VENUE FEATURE: ALLROSE FARM 

 
Photo: Halie Olzswoy

Demi and Phil's Vow Renewal at The Gardens at Uncanoonuc Mountain

 Demi and Phil's vow renewal at The Gardens at Uncanoonuc Mountain, reminds us why we love fall weddings in New England. As the yellow, maroon and orange colors start peeping through on the trees, it creates a stunning backdrop for photos. The Gardens at Uncanoonuc Mountain set the stage for this wedding, with so much natural beauty between the gardens, pathways, and lush woods surrounding the property. 

The fall inspired wedding theme was carried throughout all the details from the bridal bouquet and flowers in copper colored vases to the farm tables, wood signs and pumpkin accents.  Every detail came together to create a truly gorgeous celebration.

 The Menu
Welcome Hors d'Oeuvres Table | Local Farmhouse Cheese served with Crudite Shots
First Course | Duo of Clam Chowder and Roasted Butternut Squash Soup Cups
Entree Course | Chicken Scaloppini Marsala or Braised Boneless Short Ribs of Beef  English Style Served with Roasted Root Vegetables and Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Dessert | Artisan Mini Dessert Bar
Late Night Passed | Flatbread Pizza Bites

 The Team
Venue: The Gardens at Uncanoonuc
Photographer: Henry + Mac
Flowers: Apotheca 
Catering, Cake, Bartending: Peppers Artful Events

Wedding Featured in Bliss Celebrations Guide

2019 Best Celebration Cake Winner

This February we were announced as the 2019 award winner for "Best Celebration Cake" in the National Catered Arts Through Innovative Excellence Awards. The award ceremony took place in New Orleans at the 2019 Catersource conference. The CATIE awards are often regarded as "the academy awards" for the catering industry. We were so honored to take home this award and had an amazing and inspiring time being surrounded by the best of the best in the catering industry.

A little background on the cake design: The Harry Plopper cake was designed for a special client celebrating their 33rd birthday. Our client Meagan, celebrates 33 as a big milestone year. It was a tradition her and her friends started and called it the “Larry Bird” year, which is a phrase they came up with because their favorite Celtics basketball player, Larry Bird, was number 33. 

When we first met with Meagan, she had no idea what she wanted for her 33rd birthday cake but she knew she wanted it to be fun, different, and memorable. We started asking her questions about her likes, dislikes, hobbies, favorite bands, shows, and movies to give us inspiration. She mentioned she loves Harry Plopper, a character from The Simpsons movie. That gave us the perfect inspiration for the base of the cake. Meagan also noted she loves the TV show Futurama and the band phish. Over the course of the next few days, our Pastry Chef started working on a 3-D design of the pig. She also wanted to tie in other elements that reflected things Meagan enjoys. That is where the idea of creating a Phish inspired dog collar with a bender dog tag came from. When Meagan came to pick up her cake she was beyond thrilled with the outcome. We were so happy she loved the cake and we had such a fun time designing and creating it for her.  

Wedding Brunch Reception Menu Ideas and Tips

For our brunch lovers out there—you will be excited to hear that brunches are hitting the wedding scene! There are so many ways to create a fun and memorable wedding brunch reception—whether going for a more formal or casual vibe.

Food stations and cocktail receptions work well for this style of wedding. Guests can try a wide variety of brunch-inspired dishes in a setting that encourages mingling and socializing.

The Beverages

Welcome Drinks create a wonderful first impression at the reception. Greet your guests with a colorful mimosa, sweet tea, smoothie shot, or mini coffee with a donut hole garnish. For an extra wow factor consider a drink wall to display mimosas or mocktails in a fun grab-and-go presentation.
Beverage Stations are a great way to let guests enjoy beverages as they wish throughout the reception and can include a DIY customization component. For a brunch wedding, we especially love an espresso coffee cart or a specialty drink bar—mimosas, bloody mary's, or smoothies!

 photo:  gwendolyn pellegrino photography 

The Menu

Food Stations work wonderfully for brunch-style menus. The options are endless and there are many ways to take classic dishes and elevate their presentation.
 

Waffle Bars with freshly made waffles served with a variety of delicious toppings such as whipped cream, strawberry sauce, chocolate sauce, bananas, chocolate chips, and nuts. 

Crepe Stations with a chef making warm crepes on request for your guests with sweet fillings such as nutella, chocolate sauce, bananas, and mascarpone cheese—or savory fillings like spinach, ham, or chicken.  

Smoothie Bowls are becoming a very popular food trend. These are great if you’re looking for a menu on the healthier side. Offer a variety of smoothie bases with toppings such as coconut flakes, chia seeds, berries and fruit, nuts, seeds, and granola.

Bacon Planks may be on the opposite side of the health spectrum but are always a crowd favorite. Elevate this presentation by serving the bacon hanging where guests can select their own pieces.

Yogurt and Berry Parfaits served in martini glasses for a more upscale feeling.

Donut Bars with your favorite donuts displayed on a custom donut wall or off our market cart for a unique presentation.

Pass mini versions of your favorite brunch dishes to allow your guests to try a wide variety of options in bite size. Here are a few of our favorites..

