We are pleased to present to you the wedding of Katie Hammerer and Alex Harris, held early August 2011. This couple was such a delight to work with, making our job that much more fun. We hope you enjoy the outcome of this fabulous event as much as we do.

The reception was held at River Farm located on the beautiful waterfront of Alexandria, Virginia. The River farm serves as Headquarters to the American Horticulture Society and is the perfect setting for a bride who wants it all; waterfront views, luscious gardens, and a historic plantation right outside our Nation’s Capitol.

The bride chose the colors of white, vibrant violet and a soft butter yellow, which perfectly complemented the greenery of the venue and the vibrant personality of the couple themselves.  The flowers consisted of roses and were beautifully displayed in both round and rectangular vases.

Beverage urns of Spiked Lemonade and water were placed near the entrance of the venue for parched guests to quench their thirsts. There was also a full service bar for guests to visit throughout the night. During cocktail hour hors d’oeuvres were passed including mini crab cakes, bourbon glazed tenderloin, sun-gold cherry tomatoes, tenderloin + asparagus wraps, and an Asian style chicken + coriander dumpling.

The Bride and Groom wanted to keep the reception and cocktail hour fun so a dance floor made for moving and a Corn Hole set decorated with wedding rings + their wedding date, were brought in for their guest’s enjoyment.  Following cocktail hour was the seated dinner. The first course was a refreshing summer salad of baby spinach and ruby red strawberries dressed with an herbed balsamic vinaigrette. The entrée was honey roasted chicken with sage & walnuts or the vegetarian option of balsamic charred corn ravioli.

Following dinner guest were invited to join the bride and groom for the cutting of the cake. The white and violet cake was a custom made by our Executive Pastry Chef and was topped with vibrant flowers.

The outcome of this august wedding was absolutely breath taking. Thank you to Connor Studios for sharing your beautiful photos with us and thank you to Katie and Alex for letting us be apart of your special day. Here’s to a lifetime of love and happiness!

Congratulations Katie + Alex!!

{ August 2011 }

Summer is winding down & fall is quickly approaching, so combine the best of both seasons with this delicious cocktail!

Serves 1

~ Ingredients ~

1/2 Peach, Cut into thick slices
3 or 4 fresh mint leaves
1 lemon wedge
1 ounce water
1/2 ounce simple syrup
2 ounces whiskey (Degroff suggests Canadian whiskey, but bourbon also works well)
1 sprig mint
1 thin peach slice for garnish

~ Directions ~

Muddle all ingredients except whiskey in a cocktail shaker. Add ice & whiskey. Shake & strain into an ice-filled old fashioned glass & garnish with a peach slice & a sprig of mint.

Enjoy!

{ Photo & Recipe: the kitchen }

Hands down Sangria is a RSVP office favorite & this refereshing recipe won us all over!

Serves 4

~ Ingredients ~

8  Large Mint Leaves
1  (750-milliter) Bottle Cava Sparkling wine, Chilled
3/4  Cup  White Grape Juice, Chilled
1/2 Cup  Sliced Fresh Strawberries
1/4  Cup  Orange Liqueur
Fresh Sugar Cane Sticks – Garnish

~ Directions ~

Press mint leaves against sides of a large pitcher with back of a wooden spoon to release flavors. Stir in sparkling wine, white grape juice, strawberries & Orange Liqueur. Serve immediately over ice. Garnish, if desired.

Enjoy!

{ Photo & Recipe: My Recipes }

We are excited to share with you the outcome of Smart CEO’s Brava! Women in Business Achievement Awards.

The award ceremony was held in late July at the lavish National Museum of Women in the Arts. This venue, with its history of exclusively recognizing women in the arts, set the perfect tone for celebrating the exemplary leadership of the local business women receiving the 2011 Brava! Award.

While the ballroom of the NMWA made the event the grand affair it was, the color palette of soft greens, whites and violets evoked the feeling of a charming spring soiree. The beautiful floral arrangements of purple hydrangea, white roses and green accents brightened the space.

At the start of the event guests were greeted with their choice of white wine or sparkling water. Once the guests thirsts were quenched, scrumptious hors d’oeuvres, including Korean barbecue chicken tacos, tenderloin crostini and lamb + hazelnut baklava were butlered throughout the ballroom.

Guests also had the option of visiting a Chef Manned Naked Ravioli Station where our chef served either Gnudi Mushroom Ricotta Ravioli or Spinach Ricotta Ravioli. Other stations, including a Fruit & Cheese and Portofino Display, and a deconstructed summer mesquite grill display, were also stationed throughout the venue.  Finally after guests had gotten their fill the award ceremony began.

