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10 Dinner Party Tips

kenzie — Mon, 13 May 2013 15:00:34 +0000

As summer rapidly approaches, more people are planning dinner parties, including those for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, graduations and upcoming holiday celebrations.

Top tips for putting on a hip and trend dinner party, leaving guests satisfied and longing for more, includes:

Signature Cocktail – Having a signature cocktail adds an instant spark to any party, helping make it memorable. To save money on cocktail ingredients, consider purchasing in bulk. Hosts can further same time by premixing cocktails in a stylish pitcher, setting glasses on the countertop and creating a self-serve bar area.
Silver Bowls – Having enough snacks to keep guests satisfied is important. Consider placing snacks in silver bowls, which creates a sense of uniformity and style. Popular snack ideas include cheese straws, crackers, cheeses, nuts and olives.
Dim the Lights – By creating the perfect ambience, guests will have a better time. Simply dimming the lights and adding a soft candle glow casts a light that will make guests feel simply glamorous.
Playlist – Having a mixed up playlist that blends classic, light dance mixes and even music for an after party, is an essential key for throwing a successful, fun-filled dinner party.
Cook the Familiar – A dinner party is no time to experiment with a fancy, complicated recipe. Consider selecting a meal that is delicious, easy to cook and appeals to a variety of people. Chicken is an ideal choice, as it is inexpensive to feed a large group and is appealing to most guests.
Dessert – Dessert should be simple and not stressful. Instead of going all out with a complicated, time-sensitive Baked Alaska, consider purchasing a pound cake and serving it with a raspberry sauce and vanilla ice cream. Garnish with a few fresh berries and voila a stunning, simple and delicious dessert is served.
Embrace the Season – Always use cloth napkins, as this elevates a dinner party from a simple gathering to one that oozes sophistication and style. Consider dotting seasonal decor on tables, including shells for summer, small pumpkins and apples for fall, evergreen foliage for winter and even beautiful, blossoming branches in spring.
Flowers – Never underestimate the importance of decorating with flowers. Flowers can make the ultimate simple statement.
Finishing – Never rush guests out the door, but give them plenty of time to digest their meals. Offering after-dinner drinks, including coffee and cocktails, will help create a memorable evening.
Guests – Hosts should never clean up while guests are there, but spend the time focusing on their friends.

LionsDeal offers a wide selection of commercial kitchenware and commercial dinnerware, which is perfect for melamine dinnerware, wholesale flatware and food trays.

How to Properly Set a Table

kenzie — Sun, 05 May 2013 14:00:14 +0000

The task of setting a table has evolved over the centuries, developing from one that took great care and precision to one that is hurried and rushed. Today’s generation often wonders how to properly place flatware, melamine dinnerware, glassware and napkins. This is especially essential for planning a formal dinner party, which is ideal for special occasions such as engagements, weddings and anniversaries.

Beginning with a basic, simple table setting, dinner tables can easily be dressed up or down depending upon the gathering or mood. A basic table setting is typically most appropriate, allowing glasses, silverware and other serving pieces to be easily incorporated. This type of setting includes a large dinner plate being located in the center. Everything else is then placed around it. The flatware is then placed on each side of the plate, with the forks located on the left and the knife and spoon on the right. A water glass is placed above the knife, and napkins are placed underneath the silverware.

For an informal luncheon or dinner, a salad fork should be included, placed to the left of the dinner fork. A salad fork can easily be eliminated if a salad is not being served and if dessert is served after dinner, it can be served with a dessert fork on the side. If serving soup, the soup bowl can be placed on the dinner plate with a soupspoon placed to the right of the beverage spoon.

The bread, salad and butter plates are always placed to the left of the forks, with butter plates placed above the forks with a butter spreader neatly placed across the plate. If serving formal teacups with a cup and saucer, the teaspoons should be placed with the handle facing towards the right. Water or wine glasses should be placed to the left of the tea and/or coffee cup.

