FEATURED VENUE: THE WORCESTER ART MUSEUM

Since opening its doors in the spring of 1898, the Worcester Art Museum's internationally renowned collection has impressed all those who enter, with its grand spaces, over 35,000 works of art, and 50 centuries of creative spirit. This lasting impression can be yours to share for your corporate event, holiday party, meeting, wedding or social event.

Imagine your guests in this one-of-a-kind space with the ability to offer a unique entertaining experience. Host your event in the Renaissance Court and grant your invitees access to a wealth of history and art among the first floor galleries. This is the perfect location for a cocktail style event or seated dinner reception.  The balcony above the Renaissance court can also be used for dinner receptions, accommodating up to 120 guests, providing a unique view of the museum. The Museum Café, with its adjacent outdoor Courtyard can accommodate 30 to 150 guests — depending on the style of service. This space allows your guests to enjoy the outdoor courtyard in good weather months. To complement your event, you may want to offer your guests a docent-led tour of selected galleries, or an opportunity to view one or more of our galleries on their own.

For a weekday corporate meeting, consider the Museum's Conference Room. With audio, visual, and Internet capabilities, the Conference Room seats 100 guest’s theater-style and 40 in a classroom-style scenario.

Weddings at The Museum

With stunning architecture and elegant surroundings, Worcester Art Museum sets the stage for an unforgettable wedding. Imagine your bridal party's big entrance down the grand staircase of the Renaissance Court, surrounded by 50 centuries of art. Following the ceremony guests can enjoy cocktails and hors d'oeuvre in the Renaissance court and make their way through the surrounding galleries on the first level of the museum. Depending on the size of the wedding, dinner can take place in the Renaissance Court or on the balcony. Following dinner guests make their way back to the Renaissance court for dancing and dessert. Your guests will get to enjoy all that the Worcester Art Museum has to offer in a one-of-a-kind space.

Photo Credits:  Eric Limon Photography (top image) Erica Ferrone Photography (bottom two) 

Contact us today to learn more about hosting your event at the Worcester Art Museum.

HOLIDAY PARTY THEMES 

Winter Wonderland

Winter wonderland is a fun theme that incorporates a lot of white and silver accents. Think white linens adorned with fake snow, silver Christmas trees, white and silver balls, and lots of candlelight. For more of an outdoor winter wonderland incorporate pine cones, mini live Christmas trees and natural elements like birch logs. For the menu a festive dessert display with snowflake shaped cookies, white chocolate mousse cups, and a Baked Alaskan would pair perfectly with the theme. Welcome cocktails offer a way to introduce the theme to the guests from the start -  how about a Godiva white chocolate martini or for a non-alcoholic option a white hot chocolate passed on wood slabs?

Ralph Lauren Inspired Party

A great way to get inspired and see what is trending for the holiday season is to window shop designer stores during the holidays. Ralph Lauren, a leading designer for home furnishings and clothing, is a great brand to pick up design ideas from. For a classic Ralph Lauren inspired party think plaids paired with classic timeless holiday accents. Colors ranging from reds and maroons, to greens and golds. One of our favorite looks is pairing a plaid tablecloth with gold candlesticks, greenery, and vases filled with cranberries in water with a floating candle. For the menu you can include classics like beef wellingtons, baked ham, green bean casserole, and potatoes gratin. Pair your entrees with timeless holiday dessert recipes like rum balls, a yule log, bread pudding, or a croquembouche.

Natural and Rustic Holiday 

How fun is an old-fashioned rustic Christmas? We love the country charm look for the holidays. To bring this look to life incorporate details like burlap ribbons, pine cones, wooden trees, rustic lanterns, and green garland. Some of our favorite rustic displays include pine cones and holiday balls displayed in glass cloches alongside lanterns with flickering lights. For dessert, our classic buche de noel cake is a perfect accent to a dessert station.

Christmas Around the World

Christmas is celebrated in so many ways around the world. This is a fun theme which showcases how different cultures celebrate the holiday. For decor, you can stick with traditional holiday colors of reds, golds and greens. For the menu, create different stations reflecting traditional holiday food like Panettone bread and fish dishes for Italy, Swedish meatballs and rice pudding for Sweden, tamales and snow ball cookies for Mexico, fish (oysters, caviar) and bûche de Noël for France, there are so many more options too! You can have stations with different entree dishes from around the world then offer a large dessert display with a dessert from each country.  Each station can be accented with décor elements that you would see in each country during the holidays.

