 From the Kitchen to the Coast: Our South West Catering Road Trip PlaylistOur main kitchen is tucked near the beautiful Ferguson Valley, but the S&B team is rarely standing still for long.
From weddings in Margaret River to private functions in Pemberton, corporate events in Bunbury, and celebrations scattered across the South West, we’ll happily venture up to three hours from home to bring the food, the service and the calm that every good event deserves. And when you’re driving with trays packed, timelines checked, garnishes ready and a wedding feast in the back, one thing becomes very important...The travel playlist...Because a good playlist sets the tone before we even arrive. The road matters There’s something pretty special about catering in the South West. One week we might be winding through the hills near Ferguson Valley, the next we’re heading past orchards, forests and little country towns on the way to Pemberton or Margaret River. A trip might take us through Donnybrook and Balingup, down towards Nannup, across to the tall timber country of Pemberton, or west towards Busselton Jetty and the wider Margaret River Region. It’s a beautiful part of the world to work in - rolling farmland, forest roads, vineyards, coastline and those long quiet stretches where the conversation turns to food, weddings, family, recipes, timing and what song absolutely has to come on next. Ten artists that get us there Every catering crew has its rituals. Ours usually involve coffee, checklists and arguing over the playlist. Here are ten artists from across the generations that feel right on the road to a South West wedding or function. 1. Fleetwood Mac Perfect for the open road. Warm, nostalgic and just dramatic enough for a wedding day drive. 2. Aretha Franklin Because some mornings need soul, power and a reminder to walk into the event with confidence. 3. David Bowie A little strange, a little stylish, and always good when the drive needs a spark. 4. Prince Sharp, cool and impossible not to move to - even when you’re trying not to wrinkle your shirt before service. 5. Talking Heads For those slightly nervous pre-event drives where you need rhythm, focus and a bit of weird energy. 6. Tracy Chapman Beautiful, grounded and perfect for the quieter stretches through the trees. 7. Lauryn Hill Soulful, clever and timeless - ideal when the team needs to settle into the groove. 8. Crowded House Easy, familiar and made for Australian roads, even if we have all sung along badly at some point. 9. Tame Impala A little local flavour, a little dreamy, and perfect for cruising into Margaret River country. 10. Khruangbin Smooth, relaxed and effortlessly cool - the kind of music that makes even a delivery run feel cinematic. Catering is all timing People often see the final result: the grazing table dressed, the canapés moving, the plates landing, the smiles, the speeches, the dancing. But before that, there’s the road. There’s packing. Loading. Checking the run sheet. Checking it again. Making sure the dietary meals are labelled, the sauces are secure, the hot boxes are ready and the team knows exactly where they need to be. Whether we’re catering a wedding in Margaret River, a private celebration near Pemberton, a corporate lunch in Bunbury or a long-table event in the Ferguson Valley, the goal is always the same. Arrive calm. Serve beautifully. Feed people properly. Weddings across the South West South West weddings have their own kind of magic. They might be tucked into a vineyard, set under the trees, held on a private property, or hosted at one of the region’s beautiful venues. Some are polished and elegant. Some are relaxed and barefoot. Some are all long tables, shared plates and golden afternoon light. That’s what we love about wedding catering - no two celebrations are exactly the same. Our job is to bring food that feels generous, seasonal and memorable, while making the planning and service feel simple. Beautiful food, warm hospitality and a team that knows how to keep the day moving. The best part of the drive The best part of a long catering trip isn’t just the destination. It’s the moment when the playlist is right, the team is ready, the food is packed, and we’re heading towards another celebration somewhere in the South West. Wherever the road takes us, we bring the same thing every time: Good food. Calm service. Genuine hospitality. And, if we’re lucky, a very good song playing as we arrive. Planning a South West wedding or event? Simple & Beautiful Catering travels across the South West for weddings, corporate events, private celebrations and special occasions. If you’re planning an event we’d love to help make it simple, beautiful and delicious.
