August Weddings

Well we survive the weekend and what a great couple of days. We thank all of our brides and grooms for allowing us to be part of such a special time.

Saturdays weather was not as bad as it could have been we dodge in and out a few drops, but nothing to ruin the day.

Doing a event to day with a southwest theme, will post menu and a few recipes.

Whats coming ahead

I will be posting a few great summertime recipes in the next few days, I hope you will enjoy them and email me back what you think.

kim@theeleganttouch.com

Out Door Events Things to Consider

Outdoor wedding are great especially in the Upper NY State region, summers are normally warm and somewhat dry (except for this year), fall is beautiful and romantic.
Here are some things to think about when planning and out door reception.

First you need to inform your guests so they can dress appropriately. (dresses, shoes)
You may want to prepared with water, bug spray, umbrellas and even paper fans (which are a great favor)

Things to think about:
Is there privacy if you are using a public space make sure to reserve a secluded spot to prevent unwanted guests

do you have a back up plan in case of bad weather

Will you be able to hear you may want to rent a sound system or mics

Decor Idea's
Let the setting help you don't compete with mother nature but instead enhance it, let it also be your color palette and get your decor ideas from it.

Flowers
outdoor wedding calls for flowers that can handle the weather both hot and cold, you may want to stick with mums, calla lilies, sunflowers even alstromeria. use loose arrangement in galvanize pots, wood boxes, pails even bird baths and urns.

Most of all when planning and outside event you need to lighten up and go with the flow, if you are the type of individual that needs to control a situations and out side reception might not be your best way to go. Hiring the right team is extremely important and makes the event go much easier. But enjoy nature there is no prettier setting.

July 18

have had a great couple of weeks some great events
tapas bars
lobster martini bar
we done pasta stations in the last couple of weeks
small plates reception
some great barbecues
and six sit down receptions and that has been since the 18th of July.

in that time we had a great experience at cater arts which was presented by International Catering Association in Kentucky,
brought back some great idea's got to play with some talent chefs and really had a great time.

we Return home to a wild weekend but all went well and I am totally excited.

We have four wedding this weekend so that should be fun and looking forward to a special tasting on sunday afternoon.

all in all I love what I do and what a great month. looking forward to august in up state ny, saratoga and some great events coming up.

July 4

Had a great wedding yesterday, what an enjoyable couple, guests were pleasant and a pleasure to serve. Great 4 menu: Grilled salmon with mint salsa, pulled pork sandwich, bbq ribs with our strawberry bbq sauce, barbecue chicken with our traditional bbq sauce, roasted corn with basil butter, salad bar, penne with fresh basil and tomato, potato salad and some great desserts.

June 30, 2009

Had a open house at Appel Inn Last night with a few cooking demo.
Guests seem to enjoy everything and I think we had a good turnout.

I love doing these types of events, its a fun way to get out and meet
clients.

We are starting our cooking classes up again. This month I am going to do a mom and daughter class, so while mom is getting a few techinques so will there daughter (or son) I think this will be a great class and I can not wait.

More dates to follow.

June 27,

What a great wedding, Michele and Kevin were the nicest couple, and we enjoy being a part of such a wonderful reception.

There menu consists a numerous stations from Our China Town to Mardi Gras. The weather semi co-operated, the ceremony got in in time. What a pleasure it was to serve them. Pictures to follow

weekend

Well what a nice week we had, last week between events we headed to Filmore museum in Cooperstown to check out the site for an upcoming wedding, what a beautiful spot on the water. The wedding is going to be beautiful.

Had a number of events through out the week, also had a shower for my brother-in laws sister, carole, it was a baby shower that we had a great time doing. Pictures to follow. It was in Jamestown which from us is 5 hours, but it was well worth the drive.

Have to say NY State is beautiful state full of many great cities and attraction, as a caterer I love being able to work out of so many. The spot was an historic home that is a B&B, beautiful simply beautiful.

Staff had wedding that they did a fantastic job on all and all it was a fantastic week.

Well spring is showing its signs, wedding are blooming, economy is still slow, but like the growth of new flowers I have high hopes that we too shall all bounce back.

We have almost completed our New Tasting Room and very excited out it. Have been working on a couple of new station using Hot Rock (like in the 80) and having some great luck with them.

I love spring it represents new beginnings and everyday is an adventure.

Spring is it coming

ok took a walk out side, snow is melting slowly, a bit cold today,have to say not the nicest time of year, everything is gray, muddy and yuck but whats that I see to my excitement popping out of the cold ground, some sage and fresh thyme,,, ahhh, is winter slowly coming to and end and are fresh herbs not long off, I wonder if its may-be the spring flowers are not far behind, my pussy willows are blooming,,,I can not wait to see spring and hopefully clients coming out of there winter hibernation..

Wedding Blog

Congratulations and what a year already.
2009 Hot Colors
Well so far Blues and browns are still hot, green (lime) is still hanging in at least locality. Nationally it seems purples are going to be hot with splash of deep pinks.

Linens again I say it, what a great way to bring color and theme into your reception. Remember mixing colors looks great, have a two or three tone wedding brings glamor and class to your event.
Venus
There are some great locations in and around up state NY. When looking for a unique venue you do need to keep a few things in mind.Does the venue provide tables and chairs as part of their rental? Some do have tables and chairs and some you have to rent.

Depending on the look you are looking for there are some great options. We have been playing with Square Table for the past year and I love the look. I like the matching of Round tables with Square tables and even some 6 foot, can bring a whole new look to your venue or tents. But remember this will effect the total costs.

If tables and chairs are provided, who sets them up and takes them down? Most venues require the caterer to set up and break down.
Is there free parking available? Some brides may want valet service this is an additional costs.

Is the venue large enough to accommodated your guests count.

Do you need to rent a tent if the weather is poor? Do you have a back up plan for rain.
If you would like some suggestions on Venues please check our web site out under venues.

Drinks
Signature drinks are still hot and what a great way to have your personality in to your reception. Want a blue drink, how about a purple drink, unique vessels to serve them in brings a fun to your reception.

How about a Signature Champagne Toasts, this is also hitting the wedding season for 2009. Its a great way to bring elegance and to personalize your wedding reception.

Make your toast unique by adding a drop of a flavored liquor to the champagne flute. You can choose a flavor or color that fits your theme. Some suggestions are: Suggestions: raspberry, amaretto, passionfruit, mango, lime,pomegranted to name a few.

For summer wedding you can drop some fresh blackberries, in, strawberries, blueberries a great way to bring local ingredients in to your reception.


Alternative Centerpieces
We have been working with a local venue on creating some great new centerpieces to help bring some value into your reception and your budget, I will be posting pictures soon.

Week Day wedding< A unique and creative approach, from elopements to receptions on monday and thursday. those people that love you will be there, and why not take advantage to those days that are open and the venue and caterer will be willing to work with you on a great value. We have been having a great responce from these receptions. Again not for everyone, but we have seen a trend for relax lay-back receptions even barbecue wedding, this gives you a great alternative. Its a win win for everyone.
Give us a call or email for more information.

I

have some great pictures and more to come. Follow the link