Catering allows hosts to worry about real party-planning problems, such as tinkering with the smoke machine or deciding how many cans of soda to stuff into the piñata. Focus on the fun with this Groupon.
$25 for $50 Worth of Catered Cuisine
Starters whet appetites with asparagus spears wrapped in provolone and prosciutto ($24 for 8–12 people; $40 for 12–16) or a Mediterranean trio of tzatziki, roasted-eggplant dip, and hummus ($75–$100). Baked mozzarella tomato salad ($45–$60) and angel-hair pasta with spicy shrimp ($60–$85) pile atop plates, as do wraps ($116 for a tray of 15).
Simply Gourmet Catering
Taylor Hackett knows a thing or two about feeding a crowd. The head chef of Simply Gourmet Catering spends her days preparing light hors d'oeuvres, deli sandwiches, salads, and hearty entrees for groups of 8–16 people at small special events such as baby showers and birthdays. She draws from across the culinary spectrum, whipping up pastas such as vegetable lasagna and baked ziti with gouda, as well as more than five types of sandwiches, including a turkey and cheddar wrap, muffuletta, and BLT. She’ll even work around food allergies or dietary restrictions, preparing vegetarian and gluten-free selections upon request.