Frequently Asked Questions

Every Plates & Thyme experience is designed to feel seamless, elevated, and deeply personal. Below are answers to some of the most common questions regarding booking, private dining experiences, and hospitality services.

Close-up of a cooked steak topped with garlic, herbs, and seasoning, resting on a wire rack. The steak appears juicy and is garnished with sprigs of fresh herbs.
Person scooping mixed berries into a bowl from a metal mixing bowl.
A table set with plates of food including three fried items, a slice of cake with white frosting in a green sauce, a bowl of mashed potatoes, and a small cake with pink fondant topped with white cream and green garnish. There are two glasses of water, a fork and knife on a napkin, and a menu on the table.
A plated gourmet salad with leafy greens, shredded cheese, toasted bread crumbs, and creamy dressing on a white plate.
A man wearing a white chef coat, black apron, and black gloves cooking in a bright kitchen. He is smiling while preparing food, with a bowl of colorful mixed vegetables and other cooking ingredients in front of him.
  • Plates & Thyme delivers more than a meal, we create elevated private dining experiences designed around hospitality, storytelling, and memorable moments. Every experience is curated with refined technique, premium ingredients, thoughtful presentation, and restaurant-level execution in the comfort of your home, vacation rental, or event space.

    Our goal is simple: to make guests feel completely taken care of from the first course to the final cleanup.

  • We offer a range of luxury private dining and hospitality experiences including:

    • Private chef dinners

    • Multi-course tasting menus

    • Interactive chef’s table experiences

    • Vacation chef services

    • Intimate celebrations

    • Birthday dinners

    • Bachelorette & bachelor experiences

    • Corporate/private events

    • Weekly personal chef services

    • Cocktail pairing experiences

    Each experience is customized around your occasion, guest count, and desired atmosphere.

  • From the moment you inquire, we guide the experience from planning to execution. Once your date is confirmed, we curate your menu, source ingredients, coordinate logistics, and prepare everything on-site.

    Guests can expect polished hospitality, elevated plating, smooth pacing between courses, and an immersive dining experience designed to feel both personal and refined.

  • To begin, submit an inquiry with your preferred date, guest count, location, and any dietary restrictions or event details. Once availability is confirmed, we’ll finalize your experience details and send an invoice to secure your booking.

    A signed agreement and deposit are required to officially reserve your date.

  • Yes. We offer both curated signature experiences and fully customized menus. Whether you prefer a seasonal tasting menu, elevated comfort food, coastal-inspired cuisine, or a completely personalized dining experience, menus are tailored to your preferences and event style.

  • Absolutely. We regularly accommodate dietary restrictions, allergies, and lifestyle preferences including gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, pescatarian, and more.

    Please share all dietary needs during the booking process so we can thoughtfully tailor your menu and preparation.

  • Yes. Plates & Thyme experiences require either a minimum of 4 guests or a $600 minimum booking amount.

    Smaller gatherings may still be accommodated with a customized proposal depending on the experience style and location.

  • Pricing is typically based per guest and varies depending on menu complexity, service style, guest count, staffing needs, and any specialty add-ons.

    Experiences generally include:

    • Menu planning

    • Ingredient sourcing

    • On-site preparation

    • Service execution

    • Kitchen cleanup

    Custom quotes are provided after reviewing your event details.

  • Yes. A 50% non-refundable deposit is required to secure your event date.

    Because availability is limited and experiences require advance planning and sourcing, dates are not held without a completed deposit.

  • The remaining balance is due 7 days prior to the event date unless otherwise agreed upon in writing.

    Final guest counts, dietary restrictions, and logistical details should also be confirmed at this time.

  • Your experience includes menu planning, ingredient sourcing, on-site cooking, course execution, and full kitchen cleanup.

    Depending on the selected experience, services may also include:

    • Interactive course presentations

    • Cocktail pairings

    • Family-style or plated service

    • Tableside finishing

    • Customized menu printing

    Our goal is to create a seamless, restaurant-quality experience from start to finish.

  • Yes. Additional staffing such as servers, bartenders, or support staff can be arranged depending on your event size and service style.

    Staffing recommendations will be discussed during the planning process to ensure the best guest experience possible.

  • Absolutely. Many of our experiences take place in vacation homes and Airbnb properties throughout Charleston and surrounding areas.

    We simply ask for kitchen access details, parking/loading information, and any property-specific instructions prior to the event.

  • Yes. Ingredient sourcing and grocery shopping are included with your experience unless otherwise noted.

    We carefully select ingredients to ensure quality, freshness, and seasonality for every menu.

  • Yes. While we primarily serve Charleston and surrounding areas, travel for select experiences may be available upon request.

    Additional travel fees may apply depending on location and logistics.

  • Yes. Curated cocktail pairing experiences may be added to select events where legally permitted.

    Pairings are designed to complement the menu and elevate the overall dining experience.

  • Guests can expect a relaxed yet elevated atmosphere with polished hospitality, thoughtfully paced courses, refined presentation, and personalized service throughout the evening.

    Depending on the selected format, experiences may include interactive elements, chef storytelling, tableside presentations, and direct engagement throughout dinner service.

  • A 50% deposit is required to secure your date and is non-refundable.

    Because each experience involves advance preparation, sourcing, and scheduling, cancellations made within 14 days of the event may be subject to additional charges.

    Rescheduling requests will always be accommodated when possible based on availability.

  • We do our best to accommodate last-minute bookings whenever availability allows.

    Please note that menu selections, ingredient availability, and staffing options may be more limited on short notice.

  • We recommend booking as early as possible, especially for weekends, holidays, and peak Charleston travel seasons.

    Advance booking allows for the best menu planning, ingredient sourcing, and overall experience customization.

Whether you're planning an intimate dinner, celebration, or luxury vacation dining experience, Plates & Thyme is designed to bring elevated hospitality directly to you.

“Trusted by Charleston locals and visitors alike”

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 7 weeks ago
Juan made our Mothers Day dinner so memorable. We worked through the menu ahead of time and he accommodated the dietary restrictions of our guests. But the highlight was the meal. Wow. The meal. We are still talking about it today (the next day). If you are wanting to be pampered and experience low country in home dining you should consider hiring Juan.
— Airbnb
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 7 weeks ago
We hired chef Juan with Plates and Thyme for my 40th birthday dinner celebration and it was the best dinner of my life! Incredible experience, flavor, high quality food, and all at the convenient location of our beach condo. Incredible value for what you get and if we lived closer to SC, we would make this a yearly experience, it was that incredible!
— Google
Four raw, seasoned beef steaks on a wire rack inside a metal tray.
A hand drizzling salad dressing onto a plate of mixed greens and vegetables.
A plate of chicken and vegetable soup with white beans, carrots, celery, and diced meat topped with herbs.
A family or group of friends gathered around a dining table in a bright, cozy kitchen and dining area, enjoying a meal together. Everyone is smiling and looking at the camera.
Person scooping mixed berries into bowls on a white surface.