www.ecocaters.com/tips-switching-vegan-lifestyle/
So you’ve decided to become a vegan. Whether by choice or by dietary restraints, a vegan diet, which is low in saturated fats and high in nutrients, can certainly have many health benefits. But where do you start? Fear not, you’ve come to the right place. Starting any new diet can feel daunting so we’ve compiled a few vegan diet tips that will see you living the vegan lifestyle in no time. STARTING A VEGAN LIFESTYLE The first step for those transitioning to successful vegan diets is to understand the ins and outs of the diet and wider reaching lifestyle. What can a vegan eat? The foundation of a vegan diet itself is the avoidance of all animal products and byproducts by maintaining a plant-based diet. In addition, there are a host of ways to practice veganism beyond the plate. For example, you may choose to buy leather substitutes in place of real leather because, as you know, it’s a byproduct of a cow. This commitment to eliminating animal products from your life extends beyond the food you consume. Next, you need to find your “why” behind the diet. The “why” helps keep you on track, even when you’re faced with a juicy steak or a gallon of delicious ice cream. Need more inspiration? Here are a few great reasons to go vegan:
A vegan diet can also help improve blood sugar levels. By eating vitamin-rich plants, grains, nuts and seeds you’ll increase your iron and magnesium levels while lowering cholesterol and saturated fats. Veganism helps you find balance within your body.
According to the U.N.’s Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change, there has been an “eight percent increase in methane from digestion in cattle and a 37 percent increase in methane via management of manure, compared to the previous estimates”. Intensive livestock farming not only contributes to global warming but also pollution, deforestation, land degradation, water scarcity and species extinction. By choosing a vegan diet you’ll play your part in decreasing the production of meat and animal products, thereby lowering emissions. LIVING A VEGAN LIFESTYLE Now you have a better understanding of veganism in general and have committed to your “why”, it’s time to get started. For most of us, adopting a vegan lifestyle is a big transition. Enthusiasm is a beautiful thing but instead of diving in headfirst, give yourself time to adapt by starting slowly. Week by week, eliminate items from your diet. Perhaps on your first week you could remove dairy products. The following week, try eliminating eggs. Pace yourself. Or why not start off by turning vegetarian and sticking to fruits and vegetables? After a few successful weeks eating a vegetarian diet start avoiding animal byproducts and eating a plant-based diet. A sudden transition from your existing diet to a vegan diet eating only vegan products can be demanding since you’ll need to learn to create new dishes and experiment with unfamiliar ingredients and combinations. You may slip up from time to time as you expand your repertoire and knowledge so it’s easy to feel discouraged. Our advice is to take plenty of time to make that switch. Be kind to yourself! Search for vegan-friendly recipes–there’s a wealth of inspiration out there. Bookmark a few favorite blogs full of delicious, vegan recipes. Try a gluten-free, kale, black bean, and avocado bowl from Cookie and Kate, or a mushroom quinoa burger from Good Housekeeping. These days, vegan ingredients are easy to find, and recipes more accessible and easier to follow than ever. However, before you head out to the grocery store, educate yourself on the vegan lifestyle. Find replacements for dairy and protein, and learn the symbols for vegan-friendly items. Certain products will specify whether they fit into the vegan diet, such as plant-based protein, to make it easy to identify them. Also, learn what items from your favorite restaurants are vegan approved. Some restaurants even have specific menu icons to help you choose vegan options. ADVICE FROM A PRO Our very own Kitchen Assistant, Danny Giron, has been successfully living the vegan lifestyle for eight years. His decision to become vegan was based both on the health benefits and his love for animals. We asked him what it feels like to be vegan and he told us, “My body feels a lot lighter after eating because animal fat takes longer to burn off. Eating natural, plant based products makes you feel healthier.” YOU CAN DO IT! Starting a vegan lifestyle can be daunting but it is possible. Remember to focus on your “why”. Instead of thinking about what you’re giving up, think about what you’re gaining. When you become vegan, you join a community of like-minded people; a growing community at that. Veganism is gathering pace as more and more people realize the great side effects of going vegan. Look to group sites for advice, new recipes and activities. Think about the added health benefits and how you’re doing your part to help the planet and its inhabitants.
