Trends | Save the Dates | Share Your News!

Sending a Save the Date is a way to announce your big day to loved ones and ask them to reserve the day for celebrating with you! Although the norm has been to send a card, engagement photo, or magnet – we’re seeing new, sweet motifs incorporated like balloons, desserts, clever photos and almost anything you can think of to adorn with your beloved details. We love what we’re seeing and collected a few of our favorites to share with you:

 

 

 

Collage 1:

Top Left: Take a picture holding hands to form a “M”, you can either hire a photographer to do the work or use a design program such as Photoshop or InDesign.
Top Right: Purchase numbers from a local craft store and paint them,  for the text you can either hire a photographer to do the work or use a design program such as Photoshop or InDesign.
Bottom Right: Craft each of the words for your Save the Date and nail them to a tree, then have some one take your picture.

Collage 2:

Far Left: Print or design how you want to show your save the date. Find a photobooth or have some one take individual pictures and have them assembled and put together; this can be done at a local print or stationary shop.
Top Center: Buy these clever match boxes here
Top Right: For an underwater photo shoot, hire a photographer to take the photos, and take the photos to a local print or stationary shop to print it.
Bottom Center: Design these clever characters here
Bottom Right: You can hire a photographer to do the work for you, or you can purchase a design program such as Photoshop to edit the photo yourself!

Collage 3:

Top Left: Cut cardboard or wood for your design and paint it to your liking.
Top Right: Take a photo in front of a back drop and use a design program such as Photoshop or InDesign to edit and insert text onto your photo.
Bottom Left: Buy this cute calendar here
Bottom Right: Buy this ribbon reminder here

 

Real Weddings | Connie + CJ | The Orlando Science Center

Today we are featuring Connie and CJ’s gorgeous wedding held at The Orlando Science Center. With Spectacular food, a beautiful venue, and all of their friends and family to share their special day – Connie and CJ had all of the elements needed to make for a perfect night.

From their beautiful ceremony at Lake Formosa to their lively reception in the Orlando Science Center, the entire affair was a fun and romantic reflection of their love together. We especially love the unique ways that the couple incorporated CJ’s Filipino culture into their grand celebration. Following the ceremony, the night’s entertainment started out on an exciting note with authentic Philippine dances; the performers had the entire Dino Digs room in applause! As the night progressed, guests enjoyed making the rounds to each of the Chef Bars, and live entertainment had every one on the dance floor. When the cake cutting was announced, everyone gathered around to admire the exquisite cake featuring traditional Kanji symbols and a barong pattern. To compliment the cake, delicious desserts were butler-passed and the coffee bar was opened to toast the night. Congratulations to Connie and CJ, and thank you for letting us join in your celebration!

 

Hors d’Oeuvres

Chef Paul’s Signature Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Shooter

Butternut Squash Bisque Shooter

Oysters on the Half Shell

Artisanal Cheese Presentation hand-picked seasonal cheese assortments from small independent farms complimented by dried fruits, nuts, house made jams, honeycomb, breads, & crackers

 

Chef Bars

Couscous Bar

Sweet Cranberries, figs, slivered almonds, fresh mint, fresh parsley, & apple fig vinaigrette

Savory Olives, feta cheese, radishes, tomatoes, fresh oregano, & champagne vinaigrette

Crispy Bread

Pepper Berry Crusted Lamb Chops

Pepper Berry Crusted Lamb Chops with cracked pepper, bleu cheese & scallion polenta cake with a crimson reduction sauce & topped with micro shiso

Maple Bourbon Glazed Short Ribs

Maple Bourbon Glazed Short Ribs atop a sunchoke & parsnip puree and topped with a thyme au jus & braised leeks

Pan-Seared Mahi Mahi

Pan-Seared Mahi Mahi with cauliflower puree & lemon jam and accompanied by tuxedo orzo

Butler-Passed Mini Plates

Wild Mushroom Confit Crepe atop truffle lentils & served with grain mustard vinaigrette

Butler-Passed Desserts

Candied Ginger Dark Chocolate Truffle with a Kahlua pipette

Spiked Apple Bon Bon with a Hazelnut Croquant served with a Frangelica pipette

Fresh Biscotti almond biscotti, pistachio biscotti & chocolate biscotti

Event Credits:
Venue: The Orlando Science Center
Catering: Puff ‘n Stuff Catering, Heidi Brice
Photography: Photography by Greg
Cake: The Sugar Suite
Florist: Fairbanks Florist

Trends | Wedding Favors | Favors to Rave About!

