Visit Gourmet Galley’s Garden Party at the Wadsworth Wedding Show

{Photo of the Week}: Team Building Gourmet Galley Style

Fleur de Sel Caramel Chocolate Mousse

 

{Photo of the Week}: English Garden Themed Lunch Anyone?

We’re trying to escape this cold weather here for a minute. Just a minute [because with the holidays right around the corner, cold weather really does seem only right].

We were poking around at some of our regular blogs this morning and came across and English Garden photo shoot on Ruffled.

Let us just tell you: we would not mind serving a meal to the guests sitting at this GORGEOUSLY set table.

Check out RuffledBlog for the full photo shoot!

Fab Gift Ideas. Easy and Simple. And Food Related, too!

There’s something about this time of year that gets our minds whirling…in one MILLION places. Vowing to do ONE MILLION projects. To make cookies. To make a DIY wreath. To entertain at OUR house on Christmas Eve. And on top of ALL of this, FINISH ALL of our shopping EARLY!! We’re sure you’re all in the same boat. Or relatively the same boat.

So, here are a few DIY projects that are easy and simple. To help take that extra weight off your shoulders. [Some great gift ideas!].

Project Number One.

Here, Amy Moss of the lovely Eat Drink Chic blog that we so much love, offers up some free, and SUPER CUTE, DIY jam labels. All you have to do is download the tags! Well, and make the contents [but we have recipes for you, don't you fret].

Here’s the Marmalade label.

And a recipe from Martha to boot! Great gift idea, right? Amy has some other jam flavors on the blog as well and we’re sure Martha has plenty of complimenting recipes as well!

Project Number Two.

So, for number two, we have some recipe card ideas. Why not write down some of your favorite recipes and share them with your kid sister [or, of course, whomever you'd like]? Purchase a unique recipe card box, and you’ve got yourself a GIFT!

One of our FAVES:

Brown Paper Bag Recipe Card

It really is made from a brown paper bag! Easy AND inexpensive.

Click here for whole LOTS of others – from simple to cutesy to country kitchen.

Project Number Three.

You need to wrap and tag your gifts, right? Now that you have all of these great ideas?

Well, there are SO many places on this world wide web to download free, WELL-DESIGNED, tags! That means you don’t need to do it all by your lonesome!

For those non-traditional gift wrappers…here are some candy-colored tags!

And how ADORABLE are these reindeer HUGS tags?

And to stick on this Martha kick. She always has a PLETHORA of ideas to share.

Take a peek at her tag ideas. These may not be as easy as a simple download, but there are so many options, you’re sure to find one that fits your schedule and budget [trust us].

So all of you little elves are ready and rearing to go now, right? You better be. Get a move on!

{Vendor Spotlight}: Maugle Sierra Vineyards, Ledyard, CT

We’ve done a few events at Maugle Sierra Vineyards and we just LOVE it there. The Sierra Room has a ski lodge-like feel, with warm rustic wood accents and a cozy fireplace – all overlooking the vines through a wall of glass windows. We find it to be the perfect place for holiday parties (with that fireplace keeping the space glowing and cozy!), weddings (both inside and outside) and cocktail parties.

So anyway, on to the info…Paul Maugle answered our questions about his unique space. Read on for more…

[GG]: When did your space open?

[Paul]: The Sierra Tasting and Event room opened December 20^th 2010.

[GG]: How did your venture in the business begin?

[Paul]: We purchased this 1700 homestead in 2002 with the idea of establishing a vineyard.  We planted our first vineyard in 2002 and the second vineyard in 2007.  We add more vines each year.   We started by selling St. Croix grapes to neighboring wineries.   We opened for retail sales in 2007 in a smaller yet cozy tasting room.

[GG]: Has your space always been available for events?

[Paul]: The Sierra room was created to host parties, weddings, and family gatherings.   Weekly we have music and a Sunset every Friday evening.

[GG]: What types of events work best? Is there a maximum capacity?

[Paul]: We have hosted weddings, both tented and in the Sierra room, Cocktail parties, birthdays and corporate events.  Sierra room is certified for 125 people.  However 50 can be seated without re-arranging the furniture, at any given moment.   The catering kitchen is available for food preparation.    A 80 X 40’ tent can be set up within 20 feet of the Sierra room, and wedding ceremonies can be conducted in the vineyards.

[GG]: How would you describe the style of your event space?

[Paul]: The westerly wall of the Sierra room is all glass.   There is central fireplace.   There is a series of windows that form a ring around the ceiling of the 2,050 sq ft room.   Soft yet dramatic colors are accented with daily sunsets, and hopefully a glass of your favorite Maugle Sierra wine.

[GG]: And lastly, what sets your space about from others in the area.

[Paul]: It is unique, special, warm and welcoming.

To contact Maugle Sierra..

 Website/Blog:   http://www.mauglesierravineyards.com

E-mail:  pdm-a@comcast.net

Phone: 860-464-2987