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Hiring a Caterer
If the prospect of cooking and serving all
the food for your next party seems overwhelming,
it may be time for you to consider hiring
a caterer. A good caterer can provide you
with delicious food and allow you to enjoy
your own gathering. Finding a good caterer
is half the job. The best way is simply to
attend someone else’s party and get the name
of the caterer whose food meets your taste
and standards. Another good choice is to
get a recommendation from a friend with an
excellent reputation for entertaining. You
can also consult local food service sources.
If you are thinking of hiring
a caterer,
here are some things you should
consider:
- The size and complexity of your event is
the first consideration. A neighbor who cooks
out of her own kitchen may be able to handle
the average dinner party, cocktail party,
or backyard barbeque, but a large wedding
or company party may need the capabilities
of a caterer with a large professional kitchen.
- Decide whether you want the caterer to just
cook and deliver the food, so that you or
someone you hire can serve it, or do you
want the caterer to also provide the bartenders
and waiters. A good caterer will have a staff
of experienced helpers and will know how
many will be necessary for your event. Make
sure that the catering contract specifically
includes how many helpers will be hired,
exactly who will pay them, and whether they
will expect a tip at the end of the party.
- Will you be using your own serving pieces,
dishes, glass wear and silverware? A good
caterer can provide you with all the equipment
needed for a successful party, but there
is certain to be a charge for all of this,
as the caterer may be renting it. If you
are looking to hold down expenses, it may
be better to use your own things or arrange
your own rentals. Be sure to discuss what
happens if there is breakage.
- Go over the proposed menu carefully. The
caterer should suggest a variety
of choices
for you to pick from that results
in a harmonious
and interesting mix of flavors
and textures.
If some of your guests have
special dietary
needs, you may have to adjust
the menu to
accommodate them. If the caterer
has to substitute
some ingredients at the last
minute, the
overall quality of the meal
should not be
compromised, and there could
be a price adjustment.
- Make sure you have properly estimated how
many hours you will need your
caterer. The
caterer will need to arrive
at your site
in advance of the party to
set up. Clean
up after the party will also
take time. If
your event is so successful
that it lasts
longer than you think, the
caterer will probably
charge you for the extra hours.
- The caterer should meet all local food licensing
requirements and have liability
insurance.
All staff references should
be carefully
checked.
Be aware that popular caterers are almost
always booked weeks in advance for holiday
parties and during wedding and graduation
seasons. Don’t wait until the last minute
if you are planning to have a party during
these busy times. |
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