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www.ecocaters.com/bridal-shower-catering-ideas/
Bridal showers are another way for you to celebrate the bride-to-be and the huge decision she’s made to join her life with another. A bridal shower is the perfect excuse to gather all of the important women in her life for a daytime party to honor the bride-to-be. You could be a maid of honor or mother of the bride, either way the bride will be tied up planning the wedding, so why not let a catering company help you plan the perfect party? BRIDAL SHOWER BASICS When you let an expert catering team take the lead on your bridal shower catering menu you can focus on the basics: the invite list, a theme, location, activities, and decorations. After all, these are the fun bits, and that’s your forte. It makes sense for everyone to play to their strengths so let your caterer take the strain when it comes to delivering the best quality food for you and your guests. These days, searching for a bridal shower caterer is easy with Google and Yelp. Simply search “bridal shower catering near me” and look around to find the caterer that you believe best represents your special day, your tastes and values. Organic catering companies like Eco Caters are becoming more popular for the simple reason that they use the freshest ingredients that are locally-sourced and grown with respect and integrity, and without pesticides, fertilizers or GMOs. REASONS TO OUTSOURCE A CATERER On the day, a professional caterer will help take the stress out of feeding a crowd so that you can relax and enjoy the party. They should offer you a wide array of options for your meal, as well as creative ways to serve the dishes. Having your bridal shower catered comes with many benefits, including good, honest food; affordable prices; minimal food waste; and unique ideas about presenting your favorite dishes. Using a caterer is a smart way to save money. A great caterer will have perfected the art of knowing exactly how much food to prepare for the number of guests you’veinvited. They also know where to purchase the best quality foods for the lowest prices. Catering services come with years of expertise and experience, which enables them to devote their attention to the details. They can add inject a little fun and flare to your menu while keeping within budget. IDEAS FOR CATERING A BRIDAL SHOWER When you’re planning a bridal shower, the focus should be on the bride. Maybe you want to reflect her whimsical, creative side? Or perhaps she’s traditional and loves a classic feel? Whatever her heart desires, here are some ideas to help you decide what items to include at your party:
Better still, why not design your drink to follow along with the theme? A girly bridal shower screams out for a pink cocktail made with rose wine, for example. Or why not go tropical and serve your guests piña coladas with little umbrellas? To make sure everyone is included, have your mixologist whip up fancy mocktails by adding Sprite and sherbet together in a cup, virgin mojitos, or even fruit-infused water. To really complete the look, don’t forget the garnishes such as a sprig of rosemary or a lime wedge. Top tip: Hiring a mixologist isn’t necessary but it’s a sure-fire way to introduce energy to the party.
ADD A PERSONAL TOUCH
Aside from fuelling your Downton Abbey fantasies, the really great thing about an afternoon tea party is that it’s:
Wrap a mason jar in brown burlap and fill it with a berry cobbler. Serve drinks, such as lemonade and iced tea in clear containers on wooden boxes. Decorate wooden tables with greenery and candles. Put different kinds of popcorn in wooden buckets for guests to munch on as they party. Rustic bridal showers are a refreshing blend of simplicity and chic. With natural and creative touches, your guests will feel cozy but elegant. Bridal shower catering makes the party fun and easy. Your chef will put a creative twist on the classics, which along with professional servers, will help make your party one to remember. For more information, visit our website or email us at [email protected]. We can’t wait to hear from you. www.ecocaters.com/engagement-party-catering/