0 Comments
 Tips to Styling Your Wedding: Create a Day as Beautiful as Your Love Your wedding day should be a reflection of your unique style and story. Whether you’re planning an intimate ceremony or a lavish celebration, styling your wedding sets the tone and creates the magic that lingers in your guests’ memories. Here are our top tips to help you style your special day - especially if you're planning a Margaret River wedding or looking for premium wedding catering services in the South West. 1. Choose a Style That Reflects You Do you love rustic charm, modern elegance, coastal minimalism, or boho luxe? Your wedding styling should reflect who you are as a couple. In the stunning surrounds of Margaret River, think vineyards, native florals, and candlelit receptions under the stars. 2. Let the Venue Inspire You From rustic barns to beachfront estates and forest glades, Margaret River wedding venues offer breathtaking backdrops. Let the natural features of your venue guide your styling - build around the scenery instead of against it. 3. Don’t Underestimate the Power of Colour Pick a cohesive colour palette and carry it through your invites, florals, table settings, signage, and even your wedding cake. Soft neutrals work beautifully for winery weddings, while earthy tones or moody jewel colours create warmth in the cooler months. 4. Create a Sensory Experience with Beautiful Food Your wedding menu is part of the styling! From grazing tables to fine plated meals, food presentation adds texture, colour, and a talking point for guests. At Simple & Beautiful Catering, we specialise in elegant wedding catering across Margaret River, Busselton, Dunsborough, Augusta, Bunbury, and beyond - creating dishes that taste as beautiful as they look. 5. Incorporate Personal Touches Add meaning with personal touches - handwritten notes, family recipes, custom signage, or a memory table. These thoughtful details help make the day truly yours. 6. Work with Local Experts Working with local stylists, florists, and Margaret River catering teams ensures everything runs smoothly. Locals know the best suppliers, venues, and layouts for the area’s unique conditions. Plus, you’ll reduce logistical stress and travel costs. 7. Plan for Comfort and Flow A beautifully styled wedding is also practical. Consider weather, lighting, acoustics, seating, and guest movement. A well-timed catering schedule, shaded areas for summer weddings, and a warm drinks station for winter can all elevate the guest experience. Final Thoughts - Styling your wedding doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right support and inspiration - especially in a region as stunning as Margaret River - you can create a wedding day that is simple, beautiful, and completely yours. If you're looking for exceptional catering in Margaret River or the South West, reach out to Simple & Beautiful Catering to make your day as delicious as it is unforgettable. Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash
 Melt-in-Your-Mouth Braised Beef Cheeks: A Comfort Food FavouriteIf you’re searching for a dish that’s both elegant and comforting, you can’t go past slow-cooked braised beef cheeks. This rich, deeply flavoured recipe is perfect for everything from an intimate dinner party to a cozy family Sunday roast. At Simple & Beautiful Catering, this dish remains one of our most requested during the cooler months—and for good reason.
Here’s how you can recreate this restaurant-quality comfort dish at home or get inspired for your next catered event. IngredientsFor the Beef Cheeks:
Method1. Season & SearPat your beef cheeks dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat. Sear the cheeks on all sides until browned and caramelised. Remove and set aside. 2. Cook the AromaticsIn the same pot, add the onion, carrot and celery. Sauté until softened and lightly golden (5–7 minutes). Add the garlic and cook for another minute. 3. Deglaze with WinePour in the red wine and scrape the bottom of the pot to lift all those flavourful browned bits. Let it reduce by half (about 5 minutes). If skipping the wine, move to the next step. 4. Add the Liquids & HerbsReturn the beef cheeks to the pot. Add beef stock and tomato passata until the meat is mostly submerged. Tuck in the thyme, rosemary and bay leaves. 5. Braise SlowlyCover and transfer to a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F). Cook for 3–4 hours or until the cheeks are fork-tender. Check halfway through and top up with stock if the sauce is reducing too much. 6. Reduce the SauceRemove the cooked cheeks and simmer the sauce on the stove for 10–15 minutes to thicken. Adjust seasoning if needed. 7. Serve & EnjoyServe the cheeks over buttery mashed potato or soft polenta, spoon over the rich sauce, and finish with chopped parsley. Chef’s Tips for Perfect Braised Beef Cheeks
Perfect for Catering & Dinner PartiesWhether you're catering a wedding in Margaret River, hosting a dinner in Perth, or adding something hearty to your winter event menu, this dish offers both sophistication and soul. We often serve it as part of our alternate drop or banquet menu—it’s always a crowd favourite. Let us know if you'd like to try this as part of your event menu or order it as a ready-to-serve gourmet meal. At Simple & Beautiful Catering, we make comforting food beautiful again.  Booking Your Wedding Catering with Ease Planning a wedding can be overwhelming—with venue, catering, and photography often being the biggest and most costly decisions. At Simple & Beautiful Catering, we aim to take the stress out of one of those key elements by offering a simple, seamless, and supportive booking process.
How It Works: Once you send through your enquiry, we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. (Please note: weekends can be busy with events, but we always respond within 48 hours.) From there:
Country Weddings – Rustic Beauty, Relaxed Vibes, and Seriously Good Food There’s something truly special about a country wedding. The fresh air, open skies, and peaceful surrounds offer a beautiful contrast to the fast pace of everyday life. It’s a chance for couples – and their guests – to slow down, soak it all in, and celebrate love in a setting that feels warm, grounded, and utterly serene.
