Wedding Themes We Love! | Part Four | San Diego Catering

Welcome to Part Four of our WTWL (Wedding Themes We Love) Series!

 

In this section, we’ll stray away from generalized “Moods,” such as we’ve shown represented in a Romantic or Modern theme.

Instead, we’re shining a light on Specified Subject Themed Weddings.

Some couples have a distinct shared event, pin-pointed hobby/interest, or even holiday that they feel defines a significant part of their relationship, and that subject steers couples towards the theme of their special day!

Travel

Here’s a theme that has become super attractive to young adventurous couples recently!

We’ve seen so many creative ways to incorporate travel into the smallest details for a wedding.

Photographer: Sara France Photography. Venue: Darlington House of La Jolla.

Above, a talented couple was able to recreate the Adventure Book from Disney’s “UP!” used as their suggestion/sign-in book where they asked their guests for new travel destination inspiration.

Guests can even pick up personalized ticket/escort cards to find their seats, seen below!

Photographer: Fleeting Fox Photography

 

This witty Flight Attendant had her garters custom made from pieces at her job!

Photographer: Fleeting Fox Photography

 

Have guests sign an atlas to use in your future travels!

Photographer: Fleeting Fox Photography. Venue: Mt. Woodson Castle.

Use a globe as a sign-in book or destination suggestion/card box.

Have your guests fill out postcards to themselves for you to send when you’re on your adventures!

Photographer: Fleeting Fox Photography

Vintage suitcases make perfect displays for favors or photo booth props.

Photographer: Robin Harris Images

 

 

Tropical

Can’t wait till the honeymoon?

Excitement over palm leaves, tropical flowers, and island escapes have been blowing up over the last few seasons!
Honestly, we can’t blame these couples for falling in love with the neon, retro, exotic, frond-filled paradise they’ve created.

Photographer: Dear Lovers Photography. Florist: Splendid Sentiments. Venue: Harbor View Loft.

Like being dropped into a jungle, minus the heat and humidity, a wedding in a garden venue such as the San Diego Botanical Gardens, would be a perfect affordable tropical escape.

Venue: San Diego Botanical Gardens

 

This happy couple brought the exotic beaches of Cuba to their big day through the use of palm fronds.

Photographer: Logan Cole Photography. Florist: Joy of Bloom Florals. Venue: Darlington House of La Jolla

 

Correctly placed printed palms can establish the proper mood as well!

Photographer: Logan Cole Photography. Florist: Joy of Bloom Florals. Rentals: Adore Folklore.

 

Fiction

If you and your love are fans of any fictional world, we’re talking about anything from Disney, Star Wars, Harry Potter, or Game of Thrones here is some inspiration!

Have your wedding in an actual castle!

 

Your favorite books can be centerpieces or table numbers as a creative way to get your guests to their correct tables.

Photographer: True Photography Venue: Mt. Woodson Castle

 

The Cake Topper is often a personalized reflection of the Bride and Groom, why not make it a fun version of yourself?

Photographer: True Photography

 

After your event, using the centerpieces as your guests’ wedding favors is a sure way to immerse them in your favorite fantasy world.

 

Holidays

Popular holidays such as Christmas, Halloween, St. Patrick’s Day, Valentine’s Day, etc. have been used as inspiration for a couple’s wedding theme as well.

These dates can be attached to important cultural events or meaningful family moments that are influential enough to be an underlying spirit throughout the wedding.

Are you looking for a little extra luck on your big day? In the picture above, the couple wanted to celebrate their strong connection to their Irish roots, and threw their wedding on St. Patrick’s Day!

 

A white winter wedding can be like a second Christmas with the chilly weather and gathering of family. Subtle decor, like the pinecones below, can be a discrete nod to the holiday season without covering everything in tinsel.

Photographer: ABM Photography

 

Hobbies

Whether it be a specific sport, activity, or shared interest, if you and your loved one share a passion, why not bring it into your wedding planning?

Photographer: True Photography

 

For example, this couple wanted to bring their love for Baseball into their celebrations for loving each other!

Photographer: True Photography

 

This caffeine craving couple custom printed their favorite drinks onto their toasting glasses!

Photographer: Dapper Images

 

All in all, a wedding day is all about celebrating love!

