Plan Your Company Party Like a PRO!

 Catered Holiday Party, Caterer, Caterer for Christmas Party, Catering, Corporate Event, Event Planning, Orange County Catering, Orange County Venues
Nov 232012
 

Tasked with organizing a holiday party that’s anything but ho-ho-hum this year?  Want to spread goodwill, thanks & appreciation to employees, clients, or both, but not sure the budget allows?

You can blame the poor economy for causing many owners and managers to feel more like Scrooge than Santa in recent years, BUT, this tried and true tradition is back on the rise.  It’s an effective and relatively inexpensive way to boost morale at your place of business in a big way.   Orange County’s finest catering and event planning pros have shared these six steps to get your festive party started :

1. SAVE TIME, MONEY AND ENERGY

• Advance planning makes it more likely to get the best location and dates for your event (it can save money too).  Get the planning started now, it’s not too late!

• Scheduling around the holidays can be a real challenge for you and your guests. A successful event has to be well attended, so consider all possible dates and times. Get creative (but don’t stress – we can help). 

2. BUILD YOUR EVENT AROUND ITS PURPOSE

• Identify your goals, objectives and desired outcome. Reflect on the purpose of this event in every phase of planning, it will help spur those imaginative ideas and guide your decision-making.

• Design an agenda that meets all the event’s needs.  Do you want a warm and casual environment, a relaxing reprieve from business as usual?  Or, will there be speakers, awards, team-building, videos, presentations? 

• Plan for a good balance of interaction, excitement and comfort for your guests.

3. FUND THE FUN WITHOUT BREAKING THE BANK

• You can host a fabulous event on any budget. Be as generous as your budget allows, but not wasteful.

• Brainstorm interesting ways to stretch those dollars while creating the impact and results you’re looking for. Spend your money on what matters most to you and your company.

• Co-hosting your event with others (affiliates, business partners, neighboring companies, etc.) is a great way to defray costs and provide a unique networking opportunity.

• Re-purpose your décor and other items remaining after your event. There are many deserving organizations in your community that would benefit by this gesture.

4. CREATIVITY COUNTS – CHOOSING A VENUE, THEME AND ENTERTAINMENT

• Think outside the “holiday party” box. Unusual locations like a zoo, aquarium, art gallery, airport, park, boat or even a backyard can become a terrific venue choice. Look to your venue for inspiration when coming up with a party theme. Don’t forget to ask us for great venue ideas.

• Drum up excitement and create memories by planning activities that everyone will enjoy.  

• Think twice about your guest list and how best to capture their attention. You can engage your guests in many many ways - perhaps a family affair, an open house for a charitable purpose, bringing in a local celebrity, etc.

• Some form of entertainment at the beginning of the party can be a great ice-breaker. Background music is always a plus. A band or DJ can really kick-start the fun if the budget permits.

• Look to your community (and even within your own company) for great entertainment. You may find talented musicians, singers, comedians, magicians, speakers, or others willing to volunteer or perform for a small fee.

5. CONSULT WITH PROS – SPEND WISELY

• Speak with an experienced local caterer and you will have access to a wealth of information.

• Don’t waste time & energy (or that of your staff). Be sure to check the cost effectiveness of a caterer who can expertly bring the most value to your event. Remember, they know the best venues, vendors, food and drink selection, and so on. By the way, a good caterer can help with total party planning and will implement a smooth experience from start to finish – they’re not just about great food.

• Speaking of food, it has to be fantastic, and, there should be a lot of it!  If you do nothing else, your guests will enjoy and appreciate a wonderful food experience.

• Safeguard your company and guests from the inherent dangers surrounding food prep and service with the help of an established catering firm

6. EXECUTE WITH EASE

• If you provide alcohol, don’t hold the party in your office. Limit liability with these tips for keeping your event safe and fun. Your guests can have a great time even if the party is alcohol-free. Mocktail Bars are great fun and so are aptly created Signature Mocktails. Juices, teas, coffee, hot cocoa and such are perfectly good alternatives.

• With a detailed plan from start to finish, you are sure to accomplish all the goals of your event.

• Stir up a good time, then mix and mingle!