Ski Lodge 

Whether you are someone who prefers to hit the slopes or curl up by the fire, transporting guests to a ski lodge-esque holiday party is sure to warm everyone’s heart. This look is accomplished through a palette of warm browns, frosted white, forest green and deep burgundy. Imagine a cabin dusted in fresh snow as you enter a rich wooden wonderland of evergreen branches, red berries, and pinecones illuminated by rustic antler chandeliers. Food options can similarly express warmth and comfort, such as a hot chocolate bar, a chili or soup station, or hot toddies passed as guests arrive.

Vintage Charm 

Elegance and family history is infused to create this vintage charm theme. Dig into the box of vintage holiday décor, and let your party be inspired by creations of the past! Whether they be silver, gold or champagne, ornaments are a key design feature. Specifically those with distressed finishes, characteristic of handmade mercury glass ornaments, complete the nostalgic essence. Navy, burgundy and evergreen accents can be incorporated throughout the décor or linens. Drinks can be served in antique style crystal glassware, alongside classic holiday dishes. Mimic grandma’s cooking through traditional carved meat dishes of pork, ham or beef, in combination with classic side dishes. For the desserts, bring out the vintage cookie cutters to form your buttery shortbread cookies and accompany with a traditional spice cake, including raisins, cranberries and nuts.

Elegant and Luminous 

Grand venues often demand opulent holiday themes. “Luminous” not only references the effect created from metallic or iridescent surfaces, but also glamorous purple, gold, and blue tones. Mix in plush fabrics sprinkled with sequins, gold and purple hanging ornaments, as well as funky over sized lounge furniture. This trend takes on a modern, elegant and glamorous aesthetic, allowing for sophisticated and dainty food and drink pairings. For drinks, this could include a champagne cocktail rimmed in crystalline gold sugar, followed by appetizers passed on gold and purple trays adorned with shiny ornaments. Sophisticated hors d'oeuvres pair well with the elegant theme, such as tuna tartare, prosciutto wrapped figs, oysters Rockefeller, steak tartare, or duck confit. Finish with mini cheesecakes and sparkling sugar dipped strawberries.

Mixing Metals

 Perhaps inspired by Yukon Cornelius’s classic tune “Silver and Gold”, mixing metals has become a staple not only for fashion accessories, but also for holiday décor. Taking on a rustic minimalism, silver and gold accents are paired with natural evergreen and light wood varieties. Metallic elements can be incorporated into candles, hanging ornaments, silverware, floral arrangements, napkins and plates, and glassware. Top silver platters with a signature drink featuring gold glitter rimmed glasses. Create a dessert display of silver glitter and gold accented desserts such as truffles, French Macaroons, and cake pops.

Theme and decor ideas are endless for your holiday celebration. Our design experts can work with you to bring your vision to life with everything from menu selections to custom table designs. 

WINTER REIMAGINED WITH TOWER HILL AND PEPPERS ARTFUL EVENTS

Winter Reimagined is a fun family event for all ages. As evening falls at Tower Hill, visitors have the opportunity to marvel at glittering lights displayed throughout acres of formal gardens. The prized collection of trees and shrubs, along with illuminated paths, sculptures, and fountains, come to life in the glow of the lights. Inside, guests will see hand-made and nature-inspired ornaments, a wishing tree forest, an up-cycled igloo, and two towering conservatories brimming with subtropical plants and seasonal music.

We’re excited to partner with Tower Hill Botanic Garden to offer a variety of dining options for their annual Winter Reimagined light show. Take a break from walking and dine in the cafe with a selection of delicious small plate offerings like our ever-popular short ribs, chicken pot pies, and butternut squash lasagna! Also available will be flatbreads, seasonal salads, and hearty soups. No dining experience would be complete without a sweet ending like our homemade cinnamon apple cranberry crisp or a slice of pecan carrot cake - to name a few! The cafe will also be offering themed cocktails and craft beer. 

