Let’s face it, when it comes to outdoor catering events in Chicagoland, Mother Nature is your uninvited (and wildly unpredictable) plus-one. One minute it’s sunny skies and lemonade, the next it’s sideways rain or a cold front worthy of a parka.
How to Weatherproof Your Menu and Wow Your Guests
But here’s the good news: with the right game plan and the right catering partner you can host an outdoor event that’s memorable for all the right reasons. At Lee n’ Eddies, we’ve been serving up legendary backyard BBQs, company picnics, and family celebrations since 1959, and we know how to roll with the weather punches.
Whether you’re planning a wedding, graduation party, corporate event, or family reunion, here’s everything you need to know about outdoor catering in Chicagoland—rain or shine.
Plan for All Four Seasons in One Day
Chicagoland weather Isn’t just a forecast, It’s a personality. Every outdoor event here needs a little weather strategy baked in. Don’t just watch the forecast. Prepare for what’s likely and what’s possible.
Tips for Weather-Responsive Planning For Outdoor Catering
• Check historical weather trends for your selected date and zip code
• Choose venues that offer partial indoor access or covered patios
• Invest in comfort—rent tents, fans, heaters, or flooring based on the season
• Communicate with guests ahead of time so they know what to expect (shoes, layers, umbrellas)
• Have a backup plan for catering setup and guest seating if conditions change
Spring and fall offer those picture-perfect days—but also come with sudden temperature swings. Summers can be steamy, and yes, people really do host outdoor events in winter (with heaters and warm cocoa, of course).
Make Plan B Part of Plan A
Contingency Planning That Keeps Your Event on Track is not just about food. It’s about the flow, comfort, and flexibility of your whole event.
Contingency Considerations:
• Tents with side panels to block wind or rain
• Weighted tablecloths and signage to keep everything grounded
• Weather-proof flooring or mats for muddy lawns or slushy snow
• Alternate food service layouts—consider buffet-style vs plated based on weather
• Flexible timeline—can you start earlier or pause if a quick storm rolls through?
Even if the weather turns, your event doesn’t have to. Lee n’ Eddies can work with you to adjust setup, service style, or menu on the fly.
Weather-Smart Menu Ideas
The right food doesn’t just taste good it makes people feel comfortable in their environment. That’s why outdoor catering needs menus that hold up in the heat, stay cozy in the cold, and serve up smiles no matter the forecast.
☀️ Hot & Sunny Days:
• Keep it light: Grilled chicken skewers, fresh fruit platters, caprese salad, pasta salad with vinaigrette
• Stay hydrated: Lemonade, infused water, iced tea, and electrolyte drinks
• Cool treats: Frozen fruit bars, chilled desserts, mini cheesecakes
• Avoid: Anything mayo-based left in the sun, soft frostings, or meltable items
💨 Cool, Breezy Afternoons:
• Serve warm favorites: Pulled pork sliders, baked mac & cheese, BBQ beans
• Keep guests cozy: Hot cider or cocoa stations, soups in cups, chili with toppings
• Secure the setup: Use weighted serving dishes, wind-blocking tent panels🌧️ Rainy Weather:
• Cover everything: Food tents, lids, or enclosed service stations
• Focus on comfort: Roasted chicken, warm bread rolls, cheesy potatoes
• Create cozy nooks: Tented lounge areas with blankets or warm lighting
🎯 Lee n’ Eddies Bonus Tip
We offer customizable menus so talk to one of our party planning specialists to prepare the perfect menu not just for the season, but for any dietary needs.
Menu Musts for Outdoor Events
Make sure to plan a crowd-pleasing spread with flexibility in mind.
Outdoor events call for menus that are both satisfying and versatile. Our picnic and BBQ packages are made for outdoor service and crowd appeal without sacrificing quality.
Here are a few of our go-to favorites:
🍗 Outdoor Classics
• BBQ chicken
• Pulled pork or brisket sliders
• Corn on the cob
• Baked mac & cheese
• Garden-fresh salads
🥦 Special Diet Options
• Grilled veggie skewers
• Grilled chicken salad
• California Burger Wraps
• Fresh fruit trays
🌿 Pro Tip
Don’t guess, ask your guests ahead of time about dietary needs. We’ll help you plan the right portions and variety so everyone walks away full and happy.
et Up for Success as Logistics Matter Just as Much as the Menu
From staging the buffet line to managing waste and water, outdoor catering comes with unique logistical demands. These small details can make a big difference in guest experience.
Event Logistics Checklist
✅ Choose flat, shaded areas for food and seating
✅ Anchor décor and signage against wind gusts
✅ Use chafing dishes, insulated containers, and ice buckets
✅ Label foods clearly, especially allergens or diet-friendly items
✅ Set up garbage and recycling stations nearby
✅ Provide hand sanitizer and utensils in protected containers
And don’t forget lighting! Evening events need string lights, lanterns, or solar path markers to keep things functional and festive.
Go Beyond Food with Add-On Services That Elevate the Experience
Lee n’ Eddies doesn’t just feed your event—we help it shine. Whether you’re keeping it casual or aiming for upscale outdoor elegance, we’ve got the extras to match your vibe.
🎉 Popular Outdoor Add-Ons
• Tent and table rentals
• Linens, heaters, fans, or coolers
• Lawn games and entertainment
• Buffet-style or plated service
• Event staff and servers
• Music or DJ coordination
• Dessert stations
🧩 Need something else? We’ll connect you with trusted local partners for everything from photo booths to port-a-restrooms. Let Lee n’ Eddies handle the heat (and the wind, and the rain.)
When it comes to outdoor catering in Chicagoland, experience matters and Lee n’ Eddies has more than six decades of it. We’ve served everything from snowy backyard brunches to sizzling summer weddings, and we’re always ready to adapt.
We don’t just show up with food. We show up with a plan, a backup plan, and a whole lot of crowd-pleasing flavor.
Ready to create a weatherproof event that tastes amazing?
Contact us today to talk through your outdoor catering needs. We’ll help you plan every delicious detail.
Plan outdoor catering like a pro! Get weather-smart tips for successful events in every Chicagoland season.
