What's your secret to finding the best catering supplies?

A few things I have found to be helpful is to check your local culinary supply store, Jetro restaurant depot, culinary warehouse supplies store, flee markets and yard sales. Sometimes you have to design on a dime and depending on your budget you can find what you need, Pots, pans, bowls, glasses, knives, serving utensils and so on. The main focus is stick to your budget and theme. And also pick up special pieces here and there when you find them on sale and store them for the next use for an event. If you have to get new supplies always include your supplies in the budget when you host an event. Ultimate goal Happy Clients, Happy Events equal more Job opportunities.

Just as important as the details of the menu are the details of the event. What is the time of day? Who is included in the guest list? If there are children you will need more soda, if it is hot more ice and more water. If it is cold, more hot teas and coffee. A younger crowd will likely drink the signature cocktails while a professional crowd will stick to the classics (like Martinis and Manhattans). If there is a champagne toast you have to account for a glass for every (legal) person in addition to what you would normally bring for consumption. (I suggest a champagne cocktail in order to provide something unique and cost-effective.) Dbassdesign.com has a multitude of catering templates to take the guesswork out of the equation for you.

Building strong relationships by creating a "certified vendor." These vendors have met your standards and can be relied upon to deliver quality supplies and services. You benefit from their expertise, prompt communication, and timely deliveries. In turn, you offer them the incentive of being on your preferred vendor list, which is referenced anytime one of your clients asks for recommendations. You can strengthen your position when discussing pricing by consistently using this specific vendor and showing your loyalty through a high volume of orders. Review your invoices to track any price increases at least once a month to ensure they align with your agreed-upon terms. You can snag a Vendor Inventory Price Book Template from DBass Design!

On thing I try to keep in mind is who is my audience that is attending any given event and what are the expectations that they have. A party for young adults is very different from a retirement party. Knowing what has happened historically and what is socially expected is helpful with keeping everyone happy and satisfied. Do they expect a full meal, light appetizers, etc.