What is an Action Station?

One of the latest trends in weddings and events is having an action station at dinner. Casual and fun has been the theme, as opposed to stuffy and formal. We have been receiving many more requests for stations than a plated sit down meal. So…what exactly is an action station?

An action station is any meal station that needs some sort of action (cooking, mixing, adding toppings, etc.). A carving station is an extremely popular one. A chef attends the station and cuts pieces of meat to the guests’ liking. It can also be a bit more involved, such as a pasta station. The chef would have different kinds of pastas already made, with different sauces available. To make it even more custom, there could also be different types of meats, vegetables, and cheeses. The guest would tell the chef what kind of pasta, sauce and other ingredients he or she would like included, and each plate would be made to order.

Although it is usually chef or staff attended, an action station can also be self-serve by the guest. For example, an Asian Noodle bar would include the noodles already made, as well as various toppings from which the guest can choose. The guest would first get a scoop of noodles, and then top them with whatever they like. It could be chives, bok choy, snap peas, red peppers, broccoli, mushrooms, mini corn on the cobs, even chicken or shrimp. Serve in cute take-out style containers with bamboo chopsticks to bring the experience even further!

There is really no limit to an action station besides your imagination. It could be customized to a certain type of food, like seafood, or a certain kind of cuisine, and even dessert. The possibilities are endless, but here are some ideas to inspire you!

Sushi station
Taco bar
Rice bar
Ice cream sundae bar
Omelette station
Coffee, tea and hot chocolate station
Salad bar
Pizza station

Nothing is off limits when it comes to customizing your wedding day. Take some of these ideas and expand on them, or come up with your own! Either way, we are happy to create it for you!

Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.

 

 

What Does it Mean to be a Full Service Caterer?

With engagement season upon us, I wanted to share all of our services with you, and exactly what it means to be a full service caterer.

By photoexpressions.com
By photoexpressions.com

Venue:
When you make us your first call in your wedding planning, not only can we create an exquisite menu custom to your needs, but we can also help you find the perfect venue. There are many in CT that we recommend, and in turn, recommend us. From rustic to elegant, beachy to backyard, there is sure to be something perfect for you!

By daphneanddean.com
By daphneanddean.com

Menu:
Whether you are hosting a casual BBQ or an elegant plated dinner, Spice Catering has you covered. We can incorporate different elements into your menu to make it truly yours. We often do not send out “packages” because we really like to customize each couples’ menu and not box you in to a cookie cutter meal.

 

 

 

By jewelphoto.com
By jewelphoto.com

Bar Service:
We have our liquor license! Don’t spend the time and energy trying to figure out how much and which kinds of alcohol to get for your wedding. You also should not worry about the liability that comes with providing alcohol at an event such as this. Let us take yet another thing off your plate.

 

By daphneanddean.com
By daphneanddean.com

Rentals:
Having your wedding at a non-traditional wedding venue has many positive aspects to it – your wedding is more unique, they often host one wedding per day or even one per weekend, your vendors have plenty of time to set up and break down, you get to choose who you would like as your caterer, and the list goes on. One thing that is not so great is the fact that you have to rent china, silverware, glassware, linens and so much more you may not have even thought of yet. Don’t stress! We can handle it! Based on your menu, we will know exactly how many of everything we should provide. Let us work with our rental company to determine all of this. And yes, we can provide a tent as well if needed.

By photoexpressions.com
By photoexpressions.com

Wedding & Event Planning:
Now that you have everything booked for your big day – venue, caterer, photographer, florist, the dress, DJ – we can still help! Our Rehearsal & Day Of services are extremely popular and HIGHLY recommended.

If you DON’T have all of that booked and you are looking for some assistance, we can do that too. Our Full Wedding Planning package will help with everything from booking the venue until your last guest leaves your wedding.

Stuck in the middle somewhere? Let us customize a package just for you. Choose from many a la carte services. If you’re still not sure, you can send Carisa an email at CarisaL@spicecateringgroup.com and set up a consultation.

