How to hire a caterer

By Frappa Stout

Planning a holiday bash and want to hire a caterer to do the heavy lifting? Here's how:

Research your options. Get bids from at least three caterers. Beyond the Yellow Pages or Google, it's best to ask friends and family members for recommendations. You also can call a local hotel or party planner for names. Your favorite restaurant may cater, too. Bids are quoted as price per guest.

Do a taste test. If you're hosting a large event, ask for tastings from each potential caterer to narrow the field. Then, when you've chosen one, you can taste-test the foods you've selected.

Be creative. "You can give your caterer recipes; you can ask them to think outside the box," says Lara Shriftman, seasoned party planner and co-author of the new book "Fête Accompli! The Ultimate Guide to Creative Entertaining." "We've hired upscale caterers and asked them to do things like mini-hamburgers and mini-hot dogs, served on incredible trays."

Be flexible. To cut costs, have a buffet instead of a sit-down meal, use your own serving trays, buy your own nuts and cheese spreads, and serve cold food instead of hot (so the chef isn't needed on-site). If you're serving alcohol -- a big expense -- specify exactly what you want. As always, negotiate.

Get everything in writing. The contract should be as specific as possible -- including arrival and departure times for the caterer, the number of servers, what they'll wear, and the total cost -- so your winter party won't leave you cold.