In today's economy, picnics are proving to be popular, practical alternatives to traditional dining. With picnic menus ranging from bridal to boardroom, four caterers show that there's a place at the picnic table for every party.

IT'S OUR THIRD ANNUAL look at the businesses of some of the biggest caterers in business. Although they predict a 4 percent falloff in revenue and a 7 percent decline in their event load compared with last year, they hold fast to their dedication...

From comfort food and candy stations to special spices, caterers serve up winning wedding menus.

Three caterers share food finds, service smarts and presentation tricks that bring costs down while keeping flavor up.

NACE president Greg Casella takes the tough economy in stride

Two-thirds of caterers responding to an online poll from Special Events this month say they expect to book less holiday party business this year than they did in 2008. Sixteen percent said they will book more, and another 16 percent said they will...

Belly up to the bar this holiday season for a sip of something sparkling, spa-style and — in some cases — run through the spin cycle.

Caterers and venues show cautious optimism about 2009 holiday party business, with 72 percent predicting that they will have the same or better business this year than they did in 2008. Twenty-nine percent of respondents say that holiday party...

Caterers give us the dirt on earth-friendly fare in step with the cost-conscious times

Although 47 percent of respondents to an online survey from Special Events say that today's tight budgets are preventing them from working as "green" as they would like, most event professionals say clients still want eco-friendly special events...