Entries Tagged 'Party Planning' ↓

These slate cheese boards come in an abundance of colors and sizes. They make adorable house warming gifts paired with artisan cheeses and crackers. Each cheese board includes: 1 soapstone pencil for writing the names of cheeses and hors d’œuvres on the board, 4 anti-slip cork feet, which can be applied to the bottom of the board in order to protect table top surfaces and 1 burlap bag, which can be used for storing the slate and as a place mat for the cheese board. All Brooklyn Slate products are treated and sealed to be food safe. Soapstone, chalk, crumbs, and liquids wipe off easily with a damp sponge or towel. The cheese boards can also be washed with a sponge and dish soap. Boards that do not have cork feet on the bottom are dishwasher safe. Individual boards range from $25.00 - 32.00. Available at the website below or at Farm Shop in Brentwood. - Taryn Cox for THE WIFE.

www.Brooklynslate.com

Every great wife should know how to throw an amazing dinner party. Organize all your best planning ideas in this entertaining book. Record 77 menus and seating plans plus sections for large parties, guest records, favorite caterers, florists and other helpful resources. Personalization available, $97.00.

www.graphicimage.com

From the grape to the glass, Krug champagne is nurtured with painstaking care and attention to detail. The Krug philosophy is, first and foremost, about a passionate commitment to craftsmanship, defined by a series of uncompromising choices which, taken together, create a taste, a style, that is as legendary as it is unique. This is why I believe Krug is the only acceptable champagne to drink, especially when ringing in the New Year. So be sure to buy a few bottles for your guests or to bring one as a hostess gift. Cheers! - Taryn Cox for THE WIFE

1. Remove the foil capsule and tear away the paper around the neck of the bottle as well. You will remove the wire cage also, but only immediately before sabering.
2. Chill the bottle very, very well. Make a thick slurry of ice and water in a large bucket and chill the wine, making certain it is submerged entirely in the cold, for at least an hour. It must be extremely cold, or it may all just crumble in a heartbreaking explosion in your mitts. In fact, I turn mine upside down to make sure the neck is utterly cold. Dustin Wilson, the wine director of Eleven Madison Park — where they saber the house-imported Cuvée Vigneron from grower-winemaker Roger Pouillon only for couples getting engaged in the restaurant — stresses to his sommeliers that the single most import aspect of the process is “getting that bottle arctic.”
3. Once the bottle is brutally cold, remove the wire cage. Locate one of the seams and place your weapon flat along it, using the dull side. Hold it out from your body, at a 45 degree slant and pointed away from any onlookers. Run your blade flat along the seam, in a straight line up, striking the neck ring forcefully (and simultaneously shrieking “Sauve qui peut!”).
4. With any luck, or the merest practice, the ring pops off like nothing, and you should lose very little wine. It’s quite surgical. If the first go doesn’t get it, don’t be discouraged. Make some self-deprecating witticism, line it up and try again. Once you’re victorious, and understandably elated, refrain from the urge to swig from the open bottle. That, too, is surgical, but in a different way.
5. The outward force of the pressure releasing immediately blows any stray shards of glass out and away from the bottle. This means you needn’t worry about drinking glass shards, but you do need to pass the Swiffer around the dining room before traipsing about barefoot. Or better, saber your Champagne on a beach.

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These darling coasters come with hilarious sayings like :

Although this idea is for a wedding save the date, I think it would fare much better as a birthday invite. I mean ballons go much better with birthdays than weddings! - Taryn Cox for THE WIFE.