For a formal dinner party, wine glasses and water glasses should be included, positioned directly to the left of the tea or coffee cup. Soup, beverage and dessert spoons should be placed to the right of the knife or can be served when the appetizer or dessert is shared.

To dress up a dinner setting, the addition of a charger under the dinner plate adds for a special, fanciful touch.

When planning a sit-down dinner, guests can be served platefuls of food instead of having a casual family-style meal, one where dishes are passed between guests. This is easily accomplished by maintaining a small guest list, using crystal, china, linens and silver and using table cardholders and placecards that assign guest seating. An appropriate centerpiece is one that does not exceed 10 to 12 inches, ensuring that guests can easily communicate. A helpful tip includes serving beverages and appetizers to guests prior to being seated at the dinner table.

Lions Deal offers a wide variety of discount commercial kitchenware and commercial dinnerware, perfect accompaniments for summer’s dinner parties.

Tips for Buffet Catering

kenzie — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 14:00:30 +0000

Lionsdeal specializes in wholesale restaurant and catering supplies. They offer several important buffet catering tips for people planning weddings, family reunions or large parties, including:

Attendance – Before hiring a caterer, it’s important to know how many people will be attending the event. In fact, it’s important to plan that five- to 10-percent of people usually don’t show up. This will help people not over-order over over-estimate food amounts, which will ultimately save money.
Buffet Types – People can select either normal-style buffets or theme buffets, such as those designed more for barbecues.
Foods – In addition to types, people should consider the overall food theme. People can choose Western-style choices, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, southern foods or even Eastern-European dishes.
Space Planning – It’s important that a caterer have enough space to set up the carafes, chafers and tables, while also allowing space for guests to comfortably mingle, have conversation and interact.
Successful Planning – Being completely open and honest with a caterer is the best policy, helping them know all the details to the event goes smoothly with no unexpected hiccups.

The benefits of buffets are that it allows guests the freedom to browse a variety of foods without committing to anything. This is a good idea for guests that have pickier appetites and is also a less expensive option than entrée-style meals.

Another excellent option for people looking for caterers is contacting their favorite restaurant and asking if they cater certain events. Asking the following questions is also helpful:

Service – Many caterers offer different levels of service, including delivery, set up, service or even clean up services.
Budget – The more food options, the more expensive the catering bill. On average, the cheapest meals would be those that are picked up and for one meat and two sides cost approximately $5.95 per person. These options can go upwards with four meats, three vegetable sides, teas and dessert for as much as $16.95 per person.
Included – Finding out what is included in the catering bill is important, especially before committing to a caterer. Will they supply dinnerware, utensils, drinks, napkins, alcohol and plates?
Ordering – Order as much as two weeks ahead of time for large catering events. If planning other aspects around the event, it may be best to plan several months in advance. Keep in mind that holidays are always busier for caterers, requiring advanced booking.

2013 Spring and Summer Catering Trends

kenzie — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 15:00:50 +0000

The latest food trends to dominate the 2013 foodie scene are hitting the wedding scene in a big way. Caters and restaurants are incorporating these trends into their menu planning, which includes:

Grapefruit – Replacing lemonade is grapefruit. Add a splash of mescal and club soda to create a unique, refreshing drink.
Beet Juice – The latest trend this year is incorporating beet juice into foods for natural color enhancing additions.
Duck Eggs – Replacing their cousin, the chicken egg, duck eggs are dominating the foodie scene. Duck eggs offer a richness that is especially unique – both for cooking and baking.
Chocolate – Unique chocolate bars are the latest culinary dessert trend, such as the incorporation of smokiness, salt and even chilies.
Chicken – Instead of being the white meat option, chicken is now taking center-stage at many restaurants and with many caterers, offering open concepts that are literally changing how people view – and eat – poultry.
Yogurt – Incorporating homemade yogurts into dips and sauces offers tangier and creamier textures.
Spice – Instead of Sriracha, the latest fiery addition to the food world is the Korean chile paste gochujang.
Fresh – Incorporating fresh everything – from fruits and vegetables to even horseradish – is the latest food trend.
Tea – Instead of only offering coffee with dessert, consider incorporating a variety of teas, including white, green and black.
Smoked – Smoking foods has never been more popular, including nuts, cheeses and meats.
Seafood – The Pacific Northwest is famous for Dungeness crab, which absolutely rules the summer months. This crab is excellent for appetizers and dinners, and is easily incorporated into pasta or simply piled high with butter on toast.
Bread - Bread is being reinvented. Consider adding homemade butters or even frying bread in pork fat for a delicious appetizer.
Brownies – Replacing the traditional brownie is the blondie, a pale imitation that highlights brown butter and sea salt.
Soda Booze – Hard liquor combined with carbonated soda is all the rage right now, as fizzy drinks are a delicious summer treat.

