Guest Blogger: Nicole Sigda, Event Planner

For many, snow puts a damper on a holiday party.  But for one special J. Scott Catering client, their event became a winter wonderland, creating the most perfect backdrop for a fantastic holiday engagement party.

Saturday, December 5th, the Main Line received its first snowfall of the season and our client was overjoyed with the romantic backdrop to her daughter’s engagement party of 100 guests.  With her home completely decorated with trees, lights, wreaths, candles and all things Christmas, the only thing missing was snow!  I had already looked into biodegradable artificial snow for the evening, but the effect just wasn’t the same.  We let nature take its course and by 7 pm, when guests arrived, the house was covered with a beautiful blanket of fresh snow. With snow falling, valet service allowing guests to be driven directly to the front door where the festive sounds of Christmas carolers greeted kicked off an amazing evening for all.

The party began with passed hors d’oeuves including Butternut Squash Soup Shooters, Traditional Jumbo Shrimp, Petit Beef Wellingtons, and Lobster Salad Eclairs.  Guests were then thrilled to create their own risotto as our chef prepared delicious combinations served in martini glasses.  They also enjoyed a Pork tenderloin station with choices of Broccoli Rabe & Sharp Provolone or Traditional Holiday Stuffing and Cranberry Chutney. The evening was topped off with warm chocolate chip cookies served with ice cold milk, demi tas cups with homemade hot chocolate with mini marshmallows, and warm dark rum apple cider.  The evening would not have been complete without our staff offering guests warm chestnuts from our roaster as they left for home that evening.

It was a fantastic event, and our whole team is now excited to cater the wedding next year.  We wish the couple happiness and health in their life together!

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We had the pleasure of creating a fantastic engagement party this past weekend. The client is one that I thoroughly enjoy working with. They are fun and direct to the point — real straight shooters — and I value that in a client. This was their son’s engagement party for about 75 guests. We constructed a 25×35 frame tent on the back patio and then contracted Sommerfield Designs to execute the florals and décor.

The mood of the event was light and fun with passed hors d’ oeuvres and interactive food stations. The hors d’ oeuvres featured Forelle Pears with goat cheese and bacon, Thai Smoked chicken on wonton crisp, Classic Mini Whimpy, Petite Cheesesteak bites, and prosciutto wrapped figs. The crowd loved all of the selections and went through them quickly.

Our sushi chef created Salmon, Tuna and Shrimp Nigiri, as well as some additional rolls highlighted by Futamaki rolls. Over 600 pieces of sushi were served in about two hours. Needless to say, this station was a hit.

We also created a Shrimp Scampi station (where our chefs were sautéing from scratch to order), a couple of carving stations, and gigantic pasta station. There was no shortage of food at this event and guests had many choices.

The biggest lesson relearned on this job was how the simple addition of uplighting really makes a world of difference. The tent poles — both perimeter and legs — were treated with a fabric wrap and then glass circle drops were placed around the perimeter. These treatments really went a long way in softening the tent. The client was very pleased with the entire evening.

The holiday season has begun here at J. Scott Catering, and the kitchen staff is in full swing production as I write this. Next up we have passed tapas plates for 80; I will try and report back on that one.

All the best!
Scott

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