The Gift of Giving – Top Ten Gift Ideas for Any Budget

We recently saw this post to “Dear Prudence” – a column written by Prudence, an expert in etiquette and a friend of Epicurean’s own connoisseur of propriety, the one and only Mr. Parker Presley.  Needless to say, the art of giving has gotten a bit out of hand.  Keep reading:

Dear Prudence:
Q: Wedding Shower Etiquette: First let me say I love your column and have read all the archives.  I can’t wait to hear what kind of advice you can give me.  Here is the situation: My fiance and I are getting married in three months.  A small wedding with less than 100 guests.  We just purchased a house and have registered for things that we will need, mostly the basics like sheets, towels, cookware, and the entire gamut of kitchen utensils.  It is not a small list, but there is very little on it that is considered a “want”.  My issue now is I have two friends that would like ME to tell my bridesmaids that I want a catalog shower of their home-based businesses (think Tupperware or Mary Kay, that sort of thing).  While I like the products that these home-based businesses offer, I cannot justify the costs right now – for me or for anyone.  I would rather have the basics from my registry first, and then slowly accumulate the “goodies” from my friends’ businesses.  So I need to know, what is the best way to turn down these two friends?  What do I say?  One is a colleague and the other is a friend from college.

A: This is a twist.  Instead of the bride viewing her friends as a fully loaded ATM just awaiting a PIN number, your friends view the bride as a soft touch for their side businesses.  What you say is, “I love the stuff you sell, but I’m not going to do a Tupperware/ Mary Kay party for the shower.  Thanks.”  If they get pushy, just smile and repeat.

Nicely said, Prudence.  Sadly, situations like this are becoming more common than not.  We overheard one bride tell a friend, “Cash is fine.  In fact, cash is preferable – just FYI.”  Huh.  Gift giving can throw some people into a tailspin, so let’s get personal.  Here are our Top Ten Gift Ideas for Any Budget

1. Personalized Stationary
It’s always a treat to see your new name on some heavy linen paper – check out Horchow for various looks at different price points. ($$)

2. Something from the couple’s personal registry
They picked it so you know they like it…a safe bet with lots of options. ($ – $$$)

3. Monogrammed Napkins
The gift you didn’t know you wanted or needed until someone gives it to you!  Pottery Barn has great, inexpensive options online.  ($$)

4. Picture Frame
Silver plated preferably – simple, elegant and always in style.  ($ – $$)

5. Movie Night
The latest DVD, a bag of microwave popcorn, and a couple of boxes of candy tied up and tucked into a popcorn bowl is a cute and easy gift.  ($)

6. Wine Stopper
A beautiful wine stopper and a bottle of wine is a lovely, thoughtful gift…consider having the couple’s monogram or wedding date on a silver stopper to personalize the package.  ($$ – $$$)

7. Dinner
Arriving home from a honeymoon and finding dinner is a treat (I know, because someone did this for me and I still cherish the thought). We recommend miniature lasagna, garlic bread, gelato and a bottle of Chianti; everything except the wine can be stored in the freezer.  ($)

8. Breakfast
Same as above and just as appreciated.  French Toast is always a favorite.  Pair it with a container of fresh fruit, a bottle of Prosecco and some fresh ground coffee.  Drop a basket on the doorstep the night before so the newlyweds can enjoy a quiet morning without being disturbed.  ($$)

9. Dish Towels
Everyone (and their mother-in-law) can use pretty dish towels in their kitchen – Anthropologie is our pick for the hippest selection.  ($)

10. American Flag
We’ve said it before and we will say it again, a United States flag with the necessary poles to mount on the newlywed’s house is a great gift – if they have one, it will need to be replaced at some point and if they don’t, you’ve saved them a trip two days before the Fourth of July.  ($$)

Cordially Yours,

Parker Presley

Parker Presley is known in certain social circles as the preeminent expert in etiquette and invites you to contact him with even the most embarrassing question or tricky situation so that you, too, may be top dog in any setting.  Please contact him at parkerpresley@epicureanCG.com.

The Perfect Pear

As that famous girl with the ruby slippers once said, “There’s no place like home.” Sometimes the prettiest and simplest and sweetest ideas are found right in your own backyard. Literally.

I was recently asked to help a friend plan a wedding shower and was doing some creative thinking while trimming some trees and shrubs in my yard. Then the idea hit me. In the face, actually. The pear blossoms I was wrestling with led me to the Perfect Pair theme, which led me inside to start planning, which left the gardening undone-but all’s fair in love and parties.

When it comes to themes, I say go nuts and then “pear” down. Oh…it’s just so hard to stop with the play on words once you start, don’t you think? Here we go:

Invite:

If you have the time and energy, hand deliver a fresh pear to your guests and attach a small card about the event details:

Will and Kate are the perfect pair!

Join us for dinner

Sunday, June 24, 6PM

Décor:

Decorate the buffet and create place cards with pears by simply printing out necessary information and inserting into a fresh pear with a bamboo skewer or small silver pick.

