Recent social media posts
02/06/2026
Winter Gatherings, Your Way.
As winter settles in, indoor venues provide a cosy and inviting space for family and friends to gather, reflect and remember.
At Heavenly Catering, we can cater at a wide range of venues across Sydney and the Northern Beaches, helping you create a gathering that reflects your loved one and brings family and friends together.
Alberts Bar at Mona Vale Bowling Club is one of our favourite winter venues with its historic wall mural by Indigenous Artist Albert Namatjira, private bar and and open fireplace
Whether you're planning an intimate afternoon tea or a larger celebration of life, our team will work with you to provide fresh, beautifully presented catering so you can focus on what matters most.
https://heavenlycatering.com.au/funeral_venues/mona-vale-bowling-club/
28/05/2026
The world keeps moving.
Grief doesn’t always move with it.
Sometimes everything around you seems normal while your own world feels completely changed.
If you’re grieving right now, especially after everyone else has gone back to their routines, you are not alone.
Grief doesn’t follow a timeline and there’s no “right” way to carry it.
https://www.funeralsbydesign.com.au/navigating-grief-after-the-funeral-is-over/
27/05/2026
What does “Full-Service” Catering & Event Coordination for Wakes & Celebrations of Life include? 💗
Planning a wake can feel overwhelming when you’re already grieving.
That’s why Heavenly Catering offers full-service wake catering and event coordination designed to ease some of the pressure during a difficult time.
With more than 20 years of experience, we can help with:
💗Catering and refreshments
💗Furniture and equipment hire
💗Venue hire and coordination
💗Table settings and setup
💗Staff and service on the day
💗Creating a warm, welcoming space for family and friends to gather
So you can spend less time worrying about logistics and more time being together.
heavenlycatering.com.au
24/05/2026
Thanks to Karin, Malcolm’s farewell was deeply personal from beginning to end, right down to the food shared afterwards.
After carrying Malcolm’s casket to the hearse, family and friends raised crystal glasses filled with rusty nails, Drambuie and scotch, in honour of a “proper English gentleman.” 💗
Karin not only coordinated the funeral and catered the wake, she also prepared Malcolm’s favourite family dinner that evening: roast beef and Yorkshire puddings.
Because sometimes the meals shared after a funeral become part of the memories too.
Read Malcolm’s beautiful story here:
Farewelling Malcolm in the most perfect way possible
20/05/2026
Warm & Informal Wake Venue Ideas 💗
Not every farewell needs a formal venue or traditional function room.
Some of the most meaningful wakes happen in places that already hold memories:
💗a surf club overlooking the water,
💗a family backyard,
💗a local hall,
💗a favourite community space,
💗or even home around the kitchen table.
When people feel comfortable, the stories flow more naturally, the laughter comes easier and the gathering feels more personal.
At Heavenly Catering, we can help you create a warm, welcoming wake that truly reflects the person being remembered.
https://heavenlycatering.com.au/venues/
17/05/2026
Somehow the funniest stories always come out at wakes.
The chaotic ones.
The embarrassing ones.
The stories the person who’s gone would probably be laughing hardest at themselves.
And sometimes laughter is just another form of love. 💗
https://heavenlycatering.com.au/
14/05/2026
“Karin and the team did an excellent job of catering for my Father's wake pulled together at short notice.
“The food was spot, service friendly and respectful and they took care of everything.
“It was exactly what was needed.”
Martin Burton
5 Star Google Review
Hi Martin,
Thank you for your kind words during what I know was a very difficult time. It was truly an honour to support you and your family by catering for your father’s wake. I’m so glad to hear that everything came together as you needed on the day.
As the anniversary of your father’s passing approaches, my thoughts are with you and your family. Wishing you strength and comfort as you remember and honour him.
Warm regards,
Karin
Catering by Design
12/05/2026
Winter wake venues. Cosy, warm and filled with connection.
Not every farewell needs a formal venue or grand setting.
Some of the most meaningful gatherings happen around an open fire, over comforting food, surrounded by stories, photographs, laughter and the people who mattered most.
A surf club glowing softly in winter light.
