In the second part of our mini series by Kalm Kitchen, focussing on wedding catering ideas, today we’re looking at seasonal wedding catering inspiration and we hope you find something to inspire you. Over to you Jen!
With Christmas rapidly approaching what better time to discuss seasonal food options for your big day, Whether your wedding is just around the corner or you are still in the early stages of planning it’s never too early to start thinking about what to feed your guests, our guest expert Jen Middlehurst – food guru and all round creative whizz – is on hand to offer some ideas and inspiration.
So grab yourself a mince pie (yes we are now officially allowed to tuck in) and enjoy some seasonal catering ideas – kicking off with festive treats of course!
All Summer catering inspiration images taken by Anneli Marinovich for Kalm Kitchen
WINTER WONDERLAND
I have to say that Christmas weddings are some of our favourites at Kalm Kitchen. Guests are so excited to celebrate and let their hair down at this time of year with an extra sense of merriment in the air! Christmas allows you to really go to town with creative styling and seasonal treats. I always advise couples to consider choosing seasonal produce for their big day as it’s a great way of ensuring your caterer uses fresh local produce and can also lead to savings on the day.
For a winter wedding why not serve your guests some traditional Christmas canapés such as pigs in blankets or deep fried brie accompanied with cranberry sauce. For your main course you could opt for a traditional Christmas dinner or offer a contemporary twist by serving rare roast fillet of beef, horseradish dauphinoise potatoes accompanied with brussel sprouts and cabbage. For dessert you can really go to town, why not serve your guests a trio of miniature festive treats from mince pieces to mini figgy puds.
Our current post popular sweet treat is vanilla panacotta accompanied with orange and cranberry compote served in an elegant vintage champagne glass. Sticking to a colour palette of reds, greens and golds is a great way of adding a festive touch to your dinner service. When choosing your drinks, tipples such as hot-spiced cider and mulled wine are perfect seasonal alternatives to the traditional champagne reception and are ideal for getting your guests in the festive spirit!
SPRING FLING Spring signifies new beginnings – the start of longer days, time outdoors after a long winter and the promise of a hot summer ahead. Fresh seasonal produce at this time includes; asparagus, garden salads, Jerusalem artichoke, scallops, sea bass and fresh spring lamb – nothing too heavy or rich in carbohydrates.
Image Credit – Anneli Marinovich
When choosing your menu why not serve small glass jars of sea bass on a bed of minted pea puree, or choose a fresh light starter such as a fig, walnut and warm goats cheese salad.
Above two images taken by Kalm Kitchen
For your main course I always encourage couples to consider fresh fish dishes such as lemon sole, plaice or halibut – there is so much to choose from besides salmon so don’t be afraid to go ‘off piste’ or enquire if there is a local catch of the day, particularly if you are hosting a wedding by the sea. For drinks take advantage of in season Elderflower berries and serve your guest’s fresh cordial or spike your champagne reception drinks with Elderflower liqueur for added zing!
Image Credi – Eddie Judd Photography
SUMMER SOIREE If you’re hosting a summer wedding you are more likely than not hoping to enjoy some great British sunshine on your big day (fingers crossed). So an outdoor champagne reception accompanied with classic canapés will be the perfect starting point to your celebrations. 
Image Credits top – Kalm Kitchen Bottom left Anneli Marinovich, bottom right Ashton Jean Pierre
Ask your florist to provide some stray stems of flowers to decorate your canapé trays – perfect to complement your outdoor surroundings. 
Image Credit – Sarah Legge
Also think about using fun props to house the canapés – from birdcages to mini greenhouses these are perfect for creating a wow factor for your guests. If you are hosting a marquee wedding the relaxed setting can lend itself well to alternative catering options such as serving your guests table picnics, Mezze boards or a classic summer BBQ. A relaxed take on afternoon tea, table picnics are set to be extremely popular in 2014, each table is given a picnic hamper filled with deli style eats, fresh bread, cold meats, cheeses and sweet treats – the hampers can be also personalised for each table ensuring guests with dietary requirements can be catered for. This is perfect for couples who are not keen on the formality of a sit down dinner. 
Image Credits top – Eddie Judd Photography Bottom – Kalm Kitchen
For a summer dessert our absolute favourite and most popular dish is Eton Mess, we like to do things a little differently at Kalm Kitchen so suggest a Deconstructed Mess to our couples, each table is presented with beautiful cut glass cake stands, bowls and glasses, guests are then encouraged to fill their vintage tea cup with meringue, berries and cream – delicious and I couldn’t think of a more quintessentially British summer time treat! 
Image Credit – Stephanie Wolff
AUTUMNAL GATHERINGS Autumn is synonymous with comfort food, great British traditional home cooking with a colour palette of auburns orange and copper. Ingredients such as root vegetables, parsnips, sweet potatoes and hearty dishes such as pies, casseroles and a great British roast spring to mind when planning an autumnal affair. 
Image Credit – Sarah Legge
You could opt to serve your guest mini beef and vintage ale pies – topped off with wedding worthy heart shaped puff pastry lids for a cute take on a classic dish. A popular choice amongst couples is the option to carve at the table. One guest is nominated as the “carver” and comes to the kitchen to collect their beautiful joint of meat. The waiting staff then follows the guest back from the table and provide all the accompaniments in lovely big porcelain bowls. 
Image Credits top – Kalm Kitchen Bottom – Capture It
The carver can even be given an apron and chef hat for an extra personal touch. For desserts choose warm classics such as apple crumble with English custard or sticky toffee pudding with toffee sauce, vanilla ice-cream and a cinder toffee crisp – the perfect end to the ultimate wedding feast! 
Image Credits – Kalm Kitchen
I really hope you’ve enjoyed these seasonal wedding catering suggestions today – let us know your thoughts or if you have any questions at all relating to wedding catering, leave a comment below and we’ll get back to you.
Happy planning Love My Dress readers and have a great weekend,
Jen
Jen Middlehurst is a Director at Kalm Kitchen, a team of young, energetic, professional caterers, who share a passion for great food and great service. You can get in touch with Jen and her team by visiting the kalmkitchen.co.uk website.
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