Love at the Library (Volumes of Venues)

 Event Planning, Orange County Catering, Orange County Venues, Orange County Wedding Caterer, Photographers, Venues, Wedding Cakes, Weddings
Jul 292012
 

Choosing a venue is one of the first and most important factors involved in event planning.  We think Alicia and Andrew’s wedding at the Cerritos Library  was a brilliant ”destination”.

You may not think of a city services building as an obvious venue choice, but they are often packed with amenities and conveniences that you and your guests will appreciate.   These spaces can be easily transformed to suit any style you have envisioned for your event.  With a little help from some fabulous vendors (wink, wink), Alicia and Andrew turned this Library into an extraordinary indoor/outdoor oasis.

The rooftop ceremony was spectacular.  As you can see, the florals were absolutely amazing and the fruitwood chivari chairs added a perfect contrast and warmth to the light tiled floor.   As for the grass aisle runner…   only a stroke of genius!

How charming is this moss-covered ring bearer’s pillow?  It’s just one of the little details that made this rooftop garden ceremony so memorable.  It doesn’t hurt to have such a              beautiful bride and wedding party either!

Moving inside for the reception, the library space was every bit as beautiful and romantic.  State-of-the-art LED lighting washed the walls with color, giving the room a warm & sexy ambiance that became more dramatic as the day went on.   Silver satin pintuck linens grounded the room in elegance, and, one our favorite bakeries, Rossmoor Pastries, did not disappoint.

                    

The couple carefully selected a menu they knew would suit all their guests.  Hors d’oeuvres included a variety of fruits, cheeses, berries, nuts, grissinos, crostinis and cocktail crackers.

A buffet style dinner was classic, comforting and super tasty with: Breasts of Chicken & Grilled Artichokes, Sundried Tomatoes and Basil Sauce * Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes * Fresh Vegetable Medley seasoned with Fresh Herbs * Mixed Baby Greens with julienned Pears, Candied Walnuts, Tomatoes & Balsamic Vinaigrette * and, Fresh Baked Parmesan Rosemary Dinner Rolls.

        

Well, this Library has collected another, very special, love story.  For more inspiration from this wedding and others, be sure to go to the blog of photographer, Marissa Rodriguez.  Get more venue ideas here and get your party started.

Catering by:  Above All Catering

Photography by:  Marissa  Rodgriquez Photography

Florals by:

Rentals by:  Signature Party Rentals and SMB Productions

Wedding Cake by:  Rossmoor Pastries

How Do You Ever Repay Mom? (You Don’t – But Here’s 15 ways you can try this Mother’s Day!)

 Catering, Event Planning, Mother's Day, Orange County Catering
May 112012
 

Unless you were raised by wolves, octomom, or a few other choice exceptions, there’s a good chance you are connected to some honorable women who deserve your love and appreciation this Mother’s Day.

Remember…  Mom’s aren’t just the ladies that labored over your birth, though super-heroes they are.  They are also your stepmothers, your teachers and mentors, your friends.  They are your grandmas, your daughters raising their own families, and, yes, your baby mama (even if your baby is pushing 60).

The single most important thing you can do for the mothers in your life is to be thoughtful.  Extravagance isn’t necessary.  Besides, how could you begin to repay someone whose body and/or mind you nearly ruined?  Yep, trust us on this one, there isn’t enough cash in the bank.  Just be thoughtful!

Take a moment to reflect on what makes your Mama(s) happy.  Add your own personal touch to something that will put a smile on her face.   One of these 15-Ideas to show your Mama some love is bound to strike a happy chord:

