Goodbye, Hello

It's with a heavy heart that we are saying Goodbye.  

After many years of writing, we're taking a break.  

Thank you for your support over the years.  

We appreciate your comments.

We wish you well wherever you are.  May inspiration find you soon.

Goodbye, Hello.

Edible Trends: Chinese goes Classy

Everyone loves cuddling up on the couch with a box of Chinese food. It is the perfect order-in comfort food. But why should this delicious cuisine be limited to take-out and restaurant dining? This week PBL is excited to feature Chinese food as a chic and classy option for wedding catering.

Start things off with refreshing lettuce wraps. This appetizer can be served buffet style- perfect for mingling guests.

Impress guests with a Lotus Root Soup appetizer. The secret ingredient in this and other Cantonese-style soups is dried honey dates.

Instead of a salad, serve Chinese Bok Choy with Oyster Sauce (above) and Shrimp Chow Mein.

For the main dish, keep the recipe classic and focus on presentation...

Glazed Cashew Chicken

Jiaozi (pork and leek dumplings)

Fish with Black Bean Sauce 

Our top choice for dessert (besides the wedding cake of course) is the almond tea with puff pastry- simple and delicious! 

Photo Credit: RasaMalaysia.com

Inspiration: Lady in Pink

Inspiration: Lady in Pink
Colors: Blush, Peach, Gold, Power blue
Textures: Crystal earrings, Coco Chanel, vintage glass, ballet flats, mini roses, hard candies

Think grandma's closet...with a twist!

Photo Credit: Country Living, Style Me Pretty, Once Wed, Cath Kidson

Cakes and Sweets: Ice Cream Sandwiches

Sometimes you just can't wait to cut the cake. This is when bite size desserts come in handy. Get creative with a childhood favorite- ice cream sandwiches. The flavor and color combinations are endless. This simple treat brings a light-hearted flair to any occasion. I'll let the following eye candy do the convincing...

Photo Credit: Sparkleandhay, Delish, Wilmington Wedding blog

Real Wedding: Joanna and Jason

PBL is so excited to share this real wedding from one of our favorite photographers Augie Chang. This wedding is the perfect mix of fun, fresh, and elegant. Enjoy!

Thank you to Augie Chang for these wonderful shots!

Inspiration: Contemporary Neutrals

The last weeks of summer are fleeting. In hopes of holding onto the sunny days a bit longer, this inspiration board is representative of a trend that is seasonally universal.

Inspiration: Contemporary Neutrals

Colors: Khaki, Bone, Ivory, Caramel

Textures: Rich fabrics, Roping, Metallic details

Photo Credit: 


Top: Martha Stewart Wedding, Style Me Pretty, Trendhunter
Middle: Stitches on 8th, Robert Mc Nary Photography via Style Me Pretty
Bottom: La Maison via Potato Boutique, The Brides Guide via Martha Stewart Wedding, Not Your Ordinary Bride

Edible Trends: Cajun foods

Add a little flair to your next event and get inspired by the best of New Orleans- Cajun food. Whether it is French-influenced or traditional, these flavorful dishes are sure to be a crowd pleaser!

Canapes are the perfect appetizers for cocktail hour. Easy to eat and visually pleasing, these tarts can be topped with a variation of flavors that can tie into the main dish.

Cannelli bean, salmon, and caviar canapes

Shrimp Creole served over Garlic Grits

Shrimp Creole is an easy, delicious meal that is reminiscent of the more famous gumbo and jambalaya dishes, but is thicker and spicier. 

You can also serve creole with clams for the ultimate seafood fiasco.

Crawfish is another traditional Cajun dish, which is usually served whole with simple garnishes. For a more formal occasion, go gourmet with a more intricate dish like this crawfish and scallop pink pasta. 

Don't forget to decorate your spread with Mardi Gras masks (perfect for impromptu photoshoots among guests)!

Who says you have to wait until Fat Tuesday to have this much fun?

Photo credit: Laynefell, The Passionate Cook, Gourmet Girl, ifood, Wedding Window, Jenny N. Design, Browneyedbellejulie