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Feature on Birds of a Feather for Kendall & Tyler’s Wedding

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Feature on Birds of a Feather for Kendall & Tyler’s Wedding

Kendall and Tyler’s classic elegant wedding with its moody maroons, sophisticated greenery, and other dusty hues was absolutely breathtaking. Everyone came together to make it a truly spectacular event. We are incredibly honored to be a part of such beautiful events such as this one. And the opportunity to work with some of the best vendors in the Dallas area.
Take a look at the incredible work that was created below:

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Planning and Design: Birds of a Feather Photography, Charla Storey Photography

Venue: Clark Gardens Flowers, The Southern Table Catering, Gil’s Elegant Catering, Babe’s Fried Chicken

Lighting: LeForce Entertainment Photobooth, Flock Together Fotobooth

Tabletop: POSH Couture Rentals

Hair and Makeup: Meg B

Linens: La Tavola

Cake: Sugar Bee Sweets

Rentals: Taylor’s Rentals

Stationery: Minted

Calligraphy: Harts and Quills

Benefits of an Action Station

benefits of action station

Benefits of an Action Station – Gil’s Elegant Catering

Still trying to decide which serving style is best for your special day? Buffet meals and plated dinners each have distinctive pros and cons; but the great thing about buffet meals is you can add or only use action stations.

Similar to a buffet, except chef’s prepare and serve foods at the buffet (rather than in the kitchen). Adding a couple of action stations to a buffet style of service can help alleviate the long lines at the main buffet, plus it adds a fun interactive element to the event and guests love the chance to interact with the chef.

Foods that lend themselves well to action station service include wok stations, mashed potato bars, fajitas, pasta stations, grilled meats, omelets, crepes, sushi, gourmet taco, gourmet burgers, and flaming desserts. These stations are sometimes called “performance stations” or “exhibition cooking.”

Catering stations provide entertainment, variety, and tasty food. They allow flexible timing for guests to eat whenever they’d like, and encourage movement flow throughout your venue. Additionally, serving food right off the grill at an action station ensures food will be hot, fresh, and delicious.

So if you decide to go with a buffet style for dinner, don’t forget to incorporate an action station or two.

Late Night Snack Ideas for Your Texas Wedding Guests

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A new post-wedding trend has seen rise in the recent years – late night snack parties. We love this because it shows a lot of care and consideration on the wedding couple’s part. The wedding dinner is worked off by your guests long after they hit the dance floor.

After hours of dancing and drinking, a lot of guests can be seen looking for leftover food. Not to mention, something that can help them ward off the inevitable hangover the next morning. So, if your budget allows, talk to your wedding caterer about creating an after-party menu. This can include small bites and snacks that your guests can enjoy without having to sit down.

Think about convenient munchies. Here are some ideas for a fun menu.

Stick bites:

After the wedding party, your guests will be preparing to hop on a bus or a cab to make it back home – snacks on a stick will be very convenient to have on the go. For this, you can order mini corn dogs with little pouches of mustard and ketchup. Or think salad – tomato, mozzarella, and basil on a skewer with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. Yum.

Shots are fine:

How about tortilla strip shooters with nacho cheese dip? These are classic recipes but so much fun with the shooters. For a more elegant choice, you can try something like lobster claw with a bisque shooter, or shrimp with a cocktail sauce. Even maple syrup shots with French toast strips are a divine choice. Or you can go the old way and choose grilled cheese strips with tomato soup shots.

Texas style wraps:

Thinking of portable food, how about pop-tarts. And not just any pop tarts – pulled pork ones. You can also try creative rolls, like a Philly cheesesteak rolled up like an egg roll.

Mini treats:

Other than storing kitchen stuff, those cute little muffin tins can also be used to serve fun snacks like mini meatloaves, mini tacos, or how about mini frittatas? Since the party keeps going until late night and into the morning, you might as well serve them breakfast.

Magic in a Cone:

A cone is not only very convenient but also a perfect way to serve delicious snacks to guests on their way out of the party. You can have nuggets in a waffle cone crusted with blue cheese, or a sesame cone lined with seaweed and stuffed with pickled tuna.

A small snack Bar:

You know what would be the perfect late night snack idea for your wedding guests? A popcorn bar with varied flavors and seasonings. Another great Texan snack idea would be a biscuit bar with pimento cheese, ham, pickle, and mustard dressing. And if nothing else, you can always go with the classic yet yummy burger slider bar.