Lionsdeal specializes in wholesale restaurant supplies, including a variety of commercial kitchenware supplies. They offer discount flatware, classic melamine dinnerware, table card holders, carafes, chafers, condiment stands, food trays and even ultra-modern white square plates.

Their vast inventory is ideal for caterers and restaurateurs, especially those that find themselves needing high-quality kitchenware during the busy wedding season.

Planning A Summer Wedding

kenzie — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 14:00:48 +0000

Summer weddings are beautiful, celebrating the season with warmth and love. The latest summer wedding trends include the following:

Holidays – Booking weddings over long holidays, such as Memorial Day, 4^th of July or Labor Day helps out-of-town guests incorporate time off into their vacation schedules.
Welcome Kits – Handing out favors that include sightseeing information for out of town guests is helpful, as this makes guests feel as though they have their own vacation schedule too. Adding local magazines, road maps, transit schedules and even dining recommendation are extremely helpful.
White – All white weddings are stunning, creating a vibe that is crisp and clean.
Flowers – Consider heartier blossoms that don’t wilt in the heat. More delicate flowers are not as heat-resistant.
Fruits and Vegetables – Incorporating these into wedding themes are pleasant and helps celebrate the summer season. Consider incorporating citrus fruits, such as lemons, limes, green apples or cumquats, adding a punchy, zesty color to any wedding theme.
Summer Salads – Fresh summer salads made with seasonal fruit and vegetables are delicious for weddings. Baby greens with bright, fresh watermelon slices or even gazpacho soups with vibrant layers are not only mouth watering but add beautiful bright colors to table décor.
Meats – Consider fresh, light foods, such as halibut, grilled tuna or even shellfish. Summer can also incorporate grilled foods, such as chicken and vegetables.
Desserts – Adding fresh fruits to desserts, including raspberries, strawberries and mangos are also a great way to celebrate summer’s sweet bounty.
Drinks – Watermelon refreshers and lemonades are perfect for celebrating summers.
Cakes – Serving cakes indoors helps prevent any confection-melting disasters in the sunshine. Fondant can sweat, causing unsightly wet beads, so opting for buttercream frosting is a better choice. Consider serving fresh fruits as the cake’s decoration, or incorporating berry fillings into the cake’s layers.
Favors – Instead of candy filled favors, consider sending guests home with pear fig jams, or even potted herbs and plants.
Local – Incorporating local foods into wedding menus helps celebrate the season and supports local economies.
Weather Considerations – Always have a backup plan or venue in mind if planning an outdoor wedding, as if it unexpectedly rains, it’s a good idea to have a plan that prevents guests from experiencing a warm-weather downpour.

Lionsdeal offers a vast supply of catering supplies, including those for bakers. They offer discount flatware, melamine dinnerware, aprons, table card holders, food trays and a vast assortment of kitchen equipment.

