Party Planning: Catering Options

Organizing your thoughts and ideas for your party eats is a must. Start meeting with caterers immediately (as in as soon as you've decided on a date for the party), but first fill in this checklist. It will be a helpful reference when consulting caterers.

CATERING BUDGET
Since caterers charge per head, divide your approximate number of guests into the amount you have set aside for catering. This will give you a sense of what you can afford.

MEAL
If you've already booked your site for a chunk of time, you probably already have the type of meal in question nailed down. If not, decide quick, then reserve a location for the appropriate time. Dinner is the party meal most commonly served, but the brunch or breakfast variety will cost less. Tea or cocktails are also affordable -- and quite stylish – alternatives for adults-only soirees.

Brunch/Breakfast
Tea
Lunch
Cocktails
Dinner
Dessert only

SERVICE
Think about the style of your event and let that guide your decision here. Most options are compatible with all degrees of party formality, though some differ dramatically in cost. Aim for your ideal and modify later (with advice from your caterer).

Cocktails
Passed hors d'oeuvres
Hors d'oeuvres tables
Seated Meal

Family style
American
French
Russian (white gloves)

Buffet
Formal (staff-served)
Casual (self-serve)
Food stations (e.g. raw bar, crepe table)

FLAVOR
Let your mind soar to the flavors you most fantasize about. When your taste buds have traveled the world over, try to categorize your ideas below.

Continental
Regional
Seasonal
Exotic
Ethnic
Thematic

COURSES
Map out your menu (and tame that food fetish) by ruling out courses that seem excessive and marking the ones that will make your meal completely mouthwatering.

Hors d'oeuvres
Soup
Fruit and cheese
Appetizer
Pasta
Dessert
Salad
Entree

REQUIREMENTS
Now it's time to think of the needs and preferences of some of your guests. Sauteed pork medallions or an all-beef barbecue may be music to your mouth, but considering your guests should be a top priority.

Kosher
Vegetarian
Halal
Other

ENTREES
Determining the main feature of the main course is just the beginning. Start with the basics, then let your caterer tempt your tummy with possible accompaniments.

Beef
Chicken
Vegetarian
Pork
Seafood
Lamb
Pasta

OTHER FOOD IDEAS
Consider anything you think you might want to include (e.g. rice krispy treats, eggs benedict, ice sculpture, shrimp cocktail, etc.) and jot it down somewhere.

DESSERT
Will cake or cupcakes suffice? Or are you dreaming of a lavish Viennese table laden with pastries and treats?

Cake only
Additional desserts

ALCOHOL
The booze factor is a tough nut to crack. Here are some basic ways to handle it:

Full bar (Open or Limited hours)
Beer and wine only
Wine with dinner
Specialty cocktail

 

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