Menu and Entertaining Trends for Spring 2012

Photo Renee Fontes- There still is no known cupcake replacement and I'm okay with that...after all there is always room for a little dessert!

With Spring just around the corner, here's a peek on what's cooking in entertaining for 2012. 

On the menu-
Resourcefulness is in style for entertaining. A sluggish economy and an unsure future, (after all this is the last year on the Mayan calendar!) 2012 will find hosts producing simple thoughtful meals at home for special celebrations. Many hosts will take producing a step further with home or community gardening, cooking from scratch and preserving foods in a traditional manner to share with friends and family. Rustic home made food is wholesome and welcoming.

Photo Fresh Ideas Trip to Orange Home Grown Market

Photo Fresh Ideas-Home made chicken stock

          The excitement of growing even the smallest
patch in the urban squeeze will lead to adventures in the kitchen. Making unprocessed stock, bread, soups and your own party food to the delight of your guests, and families.



 Most guests are beginning to "warm up" to fresh healthy food  and are more willing to try new things. Fruits and vegetables, brought to market by boutique farmers, will continue to star on menus this year and often be the centerpiece of the meal. More fish and egg's beyond breakfast.

              Black lentils, quinoa, home grown sprouts, dishes featuring seeds and Greek yogurt.

Photo Fresh Ideas Renee Fontes, Sangria

For drinks, bourbon and scotch beat vodka right now. Try a Mint Julep for a refreshing spring cocktail. Party punches are economical and fun. Sangria or any spiked punch is good for showers, or brunches.

Photo Fresh Ideas Renee Fontes Ceviche

Peru is posed to be the new favorite ethnic choice, but except for Ceviche, the other dishes may not translate well for entertaining.

The appetizer this spring is 
Asian dumplings. The novelty
sweet is "pie pop's" (kinda like
their cake cousins, except that
they are pie on a stick).
This spring:
Danish open faced sandwiches
Carbonara, Matzo ball soup, Areapas, and Donuts.

Photo Fresh Ideas -Donuts on buffet

 Guests will go hog wild over whole pig. Caterers and chefs are now finding consistent suppliers of pork specialty cuts, making for quite a delicious and stunning presentation.

Photo Dinner At Eight Productions, Luau Pig

For the Table-
Hunt for vintage silver and crystal to use at your party. It adds a bit of nostalgic elegance to the table.
Look for pedestal serving pieces to use for a  dessert display.
Use stem wear for all drinks at the bar, even beer.




Classic colors a bit more reserved have cool undertones. White it's still fresh and crisp, paired with pale pink is gracious, frilly but purposeful. Just like ballet slippers.

Photo Martha Stewart Living

I borrowed this picture from Martha Stewert. Can you blame me?
The Magnolias are stunning in their lofty white cylinder vase. Simple elegant arrangements are
fresh, white with soft color memorable.


For a little  texture, try the pin tuck linen.
Take advantage of specialty linens that can be rented from a  quality party rental company.

Another favorite color this spring is aqua or turquoise and tangerine both cheerful and inviting.

Photo Fresh Ideas Renee Fontes

I hope these will spur some ideas for your entertaining this season. I'd love to here some of your ideas too!- Cheer's Renee