FAQ
Do You Have Minimums?
Our minimums vary depending on the time of year and the type of service you choose. For more details, feel free to call 425-576-1000.
How Far Do You Travel?
We typically cater within a 60-mile radius of our Kirkland location to maintain the freshness and quality of our food. Unfortunately, we do not travel to locations requiring ferry access. Check out our venues page for a list of locations we frequently cater.
When Should I Book Your Catering Services?
It's always best to call and check availability. While we can cater multiple events in a day, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis. For corporate or social events, we recommend booking at least 3 weeks in advance. For weddings, we prefer at least 6 months' notice, but it’s possible for dates to book up even earlier. The earlier you book, the more time you’ll have to collaborate with your Wedding and Event Specialist to plan every detail.
How Do I Reserve and Pay for Your Services?
To reserve your event date, we require a 25% non-refundable deposit and a signed catering agreement. For weddings, 50% of the total is due 60 days before the event, with the final balance due 2 weeks prior. For other events, the remaining balance is due 7 business days before the event. We also offer special payment arrangements for corporate clients.
Do You Provide Wedding Cakes and Cake Cutting Services?
While we don’t provide traditional wedding cakes, we offer complimentary cake cutting! We can also recommend some fantastic bakers.
Do You Use Local, Organic, and Seasonal Ingredients?
Yes! We’ve been committed to sourcing local and organic ingredients for over 45 years. We always aim to provide fresh, seasonal produce, meats, and seafood when available.
Do You Offer Private Tastings?
Yes, we offer private tastings for up to four people by appointment. Please schedule at least 2-3 weeks in advance. Tastings are subject to fees. You can also catch us at open houses and wedding shows.
Can You Accommodate Dietary Restrictions?
Absolutely! We offer menus for vegetarians, gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, Kosher, and other dietary needs. Please inform us of any allergies or dietary concerns in advance, so we can ensure the perfect menu for your event.
Can I Hire Outside or Additional Food Vendors?
Yes, we’re open to working with additional food vendors or food trucks. We ask that they are insured, licensed, and place their food on separate tables with appropriate labeling.
What About Alcohol?
If you're serving alcohol, Washington State law requires a licensed bartender for public venues, and we’re happy to provide one! We offer several drink packages, or you can provide your own. Some venues have specific requirements, so please confirm with your venue. We are fully licensed, and our bartenders hold MAST permits.
Are You Insured?
Yes, Twelve Baskets Catering is fully insured, and our staff is covered by Washington State's Department of Labor & Industries. Contact our office for more information.
What About Rentals?
We offer a limited selection of rental items such as plates, flatware, glassware, and linens, available on a first-come, first-served basis. If more rentals are needed, we work with trusted third-party vendors to meet your needs.
What Services Do You Offer, and What’s the Cost?
We offer a range of catering services to suit your needs:
- Pick-Up: Swing by our Kirkland location, and we’ll help load your vehicle.
- Delivery: We’ll deliver the food, set it up, and leave everything ready to serve on disposable platters.
- Full Service: Our team handles everything—from setup to cleanup, ensuring a seamless event experience.
We also offer various service styles, including buffet, food stations, family-style, and plated meals, each with different pricing. For more details, reach out to our event team.
Can I Cancel My Event?
If you need to cancel your event, any deposit or payments due are non-refundable up to 10 days before the event. Cancellations within 9 days of the event may result in the entire balance being charged. If you choose to cancel, you can still pick up the food on your event date or donate it to a local homeless shelter. All cancellations must be confirmed verbally and in writing.
What Are the Taxes and Fees?
Washington State sales tax is applied based on the event location. A Production Fee is also included to cover administrative and overhead costs. Please note, that this fee is not a gratuity. We automatically add gratuity to all events, but if you wish to add additional gratuity that can be arranged before, during, or after your event at your discretion. Gratuity is 100% paid to all staff that worked on your event, including our culinary and operations teams.
What Happens with Leftovers?
We provide to-go containers for you to take home any leftovers.
Feel free to reach out if you have any other questions or would like to discuss your event in more detail!