I've been offered the chance to cater a small business staff retreat that a family member is responsible for. I've been asked because my family and friends know me as a good home cook—but to be very clear that is what I am, a home cook. I am not chef or a full-time caterer. I have cooked for bigger groups than this but for one or two meals. I am not the type to jump into stuff without considering all angles and I want to be meticulous, thorough, and thoughtful if I choose to accept—and that's why I'm here. I know as someone new to this there'll be many things I need to be aware of. Here are some details:

• It involves 13–15 people and would be for 3 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 3 dinners.
• Dinners would take the most work; this is a working retreat and breakfasts and lunches will be more of fruit, muffins, sandwiches, etc.
• Two people are vegetarian but there are no reported food allergies
• The location is 3 hours away and I would be driving, which means planning what to take with me vs. what to purchase at the location
• The location has a full kitchen but it is a home kitchen, not a commercial kitchen
• While the location is in a smaller town than where I live, it is not in the middle of nowhere; there are grocery stores and places I can pick up basic supplies
• I would plan things that can be prepped ahead of time like lasagne bolognese and lasagna Florentine—nothing too crazy like a soufflé or Beef Wellington!
• Because I assume someone will warn me about this: The money is very generous and that is the main reason I am considering. My pay would be separate from the cost of food and supplies, so I'm not worried about burning through the budget and having nothing leftover
• I am fortunate to have flexibility to take the time to do a lot of prep work and planning ahead of time.

Any advice, from menu ideas to tips and tricks, or even "Don't do this you complete idiot!" is welcome!

Edit: I love this sub. I appreciate all the ideas, thoughts, and especially warnings about doing this. I did bring up liability insurance and was assured that it’s covered, but the concerns here have convinced me to triple check and make sure I have everything in writing if I go forward. I will have an assistant that can help, but you all emphasizing just how much work this will be is giving me pause. I like the challenge but I don’t want to romanticize it or downplay how much effort this will take. This isn’t Thanksgiving dinner, it’s a lot of meals for people who will expect to like what they have to eat and will expect options if they don’t.

Again, my thanks!