Planning a Family Reunion

kenzie — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 14:00:45 +0000

How does someone plan a fun, entertaining and memorable family get-together? Lionsdeal offers excellent tips and pointers for people looking to plan the best spring or summer family reunions. Important planning tips include:

Invitations – First, decide how large of a family gathering is appropriate. Will it include first, second and third cousins? Will it be a more intimate gathering with only immediate family? Will it be a large event?
Planning – Setting a date as early as possible is advisable, especially for large reunions. Sometimes it’s best to set a date a year in advance, especially if family is spread across the country or worldwide. People with younger children will need to plan accordingly with school schedules and such.
Length of Time – A long weekend should be sufficient for family reunions. People may need to accommodate out-of-town guests for a few extra days to correspond with flight schedules. Most importantly, be realistic, as no one wants family getting on his or her last nerves.
Organization – Each nuclear family should have a point of contact so information is steadily flowing, plans are being coordinated and everyone is on the same page. If people want to organize special mementos, such as t-shirts, consider assigning one person to take charge. This is also true for special activities.
Styles – There are a number of different styles for family reunions, such as:
- Home-Hosted – These are typically for smaller groups that are located in one central geographic area.
- All-Inclusive – Planning a get away, such as a cruise trip to somewhere tropical, is popular for people that do not have financial barriers. Often these include lodging, drinks, and food, even childcare, which are perfect for larger groups.
- Great-Outdoors – This low-cost vacation may take some planning, but national parks or campgrounds are excellent for providing outdoor entertainment, such as cabinets, campsites and TV hookups. Sharing stories around campfires, s’mores and delicious barbecue is far more fun when nestled under the stars.
- Destinations – Instead of doing all-inclusive vacations, families can consider coastal getaways, including San Diego, the Bahamas, the Pacific Northwest or even Miami.

Lionsdeal offers a wide assortment of kitchen and catering supplies, which are perfect for large family reunions. They even offer online and telephone ordering options. Some of their popular goods include discount flatware, melamine dinnerware, food trays, kitchen equipment, pizza pans and other necessary supplies for family reunions.

Easter Meals

kenzie — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 15:00:35 +0000

Easter is just around the corner this year, falling on March 31. This traditional holiday is a time for familial celebration, albeit it religious or non-religious activities. A holiday enjoyed by children and adults, this springtime celebration delights the senses, beckons spring and welcomes bright, cheeky pastels and warmer months.

Often marked by delightful, frilly dresses, semi-formal boy’s attire and bright white sandals, Easter features the Easter Bunny, egg hunts and delicious meals. The customary American meal includes a leg of lamb, traditional mint jelly and new spring baby vegetables.

Lions Deal helps celebrate this worldwide holiday by providing a wide variety of commercial kitchenware supplies, including restaurant supplies, as well as kitchen staples and basics such as salt and pepper shakers, lobster crackers, food trays and carafes.

Whether someone decides to tackle this meal on his/her own or hire caterers, is a matter of choice and expertise. Lions Deal works with caterers and home cooks to help create warm, welcoming meals that leave lasting impressions and fond memories.

Some of the latest Easter trends this year include themed parties, including outdoor retreats, which are perfect for warmer areas. Instead of traditional desserts, people are opting for carrot cupcakes with decadent cream cheese frosting and even lightly toasted swirls of coconut.

Other dessert trends include baklava, which highlights layers of warm nuts and sugars nestled amid sheets of dainty, Phyllo dough, homemade spring-flavored ice creams and sorbets, including vanilla orange zest and palate-cleansing lemon.

Hosts are opting for eating local and embracing the green-friendly movement, which includes providing sustained options, such as local cheeses, bakery breads, local farm vegetables, local meats and even perhaps exploring local wines and local micro-distilleries for unique flavored cocktail combinations.

Working to help make Easter special, Lions Deal helps to offer the latest kitchen equipment, including modern day kitchen accessories and even fashionable aprons, perfect for the vintage-style hostess.

Whether Easter simply marks Spring Break, highlights a turning point in winter’s dreadful cold weather or is an embrace of spring, this cheerful egg-filled holiday is easily personalized for a unique spin on any family’s tradition. A great way for families to explore their own traditions or simply cut ties and begin their own celebratory day, this versatile holiday can hold religious sentiments or simply be enjoyed as a candy basket chocolate-inducing sugar-high day.