We’ve had the joy of catering many weddings in the South West and rural Western Australia, and they always hold a special place in our hearts. From working beneath gum trees to serving under the stars, country wedding catering allows us to get a little creative – think fire pit cooking, rustic banquet buffets, and hearty, soulful dishes made to share. A Feast That Matches the Setting The relaxed nature of a country wedding opens the door for beautiful food that reflects the surroundings – comforting, wholesome, and full of flavour. Some of our favourite menus have featured:
The Simple, Beautiful Joy of the Country We’ve shared a few of our favourite country wedding photos below – moments of quiet, connection, and natural beauty that perfectly capture what we love about these events. If you're planning a country wedding in Bunbury, the Ferguson Valley, Margaret River, Dunsborough or beyond, we’d love to hear your vision. Simple & Beautiful Catering is here to bring the flavour, the creativity, and the relaxed magic your day deserves.  Venues We LoveFrom Perth to Augusta, we are incredibly fortunate to work with some of the most breathtaking and unique venues across the South West. Whether you’re planning a wedding, private function or corporate event, these venues offer stunning settings that pair beautifully with our bespoke catering.
Here are just a few of our favourite venues we regularly cater at—and highly recommend:
 Spring Has Sprung – Time to Eat What’s Actually in SeasonAhhh, Spring. The flowers are blooming, the sun is shining (some days, anyway), and our menus are starting to look a little lighter, brighter, and fresher. It’s the perfect season to embrace what’s growing locally and ditch the out-of-season imposters that somehow sneak into supermarket shelves all year round.
Yes, supermarkets look like everything’s always in season – but let’s be honest, that sad, grainy mango in July says otherwise. There’s something magical about using seasonal produce in Western Australia. Not only are fruits and vegetables packed with flavour, but they’re also more affordable, nutrient-rich, and perfect for spring catering menus across Perth, Bunbury, and the South West. What’s in Season This Spring (WA Edition)If you’re planning wedding catering in Margaret River, corporate events in Bunbury, or just cooking something special at home, here’s a quick list of local produce to look out for: Fruit: Apricots, strawberries, guava, lemon, lime, mango, blueberries, figs, mulberries, and Valencia oranges. (It’s smoothie, pavlova, and fruit tart season – we’re ready.) Vegetables: Artichokes, asparagus, cucumber, cauliflower, broad beans, peas, garlic, and brussels sprouts. (Don’t fear the sprouts – roast them with garlic and thank us later.) Simple Is BestWhen it comes to seasonal catering in the South West, our rule is simple: let the produce shine. Whether it’s a shared banquet table, a spring-inspired grazing platter, or fresh canapés at a winery wedding, the best ingredients don’t need dressing up. Serve your fruit raw, grilled, or tossed with herbs. Steam or roast your veg with a dash of olive oil, salt, and confidence. With fresh spring produce, less is more – and the flavour speaks for itself. At Simple & Beautiful Catering, we love working with the best the season has to offer. From Perth weddings to Dunsborough sundowners, we create menus that celebrate the time of year – because seasonal food is always in style. Ready to serve something fresh this Spring? Get in touch – we’ll bring the produce, the creativity, and a whole lot of flavour. A Celebration of Local Flavour: Our 7-Course Degustation We recently had the honour of crafting and presenting an intimate 7-course degustation menu, designed to showcase the best of locally sourced ingredients through a lens of creativity, care, and culinary technique. The evening was a celebration of earthy flavours balanced with delicate acidity, and a true testament to our team’s passion for pushing boundaries. Each course was a carefully composed moment, layered with flavour, texture, and storytelling: Amuse Bouche Slow-roasted beetroot, beetroot confit, molasses, five-spice sherbet. Course One Corn chowder with Shaoxing jelly, fresh sweet corn, sour cream, drunken chicken, nigella seeds & roasted sesame. Course Two Crispy potato nest, cauliflower purée, 64° egg, white beans, salsa verde, confit beetroot, sea salt & pansies. Course Three Burnt driftwood essence, scallop, wakame, truffle foam, saltbush, edible sand & lemon zest. Course Four 24-hour braised beef cheek ravioli, smoked tomato velouté, confit onion relish, roasted eggplant, burnt butter & olive oil. Course Five Foraged mushrooms, sous-vide pork, pumpkin reduction, labna, black garlic glass, porcini dust & pork crackle. Course Six – Palate Cleanser Grapefruit ice & jelly, green tea ice & jelly. Course Seven – Dessert Apple galette with brown butter & honey sauce, clotted cream, honeycomb & walnut praline. The night was as rewarding as it was inspiring—reminding us why we love what we do. Every element told a story, and we look forward to creating many more experiences like this with our wonderful community across Perth, Bunbury, Busselton, and the South West. |
