What is a Party Caterer?

A party caterer provides all the elements necessary to have a successful social gathering—except for the venue. He traditionally prepares and serves food and drinks, creates an aura in accordance with the host’s preferences and cleans up the location at the conclusion of the festivities. The caterer can provide his services in the client’s home or at a specified location outside the residence.

A caterer is often self-employed and may have only one or two people helping him prepare and serve food and drinks. These helpers may be regular staff members or contract workers. Some caterers concentrate their efforts on food preparation and assign others to provide service.

Excellent culinary skills are normally mandatory to be a successful party caterer. Besides having exemplary cooking and baking skills, a flair for presentation is a common requirement for success in this career. Since is it widely believed that food must first be enjoyed by the eye before it can be appreciated by the palate, artistic staging often is of the essence.

Menu planning talents are generally required for a party caterer. One of his first jobs, often required before his client signs a contract for his services, is to present a menu tailored to the customer’s needs. The guidelines he generally has to follow include budget considerations, whether the party will feature a sit-down meal or offer a buffet and if the food selection should be hot, cold or a combination of the two. Food allergies and preferences play major roles in menu selections. A tasting menu of food samples may be provided prior to the event to give the client a clear indication of what the chosen food will taste like.

Other factors for deliberation often include whether available beverages will include alcohol and, if so, if the selection will be limited to beer and wine or offer a full bar of alcohol and mixers. If a special event, such as an anniversary or birthday, is the focal point of the event, the inclusion of a special cake may be appropriate. Color schemes and themes are other topics ordinarily discussed by the caterer and his client.

Besides having clearly defined talents in food preparation, a party caterer is typically required to have excellent communication skills. He needs to understand his client’s preferences, be able to negotiate contracts and have good public relations skills to promote his business. Being organized is necessary to plan and execute his services.

No formal education or training is required to be a caterer. Special classes in certain types of food preparation may be taken by a caterer to expand his talents and offerings. Working as a food server or in a commercial kitchen environment provides good experience for an aspiring party caterer.