dinner – St. Simons Wedding Planner :: Island Destination Weddings

Sep 18 2013

Fall Entertaining Ideas

Fall is my absolute, hands-down, favorite time of year. Notwithstanding that my birthday month is snugly nestled into this time of year, It’s just something about the change in colors, temperature and scents that does something to me every time. With Autumn quickly approaching, I anticipate there will be a get-together or two in our home, and I’d love to share some ideas with you.

Love this set up from Everyday Occasions using seasonal gourds and pumpkins. Love the pumpkin candle holders (tutorial on how to make them are at the link)!

The use of lanterns to illuminate your space is awesome. Bringing in a mix of different styles makes it less put-together and very relaxed. You can use other festive items for decor as well– like nuts and berries. I know that sounds trés squirrel chic, but toss in a few well placed pillar candles, hurricanes and some height. You’ve got magic, baby. Just see what Trésors Deluxe did:

Fall Entertaining Dinner Party Ideas Decor

Now you know I’m all about a good drink, honey. Which one of your guests do you think could NOT fall in love with being welcomed by these cored and cut apples filled with aromatic apple cider, with a cinnamon and orange garnish? If you can think of one, unfriend them now. As the cooler weather creeps in, this would be a welcome and impressive treat. If your cider needs a little kick, add brandy and a smile.

Everyone goes nuts each year when Starbucks releases their Pumpkin Spice each year. Here’s a great recipe from The Grant Life that you’re sure to love:

And what about this Crisp Autumn Sangria? YES!

And what about food? Youc could opt for a little sweet and savory with these pears and gorgonzola bites. Well, you know you also have to have a hearty stew or soup, right? How about this Hearty Chicken Stew with Butternut Squash and Quinoa.

Got a sweet tooth? Pumpkin Cheesecakes or Apple Dumplings will be the cure of exactly what ails you.

Overheard at Your Wedding: “I’m Starving”

Wedding Advice

So not cool.

Not sure if you know this or not—or read it one of the three thousand wedding glossies you’ve bought, but I’m your girl. You know I’ll tell you.

People come to weddings to eat.

They get your invitation, skip right to the RSVP and begin salivating at all of the wonderful things they will taste and experience at your wedding (and expense). Don’t worry, they’re excited about seeing you, too. Who wouldn’t be? The perk is definitely the succulent food you will grace them with during your reception.

So, imagine their surprise when they arrive at 6 p.m. to your cocktail hour to be greeted with a cheese and cracker tray and ornate display of strawberries resting in a well-carved watermelon. No worries, they think—you are just cleansing the palate before the true feast begins. Lo and behold, they arrive to “dinner” which is either stations of hors d’oeuvres for six year olds or a plated meal with such scant portions that only a butterfly could be satisfied with.

They start to get antsy. They start to get bored. They start to drink more. Dinner started at 7 p.m. At 7:03 they are ready to go.

Now, don’t get mad at me. If that is all you can afford, then that’s okay. What is not okay is not planning accordingly or letting your guests know ahead of time so that they can make adequate arrangements for food prior to the wedding. Here are some helpful tips to spearhead the thundering stampede of guests leaving during your cake cutting to graze on the lawn of the reception venue:

If you have limited funds, as always—consider lowering your guest count. You can do more for less, than vice versa.
If you choose to keep your large number of guests, consider having a brunch or tea reception with a limited menu. Of course, you could also have a late evening wedding, with your ceremony beginning at 7:00 or 8:00 in the evening and an even later reception. At this late hour, your guests won’t be expecting a heavy meal. In this instance, you could get away with a heavy hors d’oeuvres menu.
Be sure to spread the news on your wedding website, and if necessary and/or appropriate on your reception cards. You can never give your guests too much information. Far better to let them know in advance than to hear them (and their stomachs) grumbling about how they wished they had known about the food.
Another reason why a lot of guests walk away hungry is that they feel the menu is too exotic or something they just won’t eat. While at your tasting, remember, you are accommodating a large guest list, not just you and your future spouse. Uncle Bob may love foie gras all day long, but Aunt Millie would refuse to eat it. Try to find a common ground. The same thing can be said for wedding cake; choose a basic failsafe flavor options that will ensure you don’t have an entire cake left behind.

Photo :: Source

Wine Pairings for Dummies

Wedding Advice

Are you just not that keen on the types of wines that should go with food for your next cocktail or dinner party?

Have no fear! The Amazing Food Wine Company is about to make life a whole lot simpler.

It can’t get any easier than finding a bottle of wine with a big picture of its complementary food on it.

What makes it even better is that it has the cutest names like “Wine that Loves Chicken” or “Wine that Loves Tomato Sauce”. Others include “Wine that Loves Grilled Steak” or “Wine that Loves Pizza”.

Wine That Loves, $12.99, available from http://winethatloves.com

{AP Photo/Larry Crowe}