FIVE-STAR hotels are some of the best places to find superb catering services. The menus are exquisite, and so is the wine pairing.

At The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore, Mandarin Oriental Singapore and Marina Mandarin Singapore, the Christmas menus are usually planned and created together with clients. The set-up can also be customised to suit personal preferences.

At Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel Singapore, a plated service menu can be tailor-made to the clients' preference. If turkeys or roasts are ordered, chefs can be hired for the carvery.

If you want to enjoy an Italian menu, the affable Chef Michele Pavanello of Pontini can rustle up dishes like crustacean cappuccino with garlic crostino, and slow-roasted kurobuta pork belly scented with fennel seeds, served with fennel gratin for your feast.

Going by the menu, the InterContinental Singapore's director of food and beverage (F&B) will suggest to diners the appropriate wines.

"We will take into consideration the complexity of today's multi-ethnic and subtly-flavoured foods to the corresponding range of wines available in our cellars," says Ms Belinda Quek, director of events, InterContinental Singapore.

Food and wine pairing is undoubtedly the forte of fine dining restaurants like Les Amis. The Group boasts an award-winning cellar and excellent sommeliers who offer advice on the best marriage of food and wine.

Four Seasons Hotel Singapore's classic table decor with fresh flowers.

The catering team is also geared up to conceive indulgent menus for private parties. Some of the creations include Spanish ham with chargrilled vegetables, and deep sea Norwegian scallops pan-roasted with cauliflower puree and braised scallop lips in truffle and tomato jus.

Swanky set ups

According to Mr Philippe Pau, Les Amis Group's catering manager, his catering department always thrives to be a "one-stop shop" offering all assistance to guests.

They can provide anything from flower arrangements, poinsettias and Christmas tree, candles and holders, hampers, chocolates and pralines in gorgeous packaging to ginger-bread houses and ginger-bread men.

What if you opt for a swanky Hollywood-style party? "We can assist in sourcing for a stunning location, a famous singer or band from the US, 'Oscar' statues, luxury sports and American cars, red carpet, security guys in tuxedos, valets, butlers wearing white gloves, champagnes and wines served in crystal glasses, caviar, oysters, flamboyant ice carvings, and of course over-the-top flowers," says Mr Pau.

Another option is InterContinental Singapore's festive themes. Its White Rustic Christmas table centrepieces include charming Arcadian gold-themed decorations with twigs, dried flowers and matte gold balls filling the rustic wreaths. The Bejeweled Christmas features settings with floral arrangements, napkin holders, table linen and napkins based on four jewel tones of Sapphire, Ruby, Amethyst and Diamonds.

"Floral arrangements, personalised napkin holders and coloured table linen and napkins may be customised to guests' requirements. Tables, chairs, seat covers, sashes, special table linens and settings are included in the package," says Ms Quek.

She adds: "I will start by designing the party environment. Our guests' preferences on their favourite food, wines, restaurants, and even furniture stores provide an insight into their personality and style they would like to showcase during the party.

"Having a distinctly understated ambience is the key to providing an elegant look to the event. Hiring chefs to cook at live stations provide an interactive dining experience. The freshly-prepared food plated in front of your guests will add a touch of glamour."

Besides table settings, The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore can provide floral arrangements with preferred colours and centerpieces according to the theme, says Ms Evelyn Yo, director of public relations.

You can also request for stewarding and butler services and valet. She notes that to have a theme party, it is important to assess the guest list and pick a theme which will best work for that group and match the occasion.

Thereafter, the theme needs to be translated into all aspects of the event.

"For a celebrity-style party, brainstorm on words associated with Hollywood such as: 'red carpet', 'paparazzi', 'glamour', 'The Oscars', and think of ways to incorporate these elements into the event.

Perhaps include a photo wall with a backdrop and engage a photographer to take pictures of guests as they enter, or place cameras on every table. You can even arrange for cars to pick up and drop off your guests," she says.

If an elegant event is preferred, Four Seasons Hotel Singapore is known for its understated, classic table d?cor with fresh flowers, and personalised, anticipatory service to complete the overall dining experience.

The hotel has an in-house florist who dreams up beautiful creations, and a site designer who assists with theme set-ups.

According to Ms Adeline Toh, the hotel's director of public relations, predinner cocktail accompaniments like a martini bar with ice-carvings and fruitflavoured martinis, fresh strawberry bar (with fresh cream and chocolate sauce), seafood station and dessert bar, are popular add-ons to the customised menu.