Jazz Up Your Table and Inform Your Guests

Written by Erin Burkhard owner of

Be In Love Designs

for Fresh from the Kitchen LLC

When planning a special event, such as a wedding, we often think of the normal important details such as food, music, and flowers. After the invitations have been sent, we then realize how important it is to organize the affair so there is no confussion for your guests. A great way to inform your guests and to add a little extra "wow" to your tables is with table stationary.

Escort cards or even an escort poster can guide your guests to the appropriate table at the beginning of the reception. This is especially important if you are having a plated dinner where guests choose their own entrees ahead of time. It not only directs them to the correct table, but is also a guide for your caterer's servers to to get food out quickly.

Once your guest knows what table to go to, it is important to mark them clearly with table number or names. This can be displayed in a stand, a picture frame, or designed as a self standing table "tent." Place cards at each place setting direct party goers to the correct seat. However, this detail is for more formal affairs and usually only accompanies a plated dinner.

Finally one of the most important details to include on your table is a printed menu. Don't keep your guests guessing on what they are going to eat or on if anything is going to come next. Besides making your guest's mouths water, menus act as warning flag to someone who may have food allergies or is vegetarian. This will allow them to let the server know they are not able to eat the pine nuts in the salad or to bring them all vegetables instead of the filet.

All of these elements can be designed by Be In Love Designs to give your table that extra plolished look, and give your guests the details of your perfectly planned affair.

Eco-Friendly Wedding Favors

Some great ideas for the eco-conscience bride is having favors that help our planet!

(As seen on getmarried.com).

1. Plant a Heart Tag: The heart tags are embedded with wildflower seeds your guests can take home and plant.

2. Bamboo Place Card Holders: They work overtime so to speak! While they hold your guest's name and table number, there also nice keepsakes made from bio-degradable material.

3. Eco-friendly favor boxes or bags: Fill these with candies or the like. At any rate what makes them great is they're made from recycled material.

4. On recycled paper have a lovely message written about in lieu of favors, we have decided to donate money to our favorite charity. Ask that the message be recycled after being read.

For some of the items mentioned on this post, please visit the get married store at www.getmarried.com to purchase your eco-friendly favor.

Bold and Beautiful Colors

This year in weddings it is all about being bold and beautiful!

Let the colors inspire you!

From yellow and gray to celery green and orange, your style your way is all that matters.

Wow your guests as they enter a dazzling reception site!

Vendor Focus: Marcia The Art of Photography

Marcia: The Art of Photography

With over 20 years in the industry, Marcia is a natural behind the lens. She discovered her “calling” into the photography world at age 23, but even as a toddler, she would paint and draw, always having a knack for the arts. Originally from California, Marcia started in fine art photography shooting landscape photos in beautiful Santa Barbara, California.

Due to Marcia’s talent and keen eye for beauty, she was quickly featured in several local art galleries. Unfortunate events occurred in the late 1980’s when a recession, much like the one of today, resulted in the closing of those galleries, and her unsold photos returned to her. At this time in Marcia’s life she had an epiphany; she realized that people purchase landscape photos if they’re drawn to their beauty and want them for their own. Photography of people however, are keepsakes of a lifetime. They capture memories and moments, and so much more. People would always want those sorts of photos because they’re personal. Thus, the transition into fine art photography of people occurred for her.

Marcia’s philosophy is that every couple should start their life with photos that capture the moments so dear to them. Experience is needed to do that, and Marcia has just that. She enjoys watching the moment unfold as she clicks with her camera. She feels it is necessary to make sure the people she is photographing are very comfortable with her and having their photo taken. Thus, she really gets to know her client before their big day, so that being in front of the camera isn’t scary, but rather it is like being with a friend!

Lighting is always important for a photographer to capture a lovely photo, so Marcia makes sure to use all means of available light to bring out a person’s best side. She believes her work should reflect a purity and honesty of whom the picture is reflecting. Thus, she tries to not manipulate the image by over photo-shopping. Her style is to think through creating the images as she thinks through the storyline. Marcia is truly a classic photographer with a modern edge.

