We often write our blogs related to wedding food, ideas and meals on the actual wedding day so we thought what about the run-up to the wedding?

Ok, so the Arbutus Brides and Grooms are becoming more adventurous. Trends are starting to shift away from traditional wedding cakes to more funky ideas. Here we have compiled a little list for you to consider.

Who doesn't love a good summer get together with friends and family? And if you are the organiser of the group and always the one to host the parties, we are here to give you a little help this summer. 

Here we have a few little summer drinks recipes that you will have whipped up in no time at all and will be sure to please the crowd. 

When it comes to pairing food with wines, this can be mind-boggling. So many wines to choose from, white, red, sparkling, the list goes on. 

When it boils down to it, very often each person has a preference on white or red and doesn't usually go by what food they are eating. However, to help you along with your next dinner event we have compiled this little list for you. 

When going through the meal details with our lovely couples who are getting married we sometimes get asked the question, "Do we need to provide evening snacks when our dinner is being served at 5.50pm?"

Vacation is typically about indulgence and it can be very hard to pass up delicious brownie sundaes or cocktails.

Here are few tips Team Arbutus have compiled to ensure your healthy eating routine is not ruined while on summer holidays. 

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.