Did You Know? {{New Rental Items}}

Did You Know?

As the team at Christiani's wraps up another hugely successful year of fabulous catered weddings and special events we've made some exciting new additions to our Decor and Rental department. At Christiani's Catering, we like to get to know our clients the best way we can, and your feedback has helped us grow up and out of the old catering standard. As is the nature of the beast, the needs of our customers are constantly changing, and we take great pride in consecutively adapting with them. Just because you're mother hand-sewed individual doilies on each place setting for her wedding, doesn't mean you want to, or should! Today's bride has a "hand-in-everything" attitude without actually having her hand in everything. She knows what she wants, but maybe not how to do it, and that's where we come in. We take your scrapbook of scribbled notes and magazine clippings and transform your "vision" into the event of your dreams. We know that creating the big day means more than just picking out appetizers. Christiani's strives every day to offer that "one-stop-shop" experience for the conquer-all bride of modern day. That's why we're proud to announce that our Rental Department has added yet ANOTHER division to make your planning experience just one step simpler. So not only can you get the same award-winning dining experience with full table-scape and buffet decor, but now we even provide the backbone of the event; something that is frequently overlooked; THE TABLES AND CHAIRS! Christiani's now offers bundled deals on all the essential elements of your big day. So when people ask us "what type of services do you guys offer?" we've got quite the mouthful:

Award Winning International Cuisine
Customized Centerpieces and Tablescape Decor
Buffet/Station Decor
Complete Ceremony Decor/Chairs/Arches/Lighting/Runners/etc.
Rentable Reception Tables and Chairs
Fully Loaded Bar Service and Decor
Professional Lighting & Backdrop
Luxurious Rentable Lounge Furniture and Much More
And Coming Soon...Fabric Draped Ceiling Decor!

And the best part...many of these services are complimentary with the purchase of your meal.
Yes, you read that right.

So the next time you find yourself wondering when you're going to find the time to set up a dozen different appointments with different decorators and caterers and rental companies and bar servers......remember, it doesn't have to be that hard. Check out all the easy ways to bundle and save at www.ChristianisCatering.com or give us a call at 515-287-3169.

We're standing by to take you from this                             to THIS

At Christiani's we're all LIT up!

                                         ILLUMINATION 

        

If you're looking for the most effective and inexpensive way to completely transform the look and mood of a room, it's all in the lighting. Whether you're highlighting a specific area of the room or draping the entire venue with a vibrant color wash, attention to illumination decor can be the make-or-break element of the overall decor cohesion. However, with all of the mass availability of resources today via your decorator, florist, caterer or the internet, you’re probably at an information overload by now. Sound about right?

Lets break it down: LIGHTING LINGO

Learn the lingo and impress your friends and planners at your next appointment!

 Here are a few words you’ve probably been hearing over and over again from your wedding planning team of self proclaimed experts, but you may be wondering what in the world they actually mean. No worries, we’ve picked a few terms from the lighting lingo experts to prepare you for your next décor appointment.

                                                                                         

LED: This is probably one of the greatest inventions since sliced bread for us wedding gurus. Short for Light Emitting Diodes, this kind of lighting uses much less electricity than standard incandescent light bulbs, so they don’t project nearly as much heat. They’re also amazingly portable because many of them are wireless and therefore considerably more discrete. LEDs make for excellent accent lighting as well as a vibrant punch of color in any desired area.

[[How do we use them at Christiani’s?]]

These 3 photos (right)  are excellent
examples of how stunning a simple glass

centerpiece can become with one little LED light
ring. Portable and fabulous, these Mini LEDs come
in 8 vibrant colors. You can rent up to
30 of these from Christiani's for $10.00 each.

PIN SPOT: Basically, a pin spot is a focused beam of light that shines directly on to an object. In these examples they are used to give a highlighting effect to our centerpieces but a pin spot could focus on anything from your head table to your cake.

