How To Select a Caterer

Patricia Seidel of Seidel Event Productions in Los Angeles, Newport Beach and Palm Springs offers these tips:

* When planning a large special event it is always best to hire a professional event-planning company with a good track record.

* Ask what large events the company has produced recently.

* Ask to see letters of recommendation. (Photographs and/or videos of past events are helpful.)

* Evaluate the creativity of the company staff who will be planning your event.