Raclette evening checklist

A raclette evening runs smoothly when the practical details are settled before guests arrive. Start with the guest list and dietary requirements, then reserve enough grills, calculate food and drinks, and confirm your table layout. On the day, prepare the potatoes and vegetables, chill the drinks, and test every grill and power connection before serving. This checklist keeps the planning in order and highlights the jobs that are easy to leave too late.

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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

Compile the guest list
Send invitations
Process registrations
Collect dietary requirements
Reserve raclette grills
Create final guest list
Determine menu and quantities
2 people
Work out table arrangement
Check the shopping list
Check tableware and equipment
2 people
Do the shopping
2 people
Clear away chilled products
Stock up on drinks
Wash and cut vegetables
2 people
Pre-cook the potatoes
Set out sauces
Prepare dessert
Clean the venue
2 people
Set up tables and chairs
3 people
Lay out tablecloths
2 people
Set up raclette grills
2 people
Check power supply
2 people
Set out tableware and cutlery
2 people
Set up buffet tables
2 people
Chill drinks
2 people

Event

Welcome guests
2 people
Serve aperitifs and snacks
2 people
Explain raclette
Open the raclette buffet
2 people
Restock food
2 people
Refill drinks
Collect used dishes
Serve dessert
2 people
Serve coffee and tea
Turn off raclette grills
2 people

Aftercare

Chill leftovers safely
2 people
Clear tables
3 people
Wash dishes
2 people
Clean the venue
3 people
Collect and take away waste
2 people
Clean equipment
2 people
Return equipment
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 when guests register, not on the day itself. Use the final guest count to calculate raclette ingredients, potatoes, vegetables, sauces and dessert.
Check the grill-to-guest ratio at least one week ahead and reserve any extra raclette grills, pans, extension cords and power strips before they are needed.
Cook the potatoes shortly before guests arrive so they are ready to serve but still hot. Wash and cut the vegetables in advance, then keep chilled products refrigerated until setup.
Test the full electrical setup before people sit down: plug in the grills, check that extension cords and power strips reach safely, and avoid overloading one socket.
Allow at least 60 minutes before arrival for tables, chairs, tablecloths, tableware, buffet tables and decorations. Chill the drinks early and leave clear space around each hot grill.

Frequently asked questions

How much raclette cheese do I need per person?: Plan around 200 to 250 grams of raclette cheese per adult for a main meal. Buy closer to 250 grams if the evening will last several hours or includes guests with larger appetites.
How many potatoes should I prepare for a raclette evening?: Allow about 250 to 300 grams of potatoes per person, or roughly 3 to 4 medium potatoes. Pre-cook them shortly before serving and keep them warm until the grills are ready.
When should I reserve raclette grills?: Reserve the grills at least 7 days before the evening, especially if several tables need equipment. Check at the same time that you have enough pans, extension cords and safe power connections.
How early should I start setting up for raclette?: Start the room setup about 60 to 90 minutes before guests arrive. Set the tables and buffet first, then place tableware and food, chill drinks, and test the grills during the final 15 minutes.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.