Author Archive

winter in review

We think it’s finally safe to say that winter is over: buds have appeared on lilac bushes, birds are chirping, and local produce is finally starting to reappear in the market.  Before leaping head-first into spring & summer events, it’s time to review everything we loved about the winter weddings we created this year.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Flowers in [...]


a few of our favourite things

We like brown paper packages tied up with string…but we love thoughtful touches at events, designed to make guests feel special, comfortable, and at ease. 
 
The design team at Couture Cuisine recently discussed a few of our favourite things – not as designers, but as guests.  It’s important to look at a party from the perspective [...]


the power of lighting

What do you think of when you imagine decorating a space for a party?  Flowers, linens, tables and chairs?  Perhaps some prettily coloured glassware?  One of the most powerful ways to add colour, depth and drama to a room is with lighting, but it is an element often forgotten until late in the planning stages.
 
We [...]


gold medal menu

The Olympics are in full-swing and it’s inspired us to create a sumptuous all-Canadian dinner party.  We imagine serving this menu on a table dressed with a rustic, roughly-textured cloth, with the guests seated on natural wooden benches draped in soft fur pelts.  Add some VQA wines and it’s an elegant and delicious tribute to [...]


open house

Last weekend we opened the doors of our home venue, Graydon Hall Manor, for an afternoon of prosecco & prettiness.  We set the dining room with a colourful & sparkly collection of rentals from our favourite suppliers, served a variety of hors d’oeuvres & sweets, and popped many prosecco corks.  It was a lovely chance [...]


behind the scenes at the Wedding Co Show

These are a few of our favourite things: imagining lavish, decadent, whimsical decor for parties big and small.  We love designing events and guiding our clients through decisions: table settings, linens, furniture, lighting…but once a year, we are permitted to truly indulge our own imaginations at the Wedding Co Show (www.theweddingco.com).
 
This year’s theme was “Burberry & Butterflies” [...]


jumping January!

Happy New Year!  2010 is beginning with a bang.  January is jam-packed with wedding shows, open houses, and even the launch of a brand-new venue.
 
Each year, The Wedding Co produces a spectacular showcase of the city’s best wedding industry suppliers, including caterers, florists, musicians, DJs, photographers, and much more.  From January 15th-17th, Couture Cuisine will [...]


happy holidays!

As you and yours make final preparations for the holidays, Couture Cuisine is looking forward to a busy 2010 filled with yummy ideas, treats, and surprises. 
 
We are particularly excited to take part once again in The Wedding Co’s show at the historic Carlu, January 15th – 17th.  (www.theweddingco.com)   Created to showcase the finest wedding suppliers [...]


eating & drinking when you’re all dressed up: part II

Couture Cuisine recently sat down with party planner & friend Cachelle Odette of Savoir Flare to chat about holiday party pitfalls – and how to handle them graciously.
 
Parties come with both thrills and chills at this time of year.  Again, Cachelle stresses preparation.  “Indoor shoes are a must during the winter months,” she advises, encouraging [...]


eating & drinking when you’re all dressed up

Your mailbox may already be filled with invitations to holiday celebrations – how to prepare?  Is it possible to manage cocktail, canapé, and clutch all at once?  How do you navigate slushy streets in leather-soled evening shoes, and heaven forbid – what if you spill red wine?
 
Couture Cuisine interviewed professional party planner, friend, and 30-Day [...]