Now that you’ve got the ring, it’s time to celebrate! Rally your friends and family together and show off that new rock. An engagement party typically is a gathering for you to celebrate the love that you’ve found with your significant other and your big decision to spend the rest of your lives together. It’s a fun excuse for you to congregate, eat, drink, and introduce new friends and family before the wedding itself. However, planning an engagement celebration event can be a lot of work so it helps to hire an engagement party catering service to take some of the stress off your plate. WHY USE A CATERER? There are many benefits to using a catering service. Event catering, in general, helps relieve any worries about the food at your special event and allows you to concentrate your efforts elsewhere. Getting the right catering company for your engagement party means you can relax and focus on making the night about you. A caterer not only helps relieve the stress of planning menu options, but they’re a mine of great new food ideas. They’ll be able to expand your food repertoire in terms of unexpected dishes, a twist on a childhood favorite, or a whole new way to present your dishes. A great caterer will not only provide expertise but also guarantee that the food you’re eating is of the highest quality using the freshest ingredients. GREAT FOOD ON A BUDGET With a wedding on the horizon, there’s every chance that you’re going to be working on a tight budget. In the past, organic event caterers like Eco Caters have been perceived as expensive among catering options, but did you know that an organic caterer worth its salt can actually save you money? For a start, great caterers have solid relationships with growers and suppliers to know where to purchase premium ingredients for good price. In addition, experienced party catering services keep a close eye on portion control (in their planning and serving) to guarantee that your guests enjoy hearty helpings down to the last plate, but without the food waste. In our book, that’s a recipe for happy guests and a happy wallet as not a single dollar is squandered. SHOW YOU CARE Hiring a caterer also shows your guests that both they and their time matter. By giving them handmade, delicious and inspired food, they’ll not only feel deeply appreciated but it will leave them with a great lasting impression of you as a couple. In the long run, hiring a catering service helps to give you insight into unique food ideas, as well as save you money, and make your guests feel loved. TYPES OF CATERING There are many different types of catering that offer delicious food on their catering menu, and as many different prices. The three most common are takeaway catering, buffet catering, and sit-down catering.
work best, both for your budget and your bellies. You simply coordinate with the caterer as to what foods you like and how many guests you’re catering for, then on the day of your party, your caterer will prepare the food for delivery or pickup and away you go. Note that there won’t be staff present to replenish food or assist your guests, this will be up to you.
Whether it’s a full course meal or fun items from a food truck, proper catering helps make any engagement party a success. ENGAGEMENT PARTY CATERING IDEAS Catering for an engagement party is a big part of the event. Follow one or more of the ‘three F’s’ below to make sure the food you serve is both appetizing and creative:
Top Tip: Be authentic. Whether you choose a traditional meal or a fun on-trend dish, make sure your food reflects your personalities and love story. Engagement parties are a fun way to gather your loved ones and celebrate your love and decision to get married. Allow the caterers to help you plan that special occasion. Here at Eco Caters, we do just that. For more information, visit our website or contact us directly at [email protected]. We can’t wait to hear from you. www.ecocaters.com/blog/wedding-reception-ideas-food-fun-eco-caters/
A grand multi-course wedding feast will never go out of style–the tried and tested favorites are popular for a reason. However, with so many great foodie options out there, from food trucks to DIY dessert stations, it’s easier than ever to take your wedding reception guests on an unexpected food journey. That could mean a personalized menu that includes a favorite childhood dish, or a bespoke signature cocktail that plays up your heritage or where you first met. Playful, personal and pure fun, these are a few of our favorite wedding catering food trends for your big day. The importance of style and substance A good caterer will be able to get creative with some cool and quirky food ideas for your wedding reception, be it street food or an overarching theme that represents both the bride and groom. A great caterer, however, will dream up fun ways of presenting your food while keeping an unwavering focus on quality (think local and organic food options) to ensure that every bite is hands down delicious. It’s the epitome of good taste. Whatever you decide, don’t be afraid to get personal. After all, your menu should help tell a story to your guest. Your story. It needs to interweave effortlessly with the music, decor, and ambiance of your whole wedding day. The Main Event If you’re looking for cool wedding reception food station ideas then food trucks are a great option if your wedding venue allows it, especially when incorporated for just one element of your reception, like dessert. Then again, there are a host of other delightful ways to inject personality into your wedding food.