Marcia always has fun shooting people’s events, and also much fun when shooting photos casually for her own benefit! Her most recent vacation included a visit to Taos Pueblo, New Mexico where she spent time getting to know the Pueblo Indians while photographing their surroundings.

Marcia is a “green” photographer meaning she does all that she can to reduce her carbon print on our precious earth! Marcia would very much love to shoot your next event and make it something spectacular for a lifetime!

http://www.marciaphoto.com/ 480-366-4476

September Special of the Month

Menu Special of The Month

The month of September Menu is:

Caesar Salad

Fresh Baked Rolls and Butter

Prime Rib with Au Jus

Mashed Potatoes with Chives

Mixed Vegetable Medley

Lemonade OR Ice Tea

Price: $25 per person (includes tax and service charge)
Disposable dishes, napkins, cutlery, and servers included too. All meals are buffet style.
Upgrades available for additional cost (i.e. china dishes).
Don't forget to add your cake and favors!!

Recipe of the Week: Pasta Primavera

Pasta Primavera
Fresh, fast, healthy!

Serves 6

3 carrots, peeled and cut into thin strips
2 medium zucchini or 1 large zucchini, cut into thin strips
2 yellow squash, cut into thin strips
2 portabello mushrooms washed, gills removed, and sliced thin (optional)
1-6 oz. bag spinach, washed and stems trimmed
1 onion, thinly sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, cut into thin strips
1 red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
2 tablespoons fresh garlic, minced
1/4 cup minced italian parsley
1/4 cup chiffonade of basil
1/4 cup olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 tsp. dried thyme
1 tsp. dried oregano
1 pound angel hair pasta
3 tablespoons melted butter
15 cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup grated Parmesan or pecorino romano

Directions
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
On a large heavy baking sheet, toss all of the vegetables, except the spinach, with the oil, salt, pepper, garlic and dried herbs to coat. Transfer half of the vegetable mixture to another heavy large baking sheet and arrange evenly over the baking sheets. Bake until the carrots are tender and the vegetables begin to brown, stirring after the first 10 minutes, about 15 to 20 minutes total. You want the vegetables tender, but not mushy.
Meanwhile, cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to package directions. Drain. Toss in melted butter back in same pot. Add fresh basil, italian parsley, and spinach. (Spinach will cook from the heat of the hot pasta).
Toss the pasta with the vegetable mixture. (Make sure to pour in all the juices from the roasting pan). Toss with the cherry tomatoes. Season the pasta with salt and pepper, to taste. Sprinkle with the Parmesan or pecorino and serve immediately.

Have with a fresh green salad and some crusty french bread! Bon appetit!

Catering Specials for Every Month of the Year!

Fresh from the Kitchen LLC is proud to announce a new way to save money on your catering!

Every month a new menu will be composed and featured for only $25 per person. This price INCLUDES tax and service charges. In order to have that menu for your event, you must book the month the menu is featured.

The menu will include an entree with two sides; salad with fresh baked rolls and butter; and beverages. Disposable dishes, napkins, cutlery, and servers included too. All meals are buffet style.

The month of August Menu is:

Spinach Salad with Red Onions, Feta, Bacon, and Poppy Seed Dressing

Fresh Baked Rolls and Butter

Chicken in a Sherry Mushroom Cream Sauce

Mashed Potatoes with Chives

Green Bean and Carrot Medley

Lemonade OR Ice Tea

Any additional add-ons can be made, as well as upgrades (i.e. china dishes). We do cake too so don't forget to ask!

Fashion Focus: Jennyvi Dizon Couture

When it comes to the perfect gown for your body and personality, look no further than Jennyvi Dizon Couture.

In a word she is the next Vera Wang, Melissa Sweet, or Paloma Blanca. Unique, fresh, and earth-friendly designs are the core of her work.

