Love, right? Well, yes, but what I’m talking about right now is actually the best WEDDING gift of all. This is the question that came to my mind when I was out looking for one for a good friend of mine that is getting married this summer. I was thinking of taking the easy way out; I was my local department store where my friend is registered walking around with the list that the customer service desk printed out for me. The problem was that nothing on the list really caught my eye. It included lots of practical stuff and a few luxury items that were out of my price range. So then I was just thinking about grabbing a gift card. That’s when I stopped myself. This is a good friend of mine and I owe it more to her than to put as little effort as possible into her gift. So what if it takes me more time to put some thought into it and get her and her future husband something that will surprise and please them? She is worth it!
Don’t get me wrong; it is perfectly fine to get someone something from their registry. After all you know they need it and like it. But sometimes you just want to go that extra step. So I decided to get something from the list to give to her at her bridal shower and keep looking for the perfect wedding gift. Guess what? I found it! I’m going to share it with you and a few other items that I think make really great wedding gifts. So the next time a good friend or family member is getting married, you can check this list and use it for a little inspiration. Now put down the toaster!
I’m getting my friend the Vera Wang Wedgwood Invitation Frame (http://www.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=242057&PartnerID=FROOGLE&BannerID=MP675). It’s something she would never splurge on herself but will be a great way to display her wedding invitation and favorite photo.
If you know they enjoy a good drink, consider getting them an expensive bottle of wine or scotch to have on their first anniversary. Not only will they appreciate it when they receive it, but also again when they enjoy it.
Another idea is to get them a gift certificate for a couple’s massage. This is something that they can enjoy together when the stress of everyday life starts to creep into the honeymoon phase.
If you know they don’t have a video camera, you could get them a Flip Video camcorder to take some footage while they are on their honeymoon (http://www.amazon.com/Flip-Video-Ultra-Camcorder-60-Minutes/dp/B000V1PXMI/ref=pd_bbs_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1238009567&sr=8-2). It’s small enough to fit in a pocket or purse.
If you also know the couple’s parents, this idea will blow everyone away! Find out what the couples favorite meals were growing up and ask their parents for the recipes. Then compile them at this website (www.tastebook.com) and turn them into a unique cookbook that they can use for years.
Here’s one last idea for you: luxurious matching monogrammed robes and towels for the couple’s home. (It goes her first initial first, the initial of their last name larger in the middle, and his first initial at the end.)
Need more idea for the perfect gift? Ask way! From “I will” until “I do” I’m here for you.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Service Please!
I love to eat; it’s true. And although I don’t consider myself a foodie, I can appreciate a really good meal just as much as anybody else. I particularly enjoy a good meal when it is eaten during the few moments I have to sit down when working a wedding. It’s a time when I can briefly forget about my sore feet and sit down to a delicious meal I didn’t have to cook myself. Prime rib, baked stuffed chicken, hamburgers and hotdogs; buffet, plated, family style; I don’t care as long as it tastes good.
It’s your big day, and I know you want to please your family and friends with your meal and service selection. After all, it is the presentation and the service that makes fantastic party food different from ordinary food. So this week I am going to share with you the different types of meal service available. Then next time I’ll get into specific suggestions for unique menus that will surprise and amaze even your most culinary inclined guests.
Buffet - A buffet is typically a long table with lavish displays of food. Guests make their way down the line to pick and choose from an a la carte-style menu. Buffets are versatile and work for many cuisine styles. Guests appreciate the variety a buffet offers, and even finicky eaters can find something to nibble on. While this is a less formal service style, a well-planned buffet meal can still be elegant depending on the dishes you serve.
Stations - Stations offer different foods grouped by course, cuisine or a theme at individual tables spaced throughout the reception area. People can sample a variety of different foods, and it allows guests to socialize as they move around the room. Stations can be self-served like a buffet, but chef-manned stations add more sizzle to the party.
Family Style - Family-style service is a casual dining approach. Waiters bring platters and bowls of food to the table for guests to share and pass amongst themselves. People looking to break from a traditional formal reception love the friendly and interactive atmosphere of this service style. Comfort foods are a natural fit for family service.
