amateur, are not necessarily skilled at food presentation, so take the time to show them how you want trays and platters arranged, garnished, and replenished. For example, ask servers to either switch almost empty trays with fresh trays or take the almost empty trays into the kitchen to be rebuilt.
----
Kid and Animal Wranglers
Kids and pets are adorable, but their unpredictability can disrupt a party (unless your celebration is casual or family style to begin with). Your focus should be on your grown-up guests, not wayward kids or unruly pets. Solution: Hire a babysitter to take care of little tykes in an area separate from the party. Preferably, have the sitter come an hour or two ahead so you have enough time to get yourself ready and finish last-minute preparations or give instructions. If your party is during dinnertime, be sure to arrange for food for the kids. And if your favorite furball can’t behave with guests or if someone is allergic, confine him to a yard or a room away from guests.
----
What can a Caterer do for You?
A full-service caterer can work with you in several ways. She can do it all—cook, serve, and clean up for the entire event—or she can simply deliver meals or hors d’oeuvres at a specified time (which you then serve yourself). A caterer can even help you plan and manage your entire party, creating a menu that fits your budget while taking into account food allergies and preferences. In addition, she can provide professional waitstaff and make reliable recommendations for bartenders (some catering companies offer bartending service) and other vendors such as wine retailers, rental companies, or florists.
When is a Caterer a Must?
I n truth, there’s no set rule. Some people hire caterers to prepare elegant dinners for four; others wouldn’t think of hiring a caterer for fewer than fifty guests. If you feel you don’t have the time or the skill to pull off any size party—and the party has to be perfect—catering is the way to go.
Finding and Hiring a Caterer
T he best way may be firsthand experience: If you go to a party where the catering is outstanding, get the caterer’s card for future reference and keep it in your resource file. Another good way to find a caterer is through word-of-mouth recommendations. A catchy ad with a great photo is no substitute for a rave review from a friend. Was the food delicious? Did everything go as planned? Was everything attractively presented and appealing? Was the staff helpful, pleasant, and efficient? Were they on budget?
You’ll want to hire your caterer at least four weeks before your event. Count on an even greater lead time during the holidays or busy times of year like wedding season. In fact, don’t even send out invitations until you’re sure you have the help you need.
Meeting with the Caterer: Be Prepared
S tart off on the right foot by being organized and clear. Before the meeting, do some homework. Don’t worry if some of the details are sketchy—the caterer will help you round out your plan or suggest alternatives to meet your budget. Go to your first meeting with:
A clear idea of your budget
The number of guests you wish to invite
A preliminary plan for your event:
the purpose or theme
the time of day
the style: casual or formal
brunch, lunch, tea, cocktails, dinner
stations or passed hors d’oeuvres
buffet or sit-down meal
A list of food allergies or special dietary needs and any special food requests
At the meeting, discuss the type of help, equipment, or supplies you’ll need at your party, the menu, and the contract.
Staff and supplies. Depending on the type and size of your party, your caterer may recommend cooks, servers, bartenders, and possibly a captain (the head server or a “director” for the evening who oversees the staff). Be sure to mention if you have other staff needs, such as valet parkers, too. Discuss what equipment and supplies you might require, like extra dishes, glasses, utensils, serving
----
Kid and Animal Wranglers
Kids and pets are adorable, but their unpredictability can disrupt a party (unless your celebration is casual or family style to begin with). Your focus should be on your grown-up guests, not wayward kids or unruly pets. Solution: Hire a babysitter to take care of little tykes in an area separate from the party. Preferably, have the sitter come an hour or two ahead so you have enough time to get yourself ready and finish last-minute preparations or give instructions. If your party is during dinnertime, be sure to arrange for food for the kids. And if your favorite furball can’t behave with guests or if someone is allergic, confine him to a yard or a room away from guests.
----
What can a Caterer do for You?
A full-service caterer can work with you in several ways. She can do it all—cook, serve, and clean up for the entire event—or she can simply deliver meals or hors d’oeuvres at a specified time (which you then serve yourself). A caterer can even help you plan and manage your entire party, creating a menu that fits your budget while taking into account food allergies and preferences. In addition, she can provide professional waitstaff and make reliable recommendations for bartenders (some catering companies offer bartending service) and other vendors such as wine retailers, rental companies, or florists.
When is a Caterer a Must?
I n truth, there’s no set rule. Some people hire caterers to prepare elegant dinners for four; others wouldn’t think of hiring a caterer for fewer than fifty guests. If you feel you don’t have the time or the skill to pull off any size party—and the party has to be perfect—catering is the way to go.
Finding and Hiring a Caterer
T he best way may be firsthand experience: If you go to a party where the catering is outstanding, get the caterer’s card for future reference and keep it in your resource file. Another good way to find a caterer is through word-of-mouth recommendations. A catchy ad with a great photo is no substitute for a rave review from a friend. Was the food delicious? Did everything go as planned? Was everything attractively presented and appealing? Was the staff helpful, pleasant, and efficient? Were they on budget?
You’ll want to hire your caterer at least four weeks before your event. Count on an even greater lead time during the holidays or busy times of year like wedding season. In fact, don’t even send out invitations until you’re sure you have the help you need.
Meeting with the Caterer: Be Prepared
S tart off on the right foot by being organized and clear. Before the meeting, do some homework. Don’t worry if some of the details are sketchy—the caterer will help you round out your plan or suggest alternatives to meet your budget. Go to your first meeting with:
A clear idea of your budget
The number of guests you wish to invite
A preliminary plan for your event:
the purpose or theme
the time of day
the style: casual or formal
brunch, lunch, tea, cocktails, dinner
stations or passed hors d’oeuvres
buffet or sit-down meal
A list of food allergies or special dietary needs and any special food requests
At the meeting, discuss the type of help, equipment, or supplies you’ll need at your party, the menu, and the contract.
Staff and supplies. Depending on the type and size of your party, your caterer may recommend cooks, servers, bartenders, and possibly a captain (the head server or a “director” for the evening who oversees the staff). Be sure to mention if you have other staff needs, such as valet parkers, too. Discuss what equipment and supplies you might require, like extra dishes, glasses, utensils, serving
Similar Books