If a couple loves a particular subject almost as much as they love each other, use it as a launching point for a wedding theme!

Chances are, it’ll be no surprise to any friends or family who know the happy couple, and everyone loves a customized wedding.

 

Feel free to Reach Out to our talented coordination team for answers to any planning questions!

 

Keep an eye out for Part Five of our WTWL Series, coming soon!

Valentine’s Winter Open House | The BRICK | San Diego Event Catering

 

See us at BRICK’s Winter Open House!

The clock strikes midnight on February 15th. In that instant, romance is off the shelves, perched on discount racks, and tragically forgotten.

But if you’re up for a little more love in the air, BRICK is throwing their Winter Open House, February 19th!

The perfect belated Valentine’s date, or Galentine’s night out, this event will be a hopeless romantic’s dream!

From 6-9 pm, see us in action as we serve up our best, and take in all of the stunning love-inspired florals, rentals, and decor from other talented San Diego vendors.

This exclusive event is free for our amazing clients and their friends or family. So, click HERE to let us know if you’re interested in joining us!

 

 

Other Participating Vendors:

Platinum Event Rentals

Folklore Rentals

New Creations SD

DJ Hot Chocolate

Frost Me Gourmet

Wednesday Cake

Andrea David Photo

The CLLCTIVE

Voice & Video

Posh Privy

Diamond Daughters

BRICK Beverage

BRICK Coordination

 

 

Wedding Themes We Love! | Part Three | San Diego Catering

Here we are again for Part Three of our

“Wedding Themes We Love!” Series

 

 

Romantic

In Part One of this series, we mentioned the Formal/Traditional Themed wedding as the most often mentally pictured for a wedding.
If Formal the first, thanks to Hollywood, the Romantic Theme would be the close second.
This theme is most natural to blend with others, and frankly, there are very few weddings that wouldn’t fall under the Romantic spectrum.

The defining characteristic of this theme?
All the florals, bigger is better, especially in loose, wild arrangements as though plucked from an enchanted forest.

Florals below by Flora Glamor

Photo by Gabriel Conover Photography

Everything is in pastels like cream, blush, lilac, sage, and cornflower blue.

Photo by Fleeting Fox Photo

No hard edges or defined lines.
Like walking in a dream, everything is soft and flowing with a life of its own.

Photographer: Gabriel Conover Photography

Warm glowing hanging lights, like the classic Market or cheerful Christmas lights, add to the ambiance.

Photographer: Fleeting Fox Photo

Plunge your guests into an ethereal atmosphere where magic seems closer than ever, and they feel like they’re part of your fairy tale!

Photographer: True Photography

This theme can fit any dining style due to its versatility! So take a closer look at your guests and their needs instead.
Have a reasonably young crowd excited to dance? Go with a “Moving Style.”
Are you looking for something more traditional for your fairytale wedding? The Seated or Buffet dining option is more your scene!

 

 

Whimsical

This theme is for the unconventional couple looking to embrace the unexpected on their special day, hoping to wow their guests!

Photographer: True Photography

If your mood is “Don’t take life so seriously, this is a party,” then this is the theme for you!

Photographer: Bella Grace Lynn Photography

Mismatched decor works well for this idea, so go wacky, unique, and eccentric for your big day.

The bottom line is always to think bright, colorful, and happy!

Photographer: Bella Grace Lynn Photography

If you and your partner are both a little quirky, be proud and let it reflect in your centerpieces, signs, everything!

Photographer: Mirage + Light Photography

Due to its young, fun-loving, casual, unconventional nature, going with a “Moving” or Small Plate Style dining for this theme seems like the best fit.
A Buffet is a fun option for this theme, too, if wedding guests would feel more comfortable casually sitting to chat throughout the night.

 

 

Alternative

On the opposite end of the color spectrum, a couple doesn’t have to be bright and cheery to be unconventional!

Photographer: Mirage + Light Photography. Florist: Love Her Madly

No need for sunglasses inside to battle the neon aesthetic like in the theme above.
This theme tends to feel more formal with a nod towards modern class and sophistication.

Photographer: Jessie Schultz Photography

It’s perfect for the offbeat couple who are looking for something broody and beautiful.

Darker, jeweled tones promote a moody color palette that can be just as romantic as the pastels!