Bacon, Egg and Cheese Croissants

French Toast Sticks Served in Maple Syrup Dipper Cups

Mini Pancake Bites

Chicken and Waffle Sliders

Frittatas Baked in Individual Casserole Dishes

Fruit Waffle Cones

Mini Mason Jars Filled with Salad

Cereal Milk with a Donut Hole

Breakfast Pizzas

Savory Macaroons with Salmon and Cream Cheese

The Cake

For your wedding cake opt for a small ceremonial cutting cake or a stacked waffle cake and then offer a dessert bar for your guests enjoyment. Donut bars, patisserie bars, mini trifles, make your own strawberry shortbread, macaroons and tea, and fruit tart stations are excellent options for a sweet ending to your brunch reception. 

Decor and Entertainment

Lawn Games are a great entertainment option for an early afternoon or morning wedding. There are a variety of game options these days such as life size jenga, cornhole, ladder toss, and giant connect four. Have your cornhole board double as a guest book with a custom monogram and have your guests sign it!

When it comes to designing the color and look for your wedding reception consider incorporating pops of brightly colored florals - like coral, yellow, orange or pink. Another way to incorporate color is through your linen choices. Patterns are especially fun to add into the mix and can really enhance the look of the room.  

Photos left to right - Meghann Gregory Photography, Lindsay Hackney Photography, Alvah Reida Photography

 Now who's ready to start their wedding reception off with a mimosa toast!? 

EVENT VENUE FEATURE: THE BARN AT PICKERING HOUSE

The Barn at Pickering House is a restored 19th century barn located in the heart of downtown Wolfeboro, NH, a charming town nestled on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee. The classic New England barn offers rustic charm in a fantastic location just a quick stroll from the town docks, waterfront park and the downtown Wolfeboro shops and restaurants.

Photo: Mark Spooner Photography

The barn provides a perfect setting for wedding receptions, rehearsal dinners, farewell brunches, elopement parties and other celebrations. When you hold your rehearsal dinner and/or wedding reception at The Barn, the entire property -- including the attached luxury Pickering House Inn -- is exclusively yours for two nights (two night minimum required). The barn can accommodate up to 150 guests for a sit-down event and offers a wide array of amenities.

    40' x 60' open space with haylofts

    Sweeping central staircase

    Heating and air conditioning

    Built-in bar

    Rectangular and round farm tables

    Cross-back, cafe style chairs

    Assorted antique furnishings

    Decorative string lighting

    Adjacent prep kitchen

    ADA compliant private restrooms

Couple Photo Above: Mark Spooner Photography

The attached Pickering House Inn was once the homestead of one of Wolfeboro, NH’s most prominent citizens. Today it is reinvented as a new historic boutique hotel with 10 spacious guest rooms, a kitchen gathering space, two living rooms, a dining/meeting room, sitting porches, a garden area and convenient parking. Your guests staying at the inn will have exclusive use of the inn and enjoy the full Pickering House Inn experience including a gourmet breakfast, daily refreshments, and evening wine/spirits.

Learn more by visiting the Barn at Pickering House Website or contact us today. 

Melanie & Matt | The Gardens at Elm Bank

 Melanie and Matt had the most perfect spring day in May for their wedding reception at The Gardens at Elm Bank. The lush gardens provided a beautiful backdrop for their photos. They took full advantage of the venues expansive property with cocktail hour in the gardens, a grand entrance in the tent, and the dinner reception in the carriage house.

The carriage house was decorated with lavender linens and sweeping drapery with lights, creating a soft and magical ambiance for the reception. The couple tied in rustic elements with Mr. and Mrs. signs made out of wood slabs for their sweetheart table and white washed wooden boxes for the guest table centerpieces.

The whole evening was filled with love and laughter. The couple's smiles were infectious and you couldn't help but feel the immense love between these two! We are still aw-ing over the beauty of their day.

The Team
Venue: The Gardens at Elm Bank
Photographer: Meghann Gregory Photography
Wedding Planner: Elegant Aura 
Flower Bouquets: Style and Design at Peppers Artful Events
Catering, Cake, Bartending: Peppers Artful Events

Ashley and Nick | The Gardens at Uncanoonuc Mountain

Ashley and Nick’s wedding took place at the Gardens at Uncanoonuc Mountain, a 15-acre garden estate tucked halfway up the south slope of the North Uncanoonuc Mountain. The flower gardens were in peak season, providing the perfect backdrop for their wedding. With a soft muted color palette and romantic floral designs, every detail came together beautifully and boasted of timeless elegance.

The ceremony took place under the large oak tree near the cottage. Our hearts all melted when we saw Nick's reaction as Ashley made her way down the aisle. Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed lawn games, cocktails, and appetizers in the pine grove. While guests mingled, servers passed mini flatbread pizzas, chicken fingers, and cocktail sliders. Guests loved the comfort classic bites!

For the dinner reception, guests dined at farmhouse tables set-up communal style under the large sperry tent. The tables were adorned with lanterns, soft ivory napkins, mercury votives, and green/white floral arrangements, creating a romantic rustic feel. The entire evening was filled with love, laughter and unforgettable memories. We were honored to be a part of their celebration!

