Importance of Food Presentation

My ridiculously talented friend, Jen Jaax, is entering the world of food styling. Her newest photos are below. Don't you want to dive right into the "Raspberry Fool?"

As Jen says, you eat with your eyes - and she is certainly right! Food presentation is such an important detail - especially in professional event planning. Simply put, you want your guests to want to eat! Beyond taste testing, make sure you review the presentation skills of your caterer - whether its a buffet or seated meal. Don't be afraid to dive into the details and give specifics of how you want food presented... and think outside the box to use unusual serving platters and enhancements.

I must also give Jen a shout-out for her work in recipe development for Smithfield Foods. The program offers free weekly menu planners to Smithfield website subscribers. Daily emails provide well-balanced, easy to prepare meals and corresponding grocery lists. And, you know if Paula Deen is the spokewoman, the recipes are delish! Visit http://www.smithfield.com/ for more info.

Cloud 9...

It's not a secret that I adore cupcakes... I find them to be delightful, whimsical and, well, delicious! I am so thankful that my new house is right near an Indianapolis gem - The Flying Cupcake. Talk about being on Cloud 9! I picked up 2 for dessert tonight (no, not both for me!) and can't wait to try their famous Red Velvet Elvis.

In Charlotte, I also lived near a cupcake paradise... called Polka Dot Bake Shop it was also delish! Perhaps my subconscious is steering me towards living near these specialty bakeries!

Here are the aforementioned bakeries links - but if you're not in Indy or Charlotte, make sure to find a cupcake bakery near you!

http://www.theflyingcupcakebakery.com/

http://www.polkadotbakeshop.com/

Lastly, I managed to find even bigger fans of the cupcake: the ladies of the blog "The Cupcake Takes the Cake": such a fun read and a sure way to find the best cupcakes in your city!

http://cupcakestakethecake.blogspot.com/

Happy Easter

Inspiration for your Easter table. I love the robin's egg blue with accents of petal pink, white and spring green. The smart mixture of patterns (gingham, strips, solids) and texture (glass, porcelain, linen) ensure a luxurious look.

All images from Carolyne Roehm.

A fabulous Easter Feast from Rachael Ray:

French Onion Crostini - Sugar Snap Peas with Frizzled Mushrooms - Rosemary-Crusted Rack of Lamb with Roasted Fennel and Red Onion - Lemon-Berry Trifle - Prosecco-Berry Sparkler

Green and Gorgeous!

Not to discredit Kermit, but it’s getting easier to be green these days. Organic foods, environmentally friendly paper, and eco-friendly flowers are all ways to ensure your next gathering is green. The quality and selection of green products has expanded and ensure you do not sacrifice style to be environmentally conscious. (Personal note: I am a huge fan of local Farmers Markets!)

Here are some ideas of how to throw an ecologically sound event:

Location, Location, Location:
-Consider an outdoor area such as a park or your own backyard that gives your event a natural sensibility
-Pick a unique local spot--like an art gallery, nonprofit space, organic restaurant or farm, or a botanical garden -For a wedding, have the ceremony and reception at the same location to avoid having your guests drive between the two. If you must use shuttles, use buses that run on biodiesel fuel.

Get the Word Out:
-Buy 100% PCW recycled invitations that are processed without chlorine and printed with vegetable or soy-based ink(s).
-Use tree-free paper made out of hemp, banana stalks, bamboo, kenaf, or organic cotton

Setting the Scene:
-Use real glasses, flatware and tableware. If you must use disposable, use biodegradable dishes and flatware made from cornstarch, sugar cane, or tropical leaves.
-Find a florist that uses flowers from local and/or organic farms or find a grower are your local farmers market and hire them to create bouquets and table arrangements. Don’t have one in your area? Check out: http://www.organicbouquet.com/
-Decorate with branches, dried grasses, grains, greens, berries, or live plants
-Use potted plants (perhaps use in place of cut flowers for centerpieces) that can be given as gifts or enjoyed in your home.
-Use beeswax or soy-based candles

Organic Fare: Design a seasonal, organic menu and use organic wines and beer

Look the Part:
-Wear a vintage outfit
-Pick clothes made from hemp, bamboo, and organic cotton or silk (check out http://www.etsy.com/)
-Borrow from a friend or ensure you purchase something you will wear again.
-If you’re a one-time wearer, make sure to donate your clothing after the event.

Photo credits: Top (L-R): Brides.com; vivaterra.com; goodonpaperdesigns.com; Middle: organicvintners.com; Bottom (L-R): vivaterra.com; vivaterra.com; goodpaperdesigns.com.