Rusti Winslow and Chris Little Wedding

I had the joy of working with the sweetest couple over the past year - Rusti Winslow and Chris Little. They tied the knot on September 26, 2009 at the Lake Mary Events Center.

Talk about a fairy tale wedding! The ceiling was draped with beautiful sheer white fabric, with flowers by Lee Forrest – over the top georgeous, and to complete the look, white satin chair covers with organza bows, sheer white striped overlays, pink lamour napkins and a single silver coin at each placesetting with the couple's initials.

Soundwave provided the pink uplighting around the perimeter of the room and outside music for the ceremony. The beautiful bride entered to the tune of “pretty woman”, and the fun continued well into the evening.

Once the ceremony was complete, our professional service staff was waiting with butler passed hors d'oeuvres, full bar service and an artisan cheese display with a beautiful swan heart ice scuplture and pink uplighting to complete the scene.

Guests were invited into the ballroom for a wonderful plated dinner of a Tournedos of Beef Tenderloin Milano and Jumbo Prawns stuffed with Crab and accompanied by Creamy Corn Risotto and Asparagus.

Sheri Rinker – the day of planner was wonderful to work with and everything ran smoothly from start to finish.

I just want to say a “big” thank you to all of the vendors, the Puff 'n Stuff Catering service team, warehouse and kitchen staff because without all of you the bride’s dream would not have come true!

Mary Brumley, Special Event Planner

407.398.6304 | mary@puffnstuff.com

Gearing up for the Holiday Season

Is it possible that we are really in the 4th Quarter of 2009? Where has the summer gone?!

As you may have guessed, this is the busiest time of year for Puff ’n Stuff Catering. The holiday season is an exciting time for the Operations Department. We have been busy gearing up to Passionately Perfect Life’s Celebrations for our clients at their events and parties.

We are sorting linens, organizing our holiday décor, perfecting specialty drink recipes and getting all of our equipment in top working condition so we will be able to produce all of our events to a standard that our clients have come to appreciate over the years.

Having the right tools to cater events is important but that is only one part of the equation. Our events are successful because of our Team Members! Their hard work, dedication and attention to detail set us apart and all they do is most sincerely appreciated by our clients. To get ready for “season” from a staffing perspective, we held our 2nd annual job fair at the Ballroom at Church Street on September 17th. Over 1200 applicants responded to the job posting. We interviewed over 225 prospective new Team Members over a 10 hour day!

When the dust settled, we hired 53 new Team Members to join the ranks as Servers, Bartenders and Road Chefs. Our new Team Members are experienced hospitality professionals and we are looking forward to working with our newest Team Members as we go into our busy season.

Puff ‘n Stuff Catering is committed to Passionately Perfect YOUR next Celebration. Our staff loves what they do and look forward to the opportunity to create a memorable experience for you during this holiday season and beyond!

Kevin Kulikowski
Director of Business Operations

Adding Special Touches to Your Event

Everyone plans parties, whether its dinner for four, or a birthday party for 100 guests. But what is noticed most by your attendees? The special touches of course!

I had the pleasure of working with a client for a Couples Bridal Shower last month. We were planning for an intimate group of 50 guests at her home. The food was important, the beverages were important, but most of all, the atmosphere was important! The engaged couple was planning on getting married on a cruise ship, we decorated bridal shower to feel like you were boarding the ship. Guests were greeted with champagne and one of our Servers dressed in all white and a Captains hat. Once the guests entered, they were welcomed with hand-passed hors d’oeuvres and desserts by our service team.

The house was dressed with floral arrangements all over, just as you would experience on a cruise. The bar was staged outside by the pool, with music to bring you in the mood. The menu featured Cajun Grilled Shrimp on Cucumber Rounds, Ginger Soy Ahi Tuna Tartare Cornets, Crab Cake Towers, and Coconut Chicken Brochettes, to name a few. Our Little Luxury Desserts of Key Lime Pie and Vanilla Compote with Fresh Berries were the perfect night-cap.

Captivate your guests attention and make the party memorable with special touches!

Heidi Brice, Senior Special Event Planner

407.398.6301 | heidi@puffnstuff.com

*Photography by Chris Gillyard and Damon Tucci.

