Party Tips From A Caterer

Today’s post comes again from my best friend, Laura.  As a caterer, she has learned a few “tricks of the trade” along the way, and she’s sharing a few with us today. I have to admit, she has helped me make my parties much more presentable!  Since moving into our new house, we have had birthday parties, a baby shower, and even a wedding reception! None of them would have been the same without Laura’s help!

Here are a few tips to present and serve the food at your next party:

Baby Shower:  Used Upside-Down Tupperware and
Plastic Table Cloths for "Lifts"

When you set out the food for your event, don't just set the bowls and platters on the table or counter.  It's super easy to dress up your table or counter with a few table cloths, remnants of fabric (that match your theme colors), and random Tupperware, baking pans, and mixing bowls.

Use wide-based containers,  flipped upside down and covered with table cloths to create “lifts”—this  will give your serving area dimension and height.  Use remnants of fabric or tulle, scrunched or twisted to add color.  I have also used cut flowers in addition to the tulle for an extra pop of color.

Another tip to dress up the food is to serve items in plain glass, stainless, or black and white ceramic/ stoneware bowls and platters.  Keep the serve-ware simple and coordinate decorations and extras with party colors.

When I cater, I can never have too many serving utensils! I would suggest buying an extra set of serve-ware (large spoon, large slotted spoon, tongs, serving fork and cake server), available at department stores; Target; Walmart; or Bed, Bath, and Beyond. I also like to have a several pairs of plastic serving tongs in a few sizes (these can be found fairly cheap at a party store);  they work really nice for fruit and veggie platters.

Another one of my favorite party tips is, if you have multiple tables for guests to sit at and you want to cover them with plastic table cloths, consider buying a roll of plastic table cover at a place such as TPC Cash &Carry.  You can cut the plastic table cover to fit any size table and it can also be used to cover the lifts on the food table! Multi-purpose solutions are the best!

Happy Party-Planning!
What are some of your best party tips? Or any questions for the caterer?