by AMANDA WINTERS

Sequim Gazette

For Paulette and Rick Hill, upstairs is all home and downstairs is all business.

The couple, who retired from careers with Boeing after more than 32 years, moved into their custom-built home in Sequim in September 2011 and have since enjoyed the home’s dual purpose; a warm residence in which to enjoy their retirement and a fully equipped commercial kitchen, craft room and client meeting room in which to conduct their catering and jewelry ventures.

Together, the Hills founded Sequim Fresh Catering. On her own, Paulette Hill designs jewelry with a focus on bridal sets.

“You’re looking at the entire company right here,” Paulette Hill said of Sequim Fresh Catering.

First catering her parent’s 50th wedding anniversary party some 20 years ago, Paulette and Rick Hill call themselves the “king and queen of paper plates.” Through buffet-style presentations, they aim to provide quality food and service within the constraints of budgets while taking advantage of the bountiful produce, meat and dairy products available in the Sequim-Dungeness Valley.

Paulette Hill said her husband got into cooking after they started a garden at their home in Redmond and he goes through recipe books for fun.

“We just enjoy cooking and other people’s parties,” Rick Hill said with a smile.

While they cater to the usual social functions, weddings, memorial services and business events, the Hills also cater coffee or tea hours and put together box lunches.

In the coming months, the Hills will be cooking in their commercial kitchen for the Dungeness River Audubon Center’s Fun Fair on April 28 and a July 22 bridal show at The Cutting Garden. In March, they catered a bridal trunk show at Black Diamond Bridal in Port Angeles.

“We like to help people celebrate life in whatever stage it’s in,” Paulette Hill said.

For more information on Sequim Fresh Catering, call 683-8575 or go to www.sequimfresh.com.

Reach Amanda Winters at awinters@sequimgazette.com.