American or Plated - Plates are assembled in the kitchen and delivered to the table in a parade of courses. Side dishes are used for bread and butter and salad. Plated service offers less variety, so design a meal with broad appeal or offer multiple entrée choices. Be sure to offer foods with a variety of different colors, sizes, flavors and textures.
French - French service is unique in that the final meal preparation takes place tableside. Food is partially prepared in the kitchen and then finished on stands next to the dining table. Servers might mix and dress salads, or carve and sauce meats, and then prepare the plates for serving. The elegance of this style makes guests feel especially pampered.
Russian - Russian service is a seated style that’s highly personal and attentive. Guests feel like honored royalty as waiters bring platters of food to the table and serve them individually. Everything should be easy to serve, and pre-portioned items are always a safe bet. Russian service requires ample table space to keep guests from feeling cramped.
Butler Service - If the traditional sit-down reception isn’t your style, consider a swanky cocktail party with butler service. Food is passed on trays and guests simply help themselves. The unstructured, roaming format makes this style of eating relaxed and fun. Butler service is also ideal for venues where table seating won’t work. Just set up a few standing tables and several clusters of chairs and let your guests move about as they please. Plan on serving a heavy spread of hot and cold hors d’oeuvres so guests will be well fed.
So give some thought to which type of food service fits your wedding style and come back soon to see my menu ideas fit for a queen (or a bride)! From “I will” until “I do” I’m here for you.
It’s your big day, and I know you want to please your family and friends with your meal and service selection. After all, it is the presentation and the service that makes fantastic party food different from ordinary food. So this week I am going to share with you the different types of meal service available. Then next time I’ll get into specific suggestions for unique menus that will surprise and amaze even your most culinary inclined guests.
Buffet - A buffet is typically a long table with lavish displays of food. Guests make their way down the line to pick and choose from an a la carte-style menu. Buffets are versatile and work for many cuisine styles. Guests appreciate the variety a buffet offers, and even finicky eaters can find something to nibble on. While this is a less formal service style, a well-planned buffet meal can still be elegant depending on the dishes you serve.
Stations - Stations offer different foods grouped by course, cuisine or a theme at individual tables spaced throughout the reception area. People can sample a variety of different foods, and it allows guests to socialize as they move around the room. Stations can be self-served like a buffet, but chef-manned stations add more sizzle to the party.
Family Style - Family-style service is a casual dining approach. Waiters bring platters and bowls of food to the table for guests to share and pass amongst themselves. People looking to break from a traditional formal reception love the friendly and interactive atmosphere of this service style. Comfort foods are a natural fit for family service.
American or Plated - Plates are assembled in the kitchen and delivered to the table in a parade of courses. Side dishes are used for bread and butter and salad. Plated service offers less variety, so design a meal with broad appeal or offer multiple entrée choices. Be sure to offer foods with a variety of different colors, sizes, flavors and textures.
French - French service is unique in that the final meal preparation takes place tableside. Food is partially prepared in the kitchen and then finished on stands next to the dining table. Servers might mix and dress salads, or carve and sauce meats, and then prepare the plates for serving. The elegance of this style makes guests feel especially pampered.
Russian - Russian service is a seated style that’s highly personal and attentive. Guests feel like honored royalty as waiters bring platters of food to the table and serve them individually. Everything should be easy to serve, and pre-portioned items are always a safe bet. Russian service requires ample table space to keep guests from feeling cramped.
Butler Service - If the traditional sit-down reception isn’t your style, consider a swanky cocktail party with butler service. Food is passed on trays and guests simply help themselves. The unstructured, roaming format makes this style of eating relaxed and fun. Butler service is also ideal for venues where table seating won’t work. Just set up a few standing tables and several clusters of chairs and let your guests move about as they please. Plan on serving a heavy spread of hot and cold hors d’oeuvres so guests will be well fed.
So give some thought to which type of food service fits your wedding style and come back soon to see my menu ideas fit for a queen (or a bride)! From “I will” until “I do” I’m here for you.
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