"Holiday Parties with a Twist!"

Add some spice to your holiday parties this season by making them more interactive. Hands-on activities, interactive food and progressive parties where the guests are moved from place to place are some effective techniques to liven up any event and make it a memorable one. Introducing the element of competition with games or contests is another wonderful way to get your guests to interact and will help break the ice and warm up the conversation. 

Progressive parties offering different meals in unique venues around town can also create a lasting memory.  A group of guests might start out with cocktails and hors d'oeuvre at an office or in the hosts' home and progress to a nearby restaurant or event venue for the main course and end up in a quaint bakery, hand-dipped ice cream shoppe or chocolate factory.

Cooking classes or iron chef contests give your guests a chance to be creative and the best part is that they help prepare the holiday meal, thus freeing up the host/hostess. You can even take it step further by encouraging those who may not want to cook to participate in a table decorating contest. Separate this group into teams and set out boxes containing a variety of decorations, china, flatware, glassware, linens, etc. Afterwards, you and your guests will enjoy talking about the inspiration behind each table design, or menu item, and the fun they had creating it. Putting a time limit on each competition adds to the excitement and also insures that you don't keep your guests waiting to long for dinner. 

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 Chef's Corner

Recipe of the Month

At Thomas Caterers of Distinction, we make all our food from scratch. We are proud to share some of our time honored recipes with our friends.

Peppermint Semifreddo Dessert

1/2 cup peppermint candy

1 1/2 cups heavy cream

3 large eggs, separated

9 tablespoons sugar

6 tablespoons peppermint liqueur

1. Finely crush 5 tablespoons candy between two sheets of parchment paper. Place cream in  medium bowl; whisk in crushed candy and whip until stiff peaks form. Chill until ready to use. Roughly crush remaining candy and set aside.

2. Prepare an ice bath (large bowl with ice water). In a metal bowl set over a pan of simmering water, whisk egg yolks and 3 tablespoons sugar until pale. Add liqueur; whisk vigorously until mixture is thick, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer bowl to ice bath; whisk until cool.

3. In another metal bowl set over a pan of simmering water, whisk egg whites and remaining 6 tablespoons sugar until sugar dissolves and mixture is warm to the touch, about 2 minutes. Remove bowl and beat on medium speed with an electric mixer until stiff and glossy peaks form.

4. Fold the egg-white mixture into the egg-yolks one-third at a time. Fold in the whipped-cream mixture. Spoon mixture into six serving dishes (shot glasses, martini glasses, sundae cups, etc.) layering it with reserved crushed candy. Freeze until firm, about 2 hours.

Mixed Drink Recipe

   Peppermint Martini
   3 oz of Vodka

   3 oz of White Godiva Chocolate

                  1 oz of Peppermint Schnapps

                  2 Mini Candy Canes

1. Pour all of your liquid ingredients into a shaker 1/2 full of ice.

2. Shake well and strain into 2 martini glasses.

3. Add a candy cane in each glass for a garnish or wet the rim and roll in crushed candy cane before pouring the drink into the glass.

Convert this same drink into a Peppermint Patti Martini by substituting the White Godiva Chocolate with Dark Godiva Chocolate and garnish with a Peppermint Patti candy.

Trends in Catering

"Drink It Up!"

Trends in the event industry are hard to follow because it seems like everyone is coming up with the “next best idea.”  The truth is - they’re right!  Events, like a good mixed drink are unique.  Some of the elements might be the same from drink to drink/event to event, but the differences far out gain the similarities.  So when it comes to determining event elements or drink ingredients, it is best to trust your instincts.  Each event designer or party host has their own signature, their own taste.  What I have found is, it is best to find something you like and go with it.  If you like it, chances are lots of people will like it, or at the very least appreciate it.

One of the biggest topics of conversation in the event industry centers on specialty drinks or specialty bars that will help enhance the overall event experience.  Mixologists are always coming up with new flavors and different ingredient combinations.  With a short internet search you can find a drink recipe for just about any occasion.  Some of the more adventurous souls might try to come up with their own concoction...

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Hosting a Party

Choice Days to Host a Party or Gathering

Where to Host a Party - Hot Spot Feature

Indiana History Center

Linking people to Indiana's past is what the Indiana History Center offers people of all ages. It's free to enter and one can benefit from its unique galleries and exhibits. This venue is perfect for hosting an event as it offers a wide variety of rooms and areas that can accommodate all types of functions. Whether you need a classroom set for a training session, a hall set for a banquet, or a theater for a performance, they have the facilities to make your event a success. The Eli Lilly Hall offers a four story vaulted ceiling, walnut columns and imported Italian marble floors with grand staircase that sets the room for your wedding ceremony procession or acts as a stage for a speaking presentation. For more information on hosting an event at the Indiana History Center, visit www.indianahistory.org.

The Stardust Cafe, operated by Thomas Caterers of Distinction, is located on the lower level of the Indiana History Center with spectacular views of the canal. This charming deli style cafe that offers fresh salads, homemade soups and sandwiches including panini's and wraps. Parking is free. Open Monday through Friday from 11am-2pm. For more information, contact Sharon Taylor, Cafe Manager, at 317-234-0095.

What's Happening 

Miracle on 34th Street 

Dec. 15th - 23rd at Scottish Rite Cathedral

 Enjoy dinner at the Double Eagle Cafe prior to the show between 5pm-7pm on December 15th, 16th, 22nd, or 23rd. Dinner is $11.95 pp and includes soup and salad bar, choice of one entree, two sides, rolls and beverage. For more information and to make a reservation, call 317-917-1463.

Jan. 6th and 7th - 11am-4pm at Scottish Rite Cathedral 

Mark your calendars now and plan to attend to find your DJ, photographer, florist, cake, invitations, etc. all at one place. This is a fun and exciting way to learn about wedding trends and fashions as well as a great way to find local wedding professionals.

 ISES/MPI Joint Meeting

 Date:        December 14, 2006
 Location:  Hilton Downtown
        Time:       11:30 a.m. Registration and Networking
                       12:00 p.m. Lunch and Program

        Speaker: White House Chef, Walter Scheib

        For more information and to register, visit isesindiana.com

Contact Us 

     Thomas Caterers of Distinction

     4440 North Keystone Ave

     Indianapolis, Indiana 46205

     Phone: 317-542-8333

     Fax: 317-545-0683

     Email: Info@thomascaterers.com