PLANNING A PARTY - 2

more event hosting help

THE GOAL

Our goal is to help you feel at ease, hosting and attending your own event. We accomplish this by exploring many aspects of your event. We hope you will find this page helpful when you are planning to entertain.

THE MENU

We will discuss your event goals, culinary likes and dislikes, and take into account all the particulars of the event, and send a detailed proposal that we view as a starting point. If changes are needed, we will work together until you are satisfied with the menu.

  • Be imaginative.
  • Hors d' oeuvres menus should include hot and cold choices with a variety of ingredients and textures.
  • Take into consideration the particular needs of your guests, such as food allergies, religious constraints and increasingly vegetarian preferences.
  • A cocktail party from 6 pm to 8 pm overlaps many guests dinner time and demands a more substantial hors d’oeuvres menu.
  • Select “fork and finger food” for a buffet party without table seating for the guests.

STAFFING

As difficult as it may be for a chef to admit, the level of service is almost as critical as the quality of the food. Many of our captains, servers and bartenders have been working with us for years. They are familiar with our style of cooking and presentation, and will always provide warm and professional service.

Staffing for an event will vary not only with the number of guests, but with the nature of the party and the physical layout of the venue. We hire enough staff to assure the event runs smoothly and yet, avoid overstaffing. Beyond the basic service staff, we can provide additional services, such as valet parkers, coat checks, and security.

  • Don't skimp on staff
    If your guests can't get a drink, never see the hors d'oeuvres, or wait forever to get served chances are you don't have enough staff. Staffing properly will assure that all your guests needs are met.
  • Allow the staff sufficient set-up time
    There are many somewhat invisible, last minute jobs that go into any successful party. The servers must chill the wine, fold napkins, set up the bar, roll the silverware among many other things. Not providing the service staff with adequate set-up time will cause unnecessary angst for everyone involved.
  • Uniform options
    Servers today, often wear black or white shirts and black slacks at cocktail parties -- sometimes overalls and straw hats at barbeques. With a little thought, even the staff can add to the visual appeal of your party.

RENTALS

Dealing with rentals can be daunting for even experienced hostesses. We will help you determine your needs. The variety of rental linens, china, flatware and stemware available today is enormous, and prices vary accordingly. We will assist you in getting the maximum in style without unnecessary expense.

  • Check the delivery
    When the rental order arrives check it against the packing slip to make sure it is complete and satisfactory. Consider taking delivery a day before the event. It is difficult for the rental company to correct an incomplete order that is delivered on the day of the party.
  • Beware the weekend delivery charge
    Most rental companies charge an additional fee for drop-offs and pick-ups on weekends. Make sure to ask in advance and arrange for deliveries during the week if possible.
  • I dropped my fork…
    If you choose to order your own rentals, don’t forget to order a few extra table settings, in case of breakage or unexpected guests.

    If you choose to let Catered For You handle your order, we will take great care to certain that you have everything you need for a successful event.

BEVERAGE

We do maintain a liquor license and can sell alcoholic beverages. Catered For You is very experienced at operating a bar. Of course, you are always welcome to purchase you own wine, spirits, beer, soft drinks and mixers.

  • Check with your merchants
    Hosts worry about buying too much wine yet they don’t want to run out. Some wine merchants will take back unopened bottles of liquor or wine. Call your local liquor store and check their policies.
  • Ice melts…
    It is easy to underestimate the amount of ice you will need, and you don’t want to run out for more in the middle of the party. Ask your local beverage distributor if he makes ice deliveries and make sure it arrives early enough before the party to chill any wine and beer. Or let us provide the ice.

OTHER SERVICES

We will gladly help you in a number of other areas.

  • VENUES
    In House - We operate and manage the Chateau at Forest Park. This reception hall is a great value and offers all inclusive packages with lots of decor included. www.chateauatforestpark.com
    We can suggest a variety of locations in the Dallas - Fort Worth area.
  • DECOR
    In House - We operate a wonderful wedding rental business - Bella Wedding Rentals. We have a creative floral designer and several event specialists on board. Whether your party calls for an elegant centerpiece or a transforming an entire ballroom into fairyland we would be happy to assist you. www.bellaweddingrentals.com
  • WEDDING PLANNING
    In House - We have experienced wedding planners and professional event coordinators on board at Bella Weddings. Reduce your stress and have more fun. www.bellaweddings.org
  • WEDDING or GROOM's CAKES
    We work with several reputable bakeries and will gladly refer you to one.
  • WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY
    In House - We have a wedding photographer that photographs many of the weddings held at the Chateau at Forest Park and provides the photos for this web site. www.bellaimages.org
  • MUSICIANS
    A great dj, a stringed quartet, or a great dance band: we know the musicians who will add just the right ambience to your party.
  • ICE CARVING
    We know some of the best ice carvers in the DFW area.