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Loveland Sweetheart City Valentine's Day Wedding 2022

12/29/2021

 
The Loveland Sweetheart City Valentine's Day Wedding & Vow Renewal Ceremony is back