Playful Office Baby Shower

I found these amusing baby shower pictures from an office party Richard and I catered last October. The hostess, Sheri, has a delightful sense of humor which made it fun to create a "tongue in cheek" menu for the party.

To create a menu that is fun and entertaining, start with a list of dishes that will appeal to a variety of appetites. 

Here are some suggestions for success;
Be sure you consider "good taste," especially in an office setting. Re-naming dishes and select clever serving pieces to reinforce the theme, both are an easy way to have fun with the menu and guests love it.

Here is the menu for Sheri's event if you can use to add some whimsy to your own baby shower!

Playful Office Baby Shower

Menu for 25 guests

Lamaze-gna

creamy spinach lasagna with a plump belly

Brats in a Blanket

sausages wrapped in pastry served with grainy mustard

Baby Greens Salad with Baby Bottle Dressing

candied pecans, raspberries and Mandarin oranges

Conception Eggs with "Swimmer" Garnish

black olives top stuffed eggs 

Savory "Lollipops"

deli meats and cheeses in a wrap, sliced and skewered

Watermelon Baby Carriage

Fruit Salad

Fruit salad in a watermelon baby carriage

"Swimmers" decorated stuffed eggs

Lollipop Pinwheel Deli Skewers

 "Brats in a Blanket", brat sausages wrapped in pastry

 Raspberry Vinaigrette served in a baby bottle

I didn't find the picture of the "Lamazegna" I used the Spinach Lasagne from my recipe in Cook like a Caterer. I added some extra filling in the middle to make it look like it had a "baby bump" giving it a theme name (a play on Lamaze) is fun too. The stuffed eggs recipe, the quantity of fruits needed for the fruit salad and the raspberry vinaigrette are also in the cook book at cooklikeacaterer.com.

Catering A 50th Anniversary Luau

Fond memories of Hawaiian celebrations motivated Ruth and Wayne to nix the idea of a stuffy, fussy, gold leafed 50th Anniversary celebration and embrace a colorful tropical themed event. Having catered for the family many years, it was a great honor to be part of such a special occasion.

The Fresh Ideas Crew prepared salads and cooked on site. Guests enjoyed delicious grilled Teriyaki Chicken and Kalua Pork served from a theme decorated buffet. The following menu is fresh and simple, perfect for any Luau Style entertaining.

50th Anniversary Menu for 120

Appetizers

Tropical Fruit Array,

Island Fresh Spinach Dip with Vegetable Sticks,

Pacific Shrimp Cocktail,

Spicy Mango Cheese Ring with Crackers

Buffet Dinner

Hearts of Palm, Jicama and Papaya Salad

with Coconut Green Onion Dressing,

Sesame Noodle Salad,

Teriyaki Chicken with Grilled Pineapple,

Hawaiian Rice 

Kalua Pork with Guava Habanero Sauce,

Assorted Rolls

Dessert

Banana Cake

Plate from the dinner buffet and server, Olivia, setting shrimp out on the appetizer table.

Guest tables are islands of color dressed in poppy, coral, lime and hot pink. The canopy offered shelter from the sun. The temperature soared in the 100's, but the relaxed setting kept guests comfortable.

Celebrating 50 years of marriage, Wayne and Ruth relax and have fun with family and friends. 

The festivities included renewing of vows and inspirational words from those who have been closest to them. 

Blessed with a family of musicians, the entertainment was home grown.

Tropical touches on cake tiers blended tradition to theme. The banana cake is resting on glass vases of various heights. 

The vases hold sea shells I collected and use for tropical events. Other desserts would also do well presented on clear plates over these same vases.

Very clever, Ruth created these darling treat bags with fun little things to play beach party at home. Island inspired goodies are fairly easy to find in party supply stores or on line to make your own great giveaways.  Easy and breezy-sea shells, leis, fish net, Hawaiian print fabric, bamboo items, palm leaves are all affordable items, perfect for low cost party decor.

A few simple theme props set the stage and entrance to the backyard event. A collection of island and beach items were organized to create a designated back drop for memorable photos.

While Polynesian style is most often reserved for birthday, retirement and graduation parties, a Luau will add delicious fun for any special event. Have you ever hosted a tropical theme event? I'd love to hear your ideas!

Engagement Party Appetizer Menu

I truly realize just how lucky I am. I don't just work in an exciting industry where the special event is king, but the unique opportunity to have a part of those small but monumental moments in a family's life. One such occasion that certainly deserves a celebration is a couple right after the announcement "were getting married!"

Isn't it great to be at the beginning? Before the showers, rehearsal and the epic reception....a sweet little gathering to kick it off......an engagement party!

An engagement party is traditionally thrown by the bride's parents, but many gatherings are hosted by the grooms family, friends or the couple themselves. Plan the event within a few weeks to a couple of months after the engagement. The purpose of an engagement party is to introduce family and your closest friends, so keep your list guest list small. Your entertaining style should allow for guests to meet and mingle, so consider appetizers on buffet as an option.

When deciding a buffet appetizer menu, choose foods that are portable, simple to eat and appeal to multiple generations. Even if you know the bride and groom to be, you may not know any special diet and eating patterns of the other guests. Having a varied menu will make your guests feel comfortable.

The following is the menu from an Engagement Party for 40 guests. It offers a balance of hot and cold appetizers as well as many meat free and gluten free choices. More importantly, it's good!

Ginger Sesame Pork Loin Platter with Sesame Noodles

Caprese Skewers

Goat Cheese Tart with Red Onion Marmalade

Roasted Red Pepper Hummas with Pita Chips

Shrimp Gazpacho 

Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

Blue Balls of Fire with Raspberry Chipotle Sauce

Petite Stuffed Potatoes 

Chicken Potstickers with Sweet Chili Sauce

Sweetened Marscapone Stuffed Strawberries

Arranged on a dining room table these dishes become the centerpiece of the party where best wishes and congratulations add sparkle. The party becomes the kick off for exciting wedding plans and a beginning of a beautiful... celebration marathon!