A wedding favor is the cherished token guests take home after the wedding; it’s the memento that represents your special day.

Although edible favors are traditional choices, non-perishable favors such as photo frames, cooking utensils, magnets, and candles offer unique options for modern weddings. When choosing a favor, keep your guests in mind and give them something that they can love as much as you do!  Even if the per piece cost is a little higher, knowing that your favor can be enjoyed for years to come is priceless. And whether or not your choose an edible favor, any thoughtful and personal gift makes for a sweet ending. Here are some fun ideas to get your creative juices going!

 

Collage 1:

Lollipops
Bride & Groom Apple Pops
Sweetie Pies

Collage 2:

Macaroons
Spread the Love
Wine

Collage 3:

The Perfect Blend Tea Set
Tea Cup with Succulent
Bubbles

Collage 4:

Coffee Mugs with Initials
Cheers to a great Combination Set
Eat Drink and Be Married Glass

Real Events | Pepin Distributing Awards & Recognition Banquet | T Pepin’s Hospitality Centre

Ahoy Maties! Today we are featuring the Pepin Distributing Awards & Recognition Banquet that took place at the spectacular TPepin’s Hospitality Centre in Tampa.  On January 14, Pepin Distributing set a new standard for employee appreciation events with this lively and festive Pirate themed celebration! All hands were on deck to enjoy fun games like hermit crab racing, and guests couldn’t wait to plunder in all the pirate themed interactive entertainment including face painting/scars, a photobooth, green screens & TV’s, and of course Video DJ entertainment.

In honor of this grand awards & recognition program, a delicious Grand International Buffet fit for a Captain was served by the Puff ‘n Stuff Catering team. And shiver me timbers, the buffet was amazing! The three-foot pineapple centerpiece with fresh fruit was surrounded by pirate favorites such as roasted chicken & mango salad, glazed & grilled margarita mahi mahi, Jerk crushed boneless prime rib, Mojito mashed sweet potatoes, and more crew favorites.

By the end of the night, the entire crew was cheerfully singing “Yo Ho Ho” from the Black Beard Lounge! The giant pirate ship outside was a huge hit, and the entire crew posed for pictures to remember this phenomenal night. Scroll below to see some scenes from the night along with the full menu from the Grand International Buffet!

 

Grand International Buffet

Imported & Domestic Cheese Display cheddar, provolone, Swiss Havarti, bleu, Muenster, jalapeno & Chef’s choice artisanal cheese wedges served with crisp gourmet crackers & garnished with fresh fruits

Three-Foot Pineapple Palm Tree Centerpiece with Seasonal Fruit surrounded by mounds of colorful whole & sliced fresh seasonal fruits

Cuban Black Bean Soup topped with creme fraiche

Conch Chowder

Homestead Mixed Green Salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers & purple onions with a Orange vinaigrette

Roasted Chicken & Mango Salad with a Key Lime vinaigrette

Char-Grilled Pineapple with cilantro & black pepper

Hurricane Chicken Breast with Rum sauce

Glazed & Grilled Margarita Mahi Mahi with lime, tomato, garlic & a margarita glaze

Cuban Roast Pork Chef carved and marinated in dark rum, slow roasted & served with pico de gallo

Jerk Crushed Boneless Prime Rib of Beef Chef attended & served with fresh baked silver dollar rolls & horseradish cream

Cajun Fettuccine Alfredo with crawfish, shrimp & Andouille sausage 

Havana Black Beans

Cuban Yellow Rice

Mojito Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Honey Grilled Market Vegetables

Sweet Plantains

Freshly Baked Assorted Rolls offered with butter

Corn Bread

Chef Attended Late Night Breakfast

Shrimp a la Pepino

Pancake Station with choices of fresh fruit, chocolate chis, syrup & whipped cream

