There are several things to look for when you choose a caterer. Make sure they have proper insurance, and have a business license and an inspection certificate. They should also have a National 'Servsafe' Certification and a Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point program. They should also have a plan to keep foods at the appropriate temperature throughout the serving process. Look for a caterer who has a good reputation and can provide references for you to check out.



Planning a menu is another big hurdle of catering. Menu catering ideas should stem from the type of event you are planning. For example, if it is going to be crowd of mostly men or teen aged boys, you should probably plan to go heavy on the meats. If it is a Bar Mitzvah, serving ham or pulled pork would not be well received. Catering ideas for an afternoon tea for ladies would include things like delicate finger sandwiches and dainty desserts. Ask your caterer for catering ideas and they should be able to suggest several sample menus for you to choose from.

It is also important to order the right amount of food. You want to get the most bang for your buck, so plan carefully in this area. Catering ideas for portions is mainly linked to the number of guests that you will have. If you can break it down to the type of guest (ex. men, women, teen boys, and children) you can even more closely estimate the amount of food you will need. Running out of food can be embarrassing, but having a lot of excess is simply a waste of money. So, the more accurately you can pinpoint the number and type of guests you will be serving, the more closely you can estimate your cost.

Catering ideas for appetizers is simple. Make them pretty to look at and easy to eat. Appetizers should always be able to be eaten with one hand. This makes them portable and well, appetizing. If a person needs a knife and fork it is more of a side dish item rather than an appetizer.

Desserts can be as simple or as elaborate as you want them to be. If you are at a loss for dessert catering ideas, cobblers of all kinds are pretty much acceptable at all types of events. Cheesecake is another favorite and is paired nicely with fresh fruits. You could also do a theme like a variety of pies or mousses. It is really up to you and your preferences when it comes to desserts.

Catering ideas are not hard to come by. Be creative and keep your guest list in mind. Even if you are on a tight budget, you can serve great food if you are inventive. Ask your caterer for catering ideas and go with your instincts.