Looking for something on the go? Stop by one of our food stands to grab a warm cider donut paired with mulled apple cider. Or head outside to the Winter Garden to roast marshmallows over an open fire and build your own s'mores. A perfect activity for the kids to enjoy!

Don't miss out! We strongly encourage making dinner reservations and purchasing tickets in advance as Tower Hill frequently sells out on busy nights and weekends.

Purchase Tickets Here or call Tower Hill 508-869-6111 x 147 to place a dinner reservation. 

Follow us on facebook for updates on special dining options Peppers Artful Events Facebook 

HOLIDAY MOSCOW MULE RECIPE

Ingredients
.5 oz lime simple syrup *
.5 oz cranberry juice
1.5 oz gin 
2 oz cold ginger beer
1 rosemary sprig
Candied cranberries and orange slice garnish

Instructions
Combine simple syrup, cranberry juice, and gin. Pour over ice and top with ginger beer. Serve garnished with rosemary, an orange wedge and sugared cranberries.

* Lime Simple Syrup Recipe: Heat equal parts water and sugar until dissolved. Remove from heat and add juice from a lime. Let cool before using for cocktail. 

THE PEPPERS SALES TEAM'S FAVORITE COOKIE RECIPES

Our Sales Team shares their favorite recipes to bring to a holiday cookie exchange. Enjoy and happy baking! 

Jody: Old Fashioned Ginger Cookies
Ingredients

• ½ cup shortening
• ½ cup sugar, plus more for rolling
• 1 cup mild molasses
• 2 TBSP milk
• 1 TBSP ground ginger
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp ground cloves
• ½ ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp. ground nutmeg
• 2 & ½  cups all-purpose flour  

Steps

1. Prevent oven to 350 degrees. Line two cookie sheets with  parchment paper.

2. In large mixing bowl beat shortening with electric mixer for about 30 seconds.

3. Add sugar, beat until light. Add molasses, milk, ginger, salt, baking soda, cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg. Beat until combined

4. Beat in flour until combined.  

5. Shape dough into about 48  1 and ¼ inch balls, roll in the additional sugar. Place about 2 inches apart on parchment paper lined cookie sheets.

Flatten slightly. Bake  10 – 12 minutes until edges are firm. Cool on wire rack.
*perfect compliment to our Holiday Moscow Mule Recipe! 

Melissa: Soft and Chewy White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

Patricia: Triple Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies

Liz: Oatmeal White Cranberry and Chocolate Cookies

Ingredients

PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE RECIPE

Pumpkin cheesecake
Makes: 8” cheesecake

Ingredients:
2 cups graham cracker crumb
3 tbsp sugar
5 tbsp melted butter
1 Pound cream Cheese
2 cups pumpkin puree
¾ cup sugar
3 eggs
1 cup sour cream

Preheat oven at 350 degrees. Line an 8” spring form pan with parchment paper. On the outside of the cake pan wrap with foil up to the sides of the pan on the outside (this will prevent water from getting into the pan when baking the cheesecake mixture). Mix the graham cracker crumbs with the sugar and melted butter. Pour into an 8” spring form pan. Press the crumbs down into the bottom of the pan and the sides of the pan, you can use a measuring cup or spoon to push down the crumbs even more. Bake at 350 degrees for 5 minutes. Cool for 5-10 minutes.

Cream the cream cheese, pumpkin puree and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, scraping the side of the bowl until all incorporated. Add the sour cream and vanilla and mix on low for 2 minutes. Pour the batter into the spring form on top of the crust. Make sure the batter is evenly distributed. Place the pan into a dish that can hold hot water 1” deep. Place dish with cheesecake into oven, pour hot water into pan once in the oven. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes or until there is a slight wiggle but not wet. 

Steamed Cranberry Pecan Pudding
A wonderful and classic dessert than can be made days in advance of the big day. 