Happy planning!

– Carisa

 

Jessica & Tim’s Wedding, Chatfield Hollow B&B

This wedding was absolutely stunning. From the beautiful couple, to the breathtaking venue, to the perfectly lighted tent and Pinterest-worthy details. Tim and Jessica were wed at Chatfield Hollow Bed & Breakfast, a little hidden gem in the woods of Killingworth, CT. The B&B is located on Chatfield Hollow Farm, where they grow an organic garden with shiitake mushrooms and so much more. We actually incorporated their mushrooms into the menu of this wedding – so cool!

The owners, Ken and Forrest, are extremely accommodating and helpful. Ken was wonderful with decorating the tent just how the bride envisioned it. He even gave guests a ride to their cars at the end of the night when it was raining! Tema, the innkeeper, is wonderfully hospitable. You truly feel at home when you walk in and he greets you. We look forward to catering many more events here.

Please enjoy these photos from Daphne & Dean.

Wedding Chatfiled Hollow View More: http://daphneanddean.pass.us/jessicatim

Wedding Chatfiled Hollow View More: http://daphneanddean.pass.us/jessicatim
We incorporated fresh cut hydrangea from Chatfield Hollow Farm into our platters

Wedding Chatfiled Hollow View More: http://daphneanddean.pass.us/jessicatim

Wedding Chatfiled Hollow View More: http://daphneanddean.pass.us/jessicatim
A wonderful summer salad was plated and served to the guests
Wedding Chatfiled Hollow View More: http://daphneanddean.pass.us/jessicatim
The first dance as husband and wife is always so special
Wedding Chatfiled Hollow View More: http://daphneanddean.pass.us/jessicatim
The beautifully lighted tent done by B&B owner, Ken

Wedding Chatfiled Hollow View More: http://daphneanddean.pass.us/jessicatim

Wedding Chatfiled Hollow View More: http://daphneanddean.pass.us/jessicatim
Short ribs, risotto and fresh summer vegetables
Wedding Chatfiled Hollow View More: http://daphneanddean.pass.us/jessicatim
Tuscan chicken, risotto and fresh summer vegetables
Wedding Chatfiled Hollow View More: http://daphneanddean.pass.us/jessicatim
The Chans wedding cake
Wedding Chatfiled Hollow View More: http://daphneanddean.pass.us/jessicatim
Cupcakes!
Wedding Chatfiled Hollow View More: http://daphneanddean.pass.us/jessicatim
Time to cut their cake as husband and wife

THC & Spice Catering Collaborate

The Hops Company (THC) in Derby, CT, is the former Grassy Hill Lodge. With a 4.5-acre beer garden, custom built indoor bar and an outdoor bar, you and your friends have plenty of space to enjoy. They feature local breweries, as well as domestic and international breweries. The rustic German decor, with custom built wood tables and 2 fireplaces, makes for a cozy atmosphere to enjoy with one other person or 50!

Trivia with Big Boy Entertainment’s Craig Ventura will start on Wednesdays, beginning December 2nd at 8:00pm. They also have board games and life-sized Jenga to add to the fun! Want to watch football? No problem – they have 6 65″ TVs to take care of that. If you get hungry while you are there, you can order some pizza or BBQ from their food truck vendors.

Since this is a fantastic party space, of course we wanted to get involved! THC will be available to rent for a private event anytime on Monday and Tuesday, and Wednesday to Friday from the morning until about 3:00pm. When you rent the space for 50 guests or more, Spice Catering Group will be the exclusive caterer! Contact our Event Manager, Carisa for more information on this: CarisaL@spicecateringgroup.com or 860-316-2759 x102.

Check out our buffet menu for THC!

Hot.Buffet.by.Spice.V1.13_no_prices_THC
Spice Catering Group THC Menu
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Spice Catering Group THC Menu
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THC bar

With 36 beers on tap, wine on tap, and a full liquor bar, there’s something for everyone!

See what’s on tap! 

Cheers!