Meet Kelly,
Owner / Chef of Planned and Plated
I grew up as the second oldest of six kids in a big, loud, food-loving family. The kitchen was the center of everything — and I spent a lot of time in it.
For fifteen years I worked in university residence life — building community, making students feel at home, and feeding a lot of people on a tight budget. Eventually I became Dean of Students at Flathead Valley Community College.
Through all of it, cooking was my stress release, my creative space, and the thing everyone kept telling me I should do full time. For years, my family told me the same thing: "Kelly, you need to quit your day job. " So I finally did.
Planned and Plated is not a fancy private chef service. I'm here to cook you a really good, homemade meal — the kind that makes people feel taken care of. I do the planning, shopping, cooking, and cleanup. All you have to do is show up and eat.
A Taste of the Possibilities
Every dish is entirely customized to your tastes, sourcing the freshest seasonal ingredients to create unforgettable moments with unforgettable people.
Good Food For The Moments That Matter
Everything I do is built around one idea: you shouldn't have to stress about feeding the people you love. Here's how I can help.
In-Home Family Dinners
My favorite thing. You tell me about your family, I build the menu, do the shopping, cook the meal, and clean everything up. You just sit down. I prefer 2–3 dinners per stay — it gives me a chance to really cook for you.
Everything Is Custom
No rigid menus. No cookie-cutter boards. Tell me about your people and I'll build something around that.
Family Vacation Stays
Renting a cabin or vacation home in the Flathead Valley? This is for you. A real home-cooked dinner without leaving the property. No restaurant, no hassle, no dishes.
Parties and Gatherings
Bridal showers, baby showers, birthdays, holiday get-togethers, office events. Heavy appetizer spreads, buffet setups, food that actually fills people up.
Grazing Boards & Tables
For cocktail hours, wedding receptions, and events where you want something beautiful for people to gather around. Generous, well-balanced, and stunning.
Baked
Goods
I'm an avid baker and I make a cheesecake people genuinely talk about. Ask me about adding something special to your dinner or event.
A Taste of the Memories Made
Experiences shared by those who I've had the pleasure to serve!
AMANDA G
Kelly is my go to baker! When I’m in need of a sweet treat to win over my guests or one of her delicious cakes for a birthday party, she never disappoints! Some of my favorites include Lemon-Blueberry Bundt Cake and Carmel Apple Cheesecake. Her cakes always leave our guests wanting a second piece! So moist and delicious, every time!
EMILY J
Working with Kelly could not have been easier. The menu was thoughtful, the food was excellent, and everything arrived beautifully organized and on time. It made our gathering feel special without the stress. Everyone was very impressed with the food and presentation.
NANCY G
Kelly is great! Not only a fabulous chef but a wonderful person to have around! Our family had the pleasure of meeting Kelly and hiring her to prepare some pre-made dinners as well as come in person to create a private dining experience for my husband's birthday party during our stay in Whitefish, Montana. Her menu selections were thoughtfully prepared, beautifully presented, and absolutely delicious! She is an excellent baker and created a very special cake for my husband's birthday. Give her your ideas and she will make magic! I highly recommend Kelly for a special family occasion or a delicious dinner for two. Can't wait to book her for our next vacation to Montana!!
"Ten years from now, they won't remember the restaurant. They'll remember that dinner."
- THE PLANNED AND PLATED PROMISE
Frequently asked questions
Let's Fill Your Table
Ready to bring the restaurant experience home? Fill out the inquiry form below to check availability and plan your event menu.