Thank you Smart CEO for giving us the opportunity to help celebrate the amazing Brava! Award Winners. Congratulations and Brava! to all.

Special thanks to Rachel of Rachel Smith Photography for sharing these pictures with us!

In honor of Bastille Day we will be delving into culinary creations originating from one of the most famous cuisine capitals of the world: Paris, France.

French cuisine is known for its robust flavor and decadent texture and although favorite dishes vary between many of its regions, Paris is where you can try a little of everything. Some of the most famous savory dishes include Duck Confit, Pâté , Ratatouille, Quiche Lorraine, Bouillabaisse, and last but not least, their Fromage.  While these savory dishes cannot be overlooked, in the states Parisian cuisine is most famous for its baked goods.  Walk into a Parisian Bakery and you will find a mélange of tasty delights. From crepes to fruit tarts to chocolate mousse soufflés it is impossible to make a food faux pas!

One of our most popular desserts is our Assorted Miniature French Pastries which includes Tiramisu, Fresh Fruit Tarts, Double Chocolate Demilune, and many more tasty Parisian treats.

Whether you are a connoisseur of croissants or an expert on éclairs, nothing beats indulging in decadent French cuisine.  Bon Appetit!

{Photo Credits 1. Travelfoodanddrink 2. Notsohumblepie 3. Barefoot Contessa }

We were ecstatic when Diane and Jason came to us to start planning their wedding day, set for early May 2011.  This fun loving couple was such a joy to work with and we are happy to share with you the amazing outcome.

Diane and Jason chose to have their reception at the very beautiful Carnegie Institute for Science.  While the historic venue gave this reception its traditional class, the vibrant pinks and lush blues of the linens and floral arrangements brought the perfect balance of modern elegance to the event.

The pink flower arrangements of orchids and calla lilies were designed by Volanni Flowers.

At the start of the reception the guests were greeted with Pomegranate Martinis, Pisco Sours and other delightful beverages.  The couple kept cocktail hour fun with butlered hors d’oeuvres such as the South American Style Ceviche Spoon, Lobster Risotto Bites with Sam Adams Shooters and Coconut Shrimp Lollipops.  Following cocktail hour guests were invited into the ballroom where servers presented them with a glass of wine and a formal dinner to include a plated salad of baby greens and our Filet Mignon & Crabcake duo.

Diane and Jason wanted to incorporate some Peruvian Flare into their reception to honor the Bride’s heritage. So keeping with tradition Peruvian shots of Pisco were passed for the guests to toast the newlyweds after dinner.

Thank you to Michelle Lindsay Photography for sharing your beautiful photos with us and thank you  to Diane and Jason for letting us be apart of your special day. Here’s to a lifetime of love and happiness!

Congratulations Diane + Jason!!

{ May 2011 }

Cool off with this yummy { & heathly! } punch!

Serves 4

~ Ingredients ~

3 Cups Seeded Watermelon, Cut Into 1 1/2 – Inch Pieces
1 1/2 Cups White Vermouth
1 1/2 Tablespoons Superfine Sugar
3 Cups Crushed Ice
Edible Pansies – Garnish

~ Directions ~

Place watermelon, vermouth & sugar in a blender; process until watermelon has been liquefied, about 10 seconds. Add ice; process 3 seconds more. Garnish with pansies & serve in chilled glasses.

Enjoy!

{ Photo & Recipe: Martha Stewart }

It’s time to fire up your grill, round up the troops, and break out your red, white, & blue. The Fourth of July is upon us! We thought we would send you into the holiday weekend with some inspiration for your backyard BBQ.

This Independence Day add some flare to your food by incorporating creative spins on all American classics.  We loved the idea of a gourmet hotdog & burger bar where your guests will be able to decorate their burgers and brats with an array of flavorful toppings.  For sides, potato salad, coleslaw, and corn on the cob are a must.

Want to create real culinary fireworks? BBQ is the quintessential Fourth of July dish. Although our nation may be divided on what is the best style, from Carolina to Texas to Memphis, we are all united by our love for smoked tender meats.  Finish off the night with a star spangled dessert with a flag cake.  A spread like this is sure to bring liberty and full bellies to all!

{ Photo Credits: 1. Pizzazzerie 2. Madamenoire 3. Bon Appetit 4. Martha Stewart }

Join us as we explore cuisines from around the world in our attempt to “Eat like the Locals.” We begin our culinary adventure in our most Northern State, Maine.

