Call In The Caterers For Your Holiday Parties

By Nicole B. Brewer

Give yourself the gift of a party and have your holiday events catered. The Hamptons is rich with caterers who know how to turn any party into a fabulous evening.

Making the rounds of holiday parties and get-togethers is fun, but for the hostess - all of that shopping, preparation, cooking, and clean-up is far from enjoyable. Give yourself the gift of a party and have your holiday events catered. The Hamptons is rich with caterers who know how to turn any party into a fabulous evening.

"If you are planning to host a holiday party," suggests Keith Davis of The Golden Pear Cafe (99 Main Street, Southampton, 631-283-8900, www.goldenpearcafe.com), "First, determine the type of party you want to have. Cocktail parties are easier to manage and prepare for and people really enjoy them around the holidays because they can mingle about and socialize with the crowd, instead of being forced to sit at a table for a period of time." Cocktail parties are always fun but they can be a lot of work unless you hire a wait staff, and most caterers can help you make the right choices based on the size of your party.

When it comes to the menu try to have at least a half a dozen choices - and don't forget the vegetarians. Swing by Schmidt's Market (120 North Sea Road, Southampton, 631-283-5777, www.schmidtsmarket.com) and pick up fresh produce or call them instead to cater your event. Also, take care to note if there are any people with allergies on your guest list. If you have a guest who is allergic to shellfish, for example, and you know that beforehand be sure to keep the food preparation areas clear for the non-shellfish items. Your guest will be grateful that you were so thoughtful.

You can never go wrong with a few delicious party staples and plenty of candles.

You can never go wrong with a few delicious party staples and Charlotte Sasso of Stuarts Seafood Shop (41 Oak Lane, Amagansett, 631-267-6700, www.stuartsseafood.com) recommends, "Frozen appetizers that just need to be heated and served including mini-spanikopita, assorted spring rolls, and everyone's all time favorite: pigs in a blanket. I dare anyone to eat just one!" Perhaps have an all seafood feast, with "perennial festive favorites such as shrimp cocktail platters, clams and oysters on the half-shell, baked clams, Oysters Rockefeller, and smoked salmon or homemade gravlax." Sounds delicious!

If you're having just the family over - and that can be anywhere from 10 people to 25 people in some cases - it might be time to call in the back-up team to get everything done on time. "This holiday season clients are entertaining differently due to the current economic crunch," says Delaney Oser at Thyme & Again (14 Windmill Lane, Southampton, 631-287-7354, www.thymeandagain.com). "They are leaning more towards comfort foods - perfectly prepared Chicken Pot Pie, Beef Bourguignon, and Shepherd's Pie. Even our not so very budget conscious clients are ordering dishes that nurture and that aren't over the top or showy. Lobster and caviar are taking a back seat this holiday season to pigs in a blanket and mini beef wellies."

But if the budget is not an issue Sasso remarks, "American caviar is not only more economical than imported varieties but more environmentally friendly as well. Poached salmon and our famous cedar planked salmon are great buffet entrees which feed a large crowd."

No matter what your budget Davis says, "Try to prepare or have your caterer prepare a signature entree, salad, or dessert that will cause that WOW factor."

Oser agrees and says - "Be creative! Throw a more economical Mexican fiesta or a Middle Eastern feast rather than a seated dinner. It's more important than ever for friends and family to celebrate life together - we have a lot to be grateful for."

Jean Mackenzie of Four Seasons Caterer (15 Prospect Street, Southampton, 631-283-3354, www.fourseasonscaterer.com) says to remember to deck the halls for any party large or small. "A simple and lovely decorating idea," she says, "is to bring the outdoors in.

Simply collect cuttings of twigs - the more interesting the better - and arrange them in a favorite vase. Of course also collect various evergreens and place them in a glass vase with a touch of color at the base, even sprinkle in a little artificial snow, not only is it beautiful, it also smells wonderful. One more great idea is to keep it simple by keeping the color scheme to just three colors - red, gold, and white. Oh and of course candles, candles, candles everywhere."

For even more holiday entertaining ideas check out our Directory