A poet in ancient Rome once said that a “A host is like a general: calamities often reveal his genius.” In Bermuda we've always been serious about our hospitality but we've concentrated on genius and avoided calamity altogether. That's not because we all like to be responsible for our own arrangements; many of us don't. It's because we have a range of catering and rental services designed to take the stress out of entertaining.

Very often we like to entertain in our homes but want to avoid the time and trouble of cooking and preparing. This is where our caterers come in so useful. Their menus can range from canapés and sandwiches for cocktail parties to multi- course dinners for banquets. A variety of international cuisine is possible too. Some caterers specialise in Chinese, Indian and Jamaican cuisine while others offer French and Italian.

As well as supplying and delivering the food, they offer other services. If you need china, cutlery, glass ware and linen, they will bring it and set up the party venue. They will also bring additional tables and chairs. Many offer bartender, chef and waiter service, as well as, of course, the dish washing. As for decorations and live entertainment, they can organise those, too, very often by subcontracting to our florists and musicians.

Of course, you may not want to entertain at home. Function venues can be anywhere: in a boardroom, in a ballroom; on a boat, on a beach. Catered picnics are often possible and much enjoyed by business personnel who want an outdoor escape from the office.

It may be that you're happy to do your own cooking but need extra equipment. Our rental businesses help out here. You can rent practically anything: china, cutlery and linen, extra chairs and tables, lighting equipment, marquees and canopies. Some liquor stores rent out glasses and offer home bartender service. You can make your own decorating arrangements with the florists, some of whom can create themes through use of props as well as of flowers. Pirate, flamingo, and calypso themes are a few examples.

Some of our rental services come in handy when kids are invited to fairs or to parties specifically arranged for them. Fun castles help to keep kids bouncy. One rental offers the choice of dinosaur, octopus, clown and ball filled castle. It also rents out a small ferris wheel and a fun train. You're having a child's birthday party but can't face preparing loot bags? Those too can be prepared for you. Face painting is popular - check the directory for make up artists who will come to your party.

Bermuda has long been a favourite honeymoon destination; recently it has become an extremely popular wedding destination as well. Coping with the complexity of bridal arrangements can be extremely stressful. Why not use one of our wedding consultancies to take care of everything for you? They typically deal with registry office paperwork, book ministers for religious ceremonies, organise rehearsal dinners, parties and receptions and arrange transportation to and from the ceremony location.

They also hire photographers and video makers, organists and musicians, in addition to booking hair and beauty appointments. They will advise on accommodations but usually do not make bookings.