The dress that she can make for you is one you'll cherish for years and be happy about forever. She can camouflage the flaws bringing out your perfection and beauty.

You know what is even more fabulous? She is right here in AZ making it very easy to make your appointment for the perfect fit. So call her today at 602-284-2073. Afterall, she can't wait to make you the perfect gown!

Celebrate Large, Marry Small

Skip the big wedding, but have a large engagement party. Think about it. You save money and a whole lot of planning by not having to go through the formalities.




No bridesmaid's dresses, shoes, hair and makeup expense. No groomsmen tuxes and gifts. No boutonnieres, bridesmaid's flowers, ring bearer or flower girl expenses either, just to name a few.





It's like having your reception before the wedding but without the fuss. Do: hire a caterer; have an excellent photographer; and bring in the band. Pass the champagne and let the laughter and merriment continue into the wee hours.





Skip the big hall rental and have it at a friends home; or rent the hall if you have a large crowd. Either way, you save. Most venues have different rates for parties vs. receptions.





Play with gorgeous linens, and beautiful flower centerpieces for the tables. You can splurge now that you don't have to decorate the church!





Have a theme. You can still do the Tiffany look, or princess, or mardi gras.





Have your photographer work double-time. The engagement party can be a perfect time to do engagement photos, and capture the moments from the engagement party...or not. You have the choice!! :)





Use e-invites or a free wedding website to allow guests to RSVP and tell them about your uber cool event.





You CAN invite that co-worker that would have been put on the maybe list with all the money you're saving!!





When you're wedding day comes all you'll need is your parents and very close amigos. You can still get dressed in your dream gown, and carry a beautiful bouquet. Hire the photographer for the photos, and after, go out to dinner at your favorite restaurant. Or hire that caterer that did your engagement party to do a private meal for you and your "wedding party" at your home. (Having trouble hiring a caterer? Choose Fresh from the Kitchen LLC for your next event!!)





However, you decide to do your wedding, remember there are no boundaries. You don't have to settle for the "norm." Have fun and make the day about whom it should be about--you and your fiance.

Choosing your vendors for your wedding day

Your heart is a flutter; your cheeks somewhat flushed; and your smile couldn't be any larger. He just proposed; you have the ring........and a million things to do!!

So, how should you determine whom you should and shouldn't use for your wedding?

A little research is never a bad idea. But, with guests list, engagement parties, trying to please both sides of the family, trying to select your bridal party, and wedding date, and color scheme, and wedding theme...you get the picture. You're already busy, and don't have enough time in the day to get everything done as it is.

Thus, a simple rule of thumb is make a list. What do you need to make your wedding successful? Under each category on your list (i.e. florist, caterer, officiant, etc.) put no more than three names of wedding businesses you've heard of, or was recommended to you by a trusted friend. If you don't know any, don't worry. Use sites like http://www.theknot.com/ or http://www.weddingwire.com/. These sites post local vendors in your area and even have reviews for the vendor.

This will initially take some time, but by setting these perimeters, it will make everything so very easy in the long run. Further, you know yourself and your budget better than anyone else. So by doing this, you can help yourself choose what you like and eliminate what you can't afford.

Now that you have your three vendors (or less) from each category, it is time to do a consultation.

During this process, you should take note of how organized the vendor is. How serious they are about your most special day ever. How attentive, kind, clean, and even neat they are too. Remember, the vendor you hire is the vendor that will be "with" you right up and until the end of your wedding. Can you handle that? If they annoy you now, they're still going to annoy you later.

If they're pushy and brazen now, that's not going to change either. All wedding vendors, like anyone else, do their job to make a paycheck. The difference that you should be able to see, is that the vendor is acting in your behalf because they LOVE what they do. Sincerity can't be faked.

Thus, with that in mind, give Fresh from the Kitchen LLC a chance on that list of yours to connect you with some wonderful vendors, true sincerity, and awesome food and service. We aim to please and never disappoint!