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Press the unrolled dough bit by bit into the jars a bit at a time (not too thick!) until the jars are lined with the dough up to the rims. Reserve some dough for toppers. Next, fill jars nearly to the top with filling of choice.
2. Place the filled jars on a sturdy cookie sheet and place into oven. Bake at 325 degrees for roughly 30-35 minutes or until dough becomes a light golden color.
3. Roll out reserved dough to roughly 1/8 inch thick and cut out 6-8 stars. Brush the hearts with the egg wash and sprinkle with sugar. Arrange the dough stars on the pies and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until dough is golden brown all the way around the jars. If needed, place foil over the tops of the jars to keep the hearts from burning.
4. Remove and let jars cool on a rack. Decorate with ribbon, tags, or labels on lids as desired and give to your family and friends! - Greenweddingshoes.com

Take the easy way out and buy Pie in a Jar Here

Fraiche Catering was conceived from the idea of wanting to bring a different element to any and every celebration. With years of experience, and passion for food, Fraiche was brought to life with an inspiring Palette. Beginning with our owners and driving forces, our industry professionals are focused on bringing excellence and simplicity to every event. We are dedicated to setting a glowing example of style and unsurpassed service.

Northern California Native and Executive Chef, Patrick Schoolcraft brings to life any event whether it be an intimate wedding or corporate luncheon. Patrick David Schoolcraft is an accomplished chef with more than 35 years in the food industry. Patrick has owned and operated a variety of restaurants for over 30 years, recently Patrick Davids Restaurant in Danville. He has studied with some of the country’s most respected chefs including the renowned Chef Daniel Boulud of Restaurant Daniel, Francois Payard of Patissier, and Eric Ripert of Le Bernardin. With his range of resources and knowledgeable kitchen staff, Patrick is able to design a custom menu for the Client and confidently execute any event whether it be a private dining for 20 or corporate event for 10,000. With his extensive background and in-depth knowledge with clientele across the United States, Patrick is confident that any dream event can come to life.

Fraiche has an innovative approach to food and presentation that is coactive with today’s life style. Fraiche Catering produce, meat, poultry, and fish are hand-picked from sustainable resources. We personally search throughout the Bay Area at all the local markets for the freshest & finest ingredients. Each of our events creates a synergy that illuminates throughout every detail. We are committed to making every one of your events unique and memorable.

Fraiche is a Full Service Catering and Event Planning Company. We offer a range of different services to accommodate every client. Here at Fraiche, we recognize there are no two events alike. From Drop Off Services to a Detailed Full Event-we deliver excellence to you. Experience It! Fraiche Catering for your next Event.

www.fraichecater.com

Every WIFE will at one time or another will work with a caterer in her lifetime, whether it be at your own wedding or for a small event. Danielle Summors from Fraiche Catering Company has compiled 10 tips every wife should know to have you prepared to ask the right questions and what to expect when planning your next event. - Taryn Cox for THE WIFE.

1. Make sure the catering company has hired and is working with an Executive Chef with a complete background and length of experience in catering and cooking.

2. Working with the Catering Coordinator: How long have they been with the company? What is his/her experience and Background? Invite them to do a site tour of your location. Listen to their recommendations of how the event can flow and how they can contribution to the color and design. This shows their knowledge of the overall event planning. You are putting a lot into their hands. Make sure you trust your coordinator!

3. Two words: taste test. You wouldn’t want your guests to dine on anything you wouldn’t eat yourself. Before deciding on a menu, interview different caterers to see what they have to offer and if their treats are as tasty as they claim.

4. What resources does your caterer recommend for wine, party rentals, linens etc. Experienced caterer’s will have the great resources with the best prices to meet your needs.

5. A good caterer should seek out what you want by asking the right questions. The Caterer should develop custom menus to fit your event if requested and backups incase certain options aren’t available.

6. Make sure your caterer has sufficient staff to service the party. Check that the staff is hired and trained within the company.

7. Be sure to ask your caterer where they get their fish, meat, and produce from? Is it local? Organic? All Natural? You want to make sure they use the best resources in the area.

8. It is always best to use caterers that have been recommended by friends and family. You want to know from someone you trust who has used the company and has had a first hand experience.

9. Notice attention to detail while going through the process. Be sure both parties are clear on things like what time the food will be delivered, who is supplying the dinnerware and who is responsible for cleanup. That way, you can relax on the day of your event.

