Picture Perfect Napkins Easy as 1,2,3

Step up your Host/Hostess game this year and take a few minutes to get creative with your napkins! I remember when I was a kid and my Mom wanted to get fancy, she would break out the linen napkins and tuck them into the water goblets....very 80's. There are SO many different options out there these days, complete with step by step tutorials-they're a lot easier to do than you might think! You'll leave your guests thinking that you slaved away for hours....but that's OK, we can keep a secret!

Great ideas from www.chatelaine.com

Check out this easy but elegant design-complete with You Tube instructions! This would be perfect for the Holidays but also great for a special Brunch or Dinner. They also have a TON of other simple but stylish options to try out.

I died when I came across this gorgeous idea!  So clean, but it just pops in the yellow color and plays off the china pattern so perfectly.  You can get the full step-by-step here.

Courtesy of www.tipjunkie.com, this site has some other great tips for decor and events

If this one doesn't scream Christmas cheer...I don't know what does.  Such a cute addition to a table setting, but extremely easy to execute! I found it on Buzzfeed, along with 27 other fabulous ideas to try out.

Courtesy of www.goodhousekeeping.com

This beauty from Martha Stewart is a little bit more on the labor intensive side but I just had to include it with Thanksgiving right around the corner!  The only thing I would change is the color-opt for something a little brighter like and orange or mustard yellow.

Courtesy of www.marthastewart.com

Along the same lines of the Turkey, there obviously needs to be a Christmas Tree!  This video is really thorough and helpful to achieve this cute look. There have a lot of other great ideas to check out for napkin folds.

What are some of your favorite fancy folds for table settings?  We want to hear all about them so we can try some out! Comment here or email christina@mattyscatering.com and let's start sharing!

Easy Decor to Brighten Your Festivities

The Holidays are a time for family, friends and typically a little stressing out.  Don't let that happen again this year!  I've put together a list of super easy AND fun ways to step up your decor game without having a total melt down.

How cute is this tabletop ensemble?!  Most of us have various glass vases and holders already sitting around our house so-put them to good use! I love the look of different heights and sizes, also serving a purpose of holding candies and treats.  Bonus-it's a great way to use or display that decorative platter you probably have just gathering dust.

This has got to be the easiest way to get your house into the Holiday spirit-pine cones! They work for either Thanksgiving or Christmas and are super cheap.  Once Thanksgiving has passed, I like to also mix in a few ornaments to add in some color.  The platter or bowl is where you can also get creative and interject in a little pop of shine or color.

So happy I came across this simple but gorgeous layout!  White pumpkins are a favorite of mine and can really step up your table design-without having to do a lot of work.  To really simplify things, you could opt for an arrangement of different sizes and then add in votives for some mood lighting.

Playing off of different heights and shapes can help to create such a beautiful and unique arrangement. Again, you're keeping it simple by utilizing some vases you probably already have on hand and then simply filling them with festive and colorful things like these Chinese Laterns (which last for YEARS) acorns, or some ornaments.

Who doesn't have a few extra or mismatched wine glasses laying around?!  Flip those babies over and you have an instant pedestal for some tea light candles.  Fill the bottom with mistletoe, tinsel or some colorful ribbon.

If you've read the DIY Glam blog yet...then you recognize these beauties!  I can't stress enough how versatile these vases have been or how great the rose gold hue works for Holiday decor.  You can go striking with white flowers or go deep with an auburn/brown arrangement.  Depending on the height and size of the vase, these can also pull double duty as a holder of utensils or napkins on the buffet line.

I get so excited for the time of year when you can start breaking out the ornaments! I actually prefer to put them almost everywhere EXCEPT on the tree!  They work beautifully in vases on display on tables or mantles, not to mention on different heights of platters for a centerpiece.  Stick to neutrals like silver and gold and they become so much more versatile.


What are some of your go to choices for quick and easy table decor?  We want to hear all about them so let us know!

DIY Goes Glam for the Holidays

I am in LOVE with anything rose gold these days!  It's sophisticated, sexy and lends itself perfectly to any type of event or Holiday decor.  I am also in love with not having to spend a ton of money to achieve this look!  So I rolled up my sleeves and searched for some good tutorials for recreating a Mercury Glass effect with rose gold.  I made a few adjustments along the way and pictured below is just some of my finished product!

What You'll Need:

• Clean Glass Vases (various sizes and type work best)
• 1-2 Cans of Rose Gold Metallic Spray Paint (Krylon or Rustoleum work best)
• Spray Bottle with a 50/50 Mixture of Water and White Vinegar
• Newspaper (A lot of it!)
• Paper Towels (Just as much as the newspaper!)
• Gloves
• A Helper! I found that this process works best with 2 people

Let's Get Started!

1. Find a clean dry place to lay down your newspaper.  You will be using spray paint so choose a place that you won't mind getting a little dirty!
2. Take your clean glass vase and place right-side up on the newspaper
3. Tear off 2-3 sheets of paper towel and set off to the side
4. This is where teamwork comes into play! While one person takes the spray bottle, the other person has the spray paint and paper towel ready.
5. Person A makes sure to spray the water and vinegar mixture all around the OUTSIDE of the vase.  Some tutorials will tell you to do the inside....trust me, save the hassle and headache and just do the outside!
6. Let the water/vinegar mixture sit for about 10-15 seconds, then have Person B begin spray painting all around the vase
7. Let the spray paint sit for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, and then begin lightly dabbing all around the vase to remove the water beads, but help seal the spray paint. This is where putting the vase right-side up helps so you can easily pick up the vase to blot.
8. Once that's complete and you've blotted to your liking, set the vase aside to dry.  For a very antique look-don't be afraid to do the technique a few times!