Photographer: Aubree Lynn Photography. Florist: Studio Fleurish

We love the idea of smokey grays embellished in champagne or wheat.
Or perhaps a palette inspired by the sky at night calls to your heart!

Photographer: Val Dostalek Photography. Florist: Splendid Sentiments

We can see Small Plate or “Moving” Style dining perfect for this theme, but with its formal air, a Seated dinner could also be a smart choice!

 

 

Coming Soon!

Keep a lookout for Part Four of this series as we explore the Tropics, and some clever Travel themed weddings, (for those who can’t wait for the honeymoon!)

 

 

 

 

 

12 Ideas For Your Birthday Party Catering

Looking for catering ideas for your next birthday event? You have come to the right place! When it comes to your birthday party, your celebration should be as smooth and stress-free as possible. Therefore, it is essential to choose an experienced and trustworthy San Diego party catering company. By choosing the best birthday party catering team, your event will come to life. It may even exceed your expectations!

Depending on your preferences, you may want a more casual, low-key celebration. Or, you may want a multi-course meal with a beautiful centerpiece as the highlight of your event. This is why it is important to book an experienced catering company. With the right team on your side, your party will be executed with style and creative vision.

Below are 12 Birthday Party Catering ideas to inspire you for your upcoming celebration.

Beverages for Your Birthday Party Catering

A Variety of Exotic Shakes/Drinks/Juices

Need to please a wide variety of age groups? Try a beverage menu that consists of unique mocktails. Or, step it up a notch and add gourmet ice-cream topped shakes. These colorful drinks, paired to match the theme, will be a playful addition to any event. For your featured menu item, consider adding a signature birthday drink named after yourself. Your guests will love it!

High Tea

Ideal for Spring birthdays, high tea creates a refined atmosphere for small groups. For fun, encourage your guests to come dressed in their finest attire. Once they arrive, your guests will sample an array of petite sandwiches, tarts, and pastries with their tea. Consider a tea menu with various options, such as herbal and fruit-infused brews. Also, be sure to serve a balance of savory and sweet food items.

Coffee Bar

With the rising popularity of small cafes, why not have a coffee bar at your catered birthday event? Think about providing cafe-staples such as nitro, cold-brew, and dairy-free choices. This will give guests the flexibility of several options. If possible, have the coffee bar provided by your caterer, or from a local coffee shop. Make sure to have an expert barista running the show. This way, your guests will be thrilled to order coffee to their liking.

Popular Appetizer Options

Finger Foods

With a big and social crowd, we encourage serving finger foods and bite-sized portions. This way, you will make it convenient for guests who like to mingle. Additionally, smaller serving will enable guests to try a bit of everything. Try to portion servings in individual cups, as opposed to stationed bowls. If you do, your guests will be free to move around the party.

Taco Bar & Mini Margaritas

Who doesn’t love tacos? These Mexican staples are a great option for birthday party catering. With endless toppings and combinations, tacos are always an excellent choice for parties. Add mini margaritas and you have an instant crowd-pleaser.
Birthday Party Catering Crowd Pleasers

Chef’s Table

Does your catering company have an imaginative chef? If so, ask if the chef would be willing to conduct a hands-on demonstration of a favorite dish. This way, guests can see the food prepared, and connect through the immersive, shared experience. It is both interactive and appealing to the senses!

BBQ

BBQs are a great option for a Summertime celebration. Consider an outdoor BBQ featuring a smoked dry rub brisket, pulled pork, and shrimp on the barbie. Pair it with local craft beer on tap or lemonade. This way, you have the perfect combination for your summer birthday party catering event.

Seafood Boil

Want guests to bond over great food and conversation? If so, a seafood boil may be just what you need. Start with fresh seafood and ingredients like corn, potatoes, and andouille sausage. Add some aromatic cajun spices and your guests will crowd around! This is an excellent option for casual, low-key events. It is both delicious and fun activity for all guests. Pair it with signature sweet tea, a Southern classic.

Hawaiian Luau

Another option to consider for a large, casual event is a Hawaiian Luau-themed birthday party. By smoking a whole Kalua pig smoked in tea leaves for hours, it becomes a tender, flavorful entree. Add pillowy Portuguese Sweet Bread, baked Mahi Mahi, and fresh Tuna Poke to round out the menu. To create the right environment, consider decorative hibiscus flowers, pineapples, and fruity cocktails. As the overall theme of a Luau is to entertain a large gathering and enjoy a feast, Luaus create the perfect environment of bringing people together.

