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Archive for July, 2014

Fall Party Idea: Caramel Apple Station

photo 1 (24) photo 1 (25) photo 1 (26)photo 2 (23) photo 2 (24) photo 3 (19)photo 3 (21)We’re hesitant to bring up the ‘f’ word… you know, fall, because summer is such a fun season for weddings and events. However, as planners, we have our eyes set far beyond this summer! Fall is up next and we wanted to share a cute idea that we enjoyed at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center here in Pittsburgh. A candy apple station is a great, interactive station for party guests to enjoy. This is a great way to celebrate the fall season by offering various types of apples and delicious toppings.

We also loved that guests were able to munch on their creations while at the event, but there were also to-go containers for guests to take their apples home with them. It certainly served as a sweet treat!

Some toppings we love:

-Mini M&M’s

-Peanuts

– Crushed Oreo

– Sprinkles

-Chocolate Chips

– Marshmallows

– Crushed pretzels

A good mix of sweet and salty toppings make for a well-rounded caramel apple bar! Now are you excited for fall?!

 

Pittsburgh Cookie Table

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If you are from Pittsburgh, then you are probably well aware of what a cookie table entails. We have seen and created some pretty amazing cookie tables but one of our favorite parts of the equation is displaying an excerpt taken from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. It’s a cute little ode to the tradition and is great for out of town guests who are wondering, ‘what’s with all of the cookies’?

pgh cookie table 2

A lot of cookies we’ve seen on cookie tables are traditional and passed down from generation to generation, but we’ve gathered some great ones we have found across Pinterest in case you are looking to shake things up! Adding variety and color to your table is the way to go.

What are your favorite recipes?

Brunch & Date Night in Pittsburgh

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We are always looking around town for fun and exciting ideas, activities and inspiration. This time, though, we left it to our friends to tell us their favorite brunch spots and favorite date night. Here’s what they have to say…

John Henne, Henne Jewelers:

Date Night: Soba and Tamari
Brunch: With 4 little boys, their favorites are Bistro to Go and Eat ‘n Park.

Maggie Nicholson, Common Plea Catering:

Date Night: The back patio at Il Pizzaiolo in Mt. Lebanon. I love it there when the weather is nice. It’s nice to just sit back and relax with a bottle of wine and someone special 🙂
Brunch: Brunch is a favorite weekend activity for me and my friends! Right now it’s a toss up between Park Bruges in Highland Park, or Meat & Potatoes, downtown. I love the variety on both of the menus, and you can’t beat the cocktails at M&P.

Margaret Wood, Basket of Pittsburgh:

Date Night: My favorite place to go on first dates is definitely Phipps. There is lots to look at and talk about, narrow walk ways so you can be close to your date and its so romantic with all the flowers and butterfly garden. Grab a nightcap afterward and the night is perfect!
Brunch: Delucas!!!!!!

Andrew Allen, Nemacolin Woodlands Resort:

Date Night: I have two favorite “date night” spots in Pittsburgh because of their great cocktails, excellent service and amazing food. Seviche (www.seviche.com) as well as Savoy (www.savoypgh.com). These are two of my favorites because they are fun – lively – and not too formal. The winning combination for a great “date night”.
Brunch: Again – I would have to say Savoy (www.savoypgh.com). Every time that my fiancé and I have eaten there for brunch the food has been amazing – and yes – the do have brunch cocktails as well! If I am not eating at Savoy for brunch – what is better than a doughnut? Peace, Love and Little Donuts (http://www.peaceloveandlittledonuts.com)  is the best. You have to go to the location in the strip – they are amazing.

Chef Bill Fuller, Big Burrito Group:

Date Night: It’s hard to get out and away from our restaurants.  So when we need to get a little quiet time, we like Cure in Lawrenceville.  Justin does a great job there.
Brunch: I can’t decide if I love Eleven or Casbah more. I know I am biased but I really love those places at brunch.

Becky Wiley, Event Source:

Date Night: A Penguin game as we are big hockey fans. Blue Line Grille/Uptown is my new favorite in the area around Consol.
Brunch: Generoasta in the Wexford area.

We asked the team at The Event Group and here is what they have to say:

Sheila, President:

Date Night: Kennywood or a funny movie and dinner at Eleven. It is quiet enough for great conversation.
Brunch: Casbah has delicious brunch options and a delicious muffin and pastry basket.

Gina, Director of Events:

Date Night: Sienna in Market Square. A great meal and the perfect ambiance.
Brunch: Caffe Mona which is located across from Children’s Hospital. I love thef ‘Surfer Dude’ crepe. It has kalamata olives, roasted red bell peppers, spinach and feta. This place is the best kept secret in town!

Cortney, Event Coordinator:

Date Night: Either Dish or Sonoma Grille. Sonoma Grille is great because of their extensive wine list.
Brunch: Square Cafe in Regent Square, they have great pancakes, waffles and french toast.

Sydney, Social Media Manager & Event Coordinator:

Date Night: Girasole or Little Tokyo. Girsaole for the cozy atmosphere and delicious Italian fare and Little Tokyo for the best sushi in town.
Brunch: Grand Concourse in Station Square– so many options and the homemade donuts are delicious!

What are your favorites around town? Share below in the comments!