How to organise a raclette evening without last-minute problems

A raclette evening works best when guests can cook and serve themselves without waiting for equipment, potatoes or drinks. Start by confirming the guest list and dietary requirements, then reserve enough raclette grills and plan the table layout around the power supply. Buy chilled products close to the event, prepare vegetables and potatoes ahead of time, and set up the buffet before guests arrive. The final checks are mostly about electricity, tableware and keeping drinks cold.

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The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

1
Compile the guest list
2
Send invitations
3
Process registrations
4
Collect dietary requirements
5
Reserve raclette grills
6
Create final guest list
7
Determine menu and quantities
2 people
8
Work out table arrangement
9
Check the shopping list
10
Check tableware and equipment
2 people
11
Do the shopping
2 people
12
Clear away chilled products
13
Stock up on drinks
14
Wash and cut vegetables
2 people
15
Pre-cook the potatoes
16
Set out sauces
17
Prepare dessert
18
Clean the venue
2 people
19
Set up tables and chairs
3 people
20
Lay out tablecloths
2 people
21
Set up raclette grills
2 people
22
Check power supply
2 people
23
Set out tableware and cutlery
2 people
24
Set up buffet tables
2 people
25
Chill drinks
2 people

Event

26
Welcome guests
2 people
27
Serve aperitifs and snacks
2 people
28
Explain raclette
29
Open the raclette buffet
2 people
30
Restock food
2 people
31
Refill drinks
32
Collect used dishes
33
Serve dessert
2 people
34
Serve coffee and tea
35
Turn off raclette grills
2 people

Aftercare

36
Chill leftovers safely
2 people
37
Clear tables
3 people
38
Wash dishes
2 people
39
Clean the venue
3 people
40
Collect and take away waste
2 people
41
Clean equipment
2 people
42
Return equipment
43
Store reusable items
2 people

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 28
Buffet tablesqty 2
Tableclothsqty 6

Tableware

Platesqty 30
Dessert platesqty 30
Glassesqty 36
Cupsqty 30
Cutlery setsqty 30
Raclette pansqty 30
Serving bowlsqty 12
Serving spoonsqty 12

Equipment

Raclette grillsqty 4
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 4
Coolersqty 3
Kettlesqty 2
Coffee maker

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knifeqty 3
Vegetable peelersqty 2
Pliersqty 4
Measuring cupsqty 2
Aluminum foilqty 2

Decorations

Napkin holdersqty 6
Table decorationsqty 6
Menusqty 6

Lighting

String lightsqty 4
Table lampsqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 3
Bucketsqty 2
Cleaning clothsqty 12

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Confirm dietary requirements before finalising the menu. Raclette often includes cheese, cured meats, bread, potatoes and sauces, so record vegetarian, vegan and allergy-related needs before shopping.
Plan about 200–250 g of raclette cheese and 250–300 g of potatoes per adult. Add vegetables, sauces and other toppings according to the final guest count, rather than shopping before registrations are processed.
Check the electrical setup before placing the tables. Raclette grills can quickly overload one socket, so test the available outlets, extension cords and power strips and keep cables away from walkways.
Cook the potatoes shortly before guests arrive, then keep them covered and warm. Wash and cut vegetables in advance, but leave chilled products refrigerated until the last possible moment.
Set up the buffet and tableware before switching on the grills. Allow at least 30 minutes for tables, chairs, tablecloths, plates, cutlery, serving bowls, drinks and waste bins, then chill drinks and check that every guest has a raclette pan.

Frequently asked questions

How much raclette cheese do I need per person?: Allow around 200–250 g of raclette cheese per adult for a full evening meal. Buy closer to 250 g for guests with large appetites or when there are few other substantial toppings.
How many raclette grills do I need for a dinner party?: Plan one raclette grill for roughly 4–6 people, depending on the model and the number of pans. Check the grill capacity and power requirements at least one week before the evening so you can reserve extra equipment if needed.
When should I cook the potatoes for a raclette evening?: Cook the potatoes about 30–60 minutes before guests arrive and keep them covered so they stay warm. Wash and cut the vegetables earlier, but keep cheese, meat and other chilled products refrigerated until serving time.
How do I prevent raclette grills from overloading the power supply?: Check the venue’s outlets and the total grill load at least a few days beforehand. Distribute grills across separate circuits where possible, use suitable extension cords and power strips, and avoid connecting several high-load grills to one socket.

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