Food: Mini Salads & Perfect Size Containers

When you're planning a reception, lots of times you don't think about including salad in the mix.  To get your veggies, you might opt for a veggie tray.  That's kinda boring if you ask me.  I'm all about the presentation.  Here are some fun bite-size salads and darling little containers that everyone would enjoy.

Wondering what you might want to serve your salad in?  Here are some serving options.  First up - disposables from Think Garnish.  They have some great ideas on their website if you are looking for more inspiration.

Looking for china options?  My favorite places to head are CB2, West Elm, World Market and Pier 1.  My style is simple and I tend to lean towards white because I don't like the food to compete with the dish.  One thing to keep in mind - don't think you always need to use a bowl for salad.  Try a marini glass or a shot glass.  Out of the box and unique, that's what makes a statement.

Salads Images:  Salad 1, Salad 2, Salad 3

Disposibles: Think Garnish

Salad Vessels: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Currently Obsessed No. 2 {HOME}

This weeks obsessions are all about the home.  I'm so in the mood to move some furniture around and do a little redecorating.  Look out!

I've been seeing this 1//IKEA rug and can't decide if I want it in my kitchen or under our dining room table.  Our kitchen/dining area isn't that big and these 2//CB2 bar stools would be perfect for the space.

Those 3//West Elm dog plates are completely adorbs! The 4//Jayson Athena Gold Tray would be a great addition to our family room.

The 5//Champagne flutes would be a nice little addition to the bar.  The 6//Serena & Lily drink dispenser is a must have for summer parties.  I'm been dying for a 7//diptyque freesia candle.

Last but not least...this 8//IKEA candle holder needs to be in our backyard coffee table.

Color Crush:: Shades of Green

This weeks Color Crush is all about Shades of Green.  I was just at an event and their corporate colors are shades of green so thought I would put a different spin on this weeks crush.  The spin?  How to incorporate your corporate colors into your events to enhance the experience of the attendees and weave that branding throughout.

I present to you...fresh and crisp shades of green.

With this color palette, you can do so much.  Here are some ideas.

1. Bring in pillows and mix and match them with the venues pillows that are currently there.
2. Ask the venue what color linens they have.  Most of the time, they have a variety of colors that you can choose from so you don't need to rent linen.  Renting can be a little costly. 
3. Vases...you can never have enough vases.  They can go on your registration table and even incorporate them into your buffets.
4. Talk to the chef.  They always love to talk to clients and want to get more creative with their food.  Tell them the colors that you are wanting to incorporate into the entree or dessert.  The impact a dessert has is huge - so take advantage of this easy branding opportunity.
5. Don't forget the bathrooms.  They can always use a little love and it's easy to add a little something something there.  I personally like to bring in my own soap.  Method comes in an array of colors and they smell really good.  Also, add some florals to the bathroom and throw in some of the oil diffusers to make things smell great. 
6. Wondering what to do with centerpieces? I understand that not everyone had the budget to create amazing floral arrangements so why not mix it up.  There aren't any rules that say that each table must look the same.  Intermix florals, small plants and votives that incorporate the colors that you are wanting.  This makes the space more interesting and not as uniform.
7. Candy...I know candy?  Yes.  Purchase color specific wrapped candy from your local Target or drug store.  This is an easy way to bring color into your meeting space and your guest will enjoy it.

Make sure you talk with the venue.  If they don't know what you are going for, they won't be able to lend their creative expertise.  Also, keep in mind that you can do this same thing with a particular theme.  Happy Planning!

{image credits: West Elm Ikat Pillow, CB2 Pillows, Vases, Chevron Storage, Napkins, West Elm Votives, Flowers, Simple Table Set, Amy Atlas Green Dessert Table, Geronimo Balloons, Celery & Peanut Butter, Cake Pops, Green Pencils, Method Hand Cleanser}