Cookies and Milk:

However ‘homey’ this may sound, your guests will appreciate this cozy snack that will remind them of all the late night munchies they used to enjoy. For cookies, you can choose oats and raisins, or almond butter and chocolate, there are a lot of options. For milk, you can opt for nut milk and soy milk, other than the standard one to suit the diverse preferences of your various guests.

Possibilities are endless. You might decide to choose one snack option (like a burger slider bar) or go with multiple snacks. Whatever your choice, the guests will thank you for this thoughtful favor.

12 Wedding Brunch Ideas that are Trending in 2017

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Times are changing and a lot of couples are choosing to make their own traditions. This could mean choosing to have a wedding ‘brunch’ – a casual gathering of friends and family the day after the wedding.

If you have friends and loved ones who have travelled from far away to be with you on your special day, it makes sense to extend the festivities, don’t you think? It is entirely possible to throw a light brunch post-wedding, to thank and appreciate your guests.

And speaking of brunch, here are some creative Dallas wedding brunch ideas that will (truly) compel you to throw a wedding brunch party.

Afternoon Tea:

Just like the wedding, your post-party brunch can be designed to follow a theme. If you wish to choose a classic and elegant Victorian theme, a great option for the brunch dessert menu would be tea paired with light snacks like gourmet macaroons.

Going traditional:

Speaking of classic, how about going with lovely European Bundt cake. There is no dearth of recipes for Bundt cakes – you can choose a selection of fillings from chocolate to lemon-raspberries. Choose toppings of whipped cream and garden fresh berries for an exotic treat.

Old love:

“I don’t love donuts” said no one ever. For an awesome wedding brunch dessert idea, serve an assortment of donuts – chocolate frosted, blueberry, vanilla, cinnamon, Bavarian crème, we can go on and on because options are unlimited.

Mini pancakes:

You can never go wrong with mini pancakes. Serve your guests these tasty treats with a twist; for example, you can serve mini pancakes with fresh berries on adorable little skewers. Drizzle honey or maple syrup on top. Mmm.

A light affair:

If it’s an open venue, or better yet, a garden venue, you can pull off a wine n’ cheese brunch effortlessly. Throw in some fresh fruits and some more cheese (because you can never have enough cheese obviously) and you are golden.

Mimosa love:

Ah, the joy of having as many mimosas as you can even earlier in the day. Set up a mimosa bar for the cocktail hour and the grannies in the family will bless you.

Cheesecake:

When we said earlier that you can never have enough cheese…well an ultimate brunch dessert idea would be a layered cheesecake. That’s right! Layers upon layers of delicate, scrumptious, mouth-melting cheese.

Extra fun:

To relieve the stress, you can indulge your wedding guests in some table games that are fun and engaging – like crossword puzzles and Pictionary.

Sitting affair:

Though people take it to mean that brunch is a strictly casual affair and you don’t really need to have seating arrangements – we disagree. You can make it as elaborate as you see fit, using fine china and table service complete with wait staff to serve the guests.

Contrasting decorations:

If your wedding was pastel colored or an all-white colored theme, you can choose a bright colored theme for you after-party brunch. Add a magenta pop of color with flowers and gold colored flatware for example.

Keeping it light:

Since the wedding affair is grand, it is a good idea to keep your wedding brunch party light and simple and fresh.

Cute invitations:

For your brunch invitation cards, you can choose light and fun stationary suites that will suit the daytime theme much better.

Pippa Middleton’s Wedding Favor Might Just Be the Yummiest Ever

Elegant Wedding Catering

Did you hear what Pippa Middleton gifted her wedding guests? Those who were lucky enough to get an invitation to the coveted affair were delightfully surprised – and who can blame them. In our opinion, the invite to the most anticipated wedding of the year would have been enough, but nobody asked us.

The Duchess of Cambridge was in the bridal party and could be seen fuzzing over her little sister, but it was Princess Charlotte and Prince George who stole hearts with their adorable flower-showering talent.

On May 20, 2017, Pippa Middleton exchanged vows with long time sweetheart, James Matthews, at St. Mark’s Englefield in an elegant ceremony that saw 350 guests in attendance – but we digress. The edible wedding favors, we hear, were the courtesy of Pippa’s brother, James Middleton. Isn’t that sweet?