I had about 25 vases total that I needed to do, and it surprisingly only took me and my Mom about 45 minutes to complete everything!  There you go- a brand new collection for you to use as table decor at Thanksgiving, Christmas or really any type of get together!  Have you ever tried this technique before or have you been dying to try it out?  Email your photos to christina@mattyscatering.com and let's start sharing!

Taking Corporate Outings To The Next Level

You find yourself tasked with the seemingly boring and difficult task of planning your companies next outing.  What do you do now?!  First off-do not panic!  You may not realize it, but there are some great, out-of-the-box ideas and options waiting for you and Matty's Catering is here to help!

Get creative and throw a painting party for your staff!

A group enjoying a class in our own Four Seasons Room at Matty's Bar

Businesses that offer group and private classes are popping up everywhere!  Many will give group discounts and provide a casual and fun outlet for employees to get a little creative, but also cut loose and get to know each other better.  Matty's Catering has hosted several of these events, taking it a step further with delicious small plate appetizers and wine sampling's & pairings.



Root, root root for the home team!

One of the many corporate tailgate outings that we have catered

Make a Saturday or Sunday outing a whole lot more fun and take the show on the road!  With Baseball season winding down....Football season is heating up. A great team building day where everyone feels relaxed will reap amazing rewards as far as employee performance.



Flip around the traditional Happy Hour, and opt for Bloody Mary Bar!

Gorgeous custom set up we recently did for a client

Spice up the regular morning meeting of doughnuts and coffee, and treat them to their very own Bloody Mary Bar!  The options for customizing toppings is endless whether you want to stick traditional with celery and a pickle or go for the gold and go with shrimp or sausage!



Test everyone's knowledge with a few rounds of trivia!

An afternoon of trivia that we hosted in our gorgeous Tented Terrace

Turn up the traditional outing a notch, a get people into the competitive spirit! Form teams and play for an ultimate prize.  If your company is involved in a charity, use the trivia as an opportunity to raise funds and awareness for it!



Bond over beer or wine with a tasting!

A customized beer tasting we held for a client

This type of an event seems like a no brainer for most groups! It can be done with as little as 10 people, all the way up 100 and works great with either wine, beer or both!  Food pairings are another great feature to include and help enhance the experience.


These are just a small sampling of the endless ideas and possibilities you can do with our professional Catering and Event Management Team.  Do you have a company get together to plan for the Holidays or to reward your team for a job well done?  Email events@mattyscatering.com and let's start planning!

Easy & Quick Holiday Entertaining Ideas

I know what you're thinking-it's September and WAY too early to even begin thinking about Holiday parties and planning out big family events.  Before you know it the leaves have started change, Halloween will have come and gone and then your stuck the morning of Thanksgiving scrambling to find a grocery store that's open or carries the special cranberries your Aunt Beth requested! The same type of stress goes for Christmas.....times 10.

You don't need to spend hours in the kitchen or a fortune at the store to really impress your guests! Read on to get some quick and easy recipes to make this year's parties a huge success!

Let's get started!

Cherry Tomato & Pesto Bites

This first one is a great example of a finger food that not only looks gorgeous, but is so delicious.  Be sure to use Cherry Tomatoes though, and avoid Grape Tomatoes as they may tip over.

Sweet & Spicy Mango Tartlets

A huge hit with our customers, our own Sweet & Spicy Mango Tartlets! So delicious and colorful in presentation, you can save a lot of time and buy your phyllo cups pre-formed.  Then it's just a matter of filling with cream cheese and topping off with the salsa.

Bacon Wrapped Asparagus & Balsamic Drizzle

Well, who doesn't love bacon?!  This savory treat would also work well as a side dish and is as simple as wrapping the asparagus and baking off till it's cooked.  For the balsamic drizzle, I suggest a good quality to ensure good flavor.

http://www.the-baker-chick.com/2012/10/mini-baked-mac-cheese-bites/

These one bite wonders are the ultimate comfort food, made in easy handling form! The Mac & Cheese can be made ahead of time and you can pop them in the oven right before guests start to arrive.  Check out this version of the recipe here.

Veggie Shooters

Ditch the old boring vegetable platter and opt for this fun, hand held option!  The cups can be filled ahead of time with your favorite dip or dressing, and filled with a variety of veggies right as your guests begin to arrive!

Crockpot Meatballs

These are a main stay in our household for the Holidays!  Could not be easier than making small meatballs (or saving time and energy and going with store bought) placing them in a crock pot along with your favorite sauce, and setting it on High for the next few hours!  Flavor options are endless with BBQ, Marinara, Bourbon, Teriyaki.....the list keeps on going!



What are some of your favorite dips or snacks to whip up around the Holiday's?  Does you family have a tradition of any certain foods?  We want to here about your recipes!  Comment here or email me at christina@mattyscatering.com...I'm all ears!

To completely take out the stress of menu planning, give Matty's Catering a call and hear about our selections and options for your party of 15 or 150-we can do it all! Call us at 414.427.3838 Ext.1 or email us at events@mattyscatering.com and let's start planning!