Party Tips: Andrew ~ The Catered Affair

If you are planning an event in Boston, there are many great caterers. In my opinion the best in town is THE CATERED AFFAIR. Holly Safford started the company in 1979, and runs it with her two sons - Andrew and Alex Marconi. The food is fantastic, the presentation is stunning and the service is flawless. I have had the pleasure of working with Andrew on a few events and he is the best!

He was kind enough to share some party tips.

Andrew (left), Ed, and their boys

Favorite Cocktail (for drinking and serving):

Plum Palmyra

2 parts red plum juice (Nantucket Nectars)

1 part vodka (Andrew uses Grey Goose)

Splash of fresh squeezed (must be) lime juice

Tiny bit of simple syrup

Sprig of mint for garnish

Slice of plum for garnish

In a cocktail shaker muddle the mint with lime juice and simple syrup. Add ice, vodka and plum juice. Shake and strain in to a glass. Garnish with plum and more mint.

Favorite Recipe:

Ina Garten's Roasted Vegetable and Orzo Salad. It is the perfect casual accompaniment for any meal. For recipe CLICK.

Favorite Restaurant:

For a special occasion in Boston, Andrew heads to MENTON

Or MISTRAL.

For more casual fare, try the fish tacos at STRAIGHT WHARF in Nantucket.

Favorite Party Sources:

Andrew often uses CB2, JONATHAN ADLER and WEST ELM when looking for items for his next party.

Here are some of my favorites from Andrew's sources.

CB2:

Jonathan Adler:

West Elm:

Party Tips:

• Have a signature drink pre-made in a pitcher on the bar.
• Candles, candles, candles - everyone looks better by candlelight.

Favorite Party Tunes:

Photos: Chow, Food Network, Food and Wine, Yelp and Zagat