  1. Bake a Cake – Go out on a limb and try something new, she’ll appreciate the effort.  At least try and make it pretty (like the Neapolitan Rosette Cake in the picture above http://bit.ly/Jgcs6G).  No matter what happens, she’ll love it.
  2. An Afternoon Adventure – Take her to a museum, art gallery, show, botanical garden, beach, park, city-tour or other location she will love.  Surprise her.
  3. Tech Lessons – Get Grandma connected!  A few tech lessons could prove priceless.  Okay, maybe a few follow-up lessons too.  Anyway, think how happy she will be as she keeps up on everyone’s lives via Skype, email, Facebook, etc.  Share links that will interest her (like the cute little cartoon above from www.grandparents.com ).
  4. Cook Up Some Compliments – Host a dinner or brunch and invite family & friends.  Shower Mom with compliments, play some games and laugh.  Mom’s always need a good laugh.
  5. Classic Twist – There’s nothing wrong with the classic floral arrangement.  It can come from your favorite florist, grocery store or your own garden.  (Arrangement shown is from http://www.teleflora.com/flowers/bouquet/new-sensations-with-roses-and-orchids-372750p.asp ).  To make this gift meaningful, the twist as it were, be sure to add a personal note so she knows you love her a bunch!
  6. A Walk in the Park – Wrap up some walkin’ shoes and take her on a scenic Mother’s Day walk (keeping her level of ability in mind, of course).  Hide some treasures along the route ahead of time.  You could even end the walk with friends and family waiting at the finish line to take her to brunch.
  7. From Little Hearts & Hands – Nothing pleases Mom more than something handmade, with her in mind.  Young ones can personalize a “World’s Best Mom” news story as shown above.  Just print the flyer and let them fill in their own details. http://images.marthastewart.com/images/content/web/pdfs/2011Q2/msl_0511_mdnewspaper_card.pdf).  Another cute idea is the magnetized handprint flower also pictured.  Here’s how:  http://www.skiptomylou.org/2009/05/06/a-sweet-little-mothers-day-gift/.
  8. Pamper Package – Please Mom with the pampering she enjoys most.  Maybe that’s a day at the spa, a mani-pedi, a session with a hair stylist, or a relaxing massage.  If she’s the stay at home type, try a gift basket filled with luxuries she’ll enjoy like bath salts, bubble bath, lotions, candles, etc.
  9. Tea Time – Gather your finest china (or grandma’s, or from the thrift store) and throw a lovely soiree.  Sip some tea, enjoy fine chat and sample fabulous finger sandwiches (recipes for those pictured can be found at http://www.southernliving.com/food/entertaining/light-lovely-dishes-00400000040426/page7.html ).  Don’t forget the sweet treats too!
  10. Plant Some Seeds – Create a nice little garden for your Mom.  Even the smallest of spaces can hold a pot of lavender or jasmine.  Something with a sweet scent that will remind her of you (see how easy that is?!).  If Mom likes to cook, plant some herbs like basil, thyme and mint.  Feeling extra crafty?  Paint your herb pots with chalkboard paint and label them.
  11. Sentimental Jewelry- Don’t get me wrong, diamonds are a beautiful thing.  Still, Mom’s tend to appreciate items of sentimental value a bit more.  If she likes jewelry, you can’t go wrong by incorporating the kid’s birthstones or  fingerprints on gold/silver.  Family tree items such as the necklace shown above (http://etsy.me/K2z0bE) are very trendy now too.
  12. Labors of Love – What Mom wouldn’t appreciate some good old household relief?  Surprise her with a freshly detailed auto interior, pull a posse together and clean the house like it’s never been cleaned before.  Bonus points for a fantastic breakfast in bed experience.
  13. Gift Certificates and Choice Causes – Lots of Mom’s feel guilty spending on themselves.  You can spare her the trauma by giving a gift card or certificate so she can treat herself to something she truly wants.  Mom’s have experienced a lot in life and many would love nothing more than to contribute to a cause she strongly believes in.  A donation made in her name would surely be appreciated.  To add your personal touch, get a box and learn to tie a pretty bow like the one above.  Find out how at  http://bit.ly/fd8lpq.
  14. Read, Play, Love – It may take a little getting used to, but if Mom likes to read books, magazines, play cards & other games, do crossword puzzles, and oh so much more, you can’t go wrong with an iPad or Kindle Fire.  When she starts downloading new books in 60 seconds and saves precious space on the shelves, she’ll thank you profusely!  (Kindle Fire pictured is from http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0051VVOB2/ref=famstripe_kf).
  15. The Written Word – More powerful than all the ideas above and a rare pleasure for a Mom.  Write a handwritten letter about a favorite childhood memory or any subject that will be meaningful to her.  Another great idea is to create a “10 Things I Love About You” coupon book as shown above (http://thecreativeplace.blogspot.com/2010/05/diy-tuesday-mothers-day-gift-idea.html ).

   “More than in any other human relationship, overwhelmingly more, motherhood means being instantly interruptible, responsive, and responsible.”  Tillie Olsen

Happy Mother’s Day to all those women who have taught, cared, listened, hugged, fixed boo boo’s, said no, said yes, nurtured, mentored, sang, danced, and loved!

