The holidays are on the horizon and that means family gatherings and time for food, fun and festivities. But we all know that entertaining sometimes comes with stress and anxiety. Are my guests going to like what I made? What if I burn the meal? How am I going to talk to everyone and catch up when I have so much to prepare? Sound familiar? Having your holiday party or get-together catered is an option that will keep you mingling with your guests without the cooking and cleaning. Below are some of the best catering businesses in our area that will take the stress out of entertaining while leaving you more time to relax and enjoy your guests. Bon appetite!

R&R Catering
8004 County Road, Springfi eld, VA
703.451.2798 | www.rrcatering.com
Owned by Rob Saldivar and Michele Bloxton, R&R has been in business since 1989, receiving top honors from Washingtonian Magazine, Channel 9 News A-List, The Knot and Wedding Wire. They take care of ALL the details from preparing to cleaning aft erwards. Don’t want to use your own linens? No problem. The staff will help you pick out the perfect linens for your party. Pick from an array of traditional and elegant foods on their website, and leave the rest to them!

Catering by Dana
5723 High Lane, Burke, VA
703.323.4650 | www.danapolkcatering.com
Dana Polk owns and operates her catering business bringing over 30 years of experience. Not only does her staff provide exceptional food with fresh ingredients, but they also take care of every detail from bar services and staff to arranging for equipment rentals. On a budget? No problem! Menus can be customized to fit any style, preference or wallet.

Celebrations Catering
46090 Lake Center Plaza, Ste 309, Potomac Falls, VA
703.450.6666 | www.celebrationscatering.com
Fabulous meals, memorable events, quality ingredients, skillful preparation and artistic presentation are the goals and commitments of Celebrations Catering. A quality, full serviced catering business serving local businesses began in 1985 with owners David Weinschel and Douglas Armstrong. They offer a widely diversified menu option for the ever increasing international tastes. Their staff is friendly and courteous with attentive service for your guests.

Helga’s Caterers
6710 Old Dominion Drive, McLean, VA
703.556.0780 | www.helgascatering.com
Recognized as one of Washington’s Top Five Caterers, Helga’s has been a family owned business since 1981, helping with everything from tents, tables, chairs and flowers, to themes, entertainment and even a choice of more than 50 event sites if you don’t want to have the party in your home. When viewing their menus, you will see customized themed parties for Italian Feasts, Latin Paradise Parties, Texas Sizzlers and more. Want entertainment for the kids? They can provide that, too! Th anksgiving and Christmas menus are available as well.

Boston Market
Various Locations
866.977.9090 | www.helgascatering.com
Tried to make your holiday meal and it was a disaster? Friends and family are coming soon? Have no fear! You can call your order in as late as three hours before your dinner time for home delivery or two hours ahead if you are picking up. Boston Market serves delicious holiday food from turkey and chicken to all the fixings of mashed potatoes and gravy, corn, green beans, sweet potato casserole and so much more. Boston Market offers home catering with delivery, set up, clean up, trained chef coat clad staff, carving stations and lots more. No worries…no stress!

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ANN NERI GAUSE
Ann Neri GAUSE has been a middle school counselor for 5 years with Loudoun County Public Schools. She graduated from Ferrum College in 2002 and went on to complete her Master of Arts Degree in Psychological Services K-12 from Marymount University in 2005. Ann currently resides in Leesburg with her husband Joey, their son Ashton, and dog Charlie.