Plan Your Holiday Party with Puff ‘n Stuff Catering

It’s almost that time of year again. Time to get together. Time to celebrate. And, of course, time to eat, drink and be very merry! There will be no Bah Humbug this year with Puff ‘n Stuff Catering’s new menus freshened up for this coming holiday season.

We have added some great new affordable hors d’oeuvres and Chef Attended Actions Stations that have been designed to suit your unique taste and budget. Some of our new items include a fabulous selection of savory butler-passed coronets. These little cones are filled with a variety of flavors — from Wine-Poached Chicken with Applewood-Smoked Bacon Crème Fraîche to Ginger-Soy Ahi Tuna Tartare with Five-Spiced Wasabi Crème Fraîche — and are sure to please your holiday guests.

The new Shabu Shabu Mongoglian Hot Pot Station is both vegetarian and meat-lover friendly and includes a variety of ingredients like napa cabbage, bok choy, shiitake and enoki mushrooms, carrots, onions, bean sprouts, snow peas, scallions and tofu – you can also add shrimp, pork chicken or sirloin.

As always, we have fantastic desserts to finish off any holiday gathering with some new pastries across the board and a new “S’mores Indoors” action station. And of course, our Executive Pastry Chef, Bruno Ponsot, has incorporated some of his traditional French favorites such as “Bouche de Noël”.

So this Holiday Season, don’t let the economic grinch spoil your holiday plans. We here at Puff ‘n Stuff Catering will create a menu to custom-fit all of your needs. Give your guests the gift of a holiday party they’ll never forget—and do it with the help of the elves here at Puff ’n Stuff Catering.

Retaining Your Talent in Economic Hardships

Many believe people are a company’s greatest asset, but I believe the culture created by the people working for you is your greatest asset. Culture defines who you are and aids in making hiring decisions. With the right culture, you can cultivate skills and encourage employee loyalty, and in the end, your business will come through stronger and much more efficient than before.

Though it is impossible to guarantee that your great employees will stay through the hardships, there are some measures you can take the greatly increase your chances.

Clearly define your Mission, Vision, and Values. Make sure you have developed a picture of today, tomorrow and what governs your decisions. An employee that understands where you are, where you’re going, and why, feels much more secure in their future.

Develop an Ownership Mentality. Empower your staff to give suggestions and ideas – from part time server to the Director of Sales. When your staff walks through your building or an event, you want them to think “How can I make this better? Can we do this more efficiently?” And reward these ideas. With a little encouragement, you’d be amazed at some of the things your employees at all levels think of.

Encourage Team Building & Communication. Send out a monthly newsletter. Announce birthdays, positive client feedback and new employees. As an off-premise caterer, many of our employees rarely step foot into the building, but they are valued too. Have your staff vote for an employee of the month, and reward that employee, even if it’s just a designated parking spot or a $20 gift card to Starbucks.

When your employees feel valued, when they feel like it’s their company too, they’ll work with you to create solutions and will understand that though things may be hard right now, they will get better.

As my good friend Simon T. Bailey says, “Losers look at what they are going through. Champions look at what we are going to do.” And it is your responsibility to create a culture of Champions.

Warren Dietel, Owner/President

Great Reviews from Brides

We love to see all of the wonderful things that brides are writing about us. We are so appreciative when a previous client takes the time to share their experiences.

If you are in the process of making your catering decision, then check out these testimonials from previous brides on Wedding Wire.

Thank you to all of our clients who take the time to write in about your events!

An Unrivaled Venue for Your Reception

The Ballroom at Church Street is Central Florida’s most elegant and distinguished venue. Located in the heart of downtown Orlando, it boasts over ten thousand square feet, a stunning stained glass atrium and enchanting brick courtyards. And whether you’re looking to host an intimate upscale reception or a celebration for over a thousand guests, this unique location can accommodate it all.

It’s easy to see why The Ballroom at Church Street has quickly become Orlando’s “hot spot” for wedding receptions. Winter, spring and summer weekends are filling up fast, so if you’re looking for a spectacular venue for your upcoming wedding reception (or ANY event!), contact us soon so you don’t miss out.

You’ve always dreamt of the perfect wedding held in the perfect place. You should expect no less when it comes to your reception. And no place is better suited than The Ballroom at Church Street.

Sandy George, Special Event Planner
407.478.5831 | sandy@puffnstuff.com