Omelet Station

Crisp Applewood Smoked Bacon

Breakfast Sausage Links

Fluffy Scrambled Eggs with Cheese

Traditional Coffee Station

Dessert Station

Key Lime Pie

Chocolate Ganache Cake

Coconut Cake

Banana Rum Cake

Event Credits:

Venue: T Pepin’s Hospitality Centre
Catering: Puff ‘n Stuff Catering, Nicole Briggs
Decor: Extravaganza!
Decor: M6FX

Real Weddings | Christine + Scott | The Palmetto Club

Today we are featuring Christine and Scott’s wedding held at The Palmetto Club. The couple’s elegant style and decor was a perfect fit for The Palmetto Club’s beautifully manicured gardens and gorgeous ballroom. From start to finish, their special day was impeccable!

Great weddings are all about thoughtful details that show the couple’s personality and their care for their guests. Christine and Scott surprised their guests by replacing traditional centerpieces with beautiful and differently flavored cakes. Their guests couldn’t wait to find out what flavor was at their table. Before the “big reveal,” guests made their way to the delicious buffet that Christine and Scott, with the help from our Special Event Planner Aymee Brace, hand-selected for their family and friends to indulge in. Another special element that we loved about this wedding is the way Christine and Scott integrated their children into the wedding ceremony; it was the perfect start for their new lives together. Christine and Scott’s wedding was stunning, and we’re so happy to have been a part of their special day!

 

Butler Passed Hors d’Oeuvres

Rustic Tomato & Mozzarella Bruschetta on grilled Italian bread

Miniature Beef Wellingtons served with Bearnaise sauce

Prosciutto Wrapped Figs stuffed with goat cheese

 

Dinner Buffet

Freshly Baked Artisan Breads

Baby Winter Greens with sun-dried cranberries, candied walnuts, crumbled bleu cheese & mandarin oranges finished with berry vinaigrette

Chicken Champagne with smoked Gouda & caramelized onions in a champagne cream sauce

Dry Rubbed Smoked Beef Brisket served with horseradish, raspberry chipotle sauce and smoky BBQ sauce

Gourmet Mashed Potato Bar with Yukon gold & red skin mashed potatoes and sweet potatoes topped & baked with marshmallows; presented in martini glasses & offered with a variety of toppings including crisp apple-wood smoked bacon, creme fraiche, caramelized Vidalia onions, roasted garlic, shredded cheeses, marshmallows, roasted pecans, whipped butter, chives & cinnamon sugar dust

Italian Zucchini & Summer Squash Medley with plum tomatoes

Penne a la Vodka with shredded Asiago cheese

Event Credits:

Venue: The Palmetto Club
Catering: Puff ‘n Stuff Catering, Aymee Brace
Photographer: Carrie Wildes Potography
DJ: Frank Lebano & Co.
Florist: Events in Bloom
Decor: Events in Bloom
Lighting: Frank Lebano
Cake: Sweeties Delights

Inspiration | Napkin Folds | A Fold Above The Rest

Details, details, details- events are all about the details! Whether you’re hiring a professional Caterer for a grand event or hosting a small party in your own home, choosing the right napkin fold can add so much character to your table scape. We’ve collected twelve popular napkin folds for you to play with! Click on the name below each fold for a step-by-step how to.

 

Napkin Ring                                   Rosebud                                 Goblet Fan

Diamond                                        French                                         Pyramid

Crown                                      Bird of Paradise                             Standing Fan

Fancy Pouch                                   Basic Pouch                               Diamond Pouch

 

Real Weddings | Susan + Christopher | The Ballroom at Church Street

Today we’re featuring Susan and Christopher’s wedding at The Ballroom at Church Street. The Ballroom’s beautiful stained glass windows, chandeliers, and exquisite details set the tone for this romantic wedding. From the moment Susan and Christopher set foot into The Ballroom at Church Street, they knew it was where they would spend their special day.

The newly wedded couple arrived at The Ballroom at Church Street along with their family and friends to begin the wonderful celebration. Their guests were delighted with the three different brunch buffet stations. From salad and pasta to french toast and waffles prepared to order, there were so many delicious options that guests were able to choose as many tasty combinations as their hearts (or stomachs) desired! Toasts were made in Susan and Christopher’s honor, and their family and friends were eager to share in their joy. We’re so thrilled to have been a part of Susan and Christopher’s beautiful celebration!

