Last Minute Fall Cakes {Weddings, Parties & Thanksgiving}

With Thanksgiving this Thursday, I just had to share one last post on fall cakes before I start showcasing winter edibles next week. I love the presentations of these cakes from Country Living, especially the tiered Pumpkin Spice Cake which could easily be used as a unique alternative to the traditional frosted wedding cake. And, how cute are the Tiny Pumpkin Spice Cakes? They'd be so cute as the centerpieces for a bridal shower.
Links to Cake Recipes:
Tiny Pumpkin Spice Cakes, Stacked Applesace Cake, Pumpkin Spice Cake, Autumn Spice Cake

It's National Vanilla Cupcake Day

I just couldn't pass up the chance to feature cupcakes today {November 10th} as it's National Vanilla Cupcake Day!!! Enjoy these yummy cupcakes from Tastespotting, complete with recipe links.
from top left to bottom right:
vanilla cupcakes with European style buttercream, vanilla cupcakes with lime curd and swiss meringue buttercream, pink vanilla cupcakes with black current buttercream frosting, vegan vanilla cupcakes with mocha icing

Elegant Halloween Sweet Treats

With tomorrow being Halloween, I just had to share with you some elegant dessert options for Halloween. Hope everyone has a great weekend.
Above images all courtesy of Martha Stewart
Chocolate Fig Pumpkins, Lollipop Cookies, Halloween Whoopie Pies, Pumpkin Patch Cupcakes

Free Labels for DIY Home Made Jam Packaging

from Eat Drink Chic

Not only am I in love with Amy's photography of these handmade jams, but I love the labels that she has created and made available for you to download (label sets include cherry, rhubarb, strawberry, blueberry, apricot and marmalade). The set includes labels with the jam flavor written in the heart, "homemade" written in the heard, and the rectangular "homemade with love". You can see the entire post for the pdf downloads here. And, of course, be sure to visit Eat Drink Chic for so many more style ideas and inspiration.

Martha Stewart Weddings Celebrates 15 years with Delectable Treats

This past Monday, the talk of the town in NYC was the 15th Anniversary party that was held at The Plaza Hotel for Martha Stewart Weddings. Some of the elite list of attendees included: Event planner Colin Cowie, "My Fair Wedding" host David Tutera, cake designer Sylvia Weinstock, and designers Anne Barge, Mark Ingram and Reem Acra. Below you can see a sampling of the amazing edible displays that guests were treated too, including the lovely displays of sweet confections at the candy bar that were created by Amy Atlas Events and Groovy Candies.
above photos courtesy of Mel Barlow Photography

Wedding Cake Pops from Bakerella

How cute are these? From the ever popular Bakerella.com you can now find a full tutorial on creating wedding cake pops. Perfect for engagement parties, wedding showers, favors, and even proposals {as seen here}.

Photography Feature {by Chenin Boutwell}

Last week, Chenin of Boutwell Studio posted lovely photos from the wedding of Katherine and Andrew that took place at The Valley Club in Montecito, CA. The entire wedding was gorgeous and I just loved Chenin's shot of the wedding cake from Vanilla Bakeshop and the detailed photos of the late-night dessert bar by Melody of My Sweet and Saucy Shop. To see the entire wedding, please click here.

Cake Plates and Pedestals in white, black and polka-dots

I came across these lovely cake pedestals and plate stands at Speigel.com this weekend and had to share. Whether you're looking to serve cookies, cupcakes, cakes or other goodies at your event, I always love the look that's created when they are displayed on cake pedestals and plate stands.
Modern Large Pedestal, Medium Pedestal Cake Plate, 18th-Century-Style Small Pedestal, Pedestal Cake Plate

Candy & Dessert Table Safe Options for Hot Weather?

I've received the following inquiry from a bride-to-be and wanted to ask my readers for their advice. Please leave a comment letting me know what you think?

I have been reading your blog daily ever since I discovered it a couple of months ago. I am a bride-to-be from Greece to be married in July. I noticed you have a particular interest in all the gastronomy-related wedding issues. So I was wondering if you could give me some tips on this: the wedding will take place during one of the hottest periods of summer in Greece.

I was wondering apart from our traditional almond favors, what else could I offer on a candy table which would not be affected by the heat? I was thinking macarons perhaps but I'm stuck on anything else!

Could you perhaps send me some food-:)- for thought?

I hope it is not too much to ask!

Update: I asked my twitter friends for suggestions and have received the following responses:

1. from Larissa of Weddings Costa Rica: avoid chocolate, make sure things are individually wrapped (so they don't stick together)

2. from Lucia of Jason Angelini Photography: We've done a couple weddings with sundae bars...cups of ice cream and then all the toppings in pretty glass containers.

3. from Roberta of Shootz Photography: Rock candy is cool looking you can have almost any color or size. Also taffy and caramels, Yummy!

Mouth-Watering Food Presentations

Elegant Affairs Caterers creates spectacular food with a dazzling presentation and outstanding creativity. Below is just a sampling of the amazing food presentations. Please be sure to visit the wedding section of the Elegant Affairs web site to see photo after photo of even more food inspiration {from Hors D'Oeuvres to Mini Meals to Desserts and more}.
A little background on Andrea Correale, President of Elegant Affairs:
Elegant Affairs is considered a five-star, full service, catering and event planning company, which serves social, corporate and philanthropic clients across Manhattan, Long Island and the Hamptons for over the past decade. Having worked with clients like Billy Joel, Russell Simmons, Ivana Trump, Mariah Carey and Natalie Cole, Elegant Affairs' President Andrea Correale and her team know how to cater for the world’s most discriminating palates. Elegant Affairs is the exclusive on-site caterer for The Player's, the historic club in Gramercy Park in New York City, and the Nassau County Museum of Art, a stunning Mansion on the Gold Coast of Long Island. Andrea is also a regular contributor to www.celebrations.com and is writing her first entertaining and recipe book. For further information go to www.elegantaffairscaterers.com.