Welcome to Henderson Tessier McGuire & SmytheÕs annual Christmas cocktail party, held at the gracious home of managing partner George Smythe and his lovely wife Buffy. ItÕs The Catering Gig From Hell.

Behind the scenes is Melanie, McKinley CateringÕs supervisor, plating up hors dÕoeuvres and juggling her career as a writer, her ex-boyfriendÕs appearance on the arm of a gorgeous young lawyer and her friendsÕ expectations. Oh, and CynthiaÕs there too, an actress not so happy to be wearing the catering bowtie, sniping at their old roommate Timothy, whoÕs making his first catering appearance in years. EricÕs there too, but heÕs never a problemÑEric is the unflappable uber-caterer. Or is he? ThereÕs Christmas cheer, sex, romance, death, laughter, a vast array of appetizers and a whole lot of vodka and wine. But not for nothing is Mel known asÉThe Catering Queen.