10. A Caterer should turn around a menu and cost proposal within 24 to 48 hours. Be sure to ask questions about anything you don’t understand. Make sure both you and the caterer have read the contract thoroughly and sign it. - By: Danielle Summors for Fraiche Catering

Images: Style Me Pretty

Images and Ideas: Sweet Designs by Amy Atlas

Image from: Amy Atlas Sweet Designs

Eyeball Highball

Meringue Bone Cookies

Jack O’ Lantern Tarts

Shrunken Heads in Cider

Orange Jack O’ Lanterns with Sorbet

Bubbling Cocktails

Pina Ghoulada

All Images and Ideas from MarthaStewart.Com

Scharffen Berger

Bumble Bee Truck

Vanilla Tomboy

Rasberry Tomboy

Lemon Debutante Cake

Lime Meringue Tart

Yellow Vanilla Cupcake

Lavendar Shortbread

Rose Meringues

Vanilla Marshmellows

www.Miette.Com

Flavors in Season: Triple Berry, Sour Cherry and Apple Whiskey Crumble Pie, $54.00

or

Order Online at WilliamSonoma.Com

Images from Amy Atlas

Enjoy cupcakes brings the bakery to your party, wedding, bridal shower, baby shower, holiday gala, retreat, or corporate event! Guest will ENJOY treats served out of an adorable restored vintage Shasta trailer…twinkling lights, a festive canopy & a wafting sweet smell will make your event unique & unforgettable. Or they can make & deliver desserts without the trailer! Give them a call to discuss your special day.

Do you have a favorite flavor, color, scent, theme, or drink? Let them incorporate that into custom desserts especially for you & your guests - or choose from our extensive menu. Their catering trailer services the entire Santa Ynez Valley & Santa Barbara County! If you dont live in the area Enjoy Cupcakes can ship overnight a tastey selection of treats.

Chocolate Blackberry Syrah

Chocolate, syrah infused cake, filled with dark chocolate Belgium fudge, topped with blackberry frosting and a wine soaked blackberry that’s rolled in sugar crystals

Tart Ginger Lime Chardonnay

Chardonnay cake layered with buttery, ginger crust, filled with lime curd, topped with chardonnay frosting, & sugared lime zest

Citrus Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc soaked cake, with fresh grapefruit, lemon curd center and frosted with a wine, cream cheese frosting that’s speckled with citrus zest and topped with wine soaked sugar crystals

Cherry Vanilla Merlot

Merlot vanilla cake, soaked with cherry puree, vanilla cream filling, topped with vanilla frosting and a merlot soaked cherry

Pomegranate Chardonnay

Chardonnay cake with a meyer lemon pudding filling, cream cheese frosting, topped with pomegranate seeds, lemon zest & candy pink pearls

Caramel Pinot

Pinot cocoa cake with a gooey caramel filling, topped with a swirled caramel cream cheese frosting

Blueberry Lemon Chardonnay

Chardonnay cake, with a creamy meyer lemon filling, topped with blueberry cream cheese frosting and a wine soaked blueberry

Olallie Berry Rosé

Rosé infused cake, with a creamy olallie berry core, topped with fresh olallie berry frosting

Pomegranate Mango Chardonnay

Chardonnay cake, with a pomegranate filling, topped with mango frosting & pom seeds

Grapefruit Chardonnay

Chardonnay cake, filled with grapefruit curd, topped with grapefruit chardonnay frosting and a puddle of honey & fresh squeezed grapefruit juice

Vanilla Mascarpone Chardonnay

Chardonnay cake filled with a vanilla mascarpone mousse, topped with vanilla frosting

Raspberry Nectarine Chardonnay

Chardonnay cake soaked with raspberry puree, filling with vanilla pastry cream, topped with nectarine frosting and a raspberry

Pink Verveine Champagne

Bubbly champagne cake, filled with verveine infused pastry cream, topped with fresh raspberry frosting

