Want to make a production out of dinner? Then you need Culinary Productions, Baton Rouge Louisiana's most artistic and inspiring caterers.

Moms always say not to play with your food but I'm glad Culinary Productions didn't listen because every detail about their presentation is an awe-inspiring work of art. "Wow" is all that I can say after reviewing some of their AMAZING spreads for wedding receptions and other events. Not only is their food delicious (and it is a real palate pleaser) but they are also culinary artists, as talented as a big time gourmet chef in a snooty restaurant but with the heart to please brides.

Whether you're planning the rehearsal dinner, wedding reception menu, or just want to host a party with some delicious food, you can count on Culinary Productions to make it the best meal you'll have until the next time you eat their food.

Hor d'oeuvres placed on silver platters? Boring! Culinary Productions make sure that the food itself is eye-catching, artistic and delicious above all else. If a tray is involved it becomes part of the artwork, seamlessly melded into the tapestry of rich and scrumptious catering.

Get a lesson in "mmmm" from caterers at Culinary Productions when you choose Baton Rouge's finest caterers for your wedding reception, rehearsal dinner or other special occasion.

Wedding Receptions: The First Party Of Your Married Life

Your first party together as husband and wife – the wedding reception – is a celebration of your love and commitment, a truly momentous event that should be glorified as such. Family and friends will come from near and far to help mark this important milestone in your new life together. And you will have the time of your life. Great wedding receptions are talked about and remembered fondly by guests and wedding party members alike for years and years.

Just think of all the great memories you will make together as husband and wife surrounded by the most important people in your life.  What a great way to start your journey together.

However, before you put on your dancing shoes and let your hair down, there is a lot of planning that goes into making your wedding reception perfect. While there are many aspects of the wedding reception to consider, if you take care of the core five ingredients (food, music, decorations, location and photographers/videographers), it will come together beautifully.

Food: Success Begins With Great Taste

Just imagine, as your guests enter the reception hall they are greeted by a stunningly beautiful ice sculpture that sparkles and glistens in the warm candlelight. Near the buffet table a chocolate fountain gurgles a cascading sheet of rich milk chocolate and nearby an elegant champagne fountain bubbles out the sweet lavish liquid. The aroma of a delicious meal fills the air, leaving your guests with a feeling of excitement for the festivities to come.

Feeding your guests a great meal may just be one of the most important aspects of your reception. A caterer can take the worry and hassle out of feeding a large crowd. A professional wedding caterer can help you plan the menu and tailor it to the desired atmosphere of your wedding reception.  He or she can help you add those special touches like a delicious chocolate fountain, an elegant ice sculpture, or maybe even that bubbling champagne fountain.

Music: To My Ear and Theirs

Think about how much fun you'll have twirling around the dance floor to your favorite song. Or maybe your entire wedding party will wow the crowd with your own choreographed version of  "Thriller" which could make your party one of the most unique receptions your guests have ever attended. Just think how much fun you and your wedding party will have, not only learning the dance but showing off your new smooth moves as well. A professional choreographer can help you create that special dance.

Music sets the mood for dancing and fun and is a vital part of a good reception. A professional DJ can help keep things lively and get everybody out on the dance floor. You'll be surprised to see your aunt kick off her shoes and get down to "She's a Brick House," but a good dj can make even the most prim and proper guests want to get out there and shake it. Plus think about all the good memories you'll have of dancing and being silly with your friends and family.

Decorations: A Feast For The Eyes

Imagine your guests entering the reception hall. On a table strewn with bright rose petals, photos of the bride and groom greet them at the door.  Bunches of sweet red roses surrounded by the soft glow of romantic candlelight grace round tables draped with rich cream colored linens. The shimmering candlelight along with soft music create a picturesque atmosphere for your wedding reception.

Or maybe picnic tables and buckets full of drinks for guests, lanterns strung through the trees above the tables and whimsical palm tree centerpieces with Jimmy Buffet playing in the background is more your style. Whatever your style may be, there are wedding decorations to make your reception the ideal one for you.

Decorations can make any reception location look amazing and are a must for a great reception. When selecting your reception decorations look for items that match the look and feel of your wedding. If you have a very formal wedding, a formal reception hall would be appropriate. If you have a laid back beach wedding, a more casual laid back reception would match the wedding and your attire.

Location: The Best Place To Celebrate

A church hall, a hotel banquet room, or a garden party all make great places to hold your dream wedding reception. When selecting your reception location consider:

• the number of guests
• whether an indoor or outdoor location
• proximity to the ceremony
• nearby accommodations for out-of-town guests
• availability on the date you have selected

When booking your reception location it is important to do so well in advance to secure the date you need. When it comes to places to hold your reception, the sky is the limit. If you can dream it you can probably do it. Just make up your mind and make it happen and you are sure to end up with the reception location of your dreams.

