When catering a gathering of any kind, it can be a little confusing; especially if it's your first time catering. Most people have a lot of questions when it comes to wanting, or needing a catering service. There are some tips to help to make the process a little easier.

First, you will want to decide on the theme. If you want your food choices to match the theme of your get-together, decide that ahead of time. Next, determine how many people who will be attending. How many courses do you want to serve? Do you want a salad for the first course and a desert for the last? Then, plan everything in between. Decide what drinks you will offer to your guests before eating, during the meal and after dinner drinks. Plan the portions of food out so that there is enough for your guests to have seconds. Have your serving tables set up so that the hot food will stay hot during the serving service, and the cold will be plenty chilled during the meal. You want the seconds to be as warm and cold for your guests as the first round. Have your deserts ready to serve before the meal is over. Some people may not eat a lot of the main course and will want to head straight to the desert table before many guests are finished with their meal. You will want the desert table prepared early and ready so your guests do not have to wait. Also, give your guests several choices on desert. They like variety. Lastly, have hot and cold drinks available for your guests. Some will want coffee with their deserts.

Planning ahead of time is the key. The better prepared you are, the smoother it will go.