COLOR WASH: This technique was cleverly developed to completely transform the vibe a room using strictly lighting. A mixture of lighting fixtures (we use proffesional uplights) can be used to create the "wash" that basically drapes an entire blanket of colored light over an entire area, and in many cases, an entire venue!

                         ...

[How we use it at Christiani's]

         --take a look below--- 

Look at the Difference

This is one of our favorite Des Moines venues, STICKS. With such a uniquely beautiful venue like sticks, it's hard to go wrong with an illumination scheme. Here lies an excellent example though, of how dramatically different a reception hall can appear with some trick lighting. The photo above aimed for a naturally-lit, yet simply elegant mood. The photo below was taken in the exact same room, but as you can see, aimed for a much more dramatic, vibrant mood with the use of alternating red and purple uplights (available for rent  in most colors at Christiani's for $25.00 each). 

 BRAND NEW ILLUMINATION DECOR NOW AVAIALABLE!

EXCLUSTIVELY AT CHRISTIANI'S CATERING AND EVENTS

Italian Bistro Lights: They're finally here, and they're flying off the shelf. This classic look is created by our designers stringing our Italian globe lights back and forth across the desired space until your dim dance floor becomes an enchanting space to waltz the night away. An outdoor feel for an indoor space. It's beautiful, its elegant and now, it's available to rent through us. Just one more thing we do....so you don't have to. (Also available with paper lanterns)

Also featured in this photo above is an example of our Lighted Backdrop, and Lighted Skirting. The beautiful illuminescent ivory draping behind the head table acts as the perfect compliment to this soft, glowing mood.  It adds a lovely, twinkling touch to your reception throughout the night and pairs excellently with the Lighted Skirting on the head table and cake table. The Lighted backdrop as well as the Lighted Skirting is available for rent through Christianis Catering and is priced based on desired length.

So whether you're going for a soft elegant look or a bold punch of color, illumination decor can be the best decision you can make for your next reception. So call today and get your questions answered...you don't have to have a big budget to make a big impact on your special day. Let our design team help you create the space of your dreams.

TAPAS - [Tah-pahs] pl n.

(especially in Spain) a snack or appetizer, typically served with wine or beer.

By Dictionary Definition, Tapas is listed as a snack or appetizer typically served with wine or beer, but here at Christiani's we know that Tapas are so much more than that. For us, it's an art form in the purest sense. It's a way for us to focus on the theme of a dish and turn it into something spectacular. Our Chefs create intricate stations that allow your guests to graze from one station to the next and experience many different types of food. This may seem very different from your standard  buffet, but that's because it is. Tapas gives you the option to step back from the traditional buffet display, and encourages your guests to mingle! This less formal style of dining is set for some guest seating but with many open cocktail tables (again, to encourage a light and easy flow). Typically our clients choose between 3 and 4 of these stations from a large variety of tapas options listed on our website. One of the most popular station combinations includes:

A Fresh Salad Bar, served in fun Chinese Takeout Boxes Including

•  Fresh Tuscan Salad with Summer Melon
• Sesame Asian Noodle Salad
• Classic Caesar Salad
• Spring Garden Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette

A Delicious Pasta Bar Served to Order Including

• Stuffed Shells with Marinara Sauce
• Penne with Meatballs and Sweet Sausage
• Fettucini with Creamy Basil Pesto
• Grated Romano Cheese, Red Pepper Flakes, Italian Bread and Butter

And A Succulent Carving Station Sliced and Served Right in Front of You

• Top of the Round Roast Beef with Au Jus and Horseradish Cream Sauce
• Garlic and Rosemary Pork Tenderloin with Chianti Demiglace
• Garlic Mashed Potatoes 

Most of our stations are attended by a Chef, so they are also interacting with your guests as they enjoy a delicious variety of flavors. Our newest interactive station can really bring the heat to any event. We call it The Brazilian Flame Station, where our trained chefs dazzle your guests with open skillets and glowing torches toasting your meat selections to absolute perfection, right there before your very eyes. This upgraded station is a true conversation piece for any type of celebration and can be customized to toast and roast your favorite Christiani's delicacies.

