Sunday, April 25, 2010
Pack it Pretty
Looking for Non-Alcoholic Drinks for Your Wedding?
Photo courtesy of http://www.lorina.com/
Why not try Lorina Sparkling Lemonade, Pink Lemonade, Orangeade, Blueberry Lemonade or French Berry? Just put it on ice and enjoy! If you visit their web site you'll find drink recipes non-alcholic. http://www.lorina.com/.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Watermelon, Tomato and Feta Salad
Looking for an interesting and pretty accent for you picnic? Try this Watermelon, Tomato, and Feta Salad from Dragon's Kitchen.
Serves: 10-12
Ingredients:
2 english cucumbers
4 kumatoes (or other tomatoes)
2 seedless watermelon wedges, 5 inches wide
2 tablespoon white wine vinegar
2 garlic clove, minced
6 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
4 tablespoons lemon juice
4 tablespoons mint leaves, shredded
4 tablespoons basil leaves, shredded
1 cup crumbled feta
Directions:
1. In a large bowl mix together the cucumber, tomato, watermelon and poblano. You don't need to seed or peel the cucumbers.
2. Whisk together vinegar, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper and lemon juice. Drizzle the dressing over the salad. Add the basil and feta. Toss gently to combine.
3. Serve at room temperature.
(Photo courtesy of Dragon's Kitchen)
Watermelon and Feta Salad from Dragon’s Kitchen
Serves: 10-12
Ingredients:
2 english cucumbers
4 kumatoes (or other tomatoes)
2 seedless watermelon wedges, 5 inches wide
2 tablespoon white wine vinegar
2 garlic clove, minced
6 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
4 tablespoons lemon juice
4 tablespoons mint leaves, shredded
4 tablespoons basil leaves, shredded
1 cup crumbled feta
Directions:
1. In a large bowl mix together the cucumber, tomato, watermelon and poblano. You don't need to seed or peel the cucumbers.
2. Whisk together vinegar, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper and lemon juice. Drizzle the dressing over the salad. Add the basil and feta. Toss gently to combine.
3. Serve at room temperature.
Fried Chicken For Your Wedding Picnic?
Make it easy and make these delicious chicken fingers. You can pack them in convenient picnic boxes from your local party store with a container of honey mustard sauce and bbq sauce, some slaw and melon. Easy to make, no bones, and you can eat the chicken with your fingers! A spoon for you melon, a fork for slaw and you're good to go. The recipe is for 12, just multiply it out for larger amounts. It's easiest to make in this size recipe.
Fried Chicken Fingers for Picnics
Prep Time 15 mins/Total Time 30 mins.
Ingredients
Serves 12
8 cups canola oil or frying oil
24 boneless skinless chicken thighs
salt & pepper to taste
4 cups coconut milk
8 large egg whites
4 cups panko bread crumbs
1 cup plain bread crumbs
1 cup cornstarch
4 cups all-purpose flour
4 tablespoons chili powder
juice from one lemon or lime (put sliced lemon or lime in small packet in box)
Directions:
Combine cornstarch, flour, chili pepper, black pepper and salt in shallow dish
Combine panko and bread crumbs in a shallow dish.
Place egg whites in a separate dish.
Place coconut milk in a separate dish.
Cut chicken thighs lengthwise into long strips and place it in the coconut milk. Let chicken sit in coconut milk for 5 to 30 minutes (chicken can be marinated, covered and refrigerated, overnight).
Remove chicken a few pieces at a time and roll in flour mixture followed by egg whites followed by panko mixture.
Heat oil to 350°F in a large deep pan. Carefully add the chicken strips and fry till golden and cooked through, about 5 -7 minutes. Remove strips and drain on paper towels or rack.
Season with chili powder and fresh lemon or lime juice.
Fried Chicken Fingers for Picnics
Prep Time 15 mins/Total Time 30 mins.
Ingredients
Serves 12
8 cups canola oil or frying oil
24 boneless skinless chicken thighs
salt & pepper to taste
4 cups coconut milk
8 large egg whites
4 cups panko bread crumbs
1 cup plain bread crumbs
1 cup cornstarch
4 cups all-purpose flour
4 tablespoons chili powder
juice from one lemon or lime (put sliced lemon or lime in small packet in box)
Directions:
Combine cornstarch, flour, chili pepper, black pepper and salt in shallow dish
Combine panko and bread crumbs in a shallow dish.
Place egg whites in a separate dish.
Place coconut milk in a separate dish.
Cut chicken thighs lengthwise into long strips and place it in the coconut milk. Let chicken sit in coconut milk for 5 to 30 minutes (chicken can be marinated, covered and refrigerated, overnight).
Remove chicken a few pieces at a time and roll in flour mixture followed by egg whites followed by panko mixture.
Heat oil to 350°F in a large deep pan. Carefully add the chicken strips and fry till golden and cooked through, about 5 -7 minutes. Remove strips and drain on paper towels or rack.
