Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Tapas for an Exceptional Anniversary Party


The same weekend we catered the perfect surprise birthday taco party, we had another gem. Since it's hard to believe we could cater two perfect events in one weekend... we'll call it an exceptional party.



This exceptional party had perky umbrellas dotting a neat stretch of lawn bordered by orange trees and garden roses.
Roses and oranges, oh my!... their scent lingering heavenly in the breeze-less afternoon.

The sun was very high, very hot and stayed put right over the backyard.While warm like a August summer day usually is, it offered in return the bluest sky ever. A cloudless canopy stretching endlessly overhead.

A setting as beautiful as the occasion...
Celebrating 50 years of marriage!







On the patio, stretched two draped and decorated buffet stations near a babbling waterfall and pond. Koi fish delighted the guests... especially the little ones! Food, beverage and dessert stations enjoyed a lush backdrop.


 When the hostess suggested a Spanish Tapas style menu, I was surprised, delighted and intrigued.

Tapas are snacks and finger foods, something that I would normally pitch for an afternoon garden party but rarely do I get the go ahead.
I got the go.
Planning a Tapas menu is creative  there is so many unique and tasty options. Even if some of the appetizers are labor intensive, they are every bit worth the effort.


50th Anniversary Tapas Menu
110 guests

                                                                                                                                               
 
Tapas Platters

 grilled vegetables, marinated lima beans, cured pork, marinated artichokes, chorizo, marinated mushrooms, pickled carrots, roasted peppers, spanish stuffed olives, manchego cheese, kalamata black olives,

 melon wrapped in cured ham, herb goat cheese, dried fruit, grapes and berries


Fresh Summer Fruit

Shrimp Gazpacho
with avocado, capers, onion, celery, dried chili, lemons and lime

 Chevere Torte with Red Onion Jam
cracker assortment

Chafer Items

Spicy Stuffed Sausage Mushrooms
Manchego Cheese Popovers
Spanish Albondigas
Chorizo and Black Bean Empanadas










Station Items

Bruschetta freshly Toasted and
with Three Tomato Pomodoro Sauce

Saffron Seared Chicken Skewers

Sherry and Garlic Braised Beef "Sliders" 









Dessert Cupcakes





Guests gathered to celebrate five decades of special memories. All were treated to a exceptional afternoon of music, good food and friendship.





 "An anniversary is a time to celebrate the joys of today, the memories of yesterday, and the hopes of tomorrow."  ~Author Unknown







 

10 comments:

Anonymous said...
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Negi said...

Thanks for great information you write it very clean. I am very lucky to get this tips from you.

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Catering Kitchen Equipment said...

Hi Renee. The menu looks sensational! Kudos to you on a joh well done. This looks like a fanatic event.

Best wishes, Alex
http://www.advantage-catering-equipment.co.uk/

Niche Catering said...

This menu looks fantastic and it seems like everyone present enjoyed it! Great job.

Javier Oniel said...

Having Tapas included in a menu can be tricky mainly because of the number of options you have. If one ingredient does not complement the other, your Tapas can turn into a nightmare instantly. I was impressed that you were able to pull this off, despite the number of guests that you had. This post has inspired me so much that I want to try serving Tapas in future family events. Thanks!

Renee Weir- Fontes said...

Thank you Javier, your right! Not easy but a lot of fun:)

Unknown said...

I am glad that I came across here at your post and this was very amazing
catering set up as I've seen. I will also recommend this to my friend. Thank you.

Unknown said...

Hey the menu looks exceptionally amazing!! And the cup cakes my-omy, looks soo delicious wants me to ditch my diet plans!! You seem like an expert in organizing special events like this!!

punjabi catering services said...

Impressive thanks for sharing this post.

splendidfarecatering said...

Love your presentation and ideas Renee. So creative.