Tagged with " menu"
3 Mar
2009
Posted in: Decor & Design, DIY & Templates, Featured Posts, Latest Trends
By Candice    12 Comments

Chalkboard Wedding Decor Details

I think everyone appreciates chalkboard. I’m not sure why – it must hearken back to our elementary school days when getting called to write on the chalkboard was fun (at least it was for me!). I love the way chalkboard has been utilized at weddings and thought I’d give you a bit of chalkboard inspiration.

The obvious is chalkboard-turned-menu. I love how this couple used an old surf board as their surface to paint. Since chalkboard paint can go on virtually any clean surface, you can make anything your chalkboard menu. You can do a traditional bistro-style chalkboard menu, or maybe hang chalkboard tiles from clothes line strung between two trees. There are a million opportunities here to be creative and the best part: it is super expensive and easy to do!

In my search for this post I came across this fun and innovative chalkboard vinyl wall decals from Spell It Out Designs on etsy.com. To say I love these vintage / Victorian-inspired chalk frames would be an understatement! Vinyl is easily removable from any surface and leaves no trace that it has been there. While it is great for using on the walls, doors, or windows of your venue you should inquire first whether your location will allow you to do it. If they do, great! You can use these again as menu cards, place card displays, wedding signs (“wedding this way!”), inscribe a quote, thank you, note. Leave it blank and allow your guests to leave you messages! The possibilities are endless. And if you can’t put it on a wall, simply build a surface to put it on.

I’m also totally loving these chalkboard plant stakes used instead as a place card. These are from Crossroads Cottage, but you can easily make them yourself with a little time and energy. They’d be perfect for a smaller wedding! I also love them used in the tablescape design, tucked into a floral arrangement. They would also look perfect tucked into your stationary hors d’oeuvre display, or if you can, on your passed hors d’oeuvre trays.

This isn’t done often enough, probably because it isn’t that simple, but I love the look of these giant chalkboard seatting arrangement displays from a fete event. The key is to have a wedding planner who not only has gorgeous handwriting, but write in a straight line!

This fun and thoughtful idea comes from a wedding featured on one of our favorite blogs, OnceWed. The bride got the idea from Wonderful Graffiti to have a word search at the reception to entertain guests. If anything, it is just pure beauty, and makes for a great photo op. I’m sure her guests had a fabulous time using it, too!

Last but not least, why not add a chalk board (or dry erase board) to your wedding’s photo booth? You never know what message might turn up! Just be sure to have something handy to wipe all the chalk that is bound to rub off on everyone’s black clothing. This is where we tell you that the dry erase board might be a better idea!

21 Sep
2008
Posted in: Food & Beverage
By Candice    2 Comments

Real Wedding Menu: Autumn Inspired Fete

The menu that you create for your wedding can be as creative and tailored as your caterer will allow. I really feel as though food, aside from vows, are the most important feature to any party. It cannot be overlooked. Your guests are looking forward to a delicious meal inspired by both of your personalities!

I’ve created this autumn inspired menu based on hearty dishes that represent my favorite season well. Fall foods are colorful and those colors should be well represented on your guest’s plates: oranges, greens, reds, and purples.

hor d’oeuvre: Fig Crostini

with prosciutto, ricotta and red wine reduction

autumnfete_figapp.jpg

There are so many different foods you can tower on top of toasted bread. This recipe had me at fig! It is a delicious and luxe surprise for your guests to nibble on. Source: MyGourmetConnection.com

hor d’oeuvre: Eggplant Rolls

with walnuts, garlic and herbs

autumnfete_eggplant.jpg

I may have to have a dinner party just so I can serve this dish. The combination of flavors is quintessentially autumn. Source: AZCookbook

hor d’oeuvre: Tomato Bruschetta

autumnfete_tomato.jpg

Bruschetta is a hor d’oeuvre staple at most gatherings — and for good reason. Tomatos and basil are in their highest season, so why not take advantage of their full and natural flavor? Coupled with a deliciously toasted slice of buttered bread you have a finger food that all your guests will enjoy! Image Source: RealEpicurean.com (click for their recipe, too!)

Soup: Butternut Squash and Garlic Soup

autumnfete_soup.jpg

One of my favorite foods of fall is butternut squash soup. I think the key to making this dish extra delish is to add a bit of sweet; whether it be honey, sugar, or a substitute, sweetness really brings out the flavor. Otherwise, it can end up tasting dull. Image Source: Delightful Deliacies (visit their website for their recipe)

Salad: Corn Fritters, Tomato and Arugula Salad

autumnfete_salad.jpg

The author of this recipe drizzled a bit of honey over the corn fritters and tossed the arugula in a mixure of white vinegar, olive oil, whole grain mustard, salt and pepper. This salad would also be bolder if the tomato’s were oven roasted. Source: Love and Olive Oil

Pasta Dish: Pumpkin & Parmesan Ravioli

with Rapini & Pine Nuts

autumnfete_ravioli

In lieu of a traditional pasta dish, consider serving this autumn inspired marriage of pumpkin, pasta, Parmesan and pine nuts. Ravioli is such a comfort food and one your guests will truly enjoy. Source: Under the High Chair

Main Course: Pork Tenderloin with Orange-Sherry Sauce

and a side of braised red cabbage and garlic mashed potatos

autumnfete_pork

“Pork tenderloin is an extremely versatile meat that lends itself well to a variety of seasoning and sauce variations. The pungent flavors of orange and sage complement the pork perfectly and make a beautiful entree for a fall dinner party.” Source: MyGourmetConnection.com

Desert: Autumn Trifle

with Spice-Roasted Apples, Pears, and Pumpkin-Caramel Sauce

autumnfete_pork

There are so many options for deserts in the fall: pies, cakes, and cookies. All comfort foods. I loved this autumn inspired trifle which has many of the same ingredients you’d find in your favorite fall deserts. Source: TravelersLunchBox.com