The Flame Station

Drink Stations

                                                                           The Beer Buffet

What would Tapas be without the perfect drink companion? If you haven't already got your heart set on a signature drink, then the sky's the limit with our interchangeable drink stations. Depending on your style and menu selections we can recommend a beverage pair or you can choose from a wide list of beer and wine selections displayed as you desire. Does a loaded Beer Buffet sound right up your ally? Or does a glistening                Wine Tree speak to your style? Perhaps a 4 foot Mojito Giraffe will act as the perfect compliment to your menu selection. Either way, we've got you covered.

The Wine Tree

OR.....          Make it an Appetizer Tree

Beverage Giraffes

The Bubbly Bar

                                                                      P ass the Bubbly!

 

Truly the most interactive station yet, our BRAND NEW BUBBLY BAR features an incredible selection of juices and fresh fruits to be added to sparkling champagne for a unique custom made drink by you! Find out more information about this trendy station as well as many other specialty drink ideas on our "Specialty Drink" blog post!

Don't Forget Desert!

The Tower 

One of our most popular displays over the last few years has proven itself time and time again, The Temptation Tower. This 5 foot acrylic mountain is a show stopper at every event. Its clean, sharp lines and massive height makes this production something your guests won't soon forget. It works as a display piece for your choice of superb deserts, whether it be traditional wedding cupcakes or fresh individual cakes and pastries. Its the must-have alternative to a traditional wedding cake.  

                THE FONDUE STATION

Another popular alternative to the traditional wedding cake set up is our bubbling Fondue Station. Delicious fresh strawberry's, giant fluffy marshmallows, juicy pineapple, and crunchy salted pretzels make for the perfect dunkers in our chocolate fondue. That's right, that pink stuff is chocolate! And not just any chocolate, rich & creamy sweet milk chocolates custom colored and ordered to perfectly match your theme.

THE S'MORES BAR

Our S'mores Bar is one of our newest creation and it has been a HUGE success! Crunchy grahm crackers hand-dipped in rich milk chocolate and covered in sweet, fluffy marshmallow toasted right in front of you by our trained staff for that warm goey fireside feeling. This station goes over extremely well as a Late Night Snack station to be enjoyed as your guests dance the night away.

To see more Desert ideas go to our youtube archive and click on the "Deserts" video. Or visit our facebook page to find a direct link at Christianis Catering and Events

Wed. Ed. Signature Drinks

  

Vodka Lemonade Fountain

  Signature Drinks 101


1. SIGNATURE STYLE Signature Drinks are a fun and unique way to show off your wedding style as a couple. A signature drink can say a lot about the newly-weds, for example; Is a towering Vodka Lemonade Fountain (as featured right) your style? Or are you more of a sassy Strawberry Champagne Martini? Maybe Classy Cosmo speaks more to you? Signature drinks are popular because they appeal to a broad range of guests without being too over the top, and it adds an extra memory to the wedding experience.

 

   


Beverage Giraffes

 

 

2. GO SEASONAL  Get inspired by the seasons when choosing party elements like reception cocktails. Many specialty drinks are based on the time of year - Sangria is great for summer weddings with fresh fruit medleys and refreshing chilled wine. Keep the Spirit of the season throughout your event - Bright colored fruits in summers, natural textures in fall and in-season florals like tulips and daffodils in spring time.

 

 

Wed. Ed. CHAIR COVERS

TIPS FROM THE TEAM :

RULE #26  GO FOR THE CAPS!
 