 The Team
Venue: The Gardens at Uncanoonuc
Photographer: Lindsay Hackney Photography
Floral Bouquets: Apotheca 
Catering, Cake, Bartending: Peppers Artful Events

Eggnog Panna Cotta with Salted Caramel

How about finishing your dinner with eggnog instead of starting with it?

We know, some of you may be thinking, why not do both. We’ll leave that for you to decide! 

Makes 6-8 Servings

Panna Cotta Ingredients 

4    cups eggnog

½   tsp. vanilla extract

½   tsp. rum extract

½   tsp. cinnamon, ground ( we recommend Vietnamese )

¼  tsp. nutmeg, we prefer fresh shaved using whole nutmeg & shaving with a microplane

2   packets unflavored gelatin

¼  cup water, bottled

Salted Caramel Ingredients

3 1/3  cups water

1 cup sugar

1  tsp. vanilla extract or 1 vanilla bean pod split and scrapped

¼  cup heavy cream

1  oz. butter, unsalted

1-2 pinches sea salt

Directions for Panna Cotta:

1. Place the water in a 2 quart size bowl and sprinkle the gelatin over to bloom (soak) for 10 minutes.

2. While the gelatin softens, heat the eggnog in a saucepan and add the remaining ingredients. Bring the eggnog mixture to a warm but not scalding temperature.

3. Once the gelatin is completely dissolved remove the eggnog mixture from the stove top. Slowly whisk the gelatin into the eggnog saucepan.  

4. Transfer your mixture into individual dishes and cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2-4 hours.  

Directions for Caramel Sauce:

1. Combine the water and sugar and cook at medium/medium low heat. You with take this past the boil temp of 210 to over 260 degrees. Keep heating until your caramel has reached a golden amber color. You can gently turn your pan side to side if you feel the sides are burning but do not stir.
2. Remove the caramel from the heat once it has reached the desired color and gently whisk in the vanilla, heavy cream, butter, and salt.
3. Pour into a jar and cover until you are ready to serve your panna cotta.

Holiday Cocktail | Autumn Gold Rush

Infused bourbon brings fall flavors to life in this holiday themed drink. Perfect sipping cocktail to keep you warm from the inside out on those cool fall evenings.  

Ingredients

2 ounces apple and pear infused bourbon (recipe below) *Make a week in advance

.75 ounce honey syrup

.75 ounce lemon juice

Directions to Infuse Bourbon (Make 1 week in advance)

1. Cut 1 red apple and 1 pear into large pieces. Place fruit slices in a large jar and pour a 750 ml bottle of bourbon over the fruit.

2. Cover and shake well - every day for 3-4 days.

3. Add a vanilla bean and 2 cinnamon sticks. Allow to infuse, shaking daily for another 3-4 days. Strain.

For honey syrup: combine equal parts honey and hot water. Stir well to combine. Let cool and pour into a squeeze bottle.

Cocktail Directions: 

1. Combine all ingredients in shaker with ice and shake, then strain over fresh ice in a highball. Garnish with fruit and cinnamon stick. Enjoy!

Under the Harvest Moon Gala 

Tower Hill Botanic Garden, Under the Harvest Moon Gala, supports and celebrates the work of the Worcester County Horticultural Society, the third oldest active horticultural society in the United States, driving to inspire and encourage the practice of horticulture. 

The evening started with themed cocktails, seasonal hors d'oeuvres, a raw bar and beautiful garden views followed by a farm to table dinner and live auction. The event wouldn't be complete without live music, desserts, and fireworks under the harvest moon! It was certainly a magical and memorable evening. 

The Menu

Cocktail Hour in the Gardens

Raw Bar
Chatham Farms Oysters, crisp apple mignonette
Fresh harvested from the prime areas off the coast of Chatham

Pork Belly Slider
crispy kale, apple ancho pepper jam

Warm Golden Beet Gazpacho Shooter
creme fraiche, cucumber & dill

Grilled Eggplant & Pepper Croustade
Westfield Farm Capri mousseline

Duck Proscuitto and Mission Figs
Great Hill Farm blue cheese

Sugar Pumpkin Pancake and Free Range Chicken Confit
Lilac Hedge Farm Chicken, Stoneyfield yogurt cheese, tart apple,
Renaissance Farm radish sprouts

Dinner in the Conservatory

First Course

fall greens, carrots, mint, pickled fennel, fresh picked herbs,
edible flowers, tomatoes, cucumbers, honey lavender vinaigrette

Second Course

Herb Crusted Angus Tenderloin of Beef
asparagus and carrot bundle, turnips in cream, scallion potato cake, thyme blossoms, Angus tenderloin, caramelized apple cognac peppercorn sauce

Vegetable Hondashi
baby bok choy, rainbow carrots, shiitake mushroom, ginger, edamame, nori,
steamed jasmine rice, Hondashi broth, lotus root

Dessert and Coffee
Under the Harvest Moon

petite apple streusel pie, gold leaf apple brandy caramel bon bons,
house-made chantilly cream purple sweet potato and Grand Marnier ice cream

Coffee and Cordials

Photography by Troy B. Thompson