Season with chili powder and fresh lemon or lime juice.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Using Succulents for Outdoor Weddings
Photo Courtesy of http://www.erinheartscourt/
Succulents are particularly well suited for picnics and outdoor weddings. They won't dry out and work well with 'green themes.' Use them for favors, place cards, menus, centerpieces, or for bouquets. 
Photo courtesy of http://blog.dlshdesign.com/
Photos courtesy of http://ohjoy.blogs.com/
Photo courtesy of http://blog.dlshdesign.com/
Photo Courtesy of http://www.erinheartscourt/
Photo courtesy of Martha Stewart
Elegant Flowers for a Picnic Wedding
Flowers for an outdoor wedding don't have to casual. These photos of these elegant designs are courtesy of http://www.boutiquetents.net/
Tents, Tents, Tents
Sperry Tents will design a custom tent for your event but they also have basic tenting available. See their web site for pictures and sizes.
There is a un-ending variety of tents available today and these are just a few. No matter how many guests you have or how few there's a tent for every party!
46x64 foot Tent by Sperry Tents
Photo courtesy of http://www.sperrytents.com/
The 46 x 64 foot tent is capable of holding up to 220 guests at 5 ft. round tables of 10, however most events need space for other items such as a dance floor, buffets or bars, so seating capacities vary with each individual event. Typically the 46 x 64 foot tent handles dinner and dancing events for 120 to 180 people.
46x80 foot tent by Sperry Tents
Photo courtesy of http://www.sperrytents.com/
The 46 x 80 foot tent is capable of holding up to 280 guests at 5 ft. round tables of 10, however most events need space for other items such as a dance floor, buffets or bars, so seating capacities vary with each individual event. Typically the 46 x 80 foot tent handles dinner and dancing events for 160 to 240 people.
Photo courtesy of SperryTents.com
The 46 x 100 foot tent is capable of holding up to 360 people at 5 ft. round tables of 10, however most events need space for other items such as a dance floor, buffets or bars, so seating capacities vary with each individual event. Typically the 46 x 100 foot tent handles dinner and dancing events for 200 to 300 people. 
Interior of Top of Blue Star Tent
Photo courtesy of http://www.sperrytents.com/
Perimeter of Tent
Photo courtesy of http://www.sperrytents.com/
32x50 Foot Blue Star Tent by Sperry
Photo courtesy of http://www.sperrytents.com/
The 32 x 50 foot tent is capable of holding up to 120 guests on 5 ft. round tables of 10, however most events need space for other items such as a dance floor, buffets or bars, so seating capacities vary with each individual event. Typically the 32 x 50 foot tent handles dinner and dancing events for 60 to 100 people or cocktails for up to 240 people.
32x70 ft. Tent by Sperry
Photo courtesy of http://www.sperrytents.com/
The 32 x 70 ft. tent will seat 130 guests on 5 ft. round tables of 8 and up to 160 on tables of 10, but with a dance floor, stage, bar and buffet, these numbers will be reduced. This tent is typically used as a ceremony tent, for cocktails for up to 250 guests or for dinner and dancing events. 
Photo courtesy of http://www.sperrytents.com/
The 46 x 64 foot tent is capable of holding up to 220 guests at 5 ft. round tables of 10, however most events need space for other items such as a dance floor, buffets or bars, so seating capacities vary with each individual event. Typically the 46 x 64 foot tent handles dinner and dancing events for 120 to 180 people.
Photo courtesy of http://www.sperrytents.com/
The 46 x 80 foot tent is capable of holding up to 280 guests at 5 ft. round tables of 10, however most events need space for other items such as a dance floor, buffets or bars, so seating capacities vary with each individual event. Typically the 46 x 80 foot tent handles dinner and dancing events for 160 to 240 people.
Photo courtesy of http://www.boutiquetents.net/
Photo courtesy of http://www.boutiquetents.net/
Photo courtesy of http://www.boutiquetents.net/
Photo courtesy of http://www.boutiquetents.net/
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Chiller
How are you cooling drinks at your picnic? This great chiller is from Napa Style.com and costs $29.00
Molded ice makes an elegant centerpiece no matter what kind of bottle it is chilling. Or you can freeze it and use it illuminated from within by flickering candlelight. Simple to use, adding seasonal berries, flowers and leaves will give each mold a festive look. As a drink cooler it will last approximately six hours; four hours as a candleholder. Includes a stainless-steel display stand that doubles as a coaster and a booklet of ideas and tips. Imported. 6" diam., 7" high.
Information and photo courtesy of NapaStyle.com.
Picnic Appetizer Tables
Set up some sod in wooden boxes and then use toothpicks to set up individual appetizers. Everything from mushrooms, radishes, cherry tomatoes, cauliflower, broccoli, baby carrots, and bowls of dip set in small flower pots. Perfect set up for an outdoor picnic reception.