CATERING TO THE STARS * Inside Dish on myfairWEDDING & Tips You Can Use!

 Event Planning, Orange County Catering, Weddings
Apr 122012
 

Ever wonder what it would be like to go prime-time with your wedding, documenting your journey on a wildly popular national television show?   Let’s face it, every wedding is a major production, televised or not.  Who wouldn’t jump at the chance for assistance from celebrity superstar wedding & entertainment expert, David Tutera, and an amazing array of A-list vendors?!

Well, we have some behind-the-scenes dish for you, serving up some fresh-off-the-set details from the recent “Mad Men” episode of myfairWEDDING with David Tutera.  That’s not all, check out the bonus tips at the end!  Tutera helps you shine like the star you are, and, enjoy the process each step of the way.

Newlyweds, Taylor and Jason, know just what a challenge it really is to plan a wedding.  When Tutera comes to the rescue, he takes a couple’s concept, vision, confusion and frustration, and in just three short weeks masterfully rolls out his “Re-visions”.  In this case, he helped realize Taylor and Jason’s “Mad Men” era theme in the most fabulous way.  Click on their picture above to check out some video of the experience.

Going Hollywood, or not, if you dream of a stress-free, happiest day of your life experience, follow David’s advice.  The truth is that he’s always by your side.  Check out the books David has authored, spend time on his blog, and, have fun watching the weddings on his WeTV hit show.  It’s great for entertainment value alone, but you can also soak up some event-changing/life-saving information from Tutera and other top industry professionals selected to appear on the show.  It’s easy to apply what you learn and execute your own amazing event.

Speaking of good execution, David advises that, “When you have faith in the vendors that you have contracted, those vendors will move mountains to make sure your wedding is beautiful for you..”  One such industry leading vendor in Orange County, California, Above All Catering, was chosen to cater the “Mad Men” wedding.  Watch, owner, Gary Rodgers, as he talks with Tutera about the 60’s era wedding appetizers and dinner plan – then read his “dish” about the show, its star, and recent wedding trends:

BEHIND THE SCENES WITH GARY -    

Q:  What is one thing that happened “behind-the-scenes” of this show that you think people might be interested to know?  We’ve catered to the entertainment industry quite often before, but this is the first time that I and my team were part of the show.   I’m very used to a fast paced work environment with no chance for do-overs, so I was probably struck most by  how long it takes to shoot a show like this, and all the re-takes.  It’s also amazing how much of a crew it takes to make a show like this happen.  As a caterer, my eyes are always zoned in on every little detail.  It’s very easy for things to get moved out of place, so my team did some quick and quiet “revisions” of our own to help on set.  It was a great experience.  Oh, and you can’t believe the enormous amount of make-up the cast has to wear!

Q:  Your business caters to a wide variety of clients, and I know you have a lot of experience with all types of weddings.  Do most of these events have a strong theme, like “Mad Men”?  No, not really.  Couples generally have a style they’re interested in (rustic, formal, vintage, outdoorsy, etc.) but they aren’t typically as theme-oriented as some of the weddings you see on myfairWEDDING.  The “Mad Men” concept is definitely trending though.  When you focus on a theme, you just want to be cautious that you are reflecting your own personality and style rather than playing a role or character in your own wedding.  I thought Taylor and Jason were perfectly suited for this style so it was a natural choice for them.  David Tutera summed it up well in his blog when he said… ‘They’re a perfect example of how to pick a look, or style, or concept or theme that tells the story of who they are. It was SO appropriate.”

 Q:  What else is a current trend in weddings?  Vintage weddings are very big right now.  Also, specialty food stations are a huge hit and can be tailored to any style or theme.  If you’re struggling for ideas, talk with your caterer and spend a little time on Pinterest for some visual inspiration too.  You can make any concept your own and we love helping them come to life.  By the way, Cigar & Whiskey Bars are on the rise and can be incorporated really well into the “Mad Men”  style.

Q:  “Mad Men” Bride, Taylor, said that “David instantly becomes your best friend. It is the weirdest thing.  He is sweet and kind.  One of the things no one sees is how funny he is.  He put his heart into our wedding.”  So, Gary, you met David, spoke with him and watched him in action.  What was your impression?  You know, he is really a great speaker and communicator.  I enjoyed watching him work with his staff.  He’s passionate but definitely does not stress-out.  If he does, he sure doesn’t show it!  David’s a pro and I appreciated the opportunity to be involved in his production.