Citrus Chardonnay

Chardonnay cake, filled with grapefruit curd, topped with mandarin orange, lemon frosting & sugared citrus zest. Finished off with a puddle of fresh lime juice

Pear Chardonnay

Chardonnay cake, with a pear filling, topped with pear frosting and pear infused sugar crystal

Cranberry Orange Chardonnay

Chardonnay cake, filled with cranberry curd, topped with blood orange frosting, a fresh cranberry & sugared orange zest

Sweet Tart Chardonnay

Chardonnay cake, with a sweet tart filling (pineapple guava curd, which tastes just like sweet tarts), topped with tart citrus frosting

Pomegranate Orange Chardonnay

Chardonnay cake, filled with pastry cream and pomegranate seeds, topped with orange frosting, more pom seeds & sugared orange zest

Pineapple Guava Chardonnay

Chardonnay cake filled with a pineapple/guava fruit wedge! Topped with a pineapple/guava frosting

Mimosa

Champagne cake, filled with orange curd, topped with champagne orange frosting & sugared orange zest

Meyer Lemon Pomegranate Chardonnay

Chardonnay cake, filled with pomegranate seeds & meyer lemon curd, topped with lemon frosting and pom seeds

Bubbly Strawberry Champagne

Champagne cake, filled with strawberry curd & topped with fresh strawberry frosting and secret surprise

Meyer Lemon Chardonnay

Chardonnay cake, filled with meyer lemon curd, topped with lemon frosting and sugared lemon zest

Raspberry Sherbet Champagne

Champagne cake, filled with meyer lemon curd, topped with vibrant pink raspberry frosting and a filled raspberry

Cadillac

Chardonnay cake, filled with lime curd, topped with grand marnier frosting and sweet & salty lime zest

Chocolate Mint Fusion

Rich chocolate cake, with a fresh mint chocolate core, topped with a fluffy cream cheese frosting, a chocolate covered mint leaf and chopped chocolate enhanced with mint and rosemary

Chocolate Caramel

Moist chocolate cupcake with gooey caramel core and topped with a lightly salted cream cheese caramel frosting and drizzled caramel

Dark & White Mocha

Rich, espresso enhanced chocolate cake with a whippy white mocha filling, topped with a creamy chocolate frosting, a dollop of white mocha cream and a dark chocolate covered espresso bean

Serious Peanut Butter Cup

Chocolate cake, filled with a creamy peanut concoction, topped with chocolate frosting & chopped salted peanuts and chocolate sauce

Chocolate, Salted Peanut Buttery, Caramel Crunch

Chocolate cake with an oozing, creamy peanut core, topped with a salted caramel frosting and finished off with chopped peanuts, Hawaiian coral sea salt and drizzled caramel

Chocolate Ginger Fusion

Rich chocolate cake, with a fresh ginger chocolate core, topped with a chocolate ginger infused frosting, ginger soaked sugar crystals and drizzled chocolate

Black & White Cheesecake

Rich chocolate cake, filled with vanilla mascarpone cheesecake, topped with chocolate frosting, & white chocolate shavings

Chocolate Boston Cream Cupcake

Chocolate cake, filled with decadent pastry cream, topped with dark chocolate glaze

Smores

Chocolate cake, layered with buttery graham cracker crumbs & dark chocolate chunks, topped with marshmallow frosting and roasted marshmallows

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Photos from Style Me Gorgeous

I always see these fun colorful pom poms hanging over charming tables at bridal showers, baby showers or like shown below to decorate a child’s bedroom. I assumed you had to spend grueling hours constructing each little pom from scratch until I discovered the company PomLove or as they like to call it “Happy Floating Paper.” Each Pom is available in an assortment of rainbow colors. Ranging from $5.00 each, 7 Poms for $30.00, or a 20 Poms for $75.00. - THE WIFE

www.Esty.Com/Shop/Pomlove

Images and Design by: Amy Atlas for Sweet Designs