Happy Planning!

50 ways to recession proof your wedding!

(As seen in Martha Stewart Summer 2009 issue, and revised by me!)

1. Rank your priorities. Food, venue, photographer, decor, etc. What is most important to you? Spend the most on that, and be frugal in the other areas.

2. Gather your friends. For those DIY projects get your friends together and delegate!

3. Be ruthless with the headcount. (i.e. omit children and co-workers).

4. Initiate an officiant. Laypeople can be ordained through simple online classes. Cost: free! Of course if you do not have a friend or trusted family member that wants to go through the process and than marry you, call Rev. Giovanni. He'll get the job done for less than $200. (http://www.revgiovanni.com/)

5. Get married in the off-season. For our AZ brides that means summertime. Save a fortune, just make sure you're inside with A/C and plenty of liquids.

6. Use a venue other than a banquet hall. Church parishes, community centers, park, beautiful family/friends home are wonderful alternatives. Remember to call Fresh from the Kitchen for your catering and event planning!

7. Swap Cities. A high populated metropolitan city will have higher prices per person than a small town or country setting.

8. Hire an expert. May seem contradictory, however, a wedding planner knows how to get your budget to work; are not shy with haggling; and have many vendor relationships in the industry which can lead to steep savings.

9. Seek free fonts for your all your typewritten wedding literature.

10. Say yes to all-inclusive. Check out the wonderful ones at: http://freshfromthekitchenllc.com/AllInclusivePackages.html

11. Create a wedding website! Keep out-of-towners, friends and family updated with a wedding website. Many of these are free and can be found on sites like http://www.weddingwire.com/

12. Forgo a program. It's an extra cost that isn't necessary.

13. Un-grave your cards. Instead of engraving use thermography. The process is different, but the look is almost identical. Plus thermography is almost 50% less. You do the math!!

14. Monogram. Use this as a theme. It's classy and chiche, and makes it look like you spent thousands.

15. Think monochromatic. Sticking to one color throughout the everything (invitations to decor), can believe it or not save money! $$

16. Make ebay or craigslist your best friend. Half the price for twice the charm.

17. Buy what's in season and even local. (In particular this applies to floral, but can extend to food too).

18. Pick the right shoes. If you buy wedding shoes that you would ACTUALLY wear again, than you're doing good.

19. Super size your flowers. Pick flowers with bigger buds, which result in fewer stems.

20. Skip the pew arrangements, and just have two altarpieces.

21. Befriend farmers. Cut-out the middle man by calling a grower to allow you to source flowers for dirt cheap. (Overall I would still recommend having the arrangements professionally put together by a florist).

22. Bouton-ette your bridesmaids. Instead of costly floral bouquet, pin a flower on their dress. Even better have them hold a cute (and inexpensive) purse!

23. Don't use flowers for the centerpieces. Votives are pretty cheap, and can be used again and again.

24. Make your flowers work overtime. Use living potted plants as centerpieces that than becomes favors for guests to take home.

25. Sign up for spam. Sign-up for that bridal newsletter. At most it may offer a discount or two that only it's readers will get.

26. Score a pre-owned gown. (http://www.preownedweddingdresses.com/ or http://www.oncewed.com/ )

27. Sell your gown after the wedding. If you must splurge, recoup some of the cash by selling it.

28. Sample size your makeup. If you're getting your makeup done at a counter, buy only the things you'll use again (lipstick) and ask for a sample of the things you'll only use on the big day (i.e. face powder).

29. Shorten vendor hours. Have them stay for when you only really need them. (Esp. if they charge by the hr.)

30. Borrow something. (Family jewels, or grandma's veil, or brother's cufflinks).

31. Start with the basics. Ex. hire the photographer, purchase the album later.

32. Use bud vases! Tiny vases in a cluster on the table in different shapes and sizes that only hold one or two flowers will save you big, and is super pretty!!