A family home filled with memories.
A rustic space where guests linger a little longer, sharing stories over warm drinks and food.
For those looking for a welcoming winter venue, Chinwaggery at Ponderosa House on Sydney’s Northern Beaches offers a relaxed and intimate setting with rustic interiors, an open fireplace, outdoor fire pit and space for both small and larger gatherings of up to 200 guests.
At Heavenly Catering, we can help you find a venue and create a gathering that feels personal, comforting and reflective of the person being remembered.
Because sometimes the simplest farewells are the ones people remember most.
https://heavenlycatering.com.au/venues/
09/05/2026
Mother’s Day can be beautiful for some, but incredibly difficult for others.
To everyone carrying grief this Mother’s Day, we’re especially thinking of you.
💔 Missing your mum or a grandmother
💔Have lost a child
💔Grieving miscarriage or infertility
💔Longing to become a mother but never had the chance
💔Navigating estrangement or complicated family relationships
💔Lost a beloved fur babywho was deeply part of your family
You are not alone.
https://heavenlycatering.com.au/
07/05/2026
Does Mother’s Day remind you of someone deeply missed?
This weekend, while cafes fill, flowers are delivered and families gather together, you may be quietly grieving the loss of a mum, grandmother, child, partner or someone who played an important role in your life.
Days like this can feel heavy in unexpected ways, and it’s okay if your experience of Mother’s Day looks very different to everyone else’s.
💗 You don’t have to pretend to be okay
💗 You don’t have to follow traditions that feel too hard
💗 You don’t have to explain your grief to anyone
💗 You are allowed to step away, slow down or do things differently this year
💗 You are allowed to remember, reflect and feel whatever comes up
Sometimes comfort can be found in the smallest things, sharing a meal, lighting a candle, looking through photos or simply spending time with people who understand.
You can read more about coping with grief during Mother’s Day and other significant occasions here:
https://www.funeralsbydesign.com.au/coping-with-grief-on-birthdays-anniversaries-and-other-significant-days-of-the-year/
06/05/2026
Have you ever considered having a living wake?
This week’s Australian Story episode featuring James Valentine has prompted many people to start thinking differently about end-of-life celebrations and the opportunity to gather with loved ones while you’re still able to share the experience together.
“James Valentine's ‘year of living gratefully’ included a decision to hold a living wake.
“Valentine urged the 180 guests at the living wake, fittingly held on Valentine’s Day at Clovelly Surf Life Saving Club, to tell him about stupid things they had done together or adventures they had shared.
“This is a gift that I can take with me into these next months, which are going to be tough,” he said. “This is nourishment for my soul, which I’m getting from you today. So thank you.
“Australian Story followed James Valentine over 12 months as he made peace with his decision and turned his thoughts to dying well.”
A living wake can be a chance to reconnect, tell stories, celebrate life, express gratitude and create meaningful memories with family and friends in a more personal and uplifting way.
At Heavenly Catering, we understand these occasions require warmth, compassion and sensitivity. We are experienced in catering for living wakes and can help create a relaxed and supportive gathering tailored to the wishes of the individual and their loved ones.
If you missed the episode, you can watch it here.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-05-04/a-year-of-living-gratefully-james-valentine/106640268
04/05/2026
“Karin and her team were absolutely wonderful.
“Nothing was too much trouble and Karin was very flexible in catering to all the different dietary requirements.
“The food was amazing and no one went home hungry.
“I can highly recommend Karin and her team for any event.”
Helen Colonques
5 star Google review
Thank you so much, Helen.
It was a privilege for the team and I to support you and your family at such a meaningful time.
I’m truly glad the food and care we provided helped ease the day a little.
Your kind words mean a great deal to us.
Warmly,
Karin
01/05/2026
A beautiful farewell for a much loved woman.
Joan was honoured with champagne, flowers and a heartfelt gathering at the Bilgola Surf Life Saving Club, a setting that reflected her life and the people she loved.
When Joan passed, her daughter Jen had little experience with funerals and didn’t realise how personal a farewell could be. With the support of Karin Slade from Funerals By Design and Heavenly Catering, she was able to create a send-off that truly felt right.
