Holiday Entertaining Part 3 - Hire a Professional?

When planning your menu, consider not only your budget, but also the time of day you will be holding your party. Will it be a brunch? A cocktail party? Wine and cheese party? Light hors d’oeuvres? Heavy hors d’oeuvres? Perhaps a buffet dinner? Seated dinner? Maybe just desserts and coffee? You have lots to choose from! Pick menu items that complement one another. Again your budget will dictate what you can serve your guests.

Making part of your menu ahead of time will save aggravation later on. What can be made ahead of time? Meatballs can be made in advance and frozen. Phyllo triangles are time consuming to make, but freeze beautifully. Do you have a favorite holiday cookie or tea bread? Bake and freeze these a few days ahead of time and take them out the night before.

Though working for days to prepare for your party is admirable, for your sanity's sake I'd advise that you not prepare everything yourself. Determine in advance if your budget will allow you to hire a professional caterer to cater your entire party, or even to simply provide some signature dishes. This added benefit will allow you to be a relaxed host so that you can freely greet and visit with your guests throughout the evening.

A caterer can assist you with all of your menu needs, as well as the actual planning of your menu. It is imperative that you are honest with your cater about how much you can afford to spend, as this will dictate how much food a caterer can prepare for you. A reputable caterer will suggest items that you can make or purchase on your own to compliment your party.

Caterers have many years of experience in what is the best value for your money. Listen to them - you are receiving their knowledge as well as their food! A reputable caterer wants your event to be a success – for your sake, as well as theirs. Chances are that an experienced caterer has planned and executed many parties over the years. Ask yourself this question: how many parties or events of this size have you planned?

If you can expand on this by hiring a professional server to replenish your food buffet, pick up plates, and assist with clean up after guests leave, this will be a win-win service for you and your guests. Outline your needs for service before the night of the party with your server in writing. Agree in advance about what the hours of service will be, what is your plan for the server if your party goes beyond the agreed upon time. What are the specified servers’ duties for the evening? A professional server will expect a tip - be generous!


A sample of a shopping list:
• Beverages (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic)
• Bar Fruit, Ice
• Paper Goods (napkins, plates)
• Rentals (barware, dishes, linens, tables)
• Music
• Order Flowers, plants
• Lighting
• Candles
• Finished Holiday decorations