Cultural Menu Favorites

International Cuisine

When hiring a caterer, it’s important to find a company with a wide range. For example, your caterer should have expertise in different cultural cuisines. This way, it will help to create unique dining experiences. Instead of staple foods, why not serve Korean BBQ, or Halal Chicken and Rice? Consider a mobile bar as well, such as a Michelada and oyster station. Or, add a cart that serves an array of tequila-based cocktails. This puts the food and beverages in a centralized location. It ensures your guests won’t miss any moments during your event.

Oktoberfest

Celebrate the fall with an Oktoberfest-themed celebration. Greet guests with themed hats and their own custom beer steins. So that guests have a memento of your event, consider a specialty photo booth! Menu essentials to consider are bratwurst + sauerkraut, schnitzel, and Bavarian pretzels. You can even serve various German beers on tap! To go all-out, consider hiring a traditional Bavarian band as the live entertainment. This will take the ambiance of your Oktoberfest-themed event to the next level.

Italian

A hearty winter pasta themed birthday is a crowd-pleaser. For example, try hearty dishes such as Baked Ziti, Lemon-Basil Ricotta Stuffed Shells, Spaghetti, Carbonara, Fettuccine Alfredo, Lasagna. Pair with a wine tasting menu and bruschetta appetizers.

Final Thoughts About Birthday Party Catering

The possibilities are only limited by your imagination. An experienced catering company will be able to tailor an entire event package that best fits your needs. And our expertise extends beyond catering. For example, if you need linens, decor, and china, you will benefit from an all-inclusive package.

The catering service you choose to work with should be able to help you assemble your event team. As an established caterer, we will provide you with connections to popular vendors. We at Personal Touch Dining strive to provide our clients with all the help they need to bring their ideas to life.

Let us create a special birthday party catering menu that you’ll remember for years to come. We’ll do the heavy lifting for you to focus on enjoying the event itself. That is our promise to you!

7 Things To Include In Your Wedding Coffee Bar

Planning a wedding? Not sure what to include in your reception? With the popularity of gourmet cafes, coffee bars are becoming a fun addition to wedding receptions. If you are considering including coffee bar at your wedding, below are some suggestions for staple items you may want to have at your event. Here are 7 ideas for what to include in your wedding coffee bar.

Themed Wedding Coffee Bar

Rather than a plain coffee station, consider having a themed coffee bar that suits the ambiance of your wedding. Below are some theme ideas you could possibly incorporate into your own event.

Classic Coffee Station

This is an option for venues opting for a simple, contemporary theme. This theme uses little to no decor apart from simple signage indicating what the station is for. Crisp white linens and refillable pots are commonly used for such a theme. Consider using a centerpiece behind the coffee station celebrating the couple for guests to sign, with individual sugar packets housed by small wooden boxes.

Vintage Coffee Bar

A vintage theme provides flexible options when it comes to decorative choices. This could consist of retro-inspired decor from the decade of your choice, or a Victorian theme. Try incorporating silver and glass elements with antique, vintage wood surfaces to add a touch of elegance.

Country Coffee Station

Common design elements used in Country-themed wedding coffee bars include large chalkboard wedding signage and wooden-slate tabletops. Custom mason jar mugs etched with symbols from the wedding are another addition to personalize the experience for your event.

Various Coffee Flavors for Your Wedding Coffee Bar

For weddings in cooler months, you may want to consider a variety of hot coffee options. Popular cafe items include lattes, cappuccinos, espressos, and mochas. Iced versions of these beverages for summer weddings are also an option.

You may want a seasonal flavor to match the theme of your wedding. Examples include pumpkin spice for an autumn wedding or peppermint for a winter event. Or, pair a favorite flavor with your wedding cake, such as a white chocolate mocha with a white chocolate cake. Additionally, you can feature a coffee-based dessert cocktail once afternoon becomes evening. Coffee and Kahlua shots are a popular choice.

The inclusion of hot cider, cocoa, and a number of loose leaf tea options for non-coffee drinkers ensures accommodation for all guests.