 Whether you are lucky enough to become a myfairWEDDING bride, or not, take a tip (or 10 of them):  click here to take 10 Tutera Tips in their entirety.  They’ll help you plan one of the most important days of your life:

  1.  1.  Have Faith in Your Vendors (they’ll move mountains…)
  2.  2.  Find Your Bridal Style (…know your body type and whatever silhouette works best for you.)
  3.  3.  It’s All in the Details (Tell the story of who you are as a bride and groom.)
  4.  4.  Destination Wedding Do’s (…often far less work than traditional weddings.)
  5.  5.  Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff (Enjoy it!  Don’t let the small stuff get to you.)
  6.  6.  Use the Room (Sometimes… the smallest of details can add quite a visual impact to your theme.)
  7.  7.  Keep a Theme Tasteful (…do it subtly and with great taste!)
  8.  8.  Don’t Do it Alone! (…have your MOH or someone close to you be a confidant…)
  9.  9.  Bring in the Bling (Sometimes simplicity makes the biggest statement.)
  10. 10. Best Looks for Brides (…there’s no need for any bride or bridesmaid to feel less than stellar when wearing their dresses.)

 

How to prepare for a Backyard Wedding Reception

 Backyard Weddings, Catering Service, Orange County Catering, Orange County Wedding Caterer
Dec 152011
 

When it comes to weddings, there really is no place like home.

Maybe your parents have an amazing oceanfront home, or Grandma has that perfect country cottage.  But odds are your childhood homestead isn’t quite prepared for 150 wedding guests, 75 cars, 20 waiters, 15 tables, and 1 happy couple.  Although it may be more work (and more expensive) than you anticipated, you won’t regret saying your vows in the place that means the most to you.   It’s all about being prepared for what it takes to throw a wedding in your very own backyard.

You Need Room to Say “I do”

Does your setup have enough space for all your guests? If not, you’ll have to start trimming the list. Don’t mistake overcrowded for cozy. If you plan to use a combination of indoor and outdoor space, know that if the weather takes a turn for the worst, everyone will need to fit indoors. Will there be enough space in, say, the living room, to set up white folding chairs with a wide enough aisle? The general rule is six to ten square-feet of floor space per guest for row-seating. Continue reading »

Vibiana LA

 Catered Holiday Party, Catering, Catering Service, Orange County Catering, Orange County Venues, Orange County Wedding Caterer, Vibiana LA
Nov 282011
 

Whether it is an intimate gathering among one-hundred family and friends, a corporate evening of cocktails for eight hundred, or a fundraiser somewhere in between, Vibiana is the place where any guest will be captivated and enchanted by the celebration that surrounds them.  Above All Catering has been fortunate to cater a few weddings at this unbelievable location.  Here’s the latest!

 

Check out more images from Chelsea Elizabeth Photography

What is a “Groom’s Cake”?

 Wedding Cakes
Nov 212011
 

What is a Groom’s Cake?

Why not surprise your future husband with this special treat?

After all, the day is about both of you right?

Grooms Cake

The Groom’s cake trend is making a HUGE comeback.  The groom’s cake originated from the South.  Intended to be a gift from the bride to the groom, this cake usually reflects the groom’s interests and hobbies, usually dark (often chocolate or liquor-soaked) and does not have any “rosettes” in sight.  We recently had a UCLA, LA Dodgers,  Los Angeles Lakers cake combined in one!

It’s customary for the groom’s cake to be displayed next to the bride’s cake and later cut and put into boxes for guests to take home.  And believe it or not, legend has it that single women are supposed to sleep with a slice under their pillow the same night they receive it — and if they do, they’ll dream of their future husband.  Crazy thought isn’t it?

Orange County Backyard Wedding Receptions!

 Backyard Weddings, Candy Stations, Catering, Catering Service, Orange County Catering, Orange County Venues, Orange County Wedding Caterer
Aug 032011
 

We have been seeing a huge increase in backyard wedding receptions.   Let us transform your backyard into a dream come true reception location.  There are also mansions in orange county that will rent out their home for your special event.  We have all the information you need – just call us!

 

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