So the sunny weather is back and the kids are just about to depart from school. Team Arbutus love this time of year and we have our fair share of BBQs and events between private parties and weddings. 

What team Arbutus have found over the years, is that couples seem to have everything about their entire wedding day planned to great detail, except the wedding drinks. They feel that this is not that important. This, however, is very important, after all, it is one of the first things your guests will look for. 

We often get asked how to set an afternoon tea table. To be honest, there is no special way as long as it looks pretty and there is plenty to eat. We have compiled a little list for you afternoon tea lovers.  

Ok so we are loving this warm weather, even if the sun isn't shining, but what to eat you ask?

Team Arbutus have compiled a few little simple, healthy salad recipes for you to try and indulge in.  We often use these salad recipes at different events to accompany starters and main courses.

No doubt every family in Northern Ireland have had at least one BBQ over the last week. Team Arbutus have definitely catered for their fair share, from private parties, weddings, anniversaries and much more. 

Here, we have deiced to share a few tips with you for your next BBQ party. 

Edible flowers have become the latest craze in the catering industry. Team Arbutus often get asked questions like, "Can you eat these?" and "What are these used for?"

The answer is yes, they are totally edible and they can be used in all kinds of sweet and savoury dishes, not to mention they are an amazing touch to any beverage. 

So a lot of you may know that certain wines complement certain types of food! But what food goes with what time you ask? Fear no more. Arbutus has collated this little guide for you to refer to when cooking up a storm in your kitchen. 

The weather has taken a turn for the better (here's hoping it stays for more than 5 seconds) and team Arbutus are in proper Summer Party mode. With weddings, conferences, corporate events and outside catering we have you covered.

Food stations, be it ice-cream carts, sweetie carts etc, food stations have really taken off in weddings over the past few years and it's easy to see why! Weddings can be a long day, at least 12 hours, therefore it is important to give your guests something to munch on throughout the day.

Ok, this warm weather has gone to our heads and the Arbutus Catering team are thinking about all things summer, even the drinks. Maybe we are being a little optimistic just yet with the typical Northern Irish weather, but here goes, we thought you could do with a little Summer drinks prep.

As summer approaches and the sun starts to shine, there is only one thing for the long evenings.... outdoor get-togethers and the Arbutus Team are pros at organising these. For a truly stress-free party, you want to keep the pests—and the guests—from buzzing in your ear. 

Wedding season has hit team Arbutus with a bang and we are in full swing and loving it. This week's blog is all about drinks at your wedding, after all, they are as important as the food. If you select well, your drinks should compliment the food served, and make for a stylish and memorable wedding.

With Easter just around the corner team Arbutus are well on their way in preparing for our Easter Sunday Carvery from starters to delicious desserts and everything in between. 
If you are not joining us this Sunday for our Easter Carvery check out these top tips for a stress-free Easter. 

Now that party season is upon us and the wedding season is almost in full bloom, we have started to think about our welcome drinks and canapés for the Arbutus upcoming events. Take a read below for some canapé inspiration. 

Here are Arbutus we are slowly easing our way into spring and as we prepare for a busy Easter weekend full of bookings for our Sunday Carvery we just can't help but share these Easter table setting and centrepiece ideas. We hope you find them useful if you are hosting an Easter party this 2018. 

With a lot of hard work and effort from our team, we are extremely excited that Arbutus have now reopened The O'Neill Arms Country House Hotel in Toome. Previously known as The White River Hotel, The O'Neill Arms Country House Hotel now brings exciting new menus, offers and much more such as our 3 for £15 menu running Monday to Thursday from 4pm to 7pm and our exquisite Sunday Carvery. This is a very exciting opportunity to branch out the Arbutus brand and extend our wedding services and catering to the Mid Ulster area and beyond. 

Gin! Who doesn’t love gin? It’s the perfect beverage to enjoy on a night out with friends or simply just to sip on, on a summers evening. Gin has become increasingly popular over the last few years with many venues having a designated bar/area just for gin, which is perfect for tasting a range of different flavours and combinations.

Wine has always been a popular choice for coupling up with meals or even just to sip on while having a good old catch up with friends. If you are one of the few who is not educated in the wine department here are a few tips to get you started. 

At Arbutus Hospitality we are very often setting hundreds, of tables per week, whether it be for weddings, dinner parties, corporate events, or even in our restaurants. We have strict procedures and policies to follow to ensure tables are turned around correctly, for the next set of diners.

We have checklists as long as our arms to ensure everything is perfect from glasses being set in the correct place, to napkins being folded correctly and every type of necessary cutlery being present on the table. 

As Pancake Tuesday approaches Arbutus brings you the most delicious pancake toppings. 

Pancakes are an all time favourite dessert, breakfast or snack. The good thing about pancakes is they are very easy to be made. Just following the instructions, and a couple of tries if you’re new in the kitchen, will lead you to the perfect breakfast or dessert for any day.  If you want to experiment with the toppings, there are many ways to do it and here is some ideas. 

toppings, there are many ways to do it and here is some ideas.