Custom Drinkware

For a more personalized approach to your coffee bar, you may want to include custom some elements. Personalized ceramic mugs can double as party favors. Alternatively, a convenient option is to-go cups. Personalized sleeves can display a custom message tailored to the event. You can try monogrammed toppings for your foamy lattes, and even monogrammed stirrers.

Treats and Condiments for Your Wedding Coffee Bar

In addition to beverages, cafes offer small food items to accompany their coffee. Some ideas you can borrow from these cafes include chocolate-dipped stirrers, biscotti, croissants, cake pops that match the color of your wedding, and assorted cupcakes.

You will most likely want a variety of dairy and non-dairy milk options for guests with allergies. Common cafe items include milk, cream, soy milk, and almond milk.

As another bonus for your guests, you can include a small selection of various mix-ins and toppings. These include, but are not limited to:

  • Whipped cream
  • Chocolate shavings
  • Sprinkles
  • Crushed peppermint
  • Creamer
  • Butterscotch chips
  • Marshmallows
  • Cinnamon sticks
  • Flavored syrups

The number of options available will increase the overall satisfaction amongst guests. These items can be part of a self-service coffee bar if you prefer. This will give guests the flexibility to mingle and customize their drink to their liking.

Final Thoughts about Wedding Coffee Bars

As you can see in the examples above, your wedding coffee bar can be tailored to suit the theme of your event. These are only a handful of possible ideas and meant as a starting point of things to include in your wedding coffee bar.

An experienced catering company will tailor your coffee bar to your needs. An established catering company will also provide you with options and fulfill your exact needs through their connections in the industry. For example, Personal Touch Dining strives to provide the very best in catering services for our clients. Every event we handle is handled with utmost care.

With our years of experience working in food & beverage catering, we will take your ideas to another level beyond your wildest imagination, created especially for you in mind. We make the process convenient and stress-free, so our clients can sit back and enjoy their event of a lifetime. Don’t leave your catering to chance. We don’t just bring your creative ideas to life. With our expertise, we elevate your initial ideas to be the best they can be.

Full-service event catering ideas for hosting a perfect Corporate Holiday Party

Planning a corporate holiday party can be a daunting task, as it is more often than not the biggest event of the year. It is a morale-booster and a way to develop the company’s culture. It can be overwhelming to plan such a large even around the holidays. However, with the right planning and resources, it doesn’t have to be.

Here are some full-service catering tips for the perfect corporate holiday party.

Corporate Holiday Party Dining Options

During the holiday party, it is essential that all team members feel included as part of the festivities. Elect teams to manage different aspects of your event, to keep everyone engaged and feel valued. Set up a drink and souvenir station upon entry (silly hats?) to welcome guests and set the mood for a fun, holiday event. Once guests approach the main area, you’ll want to plan the logistics of how guests will dine at your event. Options are always a good choice. They ensure a stress-free experience for all guests to let them enjoy the festivities and take everything at their own pace.

Variety Is the Spice of Life

Employees will feel appreciated and part of the team by offering menu items and holiday traditions based on your employees’ backgrounds.You could have a sushi and ramen station across from a tapas bar, followed by meditarranean offerings at a third station.

Label Everything

Food allergies are very common. In fact, an estimated 32 million Americans have at least one food allergy. To accommodate for employees with allergies and food sensitivities, clearly label all of your menu offerings. Also, be sure to offer a wide assortment of menu items. This will ensure a stress-free holiday experience for those with allergies.

Team-Building

White Elephant

It is common practice across many organizations to host holiday party gift-exchanges between employees. They are a way for employees to feel valued, and for the company to encourage the holiday spirit. Each participant supplies a wrapped gift (the organizer should determine gift criteria prior to the event.) Players determine which order they will take turns selecting gifts. The first person opens a wrapped gift, ending their turn. Each subsequent turn, a participant has the option of unwrapping a new gift, or stealing another player’s. Consider having one at your corporate holiday party to entertain your guests.

Choose a Theme

A theme goes a long way, as it sets the mood for decor and dining options. Subtle details, like table decorations, can establish the tone for the Holiday spirit. A well-executed theme also encourages employees to loosen up, and to enjoy the festivities. When selecting a theme, other elements to take into consideration are lighting, costumes, seating arrangements, and plating, to name a few.