Photographers and Videographers: Capturing A Moment In Time

There will be so many moments you'll want to capture and preserve forever : like cutting the cake, your maid of honor's heartfelt and teary toast, your first dance, the daddy-daughter dance and all the other great moments at your reception. What better way than with photos and videos that will last a lifetime? A professional photographer can capture great candid shots of those special moments and the special people at your reception. Those creative toasts can be relived again and again on video. A professional videographer can help you preserve those precious words and wishes.

When your grandchildren ask about your wedding you will be able to show them the video of your first dance or the cake cutting. You will also have keepsake photos of you looking gorgeous in your beautiful wedding dress that you can pass on through the generations. That is why selecting a wedding photographer and or videographer is so important. You and your spouse will enjoy looking back at all the wedding reception photos and video and remember the beginning of your great journey together.

A special thanks goes to:

Mendon Massachusetts photographer, Blueberry Photo for the use of their bride and groom photo.

Bentonville Arkansas Caterer, Catering Concepts for the use of their fruit platter photo.

Uniontown Ohio Photographer, Curtis Photography-Videography for the use of their wedding reception dance photo.

Tulsa Oklahoma Wedding Florist, Perfect Presentations for the use of their wedding reception decorations photo.

There are many things involved in selecting the right catering services for your event. Wedding catering services require a high level of quality because it's the biggest party of the bride's life. Party catering can range from a simple buffet meal to an elegant sit down reception. Regardless of the type of event, there are several things to keep in mind when working with a local caterer.

What's Your Vision?
Do you want your service to be big, small, elegant, simple? Know the answer to this before meeting with your caterer. Your caterer will want to discuss this with you at the first meeting because this determines the type of catering services that you will need for your event.

Stick To Your Vision
It's your wedding so do not be concerned with asking for things to be catered to your specific requests. While there is some give and take to be expected, it is ok to speak up about your preferences.

Know Your Caterer's Strengths
What are his or her most popular dishes? What type of service (wedding, party, large, small) does your caterer prefer? Knowing these things or learning these things early on will make this part of the process much simpler.

Be Candid About The Budget
Do not be afraid to discuss the food services budget with your caterer. A good caterer will find ways to work within the constraints given or let you know up front of any major changes.

Speak Up About Foods You Do / Do Not Want
It is very valuable to discuss the foods that you prefer. However, it is just as important to discuss the foods that you do not want included on the menu. For example, note any food allergies that you are aware of.

Don't Micromanage Your Caterer
Most people want to see the Eiffel Tower but don't care how it's built. It is important to be available to answer any questions that your caterer may have, but allow him or her to work comfortably without unnecessary interference. Once the right caterer is chosen, you can trust their work without the need to be constantly available.

Encourage Communication Between Catering and Wait Staff
The kitchen and the front end work together so encourage fluid communication between what should seem like one group. This may be less necessary when hiring party or wedding catering services that include bar and wait staff. However, hiring a separate company for wait staff may present an issue if communication is not encouraged.

There should be little confusion or hassle when hiring a caterer. With all of the other things to do when planning a wedding or party, hiring a caterer should be a simple event performed near the start of the planning process. Taste testings are very definitely encouraged. After all, this is the only trial run that you will get before enjoying the meal at your event. To keep everything running smoothly, remember these eight simple tidbits when taste testing options from your local caterer.

Eight Simple Tips For Your Taste Testing Events

1 – Often it is a representative of the chef that presents the food. If this is the case at your taste testing event, ask if it is possible to pay your compliments to the chef. This positive feedback will be well received by the chef and likely work in your favor later.

2 – Bring others along who will be helpful in selecting the proper foods. Your wedding consultant or party planner can offer helpful tips during this process. Your mother, maid of honor, groom and others very close to you are also able to offer constructive advice during the sampling.

3 – There will be many options when sampling foods from a caterer so remember to pace yourself to enjoy each of them. A small bite or two is all that is necessary to enjoy the tastes of the dish.

4 – Discuss particular preferences with your wedding caterer or party caterer. If you have a favorite food or type of food, feel free to discuss foods with these particular ingredients that will be included in the meals. This information will be very helpful for the caterer to note later in the planning stages.

5 – Discuss alternative ingredient options with your caterer. If you like something but want it to be "vegetarian friendly," simply ask your caterer if this is possible.