From planning through to the day itself, and even beyond, Jen and her family felt supported, guided and cared for every step of the way.
A reminder that a wake can be so much more than tradition. It can be a true reflection of a life well lived.
Read Joan’s story here:
https://www.funeralsbydesign.com.au/a-beautiful-farewell-for-a-beautiful-lady-champagne-and-flowers-at-the-bilgola-surf-club-for-joan/
29/04/2026
At a wake, it’s often the smallest details that leave the biggest impact.
From the stories shared to the way a space is styled, these thoughtful touches help reflect a life, not just mark a loss.
✔ Memory tables filled with personal mementos
✔ Favourite dishes woven into the menu
✔ A signature drink in their honour
✔ Guests wearing a colour that meant something to them
These moments stay with people long after the day is over.
What’s a meaningful touch you’ve seen at a wake?
https://www.funeralsbydesign.com.au/10-ways-to-personalise-a-funeral-or-a-wake/
27/04/2026
Ways technology can help you to honour your loved one at a wake.
As more families choose personal ways to celebrate a life, video tributes and live-streamed farewells are becoming a meaningful part of modern wakes and funerals.
Some of the ways we can help you incorporate technology into your wake and funeral include:
✔ Video montages of favourite moments and memories
✔ Live-streaming for those unable to attend
✔ Pre-recorded messages from loved ones
✔ Online tribute pages where family and friends can share photos, stories and messages
These thoughtful additions help bring people together, no matter where they are, and create a lasting tribute for generations to come.
https://heavenlycatering.com.au/
23/04/2026
There’s a growing shift in how we say goodbye and beloved ABC broadcaster, musician and author, James Valentine showed us this week just how powerful that can be.
Before his passing, James held a living wake, a chance to gather, share stories, laugh, and connect while he was still there to be part of it. A moment not just of grief, but of joy, reflection and love.
Those who attended described it as beautiful, filled with music, conversation and meaning. A farewell done his way, right to the end.
Read the full story here: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/apr/23/friends-and-former-colleagues-of-james-valentine-mourn-death-of-much-loved-abc-sydney-radio-presenter?utm_source=chatgpt.com
20/04/2026
A story out of Thailand recently went viral when tourists accidentally wandered into a funeral, thinking it was a buffet and were still warmly welcomed and served food.
Because in many cultures, sharing food at a funeral isn’t just tradition. It’s a way of saying thank you. A way of bringing people together. A way of caring for others, even in the middle of grief.
And honestly, that says everything.
At Heavenly Catering, we see this every day. Food isn’t about the menu. It’s about creating a space where people can gather, connect and support each other.
Even strangers.
Because sometimes the simplest act of kindness is offering someone a plate of food.
https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/lifestyle-culture/article/3342357/thai-funeral-food-court-blunder-tourists-looking-buffet-attend-wake
16/04/2026
For those who loved the outdoors, a traditional indoor wake venue may not feel quite right.
An outdoor wake or memorial allows you to honour their life in a place that feels natural, personal and full of meaning.
We can cater for gatherings in parks, gardens, beaches or private spaces, making the day as seamless and thoughtful as possible.
With years of experience catering on beaches, boats, islands and in parks, we’re fully equipped to handle outdoor events.
Our mobile catering trailer operates as a complete kitchen, and we can also provide staff, equipment and marquees so everything runs smoothly, whatever the weather.
https://heavenlycatering.com.au/funeral_venues/outdoors/
14/04/2026
Menu Spotlight: Spanakopita.
Golden, flaky pastry filled with spinach and creamy feta… it’s the kind of bite guests go back for again and again.
Deliciously vegetarian and perfect for grazing tables, cocktail parties or as part of a beautifully curated menu.
https://heavenlycatering.com.au/wake-catering/
12/04/2026
No two lives are the same.
So no two farewells should be either.
From colour themes and music to location to personal touches like memory jars and favourite foods, there are so many ways to create a wake or funeral that feels truly meaningful.
We’ve put together 10 ideas to help you personalise a farewell with heart.