Photobooth for Your Corporate Holiday Party

Photobooths are increasing in popularity at events, as they are interactive and enable guests to create their own memories. Consider including one at the entrance of your event or in a designated area beside the bar. This way, guests can snap an impromptu photo while waiting for their order. Consider staging the photo booth with holiday decor to match the theme of your event.

Decide on Drinks

You may want to narrow down your alcoholic beverage options to limit intoxication while still letting guests enjoy the event. For example, prepare a Signature cocktails in small taster size glasses. This enables your invitees to enjoy the taste of a holiday drink. It also minimizes the risk of over-indulging. Another option is to limit your beverage menu to wine and beer only, eliminating the hard alcohol altogether..

Build-Your-Own-Dessert Bar

Giving your guests the option to create their own dessert offers an unparalleled experience, as no two creations will be the same. Allowing such customization options and engagement will be sure to entertain your guests.

The Space

Finding the right venue to host your party is essential, as it ensures your party will be executed to its full potential. Choose a venue that is appropriate based on the size of your event and projected number of attendees.

Timing

Will your event need to be on a weekday or will it work best on a weekend? Consider which option will work best for the majority of your guests. This decision will make considerable impact on other details, and planning the date as early as possible will ensure plans go as smoothly as possible.

To Buffet or not to Buffet

Holiday parties are typically served buffet-style or by wait staff. Once you determine the menu items and number of attendees, you may find that one works better for your needs. For example, if you are planning a corporate holiday with a large number of guests, consider opting for buffet-style. Lines will move relatively quickly, enabling guests to socialize and dine at their leisure.

If you plan on serving a buffet, consider menu items that tie in with the holiday season. This could include cheese platters with a wide assortment of crackers and preserved fruit, as well as finger-foods that are easy to eat with minimal mess.

Instead of one long buffet, you may want to set up different stations that serve various small plates. This will reduce the risk of long lines. Guests will appreciate quick access to various freshly-made small portions. They will also be able to try everything your party has to offer.

Summary

We at Personal Touch Dining bring extensive experience and resources to execute your perfect corporate holiday party. We are a premier San Diego catering company that can provide you with all of the options above and more. Whether you need a full-service holiday catering event, or prepared meals, we are here to accomodate to your needs. Bring us your ideas! We will not only bring them to fruition, but use them as a foundation to inspire our own creativity and recommendations. You are only limited by your imagination.

Beyond catering, we offer venues to host your event, bar service, and a large list of partner vendors. This helps you to bring sophisticated events together, all in one place. Drop us a line today, and let’s talk about your upcoming holiday party!

Wedding Themes We Love! | Part Two | San Diego Catering

Welcome back for

Part Two of our “Wedding Themes We Love” Series!

 

Last time, in Part One of our series, we focused on Formal/Traditional and Modern themes, and while their elegance will never falter, we’re kicking our heels off for this post!

 

Vintage

 

Softer than a modern look, a Vintage theme can express old-world elegance minus all the polish of the two previous ideas.

With the clever use of repurposed antiques, Accessory Tables can add to the overall feel of a rare collection brought back for your special occasion.

 

 

Bringing in classic cars, or vintage dresses can add that flair for the refined charm you’re seeking.

 

A new trend that fits perfectly with this theme is the bold lounge areas with well-loved furniture we keep seeing!

 

 

Let your guests lounge in luxury, taking iconic social media pictures on these gorgeous styled sets!

 

 

Don’t forget the vintage bus!

 

 

The dining style to best fit this theme is a couple’s choice, meaning anything could fit beautifully because of the flexibility of the motif.

 

Try a buffet-style service and include a gorgeous antique visual focal point to bring cohesion to the room.

 

Art Deco!

 

 

Great Gatsby-esque parties are a fantastic inspiration for the vintage, yet glitzy, couple who want to really wow their guests.

 

 

This lavish, golden glamorous motif is a blend of vintage, modern, and formal.

 

So feel free to have that seated dinner style and keep the dance floor alive with a full jazz band!

 

 

For invitations, you can’t go wrong with zippy fonts, intricate geometric shapes, and sharp lines.

 

 

Think “vintage allure,” try to seduce your guests with luxurious champagne promises, and hypnotize with glitter.