According to Hello! Online, UK, the guests were given sweet marshmallows that were personalized with bride and groom’s initials. Marshmallows, guys! Pippa and Kate’s brother, James, is apparently a professional food entrepreneur and wanted to add a personal touch to the wedding. He owns Boomf, a company that specializes in freshly baked sweet treats and wedding favors. We hear the DIY monogrammed marshmallows were a huge hit among the guests; it wasn’t the first time James showed his culinary skills either. In 2011, when his eldest sister Kate wed Prince William in the grandest royal ceremony ever, he reportedly served personalized cupcakes in the wedding. It certainly pays to have a baker in the family.

Maybe you can’t afford a custom made Giles Deacon wedding dress that Pippa could, but you can definitely copy her edible wedding favors for your own. You can order similar sweet treats from us and make your wedding a touch more royal.

Wedding Guest Dilemma: How to Tell the Couple about Dietary Restrictions

DFW Dietary Wedding Advice

As a wedding guest, the last thing you want to do is make things more imposing for the stressed-out couple. Planning a wedding is not a piece of cake after all. However, if you have true intolerance or allergies, this isn’t the time to be shy. When it comes to your health, do not feel embarrassed to let the happy couple know about your special dietary needs. Remember, they invited you to their wedding because they really want you to be there – they wouldn’t want you to fall ill on their wedding day.

Are you really allergic?

Okay, so the first thing to do is ask yourself, are you truly allergic to peas? Or you just simply don’t like peas? It’s an important distinction, and you need to be honest here. For example, if you don’t love tomatoes but aren’t allergic, or if you don’t like to eat red meat but are fine with the chicken or fish, don’t mention it. Pick the tomatoes out of your salad if that’s what it takes. There are always a lot of options so choose a meal that you will have no problem eating.

On the other hand, if you are truly allergic to something, let the couple know about it before the wedding. Growing up with the allergies is bad enough; you need not feel any embarrassment in requesting a healthy meal.

Share your dietary restrictions as soon as possible.

We recommend using your RSVP card for this purpose. You can choose a meal out of the meal options mentioned in the RSVP card and attach an additional note describing your allergies. This will help the couple choose a catering menu with dietary restrictions. If you’re allergic to an ingredient that’s commonly used like, wheat, onions, garlic, or dairy – include that in the note. Almost every appetizer contains at the very least one of the above mentioned ingredients (butter, butter, everywhere!). This will make sure that the caterer comes up with at least one main dish that you’ll be able to enjoy. In addition to the note, send a message or email to confirm that they got your note. Doing so makes it easier for the couple (and the caterer) to get in touch with you regarding any questions about what you can and can’t eat.

That’s all. Don’t get in touch with the couple regarding the catering menu with your dietary restrictions any more than that; they already have a lot on their plate.

A last word, do not forget to bring along your allergy medication as a precaution or prevention.

The Gils Elegant Catering staff is always notified of the special meal requests by the couple, however you are more than welcome to repeat the request upon your arrival.

Foods to Eat Before You Walk Down the Aisle

Wedding Day Food Advice

We have some wedding day advice for you! Far too often we see brides who forget to eat before they walk down the aisle. Whether it’s nerves, excitement or a mix of both, taking care of yourself before you take that walk is essential. With your wedding day comes a rather unfortunate case of the jitters. It is perfectly normal to feel bloated and stressed, but the main goal here is to keep your body healthy, hydrated, and above all, free from the cravings! The wedding stress is bad enough; you do not need an additional boost of hunger to trigger the next bridezilla episode just moments before you walk down the aisle.

 

Lots of Water

It is essential to stay hydrated on your big day. Wedding jitters are natural and weddings often work over a packed schedule. Needless to say it can get a little overwhelming. Keep a bottle of water handy with you at all times to help you stay hydrated and calm.

 

Keep it Balanced and Avoid Experimenting

The night before the wedding and the day of the wedding itself are not the time to experiment with exotic cuisine. You do not know how your body might react to something unfamiliar provided your stressful and hectic schedule.

Plan your meal for the night before. Be sure to take in an adequate dose of nutrition by incorporating lean meat, vegetables, and something filling like brown rice.

The goal is to keep you well fed but not to the point where you feel like you have had too much to eat. As for breakfast the next day, keep it light and nutritious. Go for something like a green smoothie or a whole grain toast.

 

Don’t be Scared of Fats

Contrary to common belief, healthy fats are actually very good for your skin, hair, and nails. Weddings often call for diets but do not be too harsh on your body. Healthy fats contribute to naturally radiant skin that captures beautifully in photos. Healthy fats include avocados, coconut, eggs, olives, etc.

