Make Your Selection**
Whether you’re at the store or on the phone, carefully browse the available party platters. Consider the following factors when making your selection:
* **Number of Guests:** Estimate the number of guests you’ll be serving to ensure you order enough food. Costco platters typically indicate the approximate number of people they serve.
* **Dietary Restrictions and Preferences:** Take into account any dietary restrictions or preferences of your guests. Offer a variety of platters to cater to different needs, such as vegetarian, gluten-free, or dairy-free options.
* **Budget:** Set a budget for your party platters and choose options that fit within your price range. Costco offers a range of platters at different price points.
* **Type of Event:** Consider the type of event you’re hosting. A formal cocktail party might call for a meat and cheese platter, while a casual barbecue might be better suited for sandwich or wrap platters.
* **Time of Day:** The time of day of your event can influence your platter choices. For example, a brunch event might feature a fruit platter, while a dinner party could include a shrimp cocktail platter.
**Step 4: Inquire About Customization Options**
Depending on the platter, Costco may offer some customization options. Ask the deli staff if you can:
* **Substitute Fillings:** Can you swap out certain meats or cheeses in a sandwich or wrap platter?
* **Add or Remove Ingredients:** Can you add or remove specific fruits or vegetables from a fruit or vegetable platter?
* **Change Dressings or Sauces:** Can you request a different dressing for a salad or a different sauce for chicken wings?
While customization options may be limited, it’s always worth asking to see if you can tailor the platter to your specific needs.
**Step 5: Place Your Order and Provide the Required Information**
Once you’ve decided on your platters and any customizations, it’s time to place your order. You’ll need to provide the following information:
* **Your Name and Costco Membership Number:** The deli staff will need your membership number to process your order.
* **Platter Selections and Quantities:** Clearly state which platters you want and how many of each.
* **Pickup Date and Time:** Specify the date and time you want to pick up your order. Costco typically requires at least 24-48 hours’ notice for party platter orders, but it’s always best to check with your local store to confirm their specific requirements. Order well in advance, especially during peak season (holidays, summer weekends), to ensure availability. Some locations might require even longer lead times during busy periods.
* **Contact Information:** Provide a phone number where the deli staff can reach you if they have any questions about your order.
* **Special Instructions:** If you have any special instructions, such as dietary restrictions or pickup instructions, be sure to communicate them clearly.
**Step 6: Confirm Your Order and Obtain a Confirmation Number**
Before you leave the deli counter or hang up the phone, double-check that all the details of your order are correct. Confirm the platters you’ve ordered, the quantities, the pickup date and time, and any special instructions. The deli staff should provide you with a confirmation number or receipt. Keep this confirmation number in a safe place, as you’ll need it when you pick up your order.
**Step 7: Pick Up Your Order on the Scheduled Date and Time**
On the day of your pickup, arrive at Costco at the scheduled time. Head to the deli department and provide your name and confirmation number. The deli staff will retrieve your order and verify that everything is correct. Inspect the platters to ensure they meet your expectations before leaving the store. Make sure the platters are properly chilled if they contain perishable items like meat, cheese, or seafood.
**Step 8: Transport Your Platters Safely**
When transporting your party platters, take the following precautions to ensure they arrive at your party in good condition:
* **Keep Platters Flat:** Avoid tilting or stacking the platters, as this can cause the food to shift and become disorganized.
* **Use a Cooler:** If you’re traveling a long distance or it’s a hot day, use a cooler with ice packs to keep the platters chilled. This is especially important for platters containing perishable items.
* **Secure Platters in Your Vehicle:** Place the platters on a flat surface in your vehicle, such as the trunk or backseat. Secure them to prevent them from sliding around during transport.
* **Drive Carefully:** Avoid making sudden stops or turns, as this can cause the platters to shift.
**Step 9: Store and Serve Your Platters Properly**
Once you arrive at your party venue, store your platters properly until it’s time to serve them. Follow these guidelines:
* **Refrigerate Perishable Platters:** Platters containing meat, cheese, seafood, or dairy products should be refrigerated until serving time. Keep them at a temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below to prevent bacterial growth.
* **Keep Hot Platters Warm:** If you’ve ordered a hot platter, such as chicken wings, keep it warm in a warming tray or oven set to a low temperature.
* **Serve Platters on Ice:** If you’re serving platters outdoors, place them on ice to keep them chilled. This is especially important during hot weather.
