Always Learning...

So, I caught some shows on the food network and it just keeps me thinking. Or actually, reminds me NOT to try to re-invent the wheel. If a client has a theme, ask if they want to purchase the table scape items or have me buy them. Then, do they want the items purchased or have me keep them. Definitely something to keep in mind when doing a child's theme party...doubtful the parent will do another show for another child with the same theme...but I might. I learned proper folding of linen for a 6 foot table, how to arrange glasses for bartending, how many glasses to order, and using very non-descript plates, platters, and bowls to allow the food to shine. Sometimes, TV is a very useful tool for your business!

Eating for 2!

Yesterday I had a baby shower to cater. She's having twin boys and wanted to bring that venue into the snacks. Hmmm, that made me think...how to have snacks for women, but the theme is boys...yeah, that was my dilemma. I decided to have mini sloppy joes, mini weiners in tiny crescent rolls, lettuce salad and fruit salad, and since she's picky with sweets (only brownies will do), some chocolate brownie bites and blonde brownie bites. What a feast for an afternoon party! At least she was able to relax...because relaxation will be a thing of the past in a month!!

All about BBQ...

It's July 4 and everybody's making BBQ. Sitting in the backyard, the grilling smells are wonderful! We all know there are tons of recipes for the grill, but, sometimes, you just want food that reminds you of good times. Occasionally, it's good to re-live old memories rather than make new ones. In my family, it was all about hamburgers, brats, potato salad, veggies/dip, and strawberry short cake. So, that's my plan for tonight...bettter get cooking!

Flower delivery anyone?

This past weekend I got to deliver flowers for a florist friend of mine who had 2 weddings on the same day. She's an artist with a phenomenal knack for flowers. My job: pick up the flowers at her shop and take them to the hotel for delivery at the wedding/reception. An elegant party for 100 had the most stunning colors of deep burgundy and red roses! Really WOW! I filled up 11 round disk-like vases with water and floated deep burgundy dahlias inside, sprinkled all the tables with rose petals and set up all the rest of the pre-made flowers. It was fun doing something different and mingling with the caterers, music guys, and event planner. Always networking without exposing my personal business...wouldn't want to offend the hotel caterer! You never know what you can learn watching others do their thing!
www.paintedprimrose.com

Company Coming!

I've got an old friend coming to visit for a few days and she'll be here for her birthday, so I've got to find something that she can take home on the plane. What do you buy for the girl who doesn't need anything? She owns an Indian restaurant, so I went shopping online and found a lantern that will look great in her lobby. I asked her what she wanted to eat when she was here and she tells me...my chicken enchiladas! You're kidding, that's easy! Nothing else specific? Well, she decides she wants my sticky buns stuffed with cinnamon cream cheese. Ok, that's something I can have ready. Her last request- a mountain hike with homemade granola and beef jerky. This girl is not gourmet, gotta love her!
http://amberlacelantern.totalwarehouse.com

I'm invited to a party and don't have to cook!

So, one of my friends had a birthday party for her 3 year old. She wanted me to just relax and enjoy myself...like I would question that offer! The girl knows how to cook for a group! She made shredded chicken and beef BBQ, potato salad, cole slaw, baked beans, salsa/chips/refried beans and a veggie tray with a corn/cheese dip. Perfect for a day in the back yard, not too exotic for the little ones and threw in an alcoholic beverage for the adults. After opening all those gifts, that little one was exhausted...for 10 minutes!

45 and proud of it!

I'm catering a friend's 45th birthday party for her girlfiends. A Saturday afternoon affair brings to mind fun food and decorations in a black and white color scheme. Here's the plan... she wants to start out with a light repast of tea, finger sandwiches and fruit; then move into the alcohol and sweets. I've got a great black and white teapot, some zebra print placemats and the best salt and pepper shakers ever! I'm decorating with crystal and black rocks and some black silk flowers in a white vase. Sandwiches and fruit are a little harder to fit into the color scheme...still working on those. The drinks are going in black flute glasses. She wants a white chocolate pie in an oreo cookie crust, chocolate crackle cookies, and angel food cake drizzled with melted dark chocolate and a dollop of strawberry sauce for color. This is going to be FUN!!!
http://blackandwhiteteapot.totalwarehouse.com
http://zebraplacemats.totalwarehouse.com
http://ladyslippersandpshakers.totalwarehouse.com