Prices

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=90 BGCOLOR="#9900FF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <B>Catering by Dinner is Served</B></div> <div> <B>Fine Foods for All the Special Events in Your Life</B><FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B> </B></FONT><FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B> </B></FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B>  </B></FONT></div> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" width=175 BGCOLOR="#9999FF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <IMG SRC="02d99660.jpg" border=0 width="153" height="102" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Catering by Dinner is Served"><U>Home</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id4.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Catering Services"><U>Catering Services</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id6.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Personal Chef Services"><U>Personal Chef Services</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id30.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Cooking Classes"><U>Cooking Classes</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id2.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Sample Menus"><U>Sample Menus</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id12.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Our Gourmet Menu"><U>Our Gourmet Menu</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id13.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Our Casual Menu"><U>Our Casual Menu</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id45.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Our Vegetarian Vegan Menu"><U>Our Vegetarian & Vegan Menu</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id25.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Our Wedding Menus"><U>Our Wedding Menus</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id26.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Our High Tea Menu"><U>Our High Tea Menu</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id16.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Holiday Menus"><U>Holiday Menus</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id39.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Bar Bat Mitzvah Celebrations"><U>Bar & Bat Mitzvah Celebrations</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id22.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Gay Marriage Celebrations"><U>Gay Marriage Celebrations</U></A></div> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c800000000.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Prices</B></div> <div> <A HREF="id43.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Recommended Venues"><U>Recommended Venues</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id18.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="About the Chef/Owner"><U>About the Chef/Owner</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id21.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Customer Testimonials"><U>Customer Testimonials</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id20.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Our Vision and Mission"><U>Our Vision and Mission</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id46.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Dinner is Served in the News"><U>Dinner is Served in the News</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id17.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Contact Us"><U>Contact Us</U></A></div> <bR> </td> <td valign="top" height=390 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <I>Prices</I></div> <div> <I>How much will it cost?  Don't  be embarrassed!  It's usually the first question caterers get asked.</I></div> <div> <I>And it's the hardest to answer.  So, let's talk about it now...</I></div> <bR> <div> Unfortunately, there's no easy answer to the "How Much Will it Cost" question. A caterer usually has to reply with "It depends..."</div> <bR> <div> Many people just don't know what their budget is because they've never planned a catered party.  They're hoping the caterer will tell them what the party will cost, and the caterer is hoping the client will tell them what they'd like to spend.  Consider these variables when you're planning and paying for a party:  <A NAME="consider_these_variables_when_you_re"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="515" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="VOID" RULES="NONE" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 96 ><NOBR><bR> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#the_type_of_event_" TITLE="Prices"><U>The Type of Event</U></A><A HREF="#the_type_of_event_" TITLE="Prices"><U> </U></A>| <A HREF="#the_type_of_service_you_would_like__1" TITLE="Prices"><U>The Type of Service</U></A> |  <A HREF="#the_venue_for_your_event_" TITLE="Prices"><U>The Venue</U></A> | <A HREF="#the_number_of_guests_attending_" TITLE="Prices"><U>The Number of Guests</U></A><A HREF="#the_number_of_guests_attending_" TITLE="Prices"><U> </U></A>| </div> <div> | <A HREF="#will_there_be_children_" TITLE="Prices"><U>Food for Children</U></A> | <A HREF="#the_menu_you_choose_" TITLE="Prices"><U>The Menu</U></A> | <A HREF="#the_time_of_day_your_event_is_planned" TITLE="Prices"><U>The