 

 

Don’t be afraid to think outside of the box with this theme!

 

Exquisite hotels don’t have to be the only option for this motif; we’d love to see someone recreate an “Orient Express” experience for their guests.

 

For the dining style, we suggest Small Plate entrees at food stations around the room.

 

This motif is all about being young, vibrant, and lively!

Keeping the dining style more socially inclined with some smaller cocktail, or belly-bar, tables for quick bites on the go will suit this energy the best.

 

 

More themes are yet to come, so keep an eye out for Part Three of this series, coming soon!

 

Venue Appreciation Post | La Jolla Women’s Club | San Diego Catering

 

The La Jolla Woman’s Club

 

Photographer: Sutography Weddings

 

According to the official website, this historic venue was established, and the club created in 1914.

The organization’s objective is “to work in all ways and at all times for the welfare of the world at large and the community of La Jolla, CA and to be a center for educational, cultural, artistic, moral and social betterment.”

 

 

With its timeless elegance and rich charm, it’s one of our favorite venues to make the magic happen!

 

 

The ample space available allows for flexibility both indoors and out for the ceremony and reception!

 

Photographer: Sutography Weddings

 

Historic stained glass windows, like heavenly bodies, watch from above as the stage hosts live bands and DJs ready to keep your dancefloor popping!

 

Photographer: Sutography Weddings

 

Working with this incredible venue for as long as we have, we’ve always appreciated the refined elegance they incorporate into their daily practices.

 

 

We just wanted to give them a little shoutout for keeping us in mind for all these years of wonderful memories and incredible events!

We’re so honored to be considered part of the past, as well as a future!

 

Wedding Themes We Love! | Part One | San Diego Catering

Motif, Theme, or Inspiration: Express Yourself Throughout Your Event!

 

With so many avenues to go down, deciding on a single theme for a wedding to fit a couple’s personality can be tricky.

We’ve brainstormed and come up with 12 general themes that can be tweaked to represent any combination of unique combined personalities as accurately as possible.
We’ll dive into the most theme-appropriate decor choices, best dinner service methods, entertainment options, and more for each!

Formal/Traditional

 

When asked to picture a wedding, most would visualize something huge, fluffy, with white everywhere.
In reality, the closest to this vision would be a Traditional wedding, but it can be so much more than just clouds of white!
Let’s peek into the lives of the upper class with this “White Wedding” everyone imagines!

 

 

Start with a “Black Tie” dress code.

This theme can be the perfect excuse to dress to the nines, and why not look like a red carpet movie star on your big day?
This type of affair is for those couples who want a grandiose and unforgettable night for their guests.

 

 

Visualize your dining tables with complete table settings, traditional proper cutlery, and glassware for a full sit-down style meal.

Tables should also feature posh decor with gorgeous flower arrangements.
Finally, a magnificent head table as the focal point of the room is necessary, and don’t forget lots of crystal!

 

Modern

 

A step down on the scale of traditional extravagance, with the same formal air, a Modern event is for the new-age Formal couple.

Always in-the-know with current events, the grand florals are replaced with clean lines in geometric shapes to provoke a minimalist mindset.

 

 

Your guests should notice how sleek and polished everything is, and a venue can enhance this with exposed structural beams or lighting for an industrial edge.

 

 

Stick with a seated dinner as a nod to the feel of elegance reminiscent of the old traditions, or go with a moving-style dinner service!

Also called a small-plate style, it allows guests to serve themselves from different food stations.
It’s a fabulous combination of the fashionable plated meal with a buffet amount of food.

 

Our next topic themes will be Vintage and Art Deco in Part Two of this series, so keep an eye out for those on the way!

 

10 Clever Fall Party Ideas for Your Cozy Outdoor Event

example of outdoor fall party ideasCozy bonfires. Warm toasty marshmallows. Good friends and great times. The right outdoor fall party ideas can help you take your event from casual get together to an unforgettable and Insta-worthy night.

Need some inspiration for your holiday party catering, theme and ambiance? Consider these fall outdoor party ideas for décor and food for your next gathering. From hot chocolate to rustic décor, these fall outdoor party ideas will set the tone (and make for some striking photos too.)

1. Chalkboard Pumpkin Menus

Pumpkins don’t just make great centerpieces – you can also put them to work. A little bit of chalkboard paint can turn a plain pumpkin into a functional menu board.

