If you have decided that your function requires the upscale style of a Formal Catered  party, then we can guarantee you a casually classy event that will have your guests talking for months afterward.  You can be assured we will make every effort to make your party more than just something special.

THERE ARE A NUMBER OF ITEMS you should consider when planning a formal or semi-formal affair.  We have listed some of these things and some helpful hints to assist you in your preparation. CHOOSING THE TYPE OF PARTY:  Do you really need a Formal Catered  event?  If you are planning one of our fabulous clambakes as a Reception Dinner after a wedding, or as a dinner for your corporate Directors or major shareholders; as a special anniversary party (50th Anniversary, 75th Birthday, etc.) or something of a similar nature, then by all means, go ahead with the Formal Catered  type function. For most purposes, we find the more laid-back, casual, picnic style party a better option, especially if you are bringing strangers together and want to make it more easy for them to intermingle and get acquainted (as in a wedding rehearsal party). ONCE YOU HAVE CHOSEN the more formal Formal Catered  plan, then you need to start contacting suppliers on Martha's Vineyard for tents, tables and chairs, linens, dinner service, etc.  You should also determine whether or not you will want a bartender and bar service.  PLEASE NOTE THAT WE ARE NOT LICENSED TO PROVIDE BAR SERVICE. You can find a list of recommended suppliers -- those we know will provide you with quality service -- by clicking on the Tents / Suppliers button at the top of this page.

DO ORDER A PARTY TENT if you are not planning to be indoors.
Any Formal Catered  function is important enough to protect against the vagaries of weather on Martha's Vineyard.  The company that supplies your tables, linens, dishes, etc., will also have tents available.  For a list of the tent suppliers on the Vineyard, click on the Tents/Suppliers button at the top of this page. You should also order tent sides.  If they are not used, the supplier will not charge you for them, but if your event day becomes windy or rainy, the sides could save your party.
If you are planning an indoor event at one of the Island halls, then you do not need a tent for your guests.

A FORMAL CATERED AFFAIR ON A BEACH should be considered very carefully. 
Any adverse weather conditions -- wind, rain, etc. -- can cause the affair to be less than perfect. If you must have a beach party, we recommend that you plan one of our Casual Catered clambakes instead

FOOD SERVICE IS ALWAYS BUFFET STYLE. 
We do not provide table service except for bussing of tables to pick up used dinnerware and glassware.  Buffet service allows your guests to choose the items and quantity they want from our extensive selection. 

DO ADVISE US
at the time we discuss your party requirements if you want our staff to provide refills for wine, etc.  If you fail to do so, we will probably be short of staff to provide this optional service for you.

DO RESERVE A COOKING TENT.  Even if your affair is indoors, you should reserve a 20x20 foot cooking tent with sides.  The reservation can be cancelled, in most cases, a day or two prior to your event if the weather is warm and not windy.  It is almost impossible to order a cooking tent at the last minute if the weather turns inclement

...AND DO ORDER EXTRA dishes, cutlery, glassware, etc.  If you order exactly the quantity needed for the number of guests you expect, you will be embarrassingly short should a last-minute guest arrive or should one or more of your guests drop cutlery or otherwise require a clean napkin, tablecloth, dish or cup.  Most island suppliers will not charge you for an unopened tray of dishes, cutlery or glassware.