 

Brunch Buffet

Station 1

Signature Fresh Garden Salad with tomatoes, carrots, cucumber, toasted sunflower seeds, and house-made Parmesan croutons, offered with house-made champagne vinaigrette & ranch dressing

Hawaiian Sweet Rolls

Chicken Duxelles stuffed with mushroom duxelles & brie in a lite cream-thyme sauce

Penne a la Vodka offered with shredded Asiago cheese

Pipette Amatriciana parmesan, Parma ham, Vidalia onions, Roma tomatoes & fresh herbs tossed in a tomato ragout and offered with shredded Asiago cheese

 

Station 2

Frittata with ham & cheddar cheese

Crisp Applewood Smoked Bacon

Breakfast Sausage Links

Shrimp & Grits mascarpone-infused grits topped with Cajun shrimp & fresh cilantro

 

Station 3

French Toast & Waffle Station prepared to order with a choice of fresh strawberries & blueberries, chocolate chips, syrup & whipped cream

Fresh Fruits of the Season offered with a berry yogurt dip

Brie in Phyllo Cups garnished with fresh fruit & filled with raspberry chambord

 

Event Credits:

Venue: The Ballroom at Church Street
Catering: Puff ‘n Stuff Catering, Sandy George
Photography: Sandra Johnson Photography
Wedding Coordinator: Tickled Pink Brides, Megan Bubalo
Cake: Party Flavors
Reception Harpist: Elizabeth Gerberding
Chair Rentals: Orlando Wedding and Party Rentals
Transportation: VIP Transportation
Hair & Makeup: M3 Makeup

Real Weddings | Traci + Bo | The Lange Farm

Today we are featuring Traci + Bo’s elegant southern wedding held at the Lange Farm in Dade City, Florida.  The Garden House at the Lange Farm offers picturesque rolling hills, acres of majestic oak trees, and a Garden House complete with a wrap-around porch, beautiful French doors, chandeliers, and an antique gazebo all working in concert to set the essence of true love and old fashioned romance.

When Traci and Bo’s family and friends arrived, they we’re greeted with tasty passed hors d’oeuvres including Asian beef sates seared with Thai spices & served with a scallion dipping sauce, bacon wrapped potato tots, spinach bouchees, and Key West conch fritters accompanied by a Cajon remoulade. Friends and family enjoyed the beauty of the Lange Farm, and shared the joy of Traci and Bo’s celebration. As guests found their escort cards and seats, they were welcomed to indulge in the much anticipated plated dinner featuring Puff ‘n Stuff Catering’s Champagne Chicken & Grilled Steaks accompanied by garlic smashed potatoes and fresh seasonal vegetables. After dinner, Traci and Bo cut the cake, and basked in the sunset glow of their wedding day. Gorgeous from start to finish, Traci and Bo’s special day was flawless, and the perfect start to their new lives together.

Hors d’Oeuvres

Key West Conch Fritters with Cajon remoulade

Bacon-Wrapped Potato Tot with sour cream & a chive

Asian Beef Sate seared with Thai spices & served with scallion soy dipping sauce

Spinach Bouchee a puff pastry filled with a creamy Boursin spinach dip

Plated Dinner

Fresh Baked Artisan Breads

Mixed Green Salad with grape tomatoes, cucumbers, and purple onions served with ranch & champagne vinaigrette dressings

Chicken Champagne with smoked Gouda and caramelized onions in a champagne cream sauce

Grilled Chateau Steaks in a pinot noir demi glaze

Garlic Smashed Potatoes

Fresh Seasonal Vegetables in a lite lemon butter sauce

 

Event Credits:

Catering: Puff ‘n Stuff Catering, Special Event Planner Aymee Brace
Venue: The Lange Farm
Photography: Carrie Wildes Photography
Cake: Chocolate Pi
Lighting: Wild Out Entertainment

Tips & Tricks | Beat the Holiday After-Effect

The holidays are filled with good times, but sometimes our good times can catch up to us…cue “the hangover.” So what exactly is this awful thing called a hangover?