Time of Day</U></A> |</div> <div>   |<A HREF="#between_meal_parties" TITLE="Prices"><U> </U></A><A HREF="#between_meal_parties" TITLE="Prices"><U>"Between Meal" Parties</U></A><A HREF="#between_meal_parties" TITLE="Prices"><U> </U></A>| <A HREF="#will_you_need_to_rent_tables_and_chairs_" TITLE="Prices"><U>Renting Tables and Chairs</U></A> |  <A HREF="#renting_tableware_vs_using_high_end" TITLE="Prices"><U>Renting Tableware</U></A><A HREF="#renting_tableware_vs_using_high_end" TITLE="Prices"><U> </U></A> </div> <bR> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="558" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="VOID" RULES="NONE" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 82 WIDTH="178"><div> The type of event. <A NAME="the_type_of_event_"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="369"><div> Make sure the event reflects your budget, who you are and your values!  If you love to get dressed up, then think about a cocktail party.  If "dressed-up" means a clean pair of jeans, you're definitely the picnic/BBQ type.</div> <bR> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="178"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="16" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="178" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="369"><div> <A HREF="#consider_these_variables_when_you_re" TITLE="Prices"><U>back to top</U></A></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 195 WIDTH="178"><div> The type of service you would like. <A NAME="the_type_of_service_you_would_like__1"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="369"><div> There are a variety of ways to serve food.  You can have a Buffet or a Sit Down Dinner.  You can create a Cocktail Party or a Picnic.  And the service can be  Formal or Informal.  </div> <bR> <div> Catering by Dinner is Served can stay, set-up, serve and clean-up, or we can drop the food off, so you (or friends) can be in charge of the party.</div> <bR> <div> Which type of service you choose will depend not only on your budget, but the reason for the celebration, and the type of party you are having.</div> <bR> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="178"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="16" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="178" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="369"><div> <A HREF="#consider_these_variables_when_you_re" TITLE="Prices"><U>back to top</U></A></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 341 ><NOBR><div> The venue for your event. <A NAME="the_venue_for_your_event_"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="369"><div> Don't assume that having an event at home is always the least expensive way to have a party.  </div> <bR> <div> You may need to have a cleaning service come in before and after the event.  Or,  you may decide that the downstairs powder room really needs new wallpaper!  In the long-run,  it may actually cost less, or just be less of a hassle, to rent a local hall in your area.</div> <bR> <div> If you choose to hold your event in a Church, Temple, fraternal hall (like the Elks), or a Senior Center,  plan to pay between $50 - $ 500 for the use of the facility.  </div> <bR> <div> Make sure you ask if it's ok to use an "off-premise" caterer.  Some halls have their own caterers, some offer a list of approved vendors, some will allow you to bring in whomever you wish.  </div> <bR> <div> If  you help Catering by Dinner is Served get added to  the approved vendor list of the hall you want to rent, we'll give you a $50 discount off the cost of your event!</div> <bR> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 30 WIDTH="178"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="30" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="178" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="369"><div> <A HREF="#consider_these_variables_when_you_re" TITLE="Prices"><U>back to top</U></A></div> <bR> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 65 WIDTH="178"><div> The number of guests attending. <A NAME="the_number_of_guests_attending_"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="369"><div> Most caterers will provide a "per person" price for food.  It may surprise you to know that a small event may actually cost more per person because some costs, like labor,  are fixed.  </div> <bR> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 98 ><NOBR><div> Will children be attending? <A NAME="will_there_be_children_"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="369"><div> Caterers are often asked to prepare "kid friendly" food, in addition to the more "upscale" food for the grown-ups.  Catering by Dinner is Served will create a menu with separate pricing for children's meals that is lower than the price per person for adults.  These menus apply only to children 8 years old and under.</div> <bR> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="178"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="16" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="178" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="369"><div> <A HREF="#consider_these_variables_when_you_re" TITLE="Prices"><U>back to top</U></A></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 196 ><NOBR><div> The menu you choose. <A NAME="the_menu_you_choose_"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="369"><div> Your choice of  food will affect the price of the meal.  