It's a Strawberry Extravaganza!

It’s the perfect time of year to have delightful strawberry desserts. Here are three tantalizing dishes to tickle your taste buds.

Strawberry Cool Whip Cake

• 1 box strawberry cake mix
• 1 tub strawberry glaze, found in produce area
• 1 tub cool whip, thawed
• 2 cups sliced strawberries

Directions:

Bake cake according to directions on box. I use a long rectangle pan. I like the single layer. You may use whichever pan/s you like. When baked, allow cake to cool. Put sliced strawberries in a small bowl. Sweeten berries by sprinkling with sugar and let them set while cake is cooling. When cooled, spread glaze over cake. Pour thawed cool whip in the middle of the cake and spread outward toward to edges of the pan. Top with strawberries. Cover with plastic wrap and keep refrigerated.

Strawberry Whipped Sensation

• 4 cups fresh strawberries, divided
• 1 (14 ounce) can Eagle Brand® Sweetened Condensed Milk
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1 (8 ounce) tub COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, thawed, divided
• 8 OREO Chocolate Sandwich Cookies, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted

Directions

1. Line 9x5-inch loaf pan with foil, with ends of foil extending over sides of pan. Mash 2 cups of the strawberries in large bowl. Add condensed milk, juice and 2 cups of the whipped topping; mix well. Pour into prepared pan.
2. Mix chopped cookies and butter. Spoon over whipped topping mixture. Cover with ends of foil and gently press cookie mixture into whipped topping mixture. Freeze 6 hours or until firm.
3. Invert dessert onto serving plate when ready to serve; remove pan and foil. Spread remaining whipped topping onto top and sides of dessert. Slice remaining 2 cups strawberries; arrange over dessert. Store leftovers in freezer.

Crunchy Romaine Strawberry Salad

• 1 (3 ounce) package ramen noodles
• 1 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce
• 8 cups torn romaine
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions
• 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced

Directions

1. Discard seasoning packet from ramen noodles or save for another use. Break noodles into small pieces. In a skillet, saute noodles and walnuts in butter for 8-10 minutes or until golden; cool.
2. For dressing, in a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the oil, sugar, vinegar and soy sauce; shake well. Just before serving combine the romaine, onions, strawberries and noodle mixture in a large bowl. Drizzle with dressing and toss gently.

Enjoy! Make the most of these lovely seasonal berries and try these fresh recipes for your own home or to take to a party!

The ART of Getting a Great Event Proposal

When searching for a venue it is important to see at least five places. You need to see the pros and cons of each property. Before you visit, write down the things that are most important to you in planning your event. Some folks do not ask for a proposal from each venue. The first step is to ASK.

Ask for an Event Proposal From Each Venue It is difficult to compare places without something in front of you. All event venues will do this for you. The proposal is the first step to see what each place has to offer and to also get comparative pricing. In the proposal you should have in writing what the price includes. Ask about tables and chairs. Sometimes they are included. Sometimes they are not. Consider Parking and see if there are ample spaces and if there is a fee.

Review Your, “Must,” List with Your Event Consultant Go over the list you made of the most important things to see if your requests can be accommodated. Review what areas of the venue will be open to your use the day of your event. Will you be able to mingle in other areas? Do you have use of the kitchen, etc? Be clear with your event consultant about your desires so that everything is included. Take pictures of each place as well. This will be very helpful in making your decision.

Take Time to Negotiate Amenities Find out how much each venue can accomplish. Can they do an event package with the amenities you desire? Is Audio Visual included? Sometimes when you are negotiating they will throw in some extra amenities to draw you to their venue. Use phrases like, “I have my heart set on…” “It’s important to me…” It is essential that…” These phrases are strong phrases that will help you get to the bottom line. And don’t forget to ask a key question at the end. “Is this the best price you can give me?”

Ceremony Décor Tips for a Stunning Atmosphere

There are four main areas to decorate for the ceremony. These are the entrance, the aisle, the chairs, and the main stage. Let’s look at some options for making each of these areas stunning, beautiful and memorable.

Decorating the Entrance

The entrance deserves as much attention to detail as other areas because it is the first thing your guests will see. You can certainly use florals, topiaries or lush ferns on either side of the doorway. Some brides have a large, framed engagement photo on an easel at the entrance. You may want a small table with the programs and guest book for folks to sign as they enter. Just remember to make this initial area as lovely as the inside of the room.

