Catering Chronicles – Food for Thought

This last week we hosted a spring-time, garden baby shower… indoors. As the seasons change the weather can be quite unpredictable. Planning an outdoor event isn’t always possible. So, garden tables were set with cheery spring colors and market umbrellas, in a quiet little room with windows.

Guests were able to quench their thirst with a Tropical Iced Tea and Lemonade Station. Drinks were dressed with goodies such as berries, pineapple, lemons, oranges, mint, and mango.

The feeling of an outdoor garden was brought in by adorning the market umbrellas with flowers, vines, BUGS, and birdhouses.

Polka dots were a great accent. Square menu cards dressed each plate and a sweet little flag atop each straw declared “and baby makes 3″.  Centerpieces included brightly colored buckets of wheat-grass and favorite candies. Our Mom-to-be invited her guests to fill their little bags with sweets to take home.

A luncheon was served in our garden and the first course was an appetizer trio of Roasted Tomato Basil Bisque topped with a Fried Mushroom Ravioli, an Apricot Mascarpone Almond Tart, and a Bacon Wrapped Banana (NOTE- this is my favorite appetizer).

Followed by a plated lunch of Chicken Caesar Salad with a Parmesan Crisp, Tomato Tortilla Grilled Vegetable Wrap, Asparagus Quiche in a Savory Shell, and a Fresh Fruit Kebab.

THE BEST PART–> Build your own Ice Cream Sundae Bar.

Homemade Praline Bowls drizzled with Chocolate. Sprinkles, nuts, candy bar pieces, and fresh berries.

Mini pies for A La Mode.

Hot Fudge, Warn Caramel, Bananas, Cookie Crumbles, and Whipped Cream.

Such a beautiful day in our indoor garden. Can’t wait to meet the newest little member of The Jay’s Family when she arrives next month. Best wishes to Dad, Mom, and Grandma.

Well it appears that there is still a love affair with Dessert Tables. However, the consensus is they are changing. Here are a few of my favorites from the past year. Each one different, embracing the clients style, taste, and personality.

Rustic and vintage, yet surprisingly chic. This sweet table was set at a ranch where burlap, old cupcake tins, and heirloom pieces were used. Sweets included: cheesecake bites, French macarons, chocolate lollicakes, blueberries, Bavarian filled cupcakes, and a sweet vintage cake for the bride and groom to cut.

Set in the most glamorous and grand Vibiana, this dessert table was for a family whose Italian heritage ran deep.  Set on a table with rich linens and adorned with iron pieces, traditional family favorites were served. These included; mini tiramisu shooters, cappuccino cream puffs, chocolate dipped strawberries, snowball cookies, mini cannoli, and biscotti prepared with Grandma’s recipe.

Let the Fiesta begin. This table set at Serra Plaza, on antique boxes and a vintage harvest table from Found, has so much color and personality. The use of red glass and iron spoons added to the old world feel. Traditional Latin favorites were served in smaller sizes. These included; fruit empanadas with a Grand Marnier Cream sauce, tres leches, creme caramel, decadent gourmet brownies, chocolate dipped and pistachio covered strawberries, and Mexican wedding cookies.

A soft and sweet vintage Dessert Table set at Bella Collina. All white linens and risers were used to display family heirlooms. The mini treats were all iced and dipped in white or old rose to keep with the vintage theme. The sweets included; Bavarian filled vanilla cupcakes dusted with coconut and topped with vintage roses, cheesecake bites, and lollicakes. A tall stacked cake was presented for the bride and groom to cut.

We had so much fun the other night at our Tasting Event with The Ebell Club. It’s a great evening of food, cocktails, sweets, and great conversations. The Ebell Club is set just as you would see it on your wedding day and we serve up cocktails, appetizers, dinner, and a sweets station. We met so many amazing couples and I can’t wait to see all of the details they bring in this year. What a wonderful gathering of brides and their entourages. A huge thanks to Gavin and Erin from Gavin Wade Photographers ( a preferred for Ebell) for the photos.

Mousse (pronounced /ˈmus/) is derived from the French word which means “lather” or “foam”. So, you know I never miss a food holiday… we have an abundance of mousse around here. A dessert mousse is typically made from egg, cream, sugar, and chocolate, and is usually combined or layered with other flavors such as puréed fruit, sauces or whipped cream. As you can see, ours come in many flavors and toppings. Which is your favorite? Happy Mousse Day!

Why settle for one dessert when you can serve up a table full of mini treats? Jay’s offers many choices when it comes to sweets. Our popular Sweet and Social Dessert tables are definitely crowd-pleasers, with something for everyone. Whether a holiday gathering, corporate gala, or wedding celebration, these tiny delectables can be decorated to fit your theme.