Chicken is less expensive than fillet steaks or shell fish.  You can usually create a balance of cost by serving one "high end" entree and then choosing a less expensive item, like chicken, for another entree.</div> <bR> <div> If you're thinking that an hors d'oeuvre-only menu will be less expensive than a buffet,  think again!  Cocktail parties with hors d'oeuvres-only usually cost more than an a buffet dinner.  WHY? Because hors d'oeuvres require lots of work to make and serve, and guests tend to eat a lot of them.</div> <bR> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="178"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="16" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="178" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="369"><div> <A HREF="#consider_these_variables_when_you_re" TITLE="Prices"><U>back to top</U></A></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 341 WIDTH="178"><div> The time of day your event is planned for. <A NAME="the_time_of_day_your_event_is_planned"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="369"><div> Continental breakfast is usually served from 8 a.m. until 10 a.m.  This is appropriate for business meetings, but not for special celebrations.</div> <bR> <div> Serve brunch at an event that starts at 10 a.m. and ends at 1 p.m.</div> <bR> <div> Luncheon should be served at events starting at 11 a.m. and ending at 4 p.m.</div> <bR> <div> A cocktail party with hors d'oeuvres only is appropriate when an event begins between after 4 p.m. and goes until  8 - 10 p.m.  The hors d'oeuvres  should be ample, since the party takes place during the traditional dinner hour, and people will be drinking alcohol.</div> <bR> <div> Dinners usually begin at 6 or 7 p.m. and can last until 11 p.m. or beyond.    Usually people start with a "cocktail hour" that includes  hors d'oeuvres on a buffet or passed by servers before moving on to entrees.</div> <bR> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="178"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="16" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="178" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="369"><div> <A HREF="#consider_these_variables_when_you_re" TITLE="Prices"><U>back to top</U></A></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 98 ><NOBR><div> "Between Meal" Parties <A NAME="between_meal_parties"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="369"><div> If you're on a limited budget consider scheduling your event between 2 - 5 p.m.  Since the timing is between the usual meal times of lunch and dinner, you can provide "light refreshments" and no one will come expecting a complete meal.</div> <bR> <bR> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 179 WIDTH="178"><div> Will you need to rent tables and chairs? <A NAME="will_you_need_to_rent_tables_and_chairs_"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="369"><div> Some venues have tables and chairs available at no additional cost, others charge a rental, and some have none available.  Remember to ask about the availability and the cost of tables and chairs if your event will be in a rented hall.</div> <bR> <div> If you're planning a backyard party, make sure you have enough tables and chairs for at least some people to sit down for at least part of the party.  </div> <bR> <div> At a cocktail party, tall tables without chairs add a sophisticate "night club atmosphere."</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 32 WIDTH="178"><bR> <bR> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="369"><div> <A HREF="#consider_these_variables_when_you_re" TITLE="Prices"><U>back to top</U></A></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 197 WIDTH="178"><div> Renting tableware vs using "high end" plasticware <A NAME="renting_tableware_vs_using_high_end"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="369"><div> Catering by Dinner is Served can do all the work for you to arrange for rental of tents, heaters, dinnerware, cutlery, glasses, linens and even tables and chairs.  These cost for these rentals add up quickly.  Expect that rentals may be between 35 - 50% of  your event expense.   Is it worth it?  For a very special occasion, it certainly is.  And only you can make that decision. </div> <bR> <div> High end plastic ware is another option that many of our customers are choosing for their events.  They're much more attactive and functional than paper, but not nearly as expensive as renting dinnerware.  Ask us to show you samples of several types of high end plastic ware that  we use regularly.  </div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="178"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="16" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="178" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="369"><div> <A HREF="#consider_these_variables_when_you_re" TITLE="Prices"><U>back to top</U></A></div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div>  </div> <bR> <div> Catering by Dinner is Served</div> <div> <A HREF="mailto:dinserve@verizon.net" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:dinserve@verizon.net"><U>dinserve@verizon.net</U></A></div> <div> 978-697-8527</div> <div> Serving Massachusetts & Southern New Hampshire since 2000</div> <bR> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>