 
It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that every bride wants to get the biggest 'BANG' for her buck, but all the individual costs of decor enhancements can add up fast. Brides frequently ask me,
"What's best way to stretch my decor enhancements without stretching my budget?" And I almost always say, "Go for the CHAIR CAPS" 
So many brides love the chic cohesive look of chair covers, especially if the chairs your venue provides are less than fashionable. However, when they see the price tag, many shut the idea down entirely. A full sized chair cover can cost up to 5 or 6 dollars PER CHAIR, and thats just your standard white covers. Amazingly enough, our designers have come up with a better, cheaper way to hide those shabby chairs and transform the look of a hall with our new Chair Caps. These babies cover the back of the chair as well as the back legs, so whether the chairs are pushed in, or the guests are seated, the most important part is covered, and they only cost TWO dollars. Here at Christianis, we're so excited about this new product that we're even throwing in custom colored sashes to match your accents! So for HALF THE PRICE you get TWICE THE WOW. How's that for 'BANG'?

Exclusively at JESTER PARK LODGE

Tips From the Team

TIPS FROM THE TEAM :
Remember that bridal magazines are a guideline for inquiring brides, not a sacred scripture. Many columns will give you tips on every loophole and corner to cut when trying to save a few extra pennies, but there are a few things they don't tell you that you would do well to consider.

RULE #253
LESS IS NOT ALWAYS MORE


CONSIDER THIS :: LESS IS NOT ALWAYS MORE : when trying to decide what kind of bar package to choose, overshooting is okay. No, not everyone will be drinking alcohol at your event but why worry about running out? Don't you have enough to fret over? There's no faster way to bring a raging party to a screeching halt than to run out of bar supplies, and no bride wants to hear "sorry we're all out, you only ordered drinks for half of your guests" at 9:00pm... So while trying to save a few bucks by low-balling the estimate of drinkers, consider your priorities. Perhaps you'd rather shoot low for your Hors D'eouvres considering that everyone will be mingling, bubbly, and waiting to congratulate you.

Salisbury House : Wedding Reception
May 19th, 2012

As previously mentioned in our last blog post, one of the most unique and highly esteemed venues in Des Moines (and arguably the state of Iowa) is the Salisbury House and Gardens located just south of Grand Ave. This regal estate stretches over a breathtaking terrace of cobblestone paths and looming brick archways lined with freshly primped shrubs and elegant gardens. Last Saturday we had the pleasure of catering a fabulous wedding reception at this priceless venue. Take a look at the video we've posted and see for yourself! This clip is a quick glance of the set up uniquely designed for this event. You'll get a sneak peek of the hors d'ouevres display as well as the bar set-up, the desert station, and guest seating arrangements.

What They Loved: something that can make or break the vibe or feel of your event but is often overlooked : THE FLOW : This event couldn't have run any smoother if we had greased the aisle with shea butter ourselves! The ceremony took place just a few yards away from the dance floor/patio in the extraordinary serene Salisbury Garden, so when it was over, the guests turned right around and walked up the cobblestone steps right into cocktail hour! There was no hustle and confusion between guests lining up to get directions and drive over to the reception hall because it was literally a bouquet-toss distance away. The guests were greeted with friendly smiles from our highly-trained staff at Christiani's as well as : HAND PASSED HORS D'EOUVRES : This new functional way of treating your friends and family to tasty appetizers and scrumptious sangria is a huge hit with this years brides. This Saturday's bride chose a mouth-watering trifecta of Tomato Basil Mozzarella Bruschetta; Mango, Chimmi-Churi, and Cocktail Shrimp Shooters; and Fruity Traditional Sangria to be hand passed to their guests as they entered the reception area. As seen in the video, they also opted for a Stuffed Mushroom Station on the patio to be served along with the hand-passed appetizers.  And to tempt their guests even further, just behind the bar wall you'll see the towering desert station that we've fittingly named
: THE TEMPTATION TOWER : This massive desert display was the talk of all the guests as it was gradually filled with one decadently sweet treat after the other. This bride ixnayed the traditional 2 tiered wedding cake and opted for a whopping 5 foot beautifully lit display of Heath Bar Cheesecakes, Chocolate Bacci Tortes, Peach Crostadas, and Lemon Blueberry Tarts. Needless to say, it more than won over her guests, and it's convenient location just inside the bar cove played well with the flow of the event.