Fresh pear blossoms in your yard? Cut them and place them in galvanized buckets throughout the space for a rustic but elegant look. If you don’t have blossoms available, buy loads of greenery from your local florist for an inexpensive look that fits the color scheme of the event.

Menu:

Include menu items that incorporate pears, such as pear-infused sparkling water; a salad with spinach, pear, and gorgonzola; or Chef Ted’s Seared Duck with Caramelized Pear and Maple Sauce. I know, I know, it sounds tricky but it’s completely doable. Even I pulled it off-and it was easier than the gardening.

Seared Duck Breast with Caramelized Pear and Maple Sauce

Ingredients

• 6 oz duck breast, scored
• 1 TBSP olive oil
• 3 pears
• 1 peeled shallot, minced
• 2 TBSP orange juice
• 1/4 tsp chopped fresh thyme
• 1/4 tsp grated nutmeg
• 3 TBSP high-end maple syrup

Directions

• Score and season the duck with salt and pepper, sear and cook to medium rare
• Peel, core, and chop pears into bite-sized chunks
• Heat a saute pan on medium heat
• Add oil, when hot saute pears for two minutes or until they start to brown
• Add shallots and finish caramelizing pears
• Deglaze the pan with orange juice and reduce the orange juice by half
• Add nutmeg and thyme
• Turn off heat and stir in maple syrup
• Pour over duck and serve

Cheers!

View from the Venue | Crooked Willow Farms

Crooked Willow Farms
Larkspur, Colorado

Choosing this beautiful venue for your party will give you reason to celebrate even before your celebration, as there are so many exceptional options to host your event on property.  Located in the exclusive Plum Creek Valley, just 25 minutes south of Denver, Crooked Willow Farms provides one of the most diverse and unique venues in the region.  Ninety acres of land, offering multiple hand-crafted event spaces that are rich in history, amenities and breathtaking views.  At Crooked Willow Farms you will discover indoor and outdoor spaces built to accommodate weddings, dinners, fundraising galas, social celebrations and intimate ceremonies.

We recently sat down with Crooked Willow Farm’s General Manager, Matt Davis, to find out a little bit more about the Colorado experience that is Crooked Willow Farms.

What would suprise someone who has never visited Crooked Willow Farms about the property?  “I find guests are often suprised by the size of the property because events hosted here can feel so intimate.  Though if given a moment to explore Crooked Willow Farms, a guest might find our biggest suprise of them all, and 850lb pig named Lola.  (And no, we do not keep her in Lola’s Loft!)  She is a really sweet pig who just loves wedding season because it means she gets lots of extras at feeding time.  You may see her pouting this year though, as her nutritionist has put her on a greens only diet to keep her weight down.  We also have Stella, who is a little less celebrated as she is the bad pig always getting into everything, digging up flowers and generally causing trouble but still we love her all the same.”

What’s your favorite time of day on the property?  “Evenings at sunset are the most popular but the mornings are a hidden secret with the dew on the lawns and crisp Colorado air…it is really a slice of heaven!”

Is there a special area of the property you feel is underutilized and what have you dreamed could happen there?  “Yes, we feel that Sunday Brunch weddings are a missed opportunity!  People can really enjoy all that Crooked Willow Farms offers; the weather is almost guaranteed to be great on a Sunday morning in the summer.  In fact, Crooked Willow Farms will guarantee it won’t rain during your ceremony or your venue rental is free!  (Applicable for new Sunday Brunch 2012 bookings – call the venue for more details).  Also, brunch menus can be so creative both in respect of menu and prices!  We have a park next to the pond with a fountain and sandstone tables that would be a great spot to host an event like this.”

What’s been Crooked Willow Farm’s favorite event hosted by Epicurean Catering to date?  “Epicurean Catering has raised the bar on how to incorporate the venue, surroundings and ‘Colorado’ into the buffet, station displays and passed service.  We hosted a fall wedding celebration that I can say is my personal favorite event since the venue opened!  Such a fun-filled weekend!  The bride and groom’s family camped on property.  Their guests fished in the ponds and caught rainbow trout which Epicurean Catering prepared masterfully during a celebratory Fish Fry on Sunday.  It was legendary!  Wow, I can still taste it!”

What is the greatest compliment Crooked Willow Farms can be paid?  “Referrals!  For a bride to say ‘my dream was delivered’!”

For additional information, please contact Matt Davis at 303.951.8888 or email at info@crookedwillowfarms.com

“It’s so easy to make an event look fabulous at Crooked Willow Farms because of the beautiful scenery and all of the details put into the event space itself.  They have a great team and we really enjoy our partnership with them.”  Epicurean Catering Event Designer, Sara Johnson

Orange You Glad You Know?

(Source: Tutto Bella Blog)

A new year brings resolutions, diet plans, closet cleaning and lots and lots and lots of diamond rings.  I couldn’t even concentrate at a recent dentist appointment (honestly, a blessing, right?) because I was so enthralled by the sparkly little number on the dental hygienist’s third finger. And because thinking about weddings is much more fun than thinking about teeth, I couldn’t help but tell her the hottest color trend for weddings is an exuberant shade of….orange.