Rent a Tent
Watermelon and Tomato Salad
If the idea of tomatoes and watermelon together sounds odd to you, this dish will be a revelation. There is a saying that what grows together goes together, and in this case it is true. If you think of tomatoes as a fruit, which they are botanically, this combination makes more sense. Seasonality, however, is the key. I make this salad only in the summer, when tomatoes, watermelon, and cucumbers are at their peak of flavor. Rich, creamy Hass avocadoes are included to lend a nice contrast of flavor and texture. I always toss this salad together before serving, but for the photo opposite I was inspired to create a painstaking mosaic of the ingredients. If you're so inclined, feel free, but don't say I didn't warn you—it takes a lot of time.
Read More http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Tomato-and-Watermelon-Salad-352389#ixzz0kqd5GwtD
Tomato and Watermelon Salad
3 or 4small to medium heirloom tomatoes, in assorted colors, cored and cut into 3/4-inch chunks
1 small English or regular cucumber, peeled, seeded, and cut into 3/4-inch cubes
1 cup 3/4-inch-cubed yellow or red seedless watermelon flesh
1 Hass avocado, halved, pitted, peeled, and cut into 3/4-inch cubes
1 tablespoon chopped mixed fresh herbs, in any combination: basil, tarragon, chives, and cilantro
1/4 teaspoon coriander seed
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons aged balsamic vinegar
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Recipe from Bon Apetit found of Epicurious.com
Read More http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Tomato-and-Watermelon-Salad-352389#ixzz0kqd5GwtD
Tomato and Watermelon Salad
3 or 4small to medium heirloom tomatoes, in assorted colors, cored and cut into 3/4-inch chunks
1 small English or regular cucumber, peeled, seeded, and cut into 3/4-inch cubes
1 cup 3/4-inch-cubed yellow or red seedless watermelon flesh
1 Hass avocado, halved, pitted, peeled, and cut into 3/4-inch cubes
1 tablespoon chopped mixed fresh herbs, in any combination: basil, tarragon, chives, and cilantro
1/4 teaspoon coriander seed
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons aged balsamic vinegar
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Recipe from Bon Apetit found of Epicurious.com
Blue Vases Perfect for Outdoor Weddings
An assortment set of pretty stem vases, three with frosted glass and three with clear glass. All six have been made in ocean blue glass in three different styles and patterns. These dinky vases are perfectly suited to hold a few of your favourite flowers.
Vases and Photos by Graham and Green Co.
http://www.grahamandgreen.co.uk/product.aspx/vases/aladdin+stem+vases/homedecoraccents/homedecoraccents_vases/-/emy7128.htm#tabs-1
Tiny Vases with Daisies to Decorate Your Tables and Act as Favors
A wonderful favor that "decorates" at the same time. This pear-shaped miniature vase comes in five fashionable colors and has a silky smooth finish, making it a stylish choice for any celebration. Made of matte ceramic, vases are 4.5" H and come packaged in multiples of six vases per box. This is a very popular favor idea for bridal showers, wedding receptions and garden themed parties. Weighs 4 ounces each. Available colors include: blue breeze, lavender mist, key lime, white ice, and glacier blue.
Photos and information from: http://www.beau-coup.com/pastelfavorvase.htm
Photos of Fancy Outdoor Weddings
Weddings outdoors come in all shapes and sizes. These are a few of the fancier setups for picnic and outdoor weddings. While yours doesn't need to be this ornate, you can always borrow bits and pieces.
\
Pictures courtesy of Sarasota Wedding Designs.
What to Drink at Your Picnic Wedding
Pineapple Cooler with Fresh Lavendar
Herbed Goat Cheese
Recipe and Photo from http://www.countryliving.com/recipefinder/pineapple-cooler
Picnic Entrees and Salads
Smoky BLT
Photos and Recipes from http://www.countryliving.com/
Smoky "BLT"
Even vegetarians can indulge in this decadent "BLT" — Rogue River Smoky Blue cheese, romaine lettuce, beefsteak tomatoes, and our Rosemary Mayonnaise give this sandwich its sophisticated flavor.
Create a romantic spread by packing figs, grapes, toasted raisin-pecan bread, and a variety of cheeses.
Photos and Recipes from http://www.countryliving.com
Shrimp Wrap with Cucumber Melon Dressing
Photos and Recipes from http://www.countryliving.com/
Wild Rice and Tropical Fruit Salad
Photos and Recipes from http://www.countryliving.com/
Snap Pea and Rice and Tropical Fruit Salad
Photos and Recipes from http://www.countryliving.com/
Tri-Tomato Salad
Photos and Recipes from http://www.countryliving.com/
Herbed Goat Cheese
Cheese and crackers are an easy picnic treat. Add extra flavor to goat cheese by rolling it in fresh herbs or spices.
Photo and recipe from http://www.countryliving.com/
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)