Pick a time that respects the weather: 5 to 8 p.m. from May to October, or late morning in the winter months. Midday summer gatherings in Central Florida end early and unhappily.
Plan food by household, not by person. Ten households means roughly four loaves of bread, two big trays of something hot, and dessert for thirty.
Assign categories rather than dishes. 'Bring a side' produces variety; 'bring whatever' produces seven bags of chips.
Bread is the easiest crowd-pleaser and travels well. A mix of classic sourdough and an inclusion loaf, sliced thick on a board with butter and honey, disappears first every time.
Order bulk at least two weeks out. Our weekly caps are set for individual households, so a party order needs to be planned into the schedule.
Have a rain plan. In Florida, you always need a rain plan.