Healthier Food Options

kenzie — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 13:21:37 +0000

For people dedicated to healthier food options, whether it is to help lose weight, combat illness or simply improve overall health, Lions Deal offers a number of helpful tips to cut out negative foods and replace them with positive, healthful alternatives.

Artificial Sweeteners – Research shows that artificial sweeteners, once marketed towards healthy eating, may in fact be hurting people. Studies show that people who regularly drink artificially sweetened beverages may, in fact, gain up to 47-percent more weight than people who avoided these sweeteners. Additionally, artificial sweeteners are up to 13,000 times sweeter than natural sweeteners, which may contribute to appetite stimulation. As an alternative, people can use artificial sweeteners in moderation or simply switch to natural substitutes, such as fruit and less refined carbohydrates.
Low-Fat Dressings – A well-balanced salad satisfies the body and offers an abundance of nutrients; however, many low fat options now include artificial flavors and high-fructose corn syrup. Studies show that high-fructose corn syrup actually decreases the body’s metabolism and effectively shuts off the brain’s appetite control switch. A healthier option is making homemade dressings with olive oil, seasonings, salt, pepper, Dijon mustard, vinegar and even yogurt.
Whole-Grain Breads – Studies prove that just because a product is made with whole grain, doesn’t give it a pass for diets. In fact, whole-grain bread should not contain molasses, high-fructose corn syrup, trans fat, unhealthy oils or artificial flavors. People should also consider eating bread that has five or less ingredients and a minimum of four to five grams of fiber in each slice. Some specialty breads include seeds and sprouted grains that are less processed and offer a higher nutritional value.
Egg Substitutes – Getting a bad reputation for high-cholesterol, many companies began looking at artificial egg substitutes. However, egg yolks contain protein, vitamins, minerals and healthy fats and proteins that actually support overall body health. Eggs are even healthier when they are simply poached or soft boiled, as this helps preserve many vitamins that are in the yolk.
High-Fiber Cereals – Marketing executives make Americans believe that the best way to start the morning is with a fiber-filling bowl of cereal. In reality, nutritionists recommend eating a balanced breakfast of nuts, berries, yogurt, eggs, steel-cut oatmeal and proteins, as this helps decrease hunger throughout the day, offering the body valuable, much needed nutrition.
Meal Replacements – Touted as an alternative to meals, many of these options are simply high-fructose corn syrup, skim milk, artificial colorings, flavorings and sweeteners. Eating real food that is minimally processed is the best way to keep one’s body healthy.

Lions Deal offers a wide variety of kitchenware, including measuring spoons, salt and pepper shakers and wholesale restaurant equipment, making it easier to prepare homemade, healthy food options.

Spring Wedding Ideas

kenzie — Sun, 24 Feb 2013 13:15:11 +0000

Spring marks the ever-popular, upcoming wedding season. Many brides wonder how they can make their spring wedding unique and memorable. This article highlights the latest 2013 spring wedding trends. So jump aboard brides and pay close attention!