According to Dr. Oz, “Hangovers are really about the toxicity of the alcohol breaking down in your body that thus causes bi-products that create inflammation, drops in blood sugar levels and acidification. The combination of these bio-chemical events cause the “hangover” symptoms that consist of headaches, nausea, fatigue, etc.”

“When you are faced with the situation of having had more to drink than you anticipated or are going to have an evening where alcohol is involved, there are key factors that will boost your odds of alleviating symptoms and getting your body back to normal as quickly as possible:

1.      Hydration. Keep hydrating yourself with alkaline forming Italian sparkling mineral water ie Pellegrino. Alcohol is a diuretic, which increases urination and is dehydrating and acidifying. Minerals are alkaline forming and will help replace mineral deficits caused by alcohol consumption. Remember not all waters are created equal so choose carefully.

2.      Eat properly before and after your evening by including protein and low glycemic index foods (solid fruits, watermelon, etc ) to counteract the sugar depletion caused by alcohol. This is important to do especially before going to sleep to prevent hypoglycemia – where you have drops or volatility in blood sugar causing headaches, jitters, heart palpitations, anxiousness, night sweats, shakiness. This usually occurs when you are not eating properly and is most common when you are not sleeping. The perfect protein drink to ingest before bed would be Nutritious and Delicious – 15 grams of protein, 2 grams of fat, 19 grams of carbohydrate no gluten, no soy.

3.      The best nutritional solution for treating pain and inflammation caused by an evening of alcohol consumption is taking a buffered, fully reduced, pharmaceutical grade quality, powdered Vitamin C such as the one made by Pure Essentials when combined with Ultra Quercetin (a bioflavonoid) can be a safer alternative to 2 Anacin or 2 Excedrin before going to sleep, as it is an alkaline-forming way to markedly reduce the inflammation which causes the major pain component of the hangover. Take 1/2 tsp Vitamin C mixed with 8oz of Pellegrino and 6 Quercetin before going to sleep and upon rising.”

 

In addition to his great tips, here are some “Hair of the Dog” Remedies to help cure those post-drinking blues!

The Classic:

The original Bloody Mary, or Red Snapper (as it’s called at the St. Regis in New York)is today’s brunch staple all over the world. Recipe as follows:

The Bloody Mary/ The Red Snapper :

• 1 oz. Belvedere vodka
• 2 oz. Tomato juice
• 1 dash lemon juice
• 2 dashes salt
• 2 dashes black pepper
• 2 dashes cayenne pepper
• 3 dashes of Worcestershire sauce

Stir all ingredients together in a tall glass.

 

Hair of the Dog Cocktail:

Ingredients:

• 6 oz Bulldog Gin
• 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
• 2-3 dashes Tabasco sauce
• slice of chili pepper

Preparation:

1. Pour the Bulldog Gin and Tabasco into an ice-filled cocktail shaker’=
2. Shake generously.
3. Strain into a chilled rock glass.
4. Garnish with a chili pepper.

 

Happy New Year from the entire Puff ‘n Stuff Catering team, and we encourage you to enjoy a safe and fun New Year’s Eve!

For further information check out Dr. Oz’s website.

Trends | Mason Jars | From Preserving Jars to Decorations!

What was first invented back in 1858 to preserve and can food, has evolved into a ever-changing piece in today’s events. From drinking glasses to decorations, these useful jars are showing up all over the map. The possibilities are endless, we’ve collected a few of our favorite ways to incorporate mason jars into your special event!

Collage 1:

Top Left: Tie a clear wire or fishing line around the neck of the jar, insert a candle, and hang from the tree branch or other object.

Collage 2:

Top Left: Click here for how for step by step instructions
Bottom Left: DIY: Tint Mason Jars
Right: Mason Jar Chandelier

Collage 3:

Bottom Left: Break open a glow stick, dump it in a jar, shake it up and you have an instant glow stick lantern.
Right: Water down Elmer’s glue to a thin paste. Take colored tissue paper, and place it on the mason jar. Use a paint brush to apply the glue mixture over the tissue paper. Insert a candle and enjoy.

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