Small is beautiful When you think of wedding reception finger foods, you’re spoilt for choice with everything from mini lobster rolls, grilled cheese bites, to teeny churros. And why not rethink your classic tiered wedding cake when multiple small versions can have maximum impact? It’s all to play for. Remember, variety is always a great idea.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner Of course, we see no reason to stop at your wedding reception when you can get just as creative at your wedding breakfast. Maybe have your favorite breakfast fayre for dinner? Or mix it up and serve brunch instead on your special day. Late nights can be fuelled by churros and chocolate, or a cereal bar (glass canisters of a mix of your favorite breakfast cereals) to keep everyone topped up until the early hours. Local, seasonal, organic ingredients At Eco Caters, our creative menus are made using locally sourced, organic ingredients that help you tie all of the diverse elements of your day together. Bringing your story right into the here and now with ingredients that symbolize you and the place in which you’ve chosen to get hitched. Best of all, they taste far better than non-organic ingredients, which gives you the bigger bang for your buck when it comes to the all-important wedding budget. Top tip: When you’re dreaming up wedding reception ideas, by all means, go wild, but always serve the food you love. Trends come and go so your menu, like every other aspect of your big day, should be all about you and your loved one. Once you’ve selected your food, it’s time to start thinking about alcohol! Deciding how much alcohol to have at a wedding can be tricky so we like to stick to the following formula as a general rule of thumb: Assume guests will have 2 drinks in the first hour of the open bar, and 1-1.5 additional drinks each following hour. Ready to chat about wedding catering costs and the options available within your budget? Contact our team today for a complimentary no-pressure catering consultation. www.ecocaters.com/blog/average-wedding-venue-package-prices/
No wedding is complete without delicious organic catering or the perfect wedding and reception venue. Whether you’re looking for the perfect barn for your country chic wedding, or an elegant ballroom fit for a queen, there’s no denying that when it comes to your wedding reception, location is everything. Here we’ll explore how you can find a venue that matches your theme and, most importantly, fits your budget. National Wedding Cost AverageAccording to Wedding Wire, the average wedding venue spend in the U.S. is $5,400. At the highest end, costs can exceed $10,500 with the lowest coming in at under $2,700. There’s no question that the venue will take a big bite out of your wedding budget, so it’s wise to make sure early on that you know exactly what you get for your money. For that reason, many venues offer special wedding venue package prices that enable you to bundle photography, alcohol, non-alcoholic drinks, seating, tables, food, linens, dishware, and even wedding and reception decorations. Money SaversWedding pros know all sorts of clever ways to save money on your ceremony and wedding reception venues, one of the best being to have both at the same location. That way, you don’t have to worry about transportation or multiple chair and table rentals. Combining the wedding ceremony and reception into one venue will save you money, time, and stress. It’s also good to think about the many other things that can affect the price of your wedding, including the day of the week or the time of year you choose to tie the knot. Late spring through early fall is known as the ‘wedding season’ and, as such, prices are typically higher during these months. Demand means that the cost of your venue will peak at this time. Location of your special day can also affect costs. Large cities are usually more expensive, but small, remote towns can also be pricey due to the lack of accessibility. In addition, the size of your guest list will have a direct impact on your budget. Unsurprisingly, the more friends and family you invite, the greater quantity of tables, chairs, wedding favors, and wedding reception food you’ll need. Things to Consider
Fortunately, there are loads of options when it comes to providing a delicious, organic wedding catering, and at a very reasonable price. Full sit down dinner requires a team of staff to make sure that guests’ drinks are kept topped up and plates cleared away–it really is the only way to ensure that everything runs without a hiccup. That said, it can be on the pricey side. Instead, consider having a buffet-style dinner, chef stations, or perhaps a food truck for dessert? Be inspired by our fun food wedding reception ideas.
