Planning a party? Have you considered throwing open your doors and hosting it at home?

Throwing a party at home is a great way to cut down on overheads. But it’s a lot of work.

If you hire a professional caterer to do all the hard work for you you’ll lift nothing heavier than a glass of champagne all night long.

A catering company can bring a professional touch to your party, whether you’ve got 12 guests for a three-course meal, a classy cocktail party for 40, a big family reunion, or even a wedding reception in the back garden.

Depending on the event, caterers will either cook everything beforehand and bring it to your house ready to serve, or they’ll take over your kitchen to cook up a storm. Plus, they’ll supply chefs, wait staff and bar tenders, plus all the glassware, crockery, white linen and silverware you’ll need.

If you’re planning an outdoor do, ask if they supply outdoor tables, chairs and marquees as well.

Depending on the event, the menu might include anything from casual finger food to fine dining. Your caterer will sit down with you beforehand to discuss and plan the menu, and they will incorporate your individual tastes and the style of your event into the menu choices.

Ask them about catering for vegetarian friends or food intolerances. 

The best thing about getting your event catered?  The caterers will clean up and leave your kitchen and entertainment area spotless, leaving you with nothing to do, but have fun.

To start planning for your next big event, find a caterer near you. Yellow Pages has more than 30,000 caterers listed from right around Australia, so you are sure to find one in your neighbourhood.