* **Provide Serving Utensils:** Provide serving utensils for each platter to prevent cross-contamination.
* **Replenish Platters as Needed:** As guests consume the platters, replenish them with fresh food from the kitchen.
## Tips for Ordering the Perfect Costco Party Platters
Here are some additional tips to help you order the perfect Costco party platters:
* **Plan Ahead:** Start planning your party platter order well in advance, especially during peak season. This will give you plenty of time to browse the options, place your order, and pick it up.
* **Consider Your Guests’ Preferences:** Take the time to consider your guests’ dietary restrictions and preferences. Offer a variety of platters to cater to different needs.
* **Don’t Overorder:** While Costco’s portions are generous, avoid overordering. You can always supplement your platters with other snacks and appetizers if needed.
* **Read Reviews:** If you’re unsure about a particular platter, read online reviews to see what other customers have said about it.
* **Ask for Recommendations:** Don’t hesitate to ask the deli staff for recommendations. They can provide valuable insights into the most popular platters and any seasonal specials.
* **Check for Deals and Promotions:** Costco occasionally offers deals and promotions on party platters. Be sure to check for any current offers before placing your order.
* **Be Prepared for Changes:** Platter availability and pricing can change, so be prepared to be flexible and make adjustments to your order if necessary.
* **Inspect Before Leaving:** Always inspect your platters before leaving the store to ensure they meet your expectations. If there are any issues, address them with the deli staff immediately.
## Addressing Potential Challenges
While ordering Costco party platters is generally a smooth process, here are some potential challenges you might encounter and how to address them:
* **Limited Availability:** Certain platters may not be available at all times, especially during peak season. Be prepared to make alternative selections if your first choice is unavailable. Calling ahead to check availability is highly recommended.
* **Long Wait Times:** During busy periods, the deli department can get crowded, and wait times for ordering and pickup can be long. Plan accordingly and arrive early if possible.
* **Customization Limitations:** Costco’s customization options are limited. Don’t expect to be able to make significant changes to the platters. If you need highly customized platters, consider ordering from a catering company.
* **Transportation Issues:** Transporting large platters can be challenging, especially if you have a small vehicle. Consider borrowing a larger vehicle or asking a friend for help.
* **Storage Constraints:** Storing large platters can be a challenge, especially if you have limited refrigerator space. Make sure you have enough room to store the platters properly until serving time.
## Examples of Successful Costco Party Platter Orders
To give you some inspiration, here are a few examples of successful Costco party platter orders:
* **Birthday Party:** For a child’s birthday party, order a sandwich platter with kid-friendly fillings, a fruit platter, and a vegetable platter. Add a cake from the Costco bakery for a complete party spread.
* **Game Day Gathering:** For a Super Bowl party, order a chicken wing platter, a shrimp cocktail platter, and a sandwich platter. Provide plenty of drinks and snacks to keep your guests happy.
* **Holiday Celebration:** For a Thanksgiving or Christmas gathering, order a meat and cheese platter, a fruit platter, and a vegetable platter. Supplement with homemade dishes for a festive feast.
* **Corporate Event:** For a corporate meeting or conference, order a sandwich platter, a wrap platter, and a fruit platter. Provide coffee, tea, and water for your guests.
## Making the Most of Your Costco Membership
Ordering party platters is just one of the many benefits of having a Costco membership. Here are some other ways to make the most of your membership:
* **Grocery Shopping:** Take advantage of Costco’s bulk pricing on groceries to save money on your everyday essentials.
* **Household Items:** Stock up on household items like paper towels, toilet paper, and cleaning supplies at Costco’s discounted prices.
* **Electronics:** Shop for electronics, appliances, and furniture at Costco’s competitive prices.
* **Optical and Pharmacy Services:** Take advantage of Costco’s optical and pharmacy services for affordable eye exams and prescription medications.
* **Travel Services:** Book your next vacation through Costco Travel for exclusive deals on hotels, flights, and rental cars.
* **Gasoline:** Fill up your gas tank at Costco’s gas stations for discounted fuel prices.
## Conclusion
Ordering Costco party platters is a convenient and affordable way to feed a crowd at your next event. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure a smooth and successful ordering experience. From browsing the options to picking up your order, you’ll be well-equipped to create a delicious and memorable party for your guests. So, grab your Costco membership card and get ready to plan your next party with ease!
With careful planning and attention to detail, your Costco party platter experience will be a resounding success. Enjoy your party!