Cuisine plays an important role in all festivities, so take plenty of time and care when choosing your caterer.

CHOOSING A CATERER
Narrow down your choices to a shortlist of say, three or four. Ensure that you have approximate numbers and a "ballpark" budget for your celebration. Contact each catering firm to confirm their availability for your chosen date and to discuss an initial budget. Get them to provide a sample menu, meeting your budget. Investigate policies regarding guaranteed minimum numbers, services provided, specific hours for the event and any potential extra costs.

Having selected a caterer, plan a meeting to work out all the details of your event. Issues to discuss at this meeting might include:

1. Menu and beverage requirements

2. Weddings
For a wedding reception, possibly centrepieces, decorations and favours. Ask to see pictures of their table displays. Some caterers that do buffets or food stations will include floral arrangements and other decorations. As your wedding plans progress, talk to your caterer about your colour theme so that all decorations and floral arrangements will coordinate.

3. Guaranteed Numbers.
Many caterers will quote prices based upon a certain or minimum number of guests. For instance, your caterer may base their figures on a minimum of 100 guests. If the final guest count is for only 80 guests, there may be an additional fee.

4. Ratio of Servers to Guests.
This can vary greatly depending on the type of event. Generally, one server for every eight to ten guests is sufficient. This avoids guests waiting too long between courses, or ending up with cold food!

5. Dress Code for Waiting Staff
If you want Waiting Staff to be dressed formally, be sure to specify with the caterer.

6. Tableware and Linens
Ensure linens, napkins, dishes and glassware are included in any prices quoted. If you don't like the tableware or linens they offer, everything can be rented, but at additional cost.

7. Taste Testing
Ask if your caterer will do a "tasting." This is where the bride and groom can go sample and taste some of the caterer's dishes.

Have all agreed details put into a written contract, signed by both parties. You have a right to know exactly what will be provided for your money, so if unsure, ask! Trust your instincts. If you don't feel comfortable with that caterer, you won't have a good working relationship, no matter how good the references. Follow-up with your caterer a week before your event. Contact the caterer the day before your event to check on all the details, thus avoiding unpleasant, last minute surprises.

OPTIONS
Menu
There is extensive variety when it comes to menu selection. You can have a traditional sit down dinner, buffet, food stations or cocktail reception. It all depends on your personal preference. Don't assume that a buffet or food stations is less expensive than a sit down dinner. Cost is more dependent on the type of food you serve.

Food Preparation
Most high-quality caterers use all fresh food. Check that your caterer doesn't use frozen or tinned foodstuffs.

Leftovers
Ask what is done with the leftover food. Particularly, if you are having a buffet or food stations there can be food leftovers. Many wedding couples don't get a chance to eat much or really enjoy the food during the reception because they're so busy with their guests. So, ask your caterer to prepare a "leftover basket" with a sampling of all the delicious hors d'oeuvres, main dishes and even dessert. Late that night, the bride and groom can enjoy a romantic picnic for two.

Family Recipes
Ask if dishes can be prepared that are not included on the regular menu. Some brides have a special "family" dish they'd like, or a particular type of ethnic food prepared. This is a great way to really personalise your dinner and reception.
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Self catering caravans Vendee FRance..
We have 2 & 3 bedroom privately owned mobile homes at the 4 star site of les amiaux in st-jean-de-monts on atlantic west coast vendee. caravans equipped for up to 6 guests with outside gas bbq, patio furniture and sunloungers. site has numerous facilities incl. 3 pools (1 . .
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If you are planning a romantic evening for two, a small gathering of friends, birthdays or any other occasion you can rely on your private chef for making this evening perfect for you. if you have no time to cook healthy meals for you and your family at home, your private chef c. .
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