Since pumpkins come in all shapes and sizes, you can find extra-large ones if needed. Or, pick up several for each portion of your menu, including drinks, appetizers, entrees, and desserts.

2. Hot Chocolate Bar or Cider Bar

Is there anything better on a crisp fall night than curling up around a bonfire with a piping hot mug of hot chocolate? Bring some excitement to your outdoor fall party with a custom crafted hot chocolate bar. Guests will love choosing between different mix-ins and toppings.

You could also go the same route with cider. Start with a jug of hot cider and set up a table filled with cinnamon sticks, mini rum shots, apple slices, dried cranberries, whipped cream, salted caramel, and mini donuts. Or have your bartender prepare a cinnamon infused cider cocktail!

3. Hay Bale Seating

Play up the fall theme with a rustic hay bale seating arrangement. You can make these bales extra comfortable by stacking them into couch shapes with backrests, and cementing them into place with stakes.

Throw some comfy quilts over the hay, and you’ve got picturesque and practical seating for plenty of guests!

4. Branch Out with Your Color Scheme

Orange, brown, and black – these are the holiday standby colors. Instead of sticking with the same old fall color scheme, expand your décor with trendy options.

Bold colors work well for the colder fall nights. Royal blue, deep purple, emerald green, burgundy, bronze, and mustard all put a fresh spin on traditional fall themes. Don’t worry, you can still include some bright orange pumpkins or squash with your outdoor fall party ideas.

5. Keep Cozy Blankets Nearby

Blankets are a must for fall backyard party ideas. You could add to the décor by draping blankets over tree branches, fence posts, and anywhere else you think a guest may reach for one.

You could also pick up a galvanized steel bucket and heat bricks in an open fire. Place the hot bricks at the bottom of the bucket topped with a layer of aluminum foil, roll up the blankets, and fill the bucket.

Instant warm blankets!

6. Design a Hearty Fall Menu

Isn’t food the best part of any unforgettable get-together? A mac n’ cheese bar filled with BBQ pulled pork, sautéed mushrooms, crispy bacon, jalapenos, truffle oil, parmesan, and blistered potatoes has a little something for everyone.

You could also opt for a pumpkin or squash-themed spread. Ham and swiss sliders with spiced pumpkin sauce for dipping are sure to get people talking. For a meatless choice, try butternut squash chimichangas with roasted corn, sugar carrot, ranchero sauce, cheese, and black beans. Don’t feel like you have to come up with all the menu options yourself. Your professional holiday party catering team will have ideas to share!7. Candy Corn Décor

Plenty of people aren’t fond of candy corn but it still makes a great focal point for your décor. Fill the bottoms of clear glass vases and bowls with candy corn and use them to prop-up your utensils or other decorations.

8. Play Up a Dessert Spread

Fall party ideas wouldn’t be complete without some sweet treats. A ‘smores station fits the occasion nicely. Let guests put together their own marshmallows, graham crackers, chocolate bars, and peanut butter cups.

9. Go All-Out with the Centerpiece and Décor

Autumn provides great themes for centerpiece options so there’s no need to be shy here. Pumpkins, ribbon, candy, leaves, candles, twinkling lights – pick a theme and run with it.

Since the days are shorter, consider including unique lighting into your fall outdoor party ideas like white, gold, or orange Christmas lights, hanging lanterns, or flameless candles.

10. Don’t Forget the Late-Night Snacks

For parties that run through the late evening hours, consider serving guests a late-night snack before wrapping up the event.

You don’t need to make every effort to impress here – just offer a little something to hit the spot. All-American sliders with American cheese, secret sauce, and pickles should do the trick. You can’t go wrong with classic peanut butter and jelly sandwiches with smooth chocolate milk either.

Follow that up with a round of donuts and ice-cold milk or warm cider to send your guests off satisfied.

Start Planning Your Outdoor Fall Party

All great fall party ideas start with amazing food. Our company, Personal Touch Dining, sits atop the list of trusted catering companies in the San Diego area. From themed gatherings at event spaces, venues, and private locations, we’re prepared to handle anything you can dream up with an incredible fall menu and an expert event team.

Start planning your outdoor fall party now with Personal Touch Dining.

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