Catering for a party involves meeting many different dietary needs and individual tastes. It can certainly be a challenge, but a rewarding one as well. There are few feelings as good as seeing people enjoying the food you have prepared for them.

Part of the challenge is knowing quite what people will expect from the food at their party. If you are a professional caterer or events organiser, make sure you get a detailed brief from the client. Spend some time talking to them to see what they want and what kinds of foods will appeal. You may even want to give them the opportunity to taste some food samples, especially if the event is more formal and the food really needs to impress.

The most important part of preparing good party food is knowing what to prepare to meet the unique needs of the event. Ask some specific questions – should the party involve a sit-down meal or a buffet? Is it casual or formal? Will guests help themselves or will they be served?