The Aisle

One lovely idea is to have knee high columns every four rows with color coordinated vases of flowers. These can also be repurposed for use at the reception after the ceremony is finished. It is traditional to have a white runner down the center of the aisle; however, you can be creative and use another color if that tickles your fancy. Rose petals or other flowers can be sprinkled down the center in addition to the petals the flower girl drops. One caution: Real petals, especially red, can stain carpets if they are stepped on so silk really is the best option.

The Chairs

Some brides opt for chair covers with bows. If the chairs you are using are in good condition, it really is a place you can save a few dollars. You are in the ceremony so briefly that chair covers are a nice to have not a need to have. Big tulle bows are always elegant and can be purchased or made. Some brides have small flowers arrangements attached to just the chairs on either side of the aisle. You may not want to have flowers on the chairs and flower arrangements on pedestals too due to the cost and visual overkill. If you are going for a Victorian feel you can hang a tussy mussy on every three chairs lining the aisle. Tussy mussys are cone shape holders filled with flowers and they have a ribbon attached for hanging.

The Main Stage

Many times brides focus most of their attention to using flowers in the reception and go sparse on the main stage. Bear in mind this is one place you will take pictures and it should provide a gorgeous backdrop. The traditional archway is still used quite often today. It is interesting to know that the archway is symbolic of eternity and an entrance into a new life. Options for decorating your archway include, color coordinated flowers to match the bouquets, draped tulle, and ivy intertwined throughout. Although the chuppa has Jewish roots, many brides opt for using it because they like the look and feel of it for the ceremony. The chuppa (pronounced, “hoopa,”) is pictured above and usually is draped in flowing fabric. Another option is to use varying heights of pedestals or columns with simple flowers placed in tall glass vases of water. Remember that lighting is important for the main stage as well. Many couples will use lights that angle up, illuminating the columns. Mini white lights tucked inside tulle or wrapped within the greenery looks magical and provide an elegant visual. Make sure the lighting illuminates where you will stand so folks can see really well during the ceremony. And candelabra are all ways elegant in addition to the unity candle. One rule to remember…there are no rules. These days each couple approaches all aspects including décor from their own unique style. The key is make it flowing, elegant, and illuminating so that when the guests come in it takes their breath away and will be remember for years to come!

4 Ways to Capture Special Moments with Photos

Your Personal Photographer

Of course you want staged, professional pictures as well as action shots during the reception. Your photographer is the one to depend on for that. Take some time with your photographer and interview them well ahead of time. Look at their portfolios and see what their style is. Choosing the right style of photography is essential. You’ll want some casual shots as well. I love pictures that are unexpected like the bride and groom walking down a road from behind. Or the bride with her shoes kicked off and tennis shoes on instead. You’ll want to make sure they capture some candid shots at the reception as well.

Photo Montage on the Big Screen

Many brides will create a photo montage of them and their fiancé. If you don’t know how to do this, you can always enlist a friend to create a powerpoint for you. There are some software programs that will also virtually do it for you! The point is you have these photos looping on the screen throughout the reception. You can set it to music and let it be the first thing that plays before the bridal party arrives. Or you can have it without music and just let it keep looping. It’s a style value add and people enjoy it.

The Flash Cube

The FlashCube is an interactive and contemporary twist on event photography. Guests capture their own black and white images with The FlashCube, which pulses a soft and flattering light on its subjects. The photographs are not only instantly printed out as souvenirs for you or your guests, but they are also displayed in a slideshow format that can range from 42 inches up to 20 feet in size. The continuously evolving slideshow provides entertainment for guests throughout the event. This is a grand idea for corporate events as well as weddings. Here’s a link for more information: www.myflashcube.com/ or call Allen Yates at 404-865-1612.

Cameras on the Tables

Although this idea has been around awhile, placing disposable cameras are a very fun way to get candid pics of your guests. The only thing is sometimes people forget to use them. You may want to designate someone to be the person who goes around and reminds people they are there and gets people snapping away! With disposable cameras you never know what you’re going to get but that is part of the surprise.

Although your photography is usually a big investment, after the flowers fade, your photos and memories are what you have left of your special day! Give thought to what you most want pictures of and customize several options so that you are ensured of amazing memories captured in action!