frequently asked questions

• How do I update the number of guests?
  To update the number of guests, click on the "Cart Contents" link on the upper right menu bar or click on the "Update Guest Number" link in the Information box on the left panel.

• I need other things like chairs and tests. How do I get them?
  We do not list these items in the on-line estimator since they are very event -specific. Once we receive your order through the on-line estimator, one of our professional staff will be in contact to review your needs for the entire event. We have access to a tremendous inventory of party rental items. We can furnish all the necessary rentals including tables, chairs, china, linens and more. We will help you select the items that are appropriate to your affair, and as always we will work within your budget.

• Can you help me find a place to host my event?
  We know that selecting a location for your event is not always an easy task. Over the years we have established relationships with some great venues to host your affairs. Some of our unique locations within the Commonwealth include wineries, halls, studios, mansions, museums, parks, farms and more. We are a complete resource for your entire party rental needs.

• What kind of events do you cater?
  Mossy Creek Catering serves over six hundred events, parties, meetings and banquets each year. We also served 26 weddings and most were in attendance of over 150 guests. Whether you are planning an intimate dinner party in your home, an elegant wedding reception under a tent, or a party on the beach, our professional event coordinators are available to help you every step of the way. For your special day, no detail is to small or too big for us to handle and we are always attentive to your needs. As specialists in full service, off premise catering we bring the experience, knowledge and the necessary equipment to insure the success of your occasion.

• Do you provide china with your menus?
  We rent our china to customers at a reduced price compared to rental stores. When renting china from outside, there is a handling fee, because we must return china in a de-soiled manner. When the use of china is requested it is important to realize that all catering functions are different and require significant more labor. Mossy Creek Catering inventories all Needed items for both buffets and plated served menus, including tablecloths and tables. In addition to our china, flatware and glasses we also can provide 10x10 canopies, extra large coolers, trash containers and many other items that are typically over looked.

• How do you properly store and transport foods in all weather conditions?
  Mossy Creek Catering has a refrigerated truck that can operate as both a freezer and refrigerator under its own power for extended periods, thus bringing your food items to you with in the state health codes. This also places us distinctly ahead of the rest because we are able to wait to very close to meal time before finalizing the cooking process, which make foods both hot and fresh, rather than items cooked hours before and held in warming boxes.

• What menu items are we limited to?
  We feel your options are similar to restaurants because in addition to our refrigerated truck we also have a twenty-six foot custom trailer with modern cooking equipment, dish machine and even its own staff restroom facility. Mossy Creek Catering has this equipment because we feel it is an exclusive benefit to our customer, to provide a high quality meal, prepared moments before it is served.

• How do you price your events?
  You are charged per person with either a labor charge or gratuity, with sales and meals tax and any other miscellaneous items, which you may add.

• How far away do you cater?
  We are licensed to cater in the commonwealth of Virginia, but we also have applied for licenses in neighboring states. Destination charges, and labor to travel is considered so you have a comprehensive statement of charges. Many of our customers have found even though there are extra charges for distance, our overall bill is less expensive than many metropolitan areas. You get piece of mind knowing someone you know handles your function.

• We have dietary restrictions and don’t see items on your menu for us?
  We love to write menus to your specific requirements and needs, we do this by setting appointments and asking a series of questions and then relay this information to you in writing so you may pick and choose. A special event such as a wedding requires a lot of information, and the planning process is where over 50% of the work is done so we understand your vision.

• Because you have all this equipment, you must be expensive?
  WRONG! Mossy Creek Catering is paired with our restaurant Mossy Creek Cafe, and the costs of business are shared in our corporation. Many caterers only cater and there for may give you a reduced price just to keep working. Remember to compare apples to apples and always compare to find where costs are different and what will that reflect on your guests. There are many ways to price a function and usually the factors are negotiable, don’t buy something you don’t need, but don’t under do your function and put yourself in a position which you have to work your own party. Always ask any question that comes to mind, you may be surprised what an experienced caterer can help you with.

• Do I get a better price for large parties or repeat business?
  Many of our customers get special attention, we try to build a relationship so each return visit we already can apply what we learned from the last visit. Mossy Creek Catering contracts many organizations for business functions and with a signed agreement by your company officer to use our services exclusively we will give incentives that the competition will not touch.

• I am ordering for my boss and have a specific budget?
  Review any of our menus and we will switch them around to suit you, remember if your going to take the time to learn this process it can only get easier as your caterer learns your appetite.

• Can you provide just a heavy hors de oeuvre party?
  Many people wish to have a heavy hors de oeuvre party, which is a popular idea and a great way to keep your guests mingling. We prefer to have stations with food items spread out over the function area, this keeps people very interactive and prevents log jamming one area. When having this type of party, if you are serving during what is typical dinner hours remember your guests had to prepare themselves a couple of hours before the event to include some traveling. Most of the time people will make this there dinner whether you intended it to be or not. We have many suggestions to overcome what could be a very expensive party and still feed everyone a generous amount. Or perhaps plan a latter function and mention light hors de oeuvre’s will be served.

• What about a brunch?
  Another great idea is to plan a function for brunch, although earlier in the day, you can typically rent room space less expensive because the room may rented again the same day. Breakfast items are not terribly expensive and when paired with lunch items can be very attractive and beautifully presented.

• Is a formal dinner a lot of work?
  Planning a sit down formal dinner is one of the toughest to pull off, a lot of planning is necessary and additional staff to serve and plate the meal. I feel we have put together some of the best people in the business and we have shared great success in every plated meal we have served. Don’t worry about food being hot or properly chilled our portable kitchen and refrigerated truck make an event like this no worries.

• Can I pick up my meal?
  Whether you want to pick up a meal ready to go or have us do it all, Mossy Creek Catering is ready and modernly equipped to handle your function.