Read the blog: https://www.funeralsbydesign.com.au/10-ways-to-personalise-a-funeral-or-a-wake/
09/04/2026
Did you know you can combine a wake with an ash scattering ceremony?
For sailors, surfers, swimmers and those who loved the sea, it’s a meaningful way to bring people together, share memories and farewell someone special in a place that truly reflects their life.
It also allows you to take your time, gathering with family and friends first, then choosing the right moment to scatter ashes when it feels natural and right.
A calm, unhurried way to honour their life, surrounded by the water they loved.
https://heavenlycatering.com.au/
06/04/2026
Beautifully Presented. Thoughtfully Prepared.
It’s not just about the food.
It’s about how it’s presented, how it’s shared, and how it brings people together.
At Heavenly Catering, every detail is thoughtfully prepared so your wake feels effortless and meaningful.
https://heavenlycatering.com.au/wake-catering/
02/04/2026
It’s Easter this weekend, a time many of us reflect on hope, renewal and new beginnings.
If you’re grieving someone you love, the message of Easter can feel especially meaningful with its promise of new life, a reminder that even in sadness there can still be hope.
We are wishing you quiet moments of peace and comfort this Easter, especially if you’re carrying the loss of someone dear.
https://heavenlycatering.com.au/
01/04/2026
“I am very grateful to Karin and her team at Heavenly Catering for all they did to make my partner's recent wake a success.
“Karin's enthusiasm and her suggestions before the event were greatly appreciated and filled me with confidence.
“Karin's food was delicious and her team were professional and went out of their way to make sure everything went smoothly on the day.
“I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending Karin and Heavenly Catering.”
Peter Norton Small
5 star Google review
26/03/2026
Menu Spotlight - Gourmet Finger Sandwiches
Sometimes, simple really is best!
There’s something comforting and familiar about a beautifully made finger sandwich. Soft fresh bread, classic fillings and just the right balance of flavours… easy to enjoy, easy to share, and always appreciated.
Our gourmet finger sandwiches are made fresh and presented with care, offering a selection of traditional favourites and elevated combinations to suit all tastes.
They’re the kind of food people naturally gather around, creating quiet moments of connection over something warm, familiar and thoughtfully prepared.
Simple. Elegant. Exactly what’s needed.
https://heavenlycatering.com.au/wake-catering/
Address
10C Ponderosa Parade
Warriewood, NSW
2102
To get to Ponderosa Parade in Sydney, there are multiple public transport options available such as taking a train or bus. From the city center, take a train towards Hornsby and get off at Asquith station. From Asquith station, catch bus number 589 towards Westleigh and get off at Ponderosa Parade.
If driving your own vehicle, take M1 Pacific Motorway north towards the Central Coast and take the Pennant Hills Road exit. Continue onto Castle Hill Road until you reach the intersection with New Line Road. Turn left onto New Line Road and continue straight onto Duffy Avenue. Turn right at the roundabout to stay on Duffy Avenue, then turn left onto Ponderosa Parade.
Parking is available along Ponderosa Parade itself, as well as nearby streets. It is recommended to arrive early to secure a spot if driving.
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What people say
Heavenly Catering is a catering service that has been in the business for over 20 years. They offer a wide range of furniture and equipment for hire, making them a one-stop-shop for all your catering needs. What sets them apart is their dedication to providing personalized funeral catering services. The owner, who has experienced multiple deaths in a short period of time, understands the importance of saying goodbye in a way that truly reflects the individuality of the person being remembered.
Heavenly Catering takes the time to understand what made your loved one special, from their hobbies to their personal style and quirks. They offer suggestions and take care of every detail while giving you complete price transparency by sourcing all aspects of the funeral at wholesale prices wherever possible. Additionally, they donate 10% of all profits to a charity or cause of your choice.
What's great about Heavenly Catering is that they give you the option to be completely involved in every aspect of your loved one's funeral or let them take care of everything so you can focus on grieving. Their commitment to providing caring and respectful funeral catering services makes them an excellent choice during difficult times. For more information on how they can help you celebrate your loved one's life, visit www.Funeralsbydesign.com.au.