INGREDIENTS
¼  cup unsalted butter, plus a couple tbsps. to grease the pan
3 tbsp. sugar, granulated plus extra for dusting
¾  cup pecans, chopped
1 & 1/2 cups cranberries, coarse chopped
1 & ½ cups flour
1 & ¼  tsp baking powder
½  tsp baking soda
½ cup brown sugar, firmly packed
¼ cup molasses
2 tsp orange zest, minced or from a zester
1/3 cup buttermilk
Serve with your favorite seasonal ice cream

1. Generously grease the inside of a decorative bundt / angel food cake style pan, especially the bottom. Dust the mold well with granulated sugar and shake out the excess.
2. Combine the cranberries and the 3 tbsps of sugar and set aside while mixing the remaining ingredients.
3. In a large mixing bowl, blend the butter, brown sugar, molasses and orange zest. Mix at low speed for 2 minutes to blend well. Add in the dry ingredients slowly then add in the buttermilk and blend until mixed. Lastly, fold in the pecans, cranberries and any liquid in the bowl.
4. Spoon in the entire mix into the baking pan, spread evenly and cover with aluminum foil if you do not have a cover. Place the pan into a larger pot with boiling water, to come half way up the pan. Place this hot water bath on a medium low heat for 1 and ½ hours until the cake pulls away from the side of the pan and a knife inserted comes out clean of any batter.
4. Remove the cake from the water bath to cool for 15 minutes, then turn upside down onto a wire rack.

* This cake can be served or cooked a day or two in advance and kept wrapped in the refrigerator until service or ideally, gently warmed in a 275 degree oven until warm, before serving.

PERFECT FALL COCKTAIL
APPLE OF MY EYE

VENUE FEATURE: deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum

Established in 1950, deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum is the largest park of its kind in New England encompassing 30 acres, 20 miles northwest of Boston. Providing a constantly changing landscape of large-scale, outdoor, modern and contemporary sculpture and site-specific installations.  Inside, the Museum features a robust slate of rotating exhibitions and innovative interpretive programming. With a rich history and unique backdrop, decordova  provides an unforgettable location to host your event. 

The Museum offers a variety of locations to host your event. The Dewey Family Gallery and Sculpture Park Terrace combines an indoor and outdoor space that overlooks picturesque flint pond and the sculpture park. This combined space can accommodate up to 140 guests with dinner and dancing, 170 for just dinner, and 200 for a standing reception. The Rappaport Roof Terrace, located on the 6^th floor of the museum with expansive views of Flint Pond and the sculpture park is a great location for a cocktail reception. It can accommodate up to 100 guests for evening functions and can be rented with other spaces within the museum. The DeNormandie Library on the 4^th floor is the perfect spot for a small corporate meeting or retreat accommodating up to 25 guests. Lastly, tented events can be held right in the Sculpture Park surrounded by more than 60 works of art. This truly creates a one-of-a-kind backdrop for your occasion.

Hosting a corporate dinner, retreat, holiday party, birthday or wedding? Contact us to learn about hosting your event at the decordova Sculpture Park and Museum or check out the Museum's website to learn more.

ANNUAL FARM TO TABLE DINNER AT INDIAN HEAD FARM

Our fourth annual farm to table dinner at Indian Head Farm was a huge success. We partnered with Lilac Hedge and Indian Head Farm to create a menu with fresh seasonal cuisine. The evening started off with passed appetizers and drinks, followed by a buffet dinner, and dessert. The turn out was fantastic and the weather was beautiful! 

Menu

Appetizers
Lilac Hedge Farm Pork Belly Slider with Tomato Compote and Arugula
Chevre Rhubarb Crostini
Summer Vegetable Gazpacho Shooter

Dinner
Mixed Field Green Salad 
Basil, Mint, Dill, Sorel, Arugula, Malabar Spinach, Shaved Red Radish, Local Maple Syrup Vinaigrette
Squash Gratin with Leeks and Tomatoes
Made with Fresh Indian Head Farm Squash and Maple Leaf Gouda
Lilac Hedge Crispy Pork Cutlets
Prepared with Local Eggs, Lemon and Arugula
Baron of Grass Fed Lilac Hedge Beef
Served with Sauce Perigueux
Honey Roasted Carrots
With Tahini Local Yogurt and Coriander
Corn Pudding
Made with Fresh Indian Head Farm Corn
Bean and Potato Salad
Made with Fresh Indian Head Farm Beans and Vermont Crème Fraiche Dill Dressing

Dessert
Lemon Poppy Cake
Local Blueberries and Lemon Curd

We love any opportunity to partner with local farms and suppliers in our area to host farm to table events. As a Certified Green Caterer we understand the importance of environmental stewardship. 

 
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