Finding Your Perfect VenueFinding your dream wedding ceremony and wedding reception venue is as easy as Googling, “venue rentals near me.” Using the internet as your friend, you’ll be exposed to hundreds of options you may have never considered before, all while staying in your price range. www.ecocaters.com/blog/best-dc-wedding-venues-budget
Washington D.C. has a plethora of great venues for a wedding no matter the time of year. Whether you’re planning a destination wedding and D.C. happens to be a special place for you and your significant other, it is home to many beautiful locations at a range of costs. No matter what you’re looking for, be it the perfect garden for a teatime wedding, or a historic museum for a gala-esque feel, D.C. has it all. Here are a few of our favorite venues and rental companies that can help you realize your dream D.C. wedding. National Building Museum The National Building Museum–one of the many historic Smithsonian museums–is one of the best wedding venues in the D.C. metro area. An engineering masterpiece, the museum was named a National Historic Landmark in the 1980’s. Originally known as the Pension Building, it’s now famous as a museum of engineering, construction, urban planning and architecture. The National Building Museum has hosted several presidential inaugural balls and, with a pedigree like that, is hard to beat as the perfect wedding venue. With its historic columns in the Great Hall reaching up 75 feet tall, and large open areas it’s a picture perfect setting for your big day. National Union Building Conveniently located in Penn Quarter, the National Union Building is set in the midst of a vibrant neighborhood surrounded by landmarks, shops, and restaurants. The building’s architecture, with its lofty handmade glass ceilings and beautiful brickwork, is the ideal backdrop for an unforgettable event. This venue is perfect if you’re on a budget (who isn’t?) but still want the glamour of D.C.. National Museum of Women in the Arts The National Museum of Women in the Arts is a seriously elegant space and one of the best D.C. wedding venues. It has plenty of wow factor (and functionality) with large crystal chandeliers and sweeping marble staircases that make it feel like something out of a fairytale. Ideal for larger weddings with it’s wide open spaces, this is a wedding venue fit for a princess. Longview Gallery Set right across the street from the Convention Center, Longview art gallery is a natural choice if you dream of a modern, sleek and industrial-style wedding. The space itself is flexible with adjustable lighting and floor plans, plus it has huge windows that let in lots of natural light. With access on to historic Blagden Alley, the venue is also wheelchair accessible. Big Cork Vineyards Drive just one hour from the heart of D.C. and you’ll find yourself surrounded by beautiful countryside as far as the eye can see. This jaw-dropping setting is home to Big Cork Vineyards. With miles of vines and mountains stretching into the distance, this location makes not only for a wonderful outdoor wedding, but an affordable one! Guests can take time to sample their favorite tipple in the vineyard’s stylish tasting room. The Atrium at Meadowlark Botanical GardensLocated in beautiful Vienna, Virginia, The Atrium is a glass building with incredible views over vast, carefully maintained grounds. There are beautiful gazebos, tall pavilions, and a large terrace overlooking the Botanical Garden. This venue is great if you’re working to a tight budget and dream of an outdoor wedding. River FarmPicture yourself standing in the middle of a wildflower meadow, Potomac River running behind you as you tie the knot with your soulmate with beautiful gardens in the background. Welcome to River Farm, a country estate with a spacious terrace and ballroom. Whatever your wedding theme, the beauty of this venue is its diversity. Another good option if you’re on a budget. Dumbarton House Dumbarton House is one of the oldest homes in the city and definitely a contender for one of the best wedding venues in D.C. metro area. In addition to its historic feel, the space gives you multiple areas in which to hold your ceremony, cocktail hour and party. This quaint home is perfect for a charming wedding and shows off the elegant side of D.C. to a tee. Josephine Butler Parks Center Another venue with great charm is the Josephine Butler Parks Center. This iconic yellow home makes for a dreamy wedding backdrop all year round. With its spacious ceilings and stunning arches, it’s sure to make your wedding the one to remember. The Loft at 600 F This three-floor space located in the heart of the city is versatile for any wedding theme. The exposed brick, tall ceilings and hardwood floors are offset with stylish couches and classy floor lamps to make for a fun, unique venue. Considering its prime downtown location, you’ll find it very reasonably priced. Daughters of American Revolution Constitution Hall This three-floor space located in the heart of the city is versatile for any wedding theme. The exposed brick, tall ceilings and hardwood floors are offset with stylish couches and classy floor lamps to make for a fun, unique venue. Considering its prime downtown location, you’ll find it very reasonably priced. The DAR Revolution Constitution Hall is Washington D.C.’s largest concert hall. It’s hosted many large events such as the National Sports Awards and the Country Music Awards. Now it can host your wedding! This famous space is sure to make your wedding unforgettable. Washington D.C. Wedding Rentals Now you’ve chosen your venue it’s time to consider your rental company. Two of our favorite Washington D.C. wedding rentals are DC Event Rentals and Select Event Group. DC Event Rentals A one-stop-shop for wedding parties, this company provides tables, tents, linens and chair rentals, as well as AC machines and heaters, sound systems, phone charging stations, even ATMs. They’ll work in harmony with your event planner to ensure your wedding is a success. Select Event Group Select Event Group is a fantastic resource if you’re in need of a little event advice (and we’ve all been there). They’re also providers of all manner of entertainment equipment, tents, table set up and planning, linens, and more. |