Wedding Color Trends – The latest spring wedding trend is romantic color palettes that include pinks, lavenders, robin’s egg blue and soft greens. These can easily pair with interesting textures, such as branches, warm woods, milk glass and copper.
Dress Trends – The latest trend is reminiscent of fairytales, with soft layers of tulle, light draping and attention to details with appliquéd sequins. Hairstyles should be loose and soft with delicate floral headbands or hairpieces.
Wedding Receptions – Wildflowers, mismatched Mason jars, long wooden tables, fabric runners and soft candlelight are perfect for this season’s spring weddings.
Wedding Stationary – Sophisticated stationary that mixes cotton paper stock, vellum, recycled paper, hand calligraphy and letterpress are hot this season. The look is earthy and textural, yet with a refined soft elegance.
Spring Food Trends – This spring is anticipated to see tasting menus, allowing for guests to have several small meals. This may include spring sweet pea risotto, grilled scallops, lamb and watermelon salad. Many couples are opting for highlighting one specific ingredient, such as a special herb or salt. Additionally, adding springtime inspired appetizers is a great way to kick off a reception. Consider new spins on classic springtime ingredients: miniature egg soufflés, mesclun greens and berries.
Drink Trends – Signature cocktails are an excellent way to personalize any wedding. Popular springtime drinks include Bellinis, Limoncello, frozen margaritas, daiquiris and even a lemonade bar.
Entrees – Forego the heavy winter food trends and stick with lighter options, such as fish and chicken, while incorporating citrus, mint and fresh herbs to give it a fresh seasonal approach.
Desserts – Think French-style spring treats such as petit fours and macaroons, chocolate-dipped strawberries, berry creams, vanilla and lemon flavors to keep everything light, fresh and delicious.
Wedding Cake – Trends this spring include fruits and berries, with fruit fillings. Spring colors are always popular choices, including white, pink, green, yellow and orange. Brides should consider matching their bouquet to cake flowers, helping create a beautiful cohesive, and yet whimsical spring theme.
Favors – Considering giving flower bulbs or flower seeds to guests to plant, helping provide an ongoing gift season after season. Another favorite favor is potted herbs, which also double as delightful centerpieces.

Lions Deal offers a wide assortment of catering supplies for weddings, including melamine dinnerware, table card holders, table sign holders, wholesale flatware, carafes, chafers, condiment stands, food scoops, kitchen equipment, measuring spoons, salt and pepper shakes and much more.

Easter Entertaining Tips

kenzie — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 13:13:02 +0000

With spring just around the corner, Easter is a mere month away. This year, Easter will fall on March 31, making a delightful entrance to spring’s warmer months. To celebrate this festive holiday – albeit it for religious or egg hunting reasons – Lions Deal offers several helpful tips to make this Easter memorable and fun.

Centerpieces – Welcoming spring with delightful, simple centerpieces that include planted daffodils dotted with eggs, is a great way to start any Easter or spring gathering. Another option is having a centerpiece that highlights a variety of beautifully decorated Easter eggs, helping add a little festive cheer to any tabletop décor.
Easter Cakes – Traditional Easter desserts include Hot Cross Buns, Honey Pastries and Pretzels, although any type of delicious berry cake is well received by guests. Strawberry shortcake, cupcakes and carrot cake with cream cheese icing are an excellent American tradition. Depending upon someone’s cultural background, these types of desserts can vary, especially by region. For example, in Romania, they celebrate with Easter Pasca cakes and in the Czech Republic with gingerbread, Ram Cake or Judas Cakes.
Easter Eggs – A U.S. tradition, parents and children can decorate Easter eggs with bright, playful colors or even personalize the eggs with patterns, flowers, names, mustaches and even little bunnies.
Easter Table Settings – A sit-down meal is formal and creates a flowing cohesiveness among guests. Easter is a time to celebrate, but it should never be so time consuming for the host that it is unpleasant or a burden. Lions Deal offers a wide selection of melamine dinnerware, table card holders, condiment stands, food trays, salt and pepper shakers, soup warmers and even contemporary white square plates. Decorative touches of cloth napkins, flowers, candles and a delightful centerpiece are must-haves for this family celebration.
Easter Outdoors – If someone lives in a warm spring area, consider having Easter dinner outdoors. Children can hunt for eggs while adults enjoy a delightful cocktail and wine hour. An excellent recommendation is watching the path of light the day before to know where the sun sets. This allows the outdoor table to be properly placed without having the sun set in guests’ eyes and making them uncomfortable.
Easter Dinner – In the U.S. there are a number of customary Easter dinner traditions, which includes glazed Easter ham or a roast leg of lamb. Additionally, some families opt for Easter breakfast or Easter brunch.
Easter Buffets – For larger families, the only feasible alternative to a sit down dinner is an Easter buffet. Having the buffet line set up to allow for easy access to foods is ideal. Options for buffet menu items include sangria, smoked salmon dip, fruit salad, spice-crusted ham, rosemary rack of lamb, roasted vegetables, cookies and angel food cake.