Here's a checklist of important steps to create the perfect meal:

1.Start Smart- It's time to make some important decisions:

2.Watch Your Budget- Establish a budget and develop the food and entertainment around it. Allocate an appropriate amount for each. Use our Price List & Order Form to help you through the choices - appetizers to dessert.

3.Invite Right- Depending on the type of event, choose the invitation style that fits your special event

• Small event: phone call or email
• Larger event: formal invitation (handwritten or preprinted)

Remember the essentials: occasion, date, time, attire, RSVP assures a more accurate count; "regrets only" is less accurate.

4.What's on the Menu? This is determined to some degree by the type of affair you have in mind. Formal seated dinner typically features appetizers, salad, main course and dessert.
Parties - like birthdays and sporting events - usually involve platters and trays of favorite foods anyone would enjoy.
These can be hot, cold or both.

5.Main Course is a Main Priority: Start by basing your party around the Main Course. Then select the appropriate side dishes to complement your choice. Exciting options:

• Sports parties - custom hoagie ring; fried chicken; wings and ribs
• Small formal affairs - standing rib roast; porketta, turkey or ham
• Dessert party - pastry and cookie trays and coffee

Just check out the selection in your Gerrity's Party Guide and mark your selection on our Price List & Order Form.

6.Combine Temperatures - Create Excitement! Add variety to the menu and make each course a surprise by mixing temperatures throughout the party. Cold platters, like our "Peel & Eat" Shrimp are a wonderful counterpoint to favorites that are served hot like our famous chicken bruschetta. Just mix up the temps and enjoy the results!

7.Calculating Sizes and Portions: Avoiding leftovers or the embarrassment of not enough food is not a pure science - it's an educated guess! But here's a quick guide to follow:
Per Person Suggestions: Appetizers by the piece: 4-5 per hour; Appetizers by the pound: 1/4 lb per hour; Tossed Salad: 1/4 - 1/3 pound; Soups: 1/2 pint(8oz.);Side Dishes: 1/4 lb total;Entrees: 1/3-1/2 lb; Dessert by the piece: 1-4 pieces depending on size;Dessert by the pound: 1/4-1/2 lb.
A few things to keep in mind: "Plan for a little more than you think you'll need." Enjoy the leftovers, and skip the embarrassment!

Expert Advice is a Gerrity's Specialty
When in doubt, just ask your knowledgeable Gerrity's party planning expert. He or she can help you make crucial decisions like menu selection and portions. Don't be afraid to ask! We're here to help make your big event a big success!