Dear Mr. KIA, I need your urgent help. I have to hold this super ritzy welcome party for my mom’s big hair lady friends. And these aunties expect something grand! My idea is a deluxe cocktail party in my backyard but I’m useless in the kitchen and I don’t have an army of Burmese maids to help. I need a pro team who were born to do this! Price is not an issue—nothing’s too good for mommy dearest.—Pretty Baby Blue

Dear PBB, Love your idea of an unlimited budget. Is your dad still alive or would your mom enjoy some male company? Trust me, a night with Mr. KIA will do her more good than some canapés with her over-the-hill friends. If you don’t change your mind about your garden party, fine. If you do, you’ve got my email.

Yapan Catering (26/368 Km. 27, Paholyathin Rd., 02-531-1644/5, 02-531-2716. www.yapancatering.com) actually has a catering consultant to work side by side with you. You’ll draw up a concept, choose from their different services and never have to lift a finger. They require at least 30 people to arrange a cocktail party with six different kinds of finger foods and soft drinks. Count B300 per person and a B5,000 set up fee (exclusive of 10% service charge).

Tessa is a famous European bistro on Thonglor Soi 23. But had you heard of Tessa Catering & Tessa Homemade Cuisine (20 Thonglor Soi 23, 02-185-1457, 02-712-6844. www.tessahomemade.com)? For a minimum of 20 people and for B280 per head, Tessa will provide cocktail nibbles and the drinks menu for a private cocktail party. Choose from their menu or come up with that special dish you hunger for—they’ll do it all. You could book a room at Tessa but since you’ll be in your garden, you’ll have to pay a 10% service charge for outside catering. Contact them a week before the party date.   

White Café (207 Ladprao Soi 115, Klongjan Rd., 02-734-0514, 02-734-1331, 08-0900-2321) has been around for 20 years. They only do BIG cocktail parties—from 100 people to a maximum of 4,000. Set up cost is B5,000. Order three different kinds of finger food for B150 including water and soft drinks or herbal refreshments. Any further menu requests will cost B50 per menu.