Do you have an upcoming conference or large event?
Want to be sure you have a reliable & thoughtful caterer?
Basil Tree Catering has over 39 years of experience planning and executing events so you can count on us to take care of the details for you.
Conference catering will be tailored to fit the daily schedule of your event and designed to keep attendees energized, focused, and satisfied. Whether you are hosting networking receptions or multi-day events, curating the right mix of foods for breakfast, lunch, and breaks is key. We have healthy meal and snack options as well as indulgent treats to keep your crew happy.
What kinds of menus does Basil Tree offer for Conferences and Large Events?
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- Breakfast
breakfast menu details found in link, as it is not available on standard menu - Cold Sandwich and Salad Buffets
- Boxed Lunches
- Hot Buffet Entrees
- Appetizers and Reception Fare
- Coffee Break Refreshments
- Breakfast
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Keep scrolling to find examples of menus and pricing below or email catering@basiltree.com for a custom quote today!
How do I know if Basil Tree is right for my event?
Book a free sampling! We have a pre-designed sampling menu or you can request specific items of interest (some exclusions apply). A Basil Tree representative would be happy to accompany the drop off and answer questions for you, or we can schedule a call to go over details and questions you may have.
CUSTOMER TESTIMONIALS
Don’t just take our word for it!
“Our organization has partnered with Basil Tree Cafe for years, most recently for several large-scale Boston Climate Week events, and they have consistently been an outstanding catering partner. Their team is professional, responsive, and detail-oriented, and we especially appreciate the high-quality food, clear labeling and communication around dietary restrictions, and their ability to accommodate a wide range of dietary needs. As a climate-focused incubator, we also really value Basil Tree’s commitment to low-waste events and sustainable practices, which align closely with our mission. We would gladly recommend them to organizations looking for a reliable and exceptional catering partner.” 2026
“Everything was handled with such care and attention, and all of our needs were seamlessly met. The food was absolutely delicious, with excellent vegan options, and beautifully presented. Your commitment to sustainability was a real highlight. Our audience of physicians and healthcare professionals deeply values this, and it made a strong impression on everyone. We also truly value working with organizations that reflect diversity and inclusion. It meant a great deal to partner with a business that is women-led and LGBTQ+-inclusive—this alignment with our values made the collaboration even more meaningful.” 2026
“Everything was great from our point of view!” 2026
“I have used Basil Tree numerous times for the past 6-7 years. I had them cater boxed lunches for almost 250 people. Every person, from ordering to delivery, that I have interacted with have been professional and friendly, quick to respond and a pleasure to deal with. The food was delivered on time even with a complicated loading dock issue, and was delicious.” 2025
“LOVED this food so much!! I couldn’t get enough – best catering I’ve ever had. I am dairy free so I sometimes struggle with catered meals – they were super inclusive writing “dairy free” or “gluten free” on labels which allowed me to relax and enjoy my meal. I even took some extra for leftovers – it was that good!” 2022
“Basil Tree has been catering for me for years. Love the quality of the product, presentation, and the taste. From boxed lunches to major events, the staff is creative in suggesting ways to serve our guests and make it memorable. They have their own delivery person which I tend to lean towards because they always deliver on time. Thank you Basil Tree!” 2023
“We have a monthly lunch for 300 people. When plans with another caterer fell through about two weeks before the event, I got in touch with Basil Tree and they were fantastic. (They) provided me with three different quotes so I could compare serving sizes, prices, etc. in order to pick the best option for our group. Leading up to the event, they were very responsive about any additional questions and modifications to the order.” 2019
“First time using Basil Tree Catering and they were top notch! With my multiple food orders over a three day conference, their staff was helpful in recommending the type of food, quantity, suggesting where to reduce or add perfectly. Their menu lists ingredients as well as indicates V / VG / GF / DF which was beyond helpful feeding such a large group. Delivery is by their own vehicles and staff so that you are not dependent on a separate delivery service. Can’t thank them enough for their expertise, fresh quality food and would highly recommend Basil Tree Catering.” 2023
Some considerations to ensure that things go smoothly and eliminate stress:
1. Order Early:
We recommend placing your order with at least one week’s notice. This will guarantee you a spot in our calendar and give time for all details to be confirmed and ironed out and you can check that off your to-do list!
2. Always Do A Check for Allergies and Dietary Needs:
We automatically include vegetarian and vegan choices in all of our assortments, but it’s always a considerate gesture to verify allergens and dietary restrictions for your guests. Basil Tree’s menu can accommodate a wide variety of allergens and preferences. Our kitchen is allergen certified, taking extra care to avoid cross contamination. We do our best to accommodate special diets, but please be aware we are not a dedicated vegan, nut-free, gluten-free, Kosher, or Halal kitchen.
Individual packaging and labeling for special diets, as well as paper signs with dietary and allergen information, are always available to be included with your orders.
3. Waste:
What happens to the platters and serving utensils after the event? In many cases, platters and service ware go in the trash, but we offer our Basil Bins (a FREE service!) to pick up any of the returnable items from your event. Click HERE to learn more
Add-On Services Available for Large Events
Attendants:
Need a helping hand or two? We can provide an event attendant to set up, refresh buffet lines, keep things tidy, and clean up after!
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- Lead Attendant $90/hr (includes attendant gratuity)
- Attendant $70/hr (includes attendant gratuity)
What we DO NOT offer:
full-service wait staff, plated meals, other rentals (tables, tents, seating, etc.)
Rentals:
- Stainless Steel Chafing Dishes (includes all necessary equipment for service) $65
- Linens (rented by the bundle)
Linen pick-up and delivery fee $70
Colors Black, White, or Champagne-
- 52” x 114” Tablecloths for up to an 8ft rectangular buffet table
$95 per bundle ($19/each, 5 cloths per bundle) - 71” x 71” Tablecloths for high top or 4 ft round tables
$100 per bundle ($10/each, 10 cloths per bundle) - 85″ X 85″ Tablecloths for for 5ft round (w/drape) or 6″ round tables
$95 ($19/each, 5 cloths per bundle)
- 52” x 114” Tablecloths for up to an 8ft rectangular buffet table
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Paper goods:
For events over 200, there is a fee for our compostable paper products. This will be included on your final invoice.
What might this include?
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- World Centric BPI certified compostable products
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- 7″ appetizer/dessert plates and 9″ dinner plates
- forks and knives
- hot and cold cups
- cocktail napkins and dinner napkins
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- Baskets for utensils
- Paper tent signs to indicate ingredients, allergens, and dietary information
- World Centric BPI certified compostable products
EXAMPLE QUOTE BREAKDOWN FOR A HYPOTHETICAL 250 PERSON 2 DAY EVENT
-example does not include attendants or linens-
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DATE
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EVENT TITLE
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GUEST COUNT
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ESTIMATED TOTAL
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| DAY 1 | CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST | 250 | $3206.25 | ||
| AM SNACK/COFFEE BREAK | 250 | $1950.00 | |||
| BOXED LUNCHES + DRINKS | 250 | $5617.50 | |||
| PM RECEPTION/BREAK | 250 | $3358.75
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| Day 1 Total | $14132.50 | ||||
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Daily per person cost
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$56.53
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| DAY 2 | WARM BREAKFAST | 250 | $4100.00 | ||
| AM SNACK/COFFEE BREAK | 250 | $1950.00 | |||
| BUFFET STYLE HOT ENTREES + SIDES + BULK DRINKS | 250 | $6182.50
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| Day 2 Total | $12232.50 | ||||
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Daily per person cost
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$48.93
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Total Billable Amount |
not incl. tax or delivery fee
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$26365.00 |