Yes.  Orange.  Sure it is the color of traffic cones, juice, and football jerseys; but Stella McCarthy’s tangerine-toned clutch and Jimmy Choos’ equally high-voltage sandals do scream happy and adding a great color to an event – whether it be a wedding or a meeting or a small but chic luncheon – can make even the dullest guest seem a little less dull . . .

Runway trends typically find their way into the party world and this is one trend that you can pull off without a lot of energy, or a lot of bank withdrawals. For the wedding party, a beautiful reddish orange sash brings out the elegance of a sleek gray dress.  Brightly-colored centerpieces pop against white tablecloths and orange flowers make any bouquet sing.  Want to go even more literal?  Use those darling Little Cuties (mini seedless oranges) to display menus, placecards or even special photos. They are small, seasonal (translation: inexpensive) and an elegant but simple table topper. Use a wooden skewer to secure whatever you wish to display and voila – you have an elegant event with an extra boost of some real vitamin C. Now, orange you glad you know?

Cheers!

I Do Take Two

(Photograph by Jenni Maroney)

Those divorce analysts just love to share their data with the world and current stats say that approximately 50% of marriages will end in divorce.  Oh.  Sad.

But someone’s got to feed those second-time-around couples and their guests, no?  After almost 30 years in the business, we’ve seen our share of “encore” brides (yes, that’s the term floating around these days) walk down the aisle again.  And, well, again.  And, in one case, again and again and one more again.

Over the years the rules have changed – and for the better.  Gone are the teeny tiny celebrations with little fanfare, few gifts and a dull, pastel suit for the bride.  Today’s encore couples are celebrating the fact that they have found love the second …or fifth… time around.  Women are wearing veils, gowns with trains and bright, recently bleached smiles.  Couples are registering for gifts again, though many request donations to non-profit organizations (how many toasters does one couple really need?).  Children from previous relationships are being asked to play specific and special roles, even escorting their soon-to-be-married-again parents down the aisle.  Showers are welcomed, though typically happen on a smaller, more intimate scale.  And with age comes wisdom…and better wine.  Menus tend to be a bit more decadent than the first time; and we’ve had the pleasure of pouring some of the finest champagnes and passing the freshest sashimi at many a second wedding.

So the rule is there are no rules anymore – except one: true love is always in style, no matter when, where or how it happens.

Cheers!

Stealing Style

President Nixon’s “I am not a thief” comment remains the most infamous quote of the 1970s, but the decade offered so much more than Tricky Dick. In fact, the 70s are cool again and even the wedding industry is getting in on the action.

While bell bottoms may not be the choice when wedding bells ring, there are a few other hot trends that may add some bliss to the big day. Vintage-looking pieces including maxi dresses and flowered frocks are showing up on wedding attendants and guests across the country – though highlighting a beautiful neckline is really always in vogue. We’ve even seen a few brave souls go for the jumpsuit look and– dare we say – crochet is making a comeback.

Sleek and sexy or simple and sweet are a must when attempting this hot trend. Pair funky wooden wedge sandals and a crocheted mini dress for an outdoor rehearsal dinner or dress your attendants in a flowing halter dress that both flatters and fits the vibe of a low-key, high-style celebration. By re-interpreting this trend and stealing only the pieces that add a bit of glamour rather than gasps, friends will be talking about your style long after you remember the name of your first (and hopefully only) pet rock.

Cheers!

The “Small” Wedding

Years ago, children were meant to be seen, not heard . . . the good days, eh?  But times have changed and kids are taking center stage in the world.  Restaurants, attractions, on-line services, airlines and even workout facilities are now focusing on the four feet and under crowd.

Over the years, we’ve catered plenty of weddings that have included kids.  Of course we’ve done the standard macaroni and cheese and chicken fingers as requested, but lately the trend of including children in all facets of life has overflowed into the BIG day.  We’re guessing this is a mother-in-law’s way of encouraging the bride and groom to get focused on producing a grandchild (which can backfire horribly, trust us). Whatever the case may be, adding kids to the menu has become more popular than ever!

Whether you have a gaggle of children at a wedding, in your home, or sitting on a grounded flight at JFK International, one rule always applies: keep them busy.  Our new Epic Pies Pizza Oven did just the trick during a recent holiday wedding celebration.  Kids ranging from 5 – 13 were dressed in personalized take-home aprons and encouraged to build their own signature pizzas.  And because we’re dealing with – well – ‘different’ tastes – the toppings included everything from steamed broccoli to miniature marshmallows (guess what we had left over).

Crystal Oswald’s Valentine’s Day Reception at Mile High Station (see the full story under “Weddings” at www.epicureancatering.com/weddings) included heart-shaped treats with chocolate paints and brushes for children to decorate themselves.

And nothing beats a milk-shake bar; there is just something so appealing about adding ice-cream, milk and caramel sauce into a martini shaker and giving it a whirl.  Tuck in a twirly straw and top the whole thing with loads of whipped cream and you’ve got a recipe for true everlasting love.

Cheers!