Minimum & Final Guest Count Guarantees
When placing a catering order you must provide an estimated guest count reflecting a realistic number of guests you anticipate attending your event.

- Minimum guaranteed guest count is due (excluding holidays) in advance; this may not be reduced but may be increased.

- Final Guaranteed guest count is due three working days in advance of the event. For example: your event is on Wednesday evening, your final guarantee is due Friday at 5pm. Final guarantees for events occurring on Saturday, Sunday or Monday is due on Wednesday by 5pm. Catering will be prepared to serve a few guests above your final guarantee to accommodate last minute guests for buffets and full service menus only. We do not prepare extra amounts for box lunches, receptions, coffee services or a la carte items.

- The client will be billed for the guaranteed number, or the actual number of guests served, whichever is greater.

- Guest counts that are increased after the final guarantee deadline, that can be accommodated by catering, are subject to additional charges. Please inquire with your consultant. Please note, additional meals may vary from the original selection chosen.

- ALL CHANGES SHOULD BE PHONED OR FAXED TO DISTINCTIVE CATERING. PLEASE, DO NOT E-MAIL GUARANTEES OR CHANGES TO CATERING CONTRACTS.

Upgrades

- Seating tablecloths are an additional $7.50 each
- Linen napkins are an additional $.50 each

China Service for Breaks: $2.00 per person
- China six inch plates and stainless steel cutlery (as needed)
- Glass stemware for cold beverages, china coffee cups and saucers for hot beverages
- Disposable paper napkins

Butler Tray Service for Receptions: $2.00 per person (recommended for strolling receptions)
- Glass stemware for cold beverages, upscale plasticware for hot beverages
- Butler Trays (plate/stemware holder in one)
- Clear or black six-inch plates and black or clear plastic cutlery (as needed)

China Full Service Meals (buffet or plated)
Catering staff will assist your guests as needed. All items are served on china. All full service meals include two and one half-hours of labor in the meal price. If catering service is required longer than two and one half-hours, additional labor charges apply at $25 per attendant per hour.

Multiple Entrée Services
A multiple entrée is two or more different entrées offered on a plated menu. Assigned seating is the easiest and most accurate method for serving multiple entrées. If you desire this service, we recommend that each guest is assigned a place and a color-coded dot is put on a place card indicating each guest's entrée selection. A less accurate alternative to assigned seating is for each guest to be given a color-coded ticket to indicate their entrée selection when they arrive at the registration table. The guest must place the colored ticket near their water glass to indicate the entrée selection to the wait staff. This is less accurate because guests forget to place their ticket and/or forget what they ordered. Please allow additional service time for multiple entrées.

Meals with Limited Time for Service
 You should allow approximately one and one half-hours for a full service plated or buffet meal. If time is limited we recommend that the salad and/or dessert be preset prior to your guests being seated. If speed is of the essence, avoid choosing multiple entree service for your meal as it does take longer. Most importantly, if you only have limited time for your meal service, please indicate this on your contract so the catering staff can be prepared.

Receptions
Receptions include high quality paper products and can always be upgraded (see upgrade options.) Attendants are required at receptions when both hot and cold food items will need to be replenished. An attendant will maintain the appearance of the buffet tables and see to your guests' needs. Attendants are required in all instances where food needs to be replenished and if they have not been ordered on your catering contract they will be automatically added. If you prefer to have hors d' oeuvres or beverages passed on trays, additional attendants can be provided upon request. You will be charged $25 per attendant per hour for actual hours of service, with a minimum of one hour.

Budget Menus & Picnics
Buffet and beverage tables will be set with linen and high quality paper products. Guests serve themselves the buffet and beverages. Catering staff will replenish the buffet table and assist guests as necessary. Linen can be provided for the dining tables at an additional cost of $4.50 per cloth. All budget buffets and picnics have one and one half-hours of labor built into the price of the meal. If you require event service longer than one and one half-hours, additional labor charges apply at $25 per attendant per hour.