Maine has been gaining national acclaim from foodies near and far.  The state is known for an array of tasty treats ranging from wild blueberries to whoopie pies, but Maine’s claim to fame is its seafood. Maine’s seafood, especially their lobster, is some of the best in the world.  It is sought after by seafood connoisseurs near and far and most pay top dollar to indulge in the sweet and tender lobster that can only come from icy waters of Maine.  So how do Mainers enjoy the delicacy that has put them on the culinary map?  Let me introduce to you the Lobster Roll, or, as Mainers would call it the “Lobstah Roll.”

Mainers are very fond of this sandwich and prefer not to stray far from the classic.  In the Lobster Roll the lobster is, of course, the star of the show. It is served on a soft buttered hotdog bun that is split from the top and grilled until golden brown. Heavy mayo is smeared on the inside of the bun and a generous amount of lobster (2 claws and a tail) is strategically placed for perfect taste distribution. Drizzle this marvelous creation with butter and ogle at the masterpiece that is the Lobster Roll. Pair with a brew from one of Maine’s many Micro Breweries and enjoy.

Can’t make it to Maine to enjoy their “King of Crustaceans?” Bring home the taste of Maine with a spin on the classic or even a New England style Clambake. We offer a clambake menu perfect for a summer get together. Celebrate with family & friends over a steaming pot of delicious cherrystone clams, snowcrab clusters, spicy andouille sausage, mussels, new potatoes and corn on the cob! It is sure to be the “Maine” event at your next party.

{ Photo Credits: 1. Ayleebits }

We were recently presented with the opportunity to coordinate a fabulous monkey themed birthday party. We went bananas over the idea! Sweets included “Monkey Tails”, frozen banana popsicles dipped into a chocolate fountain with a variety of toppings for the kids to decorate themselves. We also designed a Monkey Munch Popcorn display with our homemade popcorn boxes.

Juice & bottled waters were setup around the yard in colorful pails to quench their thirst.

Along with birthday cake & cupcakes, we served funky monkey milkshakes with bright striped straws and birthday girl tags.

While this party was for the kids, there was also a “No Monkey’s Business” refreshment station for the adults to cool down with a Sparkling Mango Lemonade specialty cocktail.

Our party favors included individually wrapped Monkey sugar cookies with banana runts.

{ May 2011 }

No matter what the occasion everyone loves to pack a basket, throw down a blanket and enjoy the outdoors. We just love the idea of picnic parties this summer. Whether on a rooftop in the city or a rustic soiree in the country the cozy appeal and budget friendly nature of picnics are perfect for corporate events as well as social get-togethers.

{ Photo Credits: 1. Tiny Water Blog 2. Elizabeth Anne Designs }

Many brides and grooms want their reception to last until the wee hours of the morning.  For couples planning this type of event they might want to consider adding one more phase of catering service in addition to the usual cocktail hour and dinner fare.  We have seen more & more requests for late night reception snacks ranging from classic bar food to sweet treats to be served after last call.

Deciding what you want served at your wedding reception is a matter of personal preference.  Your selections should definitely be fun & casual little bites. The trick is to present these casual foods in a way that still has some style and pizzazz. Some savory options that are sure to be crowd pleasers include sliders paired with french fries, grilled cheese, a mini taco bar, or even gourmet mini hotdogs.

Others prefer to serve sweet treats such as mini powdered donuts, milk and cookies, fruit parfaits or espresso mousse.

Whether your late night snacks are displayed buffet style, passed as butlered hors d’oeuvres, or handed out as parting gifts they are sure to leave your guests with a lasting impression and a full belly.

{ Photo Credits: 1. Geoff White Photography 2. Wedding Bee 3. Alexan Events }

Relaxing on the beach, Barbequing with Friends or just spending a lazy afternoon this Spiked Mint Lemonade is sure to hit the spot!

~ Ingredients ~

2 Cups Mint Lemon Syrup
2 Cups Cold Water
1/2 Cup Citrus Flavored Vodka
2 Cups Ice Cubes
1 1/4 Cups Fresh Lemon Juice

~ Directions ~

Stir together all ingredients in a large pitcher, then pour into glasses half-filled with ice.

Enjoy!

{ Photo & Recipe: Cafe Fernando }

Our June 7th Open House Tasting has been cancelled.  Our next tasting will be held September 13th. Looking forward to seeing you there!

We recently added these fabulous options to our inventory. They are the perfect statement pieces to use for your upcoming summer party! Just add lemonade, sweet tea or a signature cocktail with a colorful straw and your guests will be delighted by their simple elegance.

{ Photos: 1. Martha Stewart 2. Simply Divine Events 3. A Paper Proposal 4. 100 Layer Cake }