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Inspired Entertaining

As the owner of his namesake catering company, internationally renowned Chef Andrew Ormsby knows the secret ingredients for an impeccably catered wedding celebration.

"You have to imagine the whole picture," says Ormsby. It’s not about one single element or one plate of food, it’s an entire weekend of entertaining guests and appealing to everyone’s taste with your catering and menu selections. One alternative to a traditional, seated four-course meal, he suggests, is to incorporate a buffet-style dinner at your reception. It’s always a crowd pleaser and a savvy way to please every palette. "As the couple, you want to be able to entertain by giving your guests options," he says, and a flavorful buffet is a great approach." Ormsby also encourages what he calls "scattered seating," which allows partygoers the ability to move about the room, rather than having assigned seating at the reception. "People like to mingle and meet,’ he says, ‘it’s very important."

There are limitless ways to make your mark and infuse your wedding with your unique style and personality. "Create a signature cocktail," he encourages, which is currently a wildly popular wedding trend. See page 34 for two inspirational recipes. Another inspiration? Many Texas brides love the idea of incorporating the bold and beautiful flavors of the South into their menu, as an ode to their Southern roots. Ormsby also recommends requesting locally grown and seasonally available foods—this not only reduces your carbon footprint by eliminating unnecessary shipping costs but also supports your community and your local markets; an eco-friendly idea we should all consider.

Give your guests a variety, make it your own, and ‘think green’ when it comes to planning your event. And voilà! There you have it…Chef Andrew Ormsby’s masterfully crafted recipe for a flawless affair that is sure to please even the choosiest attendee on your guest list.

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