 

Keep it Fresh

Fresh fruit and veggies are full of antioxidants, phytochemicals, and healthy fats. In addition to making your skin feel healthy and glowing, they do amazing things for your body as well. They keep you from feeling bloated but keep you full, hydrated, and healthy.

 

Love for Comfort Food and Fun

Food does not just sustain your body. Food keeps you sane. Stress often triggers the worst cravings. The night before, it is okay to have a small portion of your favorite comfort food to keep you happy and content. Don’t forget to take some time out to unwind and dwell in your favorite activities to relax your mind and your body.

 

Your wedding day is meant to be enjoyed heartily. Stay hydrated, well fed, and above all else, relaxed and composed. We are sure you will do great.

Beautiful Wooded Menu Signs Ideas for your Wedding

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photo credit: http://www.weddingchicks.com/blog/lace-and-burlap-wedding-at-the-white-oaks-ranch-l-9911-l-43.html

This month we’re discussing some wedding menu inspiration. It takes your untiring and diligent efforts into making the arrangements for your picture perfect wedding to make sure everything is as immaculate, prime and pristine as it can get! – From the dresses to the themes to the venue to the wedding planner to the invitation cards to the menu!

Gosh.

While putting in a lot of effort in choosing the menu items, why not flaunt the menu in the most intriguing, unconventional and spellbinding way to leave the guests in an awe and watery mouth by only looking at the menu listing. It’s being said that half your job is done once a thing is beautiful to look at.

 

Mirror Menu:

Get a medium sized mirror in an intricate wooden frame, using a mirror safe pen dash off the menu in your own handwriting either listing them all at once or writing them under headers. You can get them in numbers according to the scale of your wedding event and hang them randomly around the venue as well as near the serving tables.

 

Window Menu:

Old used windows are easily available at flea markets or old furniture markets. Snag one that fits your requirements according to the wedding theme or buy any one to revamp it by painting or putting up embellishments and glitters or fresh flowers even.

 

Surfboard Menu:

If the adventure in you makes you want to plan a beach wedding, why not think out of the box and use a surfboard to scribble the menu down or ask a painter friend to paint the menu on it and mount it on the entrance of the venue.

 

 

Wood Slice:

Making use of a table top easel or a stand, get the dinner details printed on a wood slice for a very rustic and countryside feel to it.

 

Wooden Serving Boards:

Wooden serving boards clipped with the paper menu, with multiple pages giving it more of an rustic paper look, stands it out in the world of ideas for menu displays on the extravagant theme weddings that are carried out these days.

 

If you know anything about wedding planning, it’s all about details and more details. The more personal touch you add to details it is more likely to be loved and appreciated. Extravagant, lavish, dreamy, fancy, exemplary your wedding should be remembered as.

Fun Hor d’oeuvres for your Dallas Wedding

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Weddings are a celebration of love and unity. However, at Gils Elegant Catering, weddings are also a time to enjoy some delectable food that teases your taste buds like no other.

Are you looking for the best time and place to incoporate some fun menu items into you Dallas wedding? Cocktail hour has a very relaxed and fun aura, so it’s a great time to get creative with the food.

Here are a couple fun favorites when it comes to hor d’oeuvres at your wedding.

Fried Chicken and Waffles

Chicken and waffles can get really filling. You don’t want your guests to miss out on the delicious catered dinner, so miniature versions are a total hit. Bite-size pieces of fried chicken and tiny circle waffles are a delicious option.

Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup

Tomato soup served in a shot glass along with wedges of grilled cheese sandwiches will tantalize your guests’ taste buds and leave them craving for more.

Mini Corn Dogs

Corn dogs aren’t just for the kiddos anymore! Mini corn dogs are guaranteed to be a favorite. Serve them with a small dollop of mustard and ketchup and maybe even a shot glass full of beer.

Skewers

Skewers served on a tray are both chic and beautiful. Get creative with your choices of what goes on the skewer, consider what you and your soon-to-be spouse love and incorporate some of those ideas here.

Sliders

Almost always a guaranteed favorite mini burgers are a must for our fun loving couples. Lay out a range of options for your guests to choose from.

 

The best part about bite-size food portions is that you can really introduce your guests to flavors that you love and give them a preview into the type of meal or event they are about to experience. Choose your preferred route and get creative.