33. Give a newbie a break. There are many talented wedding vendors that don't have years of experience but can get the job done right. Make sure you like his or her work before you commit. (Do your research, even ask for references).

34. Hook up your iPod. Hire a live act for the 1st couple hours and play your MP3 for the rest. (Makesure you set-up your songlist accordingly, and even designate someone to turn it on/off so you don't have to worry about that yourself).

35. Eat Family Style. Instead of a buffet line, or a sit-down, have large platters of food placed at each table so guests can help themselves. It can allow you more food options, and eliminates the need for centerpieces.

36. Think like a talent scout. Seek out a string quartet from a music school. Hear them, judge them, decide and save money.

37. Count on creative cuisine. Baby lamb chops are expensive. Ground lamb stuffed grape leaves or mini lamb burgers, not so much.

38. Brunch it up. Consider a morning wedding with morning foods to save $$.

39. Limit your bar. Serve beer, wine, and a signature cocktail. Easy, unfussy, cost-efficient.

40. Boycott overpriced bubbly. Toast with Prosecco and save the Don Perignon for your first anniversary.

41. Keep it bottled. Many people don't touch their champagne. So, keep it at the bar so anyone that wants it can ask for it.

42. Buy your own booze. Many venues allow you to BYOB as long as it is served by a licensed bartender.

43. Cut the cake. Instead of pricey wedding cake, many brides are serving their favorite dessert or baked goods.

44. Have a dummy cake. If you must have wedding cake, have a small one created for you and your fiance to cut. Than serve your guests from sheet cakes in the same flavor.

45. Give something homemade. Favors can consist of anything. Something homemade is sentimental, lower in cost, and sure to please.

46. Lose the limo. Borrow a friend's or family's fancy wheels, or use your own.

47. Pool the presents. Instead of doing a registry, ask guests to contribute to your honeymoon stash at http://www.honeyfund.com/.

48. Throw a tea party. An afternoon wedding with tea sandwiches and sparkling wine is beautiful and sophisticated. Save even more by throwing it on a Sunday.

49. Cheat with Sweets. Fake your wedding cake by ordering different size sheet cakes and stacking them yourself. Use standard cake dowels between the layers to keep them from collapsing and sticking to each other. Decorate with fresh flowers.

50. Fly for free. Replace your credit card with one that earns you miles. Start your research on http://www.airlinecreditcards.com/ which will let you compare mileage-accrual plans, APR, and interests rates before you apply.

BONUS!!

51. Hire Fresh from the Kitchen LLC to help save you money and give you the most magnificent party ever!

Why its best to have it catered

Anytime you're having an event, food and drinks make a huge impact. So why should you have it catered?



1. Professionalism. Think about it. If your event is something huge, nothing makes it look better than when every detail is executed to the umpt degree by a company that does it for a living.

2. Food choices. Do you really want to serve the party trays they sell at the grocery store? Do you really want to eat what you usually eat everyday? Or would you rather have your taste buds tempted, your palette awoken, and your senses comforted because of the unique and mouth-watering foods a good caterer prepares?

3. Value. Catering isn't cheap. However, it is a good investment for any event, because of what you receive. It's more than just food. It is the service personale; it is the clean-up and set-up; it is the coordination of your whole event. It is the time and research that goes into your event to make it the one that is remembered for years to come. Fresh from the Kitchen LLC does all of this. Also, like our name, our food is always made fresh, is 100% natural, and made from scratch. We do all the work so you don't have to.

4. Because its pretty. Catering companies go through great lengths to present and prepare food in a fashion that is not only tasty, but gorgeous to look at.

5. So you don't have to. Stressing? Let us take care of that. Unsure where to start? We know how. Don't know how to put a menu together? Speak to us. We're the experts. Overwhelmed? Don't be.

Therefore, when it comes to food and drinks, and when it comes to your event, remember it is always best to have it catered. If you're still unsure, read this posting again! =)