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!