Spring Recipe Inspiration

Vibrant Springtime Recipes 

Top Dallas Caterer | Bridesmaid Brunch Editorial Feature

Bold spring flavors are some of the best event menu items!

A spring season inspired menu is nothing if not colorful, flavorful and refreshing. And with the Texas weather approaching its hottest, we could do with the refreshing! We’ve curated some lip smackin’ springtime recipes that would be perfect for your next dinner party – recipes straight from the Gil’s kitchen, that’ll make you taste the spring season!

Seared Ocean Trout, Mashed Fava Beans, and Hon Shimeji Mushrooms

Ingredients:

  • 4 pieces 6 oz. ocean trout
  • 1 lb. hon shimeji mushrooms, roots removed and separated
  • 1 cup fava beans, peeled
  • 1 cup English peas, peeled
  • 1 shallot, minced
  • 2 T. parsley, chopped
  • 2 T. butter
  • 4 T. Crème fraiche

Recipe

Blend the fava beans and peas in a food processor to create a coarse paste. Add the minced shallot in a little olive oil over low heat. Add the fava bean-pea mixture to the shallot and mix well. If needed, add a splash of water to keep moist. Season with salt and pepper and fold in the chopped parsley. Reserve.

Season the fish with salt and pepper and set aside. Put a heavy bottom sauté pan over high heat; add enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan and take the fish – sear flesh side down for about 2 minutes. Lower heat to medium and let fish cook slowly for 2-3 more minutes. On another burner, heat another sauté pan over medium heat, add butter and sauté the mushrooms until tender.

To serve, put a spoon of the fava bean/pea blend in the center of a plate, add a little mushroom on the side with the fish on top. Garnish with the crème fraiche and a few pea shots.

Beet & Strawberry Salad with Strawberry and Poppy Seed Dressing

This salad is not only deliciously colorful but also a blast of antioxidants – something your skin would be thankful for!

Ingredients:

For Salad:

  • 1 bunch red beets, medium
  • 1 bunch yellow beets, medium
  • 2 pints fresh red strawberries
  • 10 oz. arugula
  • 3 oz. goat cheese
  • Aluminum foil (to wrap the beets)

For Dressing:

  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
  • 1 tbsp. poppy seeds
  • 6 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tsp. sugar, granulated
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe

Preheat oven to 425*F. Coat the beets in olive oil and wrap them up in the foil. Roast them directly on the preheated oven rack for an hour. Pierce them with a fork to check if they’re done. Let them cool, then peel off the skin and chop into square-shaped chunks.

To make the dressing, combine all the ingredients in a blender, except the oil and the poppy seeds, and blend until smooth. Then slowly add oil to the blender and blend for 5 seconds.

Transfer the arugula and beets in a large mixing bowl and drizzle the dressing generously. Add the poppy seeds and crumbled goat cheese on the top while serving.

Chilled Snap Pea Soup

This snap pea soup is really easy to prepare and it’s perfect for those spring evenings when there’s a slight chill in the air.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb. fresh snap peas
  • 1 shallot, mined
  • 1 clove of garlic, minced
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 3 cups buttermilk
  • 1 tbsp. butter
  • 1 tbsp. kosher or Himalayan salt

Recipe

Sauté the garlic, shallot, and the peas in butter over a low heat until they tender. Then, mix the sautéed ingredients with the rest of the ingredients in a blender and puree until smooth. Add seasoning to taste.

Asparagus with Turmeric-Spiced Almonds

This sweet-spicy asparagus recipe is a must have for your rehearsal dinner.

Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup almonds, sliced
  • 1 lb. asparagus, soft stems, 3-inch pieces
  • 1 tbsp. agave nectar
  • 1 pinch turmeric
  • 1 pinch ground cumin
  • 1 tbsp. lemon juice, freshly squeezed
  • 1 pinch sea salt
  • 1 1/2 tbsp. grape seed oil,

Recipe

Preheat the oven to 325*F. Cover a baking sheet with some oil and set aside. Take a small bowl and mix the turmeric, salt, cumin and agave. Then slowly add the almonds as to coat thoroughly. Spread the coated almonds on the prepped baking sheet and bake for 6-7 minutes until light golden. Set aside.

Set a large heavy skillet over medium heat and add the remaining oil. Then add the asparagus and cook lightly for 5 minutes until soft. Take a serving dish and add the asparagus. Top with lemon juice and almond dressing.