Derby Day Luncheon
We recently got to combine two of our favorite things, horses and parties, and plan a derby day luncheon out in Wayne, Il! With a fabulous group of vendors, a gorgeous setting and beautiful weather, the day was a smashing success!
We were thrilled to sponsor and plan Showplace Production’s Spring Spectacular Derby Day and wanted to make it feel elegant, while still maintaining the casual, outdoor feel of the Lamplight Equestrian Center. We had been lusting over the Abigail Floral Shantung linen that BBJ Linens recently introduced, and we immediately felt it would be the perfect accent for the tables! We balanced the floral pattern with a Ruby Classic linen to maintain the casual feel.
For the floral, we called Exquisite Designs. Alex created these beautiful, low centerpieces with hydrangeas and roses, that were in perfect harmony with the linen choice! We asked Erickson Design to design our table cards and buffet descriptions, which they nailed with the cursive red font! We also asked Ben Mahoney Productions to capture the whole event on film (video to premiere shortly!) and Nick Gerber to catch all the pretty details on camera. We are blown away with the pictures and are holding out breath for the video!
We worked with a local caterer in the area to bring our country luncheon to life, and could not have been happier with the results! Gracious Hall provided a spread unlike any other! Starting with appetizers of sesame chicken skewers, gorgonzola cheese crisps with onion jam and prosciutto (a personal fav, the onion jam is to die for!) and veggie spring rolls with sweet chili peanut sauce, Gracious Hall really set the tone for the luncheon buffet!
The buffet was full of delicious fare including; Panzanella (Italian bread salad), a mixed green salad, lasagna with wild mushrooms, truffle oil and béchamel sauce, Reams Italian Sausage with peppers and onions and a delicious polenta with roasted vegetables, gorgonzola-goat cheese spread, pine nuts and a red sauce!
And of course, no luncheon would be complete without fabulous desserts! Gracious Hall created lemon cream and flourless chocolate espresso petit fours, amazing coconut macaroons and peanut butter cookies stuffed with caramel creme, all of which were sinfully delicious!
In addition to a little something sweet, a true luncheon requires a great signature drink! With a Twist provided us with two phenomenal bartenders and created a delicious cucumber margarita, which was the perfect compliment to a lovely alfresco luncheon! All in all, we had a fabulous time planning and spending the day enjoying the beautiful outdoors and our guests did too!