6 – Look for signs of quality foods and other ingredients. Catering is not limited to the expensive or the inexpensive tastes. You want the best for your guests regardless of the budget so look for signs of freshness and quality when talking with your wedding caterer or party caterer.

7 — Ask your caterer to present the food to you the way it is to be presented at the wedding reception or party. If it is to be served buffet style over warmers, ask to try the food in this manner. If it is a passed tray reception, ask your caterer if it is possible to sample the food this way. This will help gauge how the food will taste at the reception as well.

8 – Though it does not necessarily pertain to the quality of the food, it is important to take note of the attentiveness of the wait staff. Pay attention to how the front end (servers) and kitchen (chef) communicate with one another. Do things move fluidly or in a disorganized manner? This tip is particularly important if you plan to hire the caterer's wait staff. 

Receptions vary but there is always a need for catering services. Whether a wedding reception, a gala reception or another party, there are three types of catering services from which to choose. Knowing which is your preference will help tremendously when discussing options with your caterer. When selecting on-site catering services for your event, consider these options.

Enjoying A Sit Down or Seated Meal Reception

Sit-down or seated meal dinners are perfect for very elegant wedding receptions, banquets, galas and other sophisticated affairs. This type of meal allows guests to mingle with those at their table. This puts a bit more pressure on preparing the right seating arrangement. However, seated meal receptions are arguably the most elegant type of dining and quite worth the extra attention to detail. When planning a formal dinner, ask your caterer about a seated meal reception.

Buffet Catering Is Another Good Option To Discuss With Caterers

Buffet catering is a type of food catering with which everyone is familiar. Many brides and other party planners prefer this type of catering due to its festive qualities. Guests are able to mingle while they fill their plates with party food or wedding food. There is little doubt that people will receive something that they dislike because they serve themselves. This reduces food waste. Alternatively, plan on the need for a larger amount of food because people tend to eat more when given many options.

"Garcon!" Preparing A Passed-Tray Reception

Passed-tray receptions are the perfect time to enjoy hor d'oeuvres of all kinds. During a passed-tray reception, wait staff weave between party guests while holding hor d'oeuvres and drinks on small trays (hence the name). They seem to flow seamlessly between guests who only notably acknowledge their presence when requesting party food or a beverage.

This is a very easy type of reception to coordinate with your caterer. It is also one that is preferred by many brides for a very simple reception, one with limited seating space, a reception that will be hosted in two places and other options. When guests are encouraged to mingle, passed-tray receptions are the finest option for the wedding or party catering.

We all dream of the wedding reception where the food is just right, there is enough for everyone, and the flavors kick taste bud butt. If you've been to this kind of wedding, chances are great that all of these things were the result of a fantastic wedding caterer. Want to know where to get your hands on a good caterer for your wedding? Here are some tips that will help you choose a wedding caterer that will keep guests' tummies happy and satiated.

Sample! Sample!! Sample!!!

It's perfectly acceptable to ask to sample food before hiring a wedding caterer. Now it's impossible to please everyone, but there is some food that even the most finicky eater can't resist. Your caterer will have several options and menus from which to choose. Whether buffet or individual meals, it's your wedding so pick the food that you want! The best way to figure out what you like the best is to sample the offerings at many catering companies.

Be Prepared When Meeting With Your Wedding Caterer

Catering a wedding is tricky stuff. Your wedding caterer is going to need a lot of information, but thankfully it's pretty easy to figure out. Ask yourself a few simple questions before the meeting and take your answers with you. Caterers are sure to ask the same ones.

• Buffet style or individual servings?
• How many people will be eating?
• Do you require special options such as a vegetarian/vegan option?

Discuss Alternative Ideas For Your Wedding Reception Catering

Have the theme of your wedding in mind. The catering company that you hire should be able to adjust the food options to reflect the style and theme of your wedding. For instance, are you opting for a cupcake cake? This shows whimsy and may inspire individual sandwiches with colored bread. It can also rule out other options such as petit fours. More traditional weddings may call for very traditional meals. It's all up to you and your groom, but be prepared to discuss alternative ideas for your wedding catering.

Ask The Celebration Advisor: We're getting married this fall and would love to consider an alternative location before entering into a contract with our first choice. Does anyone have suggestions for outdoor or unique venues? Our main concern is the cost of catering in a typical hall, hotel ballroom, etc. and want to be able to reduce or eliminate the catering bill and buy and provide our own food. Lola

The Celebration Advisor: Lola, you really have two separate issues at hand. One – wedding location venue. Two – Budget friendly catering.

Let's discuss wedding location venues. With outdoor weddings, venues can run the gamut from a backyard to a state park to a national landmark to an open outdoor area. The key to finding these unique locations is to think about outdoor venues you enjoy.

Outdoor Venues
State Parks
This past summer my cousin's son wedding took place in our local state park. The park's amphitheater was the perfect setting for a wedding. Many state parks allow weddings and often have buildings that can be rented for the wedding reception. Since the state parks only furnish the building and grounds, they leave the catering up to you. Some cities have fantastic city parks ideal for weddings.

Backyards
Another great outdoor venue is someone's backyard. In the fall of 2007, I attended a wedding held in a backyard. The backyard did not belong to the bride or her family nor the groom or his family. Instead a family friend of the bride offered her yard as the wedding venue. Using the backyard of a family member or a family friend can add a sentimental touch to the celebration and give you many options for the reception.

Botanical Gardens
I have seen weddings taking place at botanical gardens. Botanical garden and arboretums have large grassy areas that can accommodate weddings. Like state parks, gardens are ideal places for outdoor weddings.

Unique Wedding Venues
Historical Buildings
In my town we have a historical courthouse that can be rented for weddings. Many historical building foundations supplement their expense by renting there facilities out for events like weddings. The Frank Lloyd house Taliesin West in Scotsdale Arizona rents its grounds for small events. So if you have any historical buildings in your town check them out.  They might be just what you are looking for.

Bed & Breaksfast
Bed & breakfasts are another unique place to host your wedding and reception. Sometimes you can get a wedding package that includes catering and a honeymoon night stay.

Those are just a few of the many wedding location options available. Your best bet would be to look around your town and see if there is a place you think would make a good wedding location. It doesn't hurt to ask.

Affordable catering
Although you think cooking the food for your wedding will save you money, in the long run it probably won't be worth the time and hassle. You can have your cake (and a lot of other foods) and eat it too. Catering doesn't have to blow your budget. Many caterers have different levels of service with different prices ranges. The food at your reception doesn't have to be the traditional fish or chicken served dish. In fact, you don't have to have a sit down dinner with waiters at your reception. Buffet style food is an affordable catering alternative.

Another budget saving idea is timing your wedding so a "meal" is needed. Instead have your wedding in the afternoon and serve light finger foods or hors d'oeuvres. The wedding I attended in the backyard was held in the afternoon and the food consisted of chocolate covered strawberries, cheese straws, cucumber sandwiches, a wonderful vegetable platter, a delightful punch and champagne. Oh and of course a wedding cake and a grooms cake. By having the wedding in the afternoon, the need for a heavy dinner was eliminated.

Of course the wedding reception will need to match the formality of the wedding ceremony. Keep in mind a less formal wedding can have a less formal wedding reception. The affordable alternatives for wedding reception foods increases with the informality of the reception. The way to get the best bang for your wedding reception food buck is to discuss all the catering options available with the caterers you interview. I'm sure they will have an options that will suit your needs and budget.

Congratulations and I hope this information will help you achieve the wedding of your dreams.

2009 Entertaining Calendar

Just as clothes, cars, and music change, so does the art of entertaining guests. Over the years, styles and fashions of many different types of parties may have changed, but the desire to host a fashionable and memorable event certainly has not. Guests will look forward to your seeing old and new friends in a comfortable yet exciting atmosphere.

Hosting monthly parties yourself or rotating hosting responsibilities through a group of friends is a great way to get together and have a great time. For 2009, the entertainers guide to hosting great parties is all about creativity. Below we have gathered some ideas to assist you in making a year of entertaining not only memorable for guests, but also effortless for the host.

New Years Day

New Years Day party ideas are usually quite standard, but because there is no real theme to the New Year you can let your creativity and your imagination really flow. Decade theme parties are always a blast. This New Years Day party, host a 70's or 80's themed party fully embracing the theme through music and clothing. Guests dressed up in themed clothing help set the mood and provide much of the decoration for the event. Also, disc jockeys have a tremendous library of music to keep your decade-dressed guests dancing all night long.

Valentines Day

Romance is in the air for the month of February. Entertaining for Valentines Day calls for a romantic dinner party for couples to come and enjoy good company and great food. Dinner parties are low key social get-togethers that allow all guests to really socialize over a gourmet meal and maybe enjoy some subtle entertainment such as a professional pianist resounding soothing romantic music. To assist the host in planning for a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner, a professional chef may be of service in presenting a fabulous meal to guests, which allows the host to entertain guests as they arrive.

St. Patrick's Day

Green leprechauns, though always appropriate, are a little bit cliché for St. Patrick's Day parties this year. 2009 calls for creative floral arrangements and imaginative food creations. With the help of a professional florist and caterer, a St. Patrick's Day party will be as easy as 1, 2, and 3.

First, arrange for a florist to create "all green" floral arrangements for the tables of the party venue. Whether a dinner party or cocktail party, these great St. Patrick’s Day arrangements will be the center of attention. Second, great food is the key to a great party. A professional caterer or chef can assist the party host in creating unique "green" dishes from appetizers to desserts. Each course will bring a new exciting layer to the St. Patrick's Day party.

Easter

Easter is the time of year when spring is in the air and new life is brought about by the new season. Easter parties such as teas or luncheons are very appropriate for the spiritual holiday. Delicious desserts paired with tasty teas suit the season as well as the theme of the party. Easter decorations are most exemplified by fresh flowers. Creative, edgy designs using pastel colors can bring a modern twist to an otherwise traditional arrangement. Simple table arrangements with modern tableware will add to the contemporary Easter theme of the party.

Cinco de Mayo

Nothing says "summer" like a sizzling Cinco de Mayo party. The yearly Cinco de Mayo party seems to be the unofficial release of summer. Fresh grilled pineapple shrimp and chicken paired with an assortment of mixed drinks will be sure to keep your guests entertained all night long. Spice things up at your Cinco de Mayo party with a professional mariachi band to entertain guests with festive music. With great grilled food and sensational live music, your Cinco de Mayo party will surely be a hit.

Independence Day

July 4th is the ultimate time for a backyard barbeque for family and friends. Get creative this year for Independence Day by hosting a barbeque contest. Invite guests over, grills in tote, to face off in the ultimate Independence Day cook off. Not only does the competition give purpose to the party, but also provides other guests with delicious food to munch on all day long.

Labor Day

Also a big grilling holiday, Labor Day parties signify the end of the summer season. Step up your classic outdoor party this year with a professional band to play live music as guests enjoy great food and good company. Create great memories for guests by hiring a professional photographer to take pictures of guests enjoying themselves. Combine the action shots with a fun photo album and you’ve got yourself a creative souvenir for all of your guests.

Halloween

Costume parties are always appropriate for this spooky holiday. However, 2009 brings a new spirit to the ghostly affair. This year, create a creepy haunted house atmosphere for your Halloween party with dim lighting, fake spider webs, antique décor, and several candles of all shapes and sizes. Candles filling a room with just enough light create such a spooky ambiance and a great setting for a Halloween party. Don’t have enough candles to create the look? Several party or wedding vendors carry candles to buy or even rent for one time use.

Thanksgiving

Tradition is tradition for the Thanksgiving holiday. Nothing beats a Thanksgiving celebration like some good food and great company. Invite friends and family over to celebrate the fall season over a fabulous meal. To simplify the hosting duties, hire a caterer or a professional chef to do all the work. Utilizing professionals while hosting a party can relieve stress and allow the host to visit with guests instead of messing with hosting duties.

Christmas

Holiday parties can be as serious or as carefree as the host desires. Sit-down Christmas meals are always appropriate for a traditional get-together. However, with so many families having traditional sit-down dinners, friendly gatherings usually try to embrace a more relaxed side of Christmas. This year try hosting an Ugly Christmas Sweater Party, where all guests are required to wear a Christmas sweater that even their tacky great aunt would be ashamed to wear. Your guests will be laughing all night long.

As the years pass, so do the trends of entertaining. Just remember that classy and creative is always in style when it comes to entertaining guests. As a host, let your personality shine through in the atmosphere of the party and don't forget to use the professionals every now and then to ease the workload!

Contributor: Jordon Robinson

A party isn't really a party without food … at least not in my book. Maybe I'm food obsessed. When ever I receive an invitation to a party, I always wonder what types of yummy food they will serve. Now I know I'm not the only one who thinks about these things; you know you do too. Whenever I host a party, I try my best to incorporate as many foods as possible or at least some interesting combinations.

A New Twist On Birthday Or Theme Party Food Ideas

One of my go to places for unique food ideas and twists on old stand-bys is my local caterers. These guys Read the rest of 3 Great Party Food Ideas »

Wedding traditions are charming ways we hold on to our heritage and ethnicity. When we are able to incorporate even minute details of our heritage it makes our wedding day that much more special. But what if you don't have a direct relationship to a particular heritage or ethnicity?  Can you follow their traditions?  Remember imitation is the best form of flattery.  So why not incorporate the traditions of an ethnicity or  culture that you admire.  For me some of the wedding traditions that began with the Italian culture are the most special.

In fact, Italian wedding traditions are easily incorporated into any wedding celebration. If you’re a bride who Read the rest of Infusing Italian Wedding Traditions Into Your Special Day »