Posts Tagged ‘wedding’

The Professional Caterers Tips on Planning a Great Party…

Thursday, June 24th, 2010

There are loads of details when planning a party, in this blog we will give tips on the catering side of the party. If you know these details before the event you can stay one step ahead and avoid lots of headaches and heartaches!

TIPS:

1) Know your budget: this includes food, service, and beverages. Knowing your entire party budget doesn’t really help us, you need to break down your overall budget and present the caterer with the “food” budget.

2) Consider what type of food service you would like at your party, some different options that Dupree offers are:

  • Buffet Dinner

This is the cheese and fruit display on part of a buffet.

This is the cheese and fruit display on part of a buffet.

 

  • Seated Dinner
dpp_0005

Dupree Server setting a table for an elegant seated dinner service.

  • Stations

stations

At this party Dupree served stations and each station was in a barn stall, this one happened to be in Man O’War’s stall.

 

  • Passed Appetizers

 Dupree waiter passing appetizers.

 

Dupree waiter passing appetizers.

 

  • Small Plates

img_3125202

 

2) Consider a “Theme” - A good theme can give you idea’s for food, dress, music, decorations, and set a special mood. Below is a picture of one of our favorite themed parties:

 

This party was a 21st birthday party and was a "Beatles" (the music group) theme. Each bar and food station was set-up as a different beatle song, this one was Yellow Sub-Marine.

This party was a 21st birthday party and was a "Beatles" (the music group) theme. Each bar and food station was set-up as a different beatle song, this one was Yellow Sub-Marine.

 

There are endless amounts of themes, be creative and make yours personal. Below are just a few ideas:

  • Seasonal, summer or cookout theme, fall, winter, spring 
  • Green theme, you could use everything that’s “Green” recycled glass/aluminum products, composting, donating leftovers etc.
  • Grow your own food or use everything local

3) Consider doing popular appetizers or something special and unique. Having an appetizer ready for your guests shows them you care. You could incorporate the apps into your theme or if the rest of your food is slightly traditional consider going with an app that’s a little more fun and interesting.

This is individual servings of shrimp cocktail or "shrimp shooters."

This is individual servings of shrimp cocktail or "shrimp shooters."

Candy Time!

Tuesday, May 11th, 2010

One of the hottest trends lately for parties and weddings is Candy Displays. The best candy displays are the ones that match the color & theme of the event. The display is all about the mix of containers ~ so, make sure to use a variety of sizes and heights to accomplish the best look. You can also give small bags with custom labels for your guests to take candy as a sweet treat. Everyone always loves a snack after the party!

Here are a few tips of the trade when designing your candy table:

 

1. It’s all about the containers! Plan your display around your table size and containers.

yellow candy

2. Figure out which candy you want to put in each container and then how much of that candy the container will hold. You can do this by finding something that you already have that is measured that is the aprox. density of your candy (for example a bag of sugar) and pouring it into your container.  If you are buying an odd shaped candy call your candy provider and explain the container to them - they are great about helping estimate the amount of candy that will fit in it.

 

candy-bar2

 

3. Buy bulk candy. The shipping charges are expensive but you will save a ton of money by buying bulk. We order all of our candy from www.candywarehouse.com. They make it really easy and you can even shop by theme, for example wedding candy, old fashioned and nostalgic candy, even pirate candy!

4. Coordinate the theme and colors of your candy to the event. For example if your wedding colors are orange and pink just do caring shades of that colored candy. 

 

candy & cake bar

5. Remember to also order the candy that will hold your other candy in place. For example if you are having lollipops, rock candy to pour in the bottom of the candy will hold the lollipops up right and in place.


martha-stewart

6. Check out how to’s on youtube. Search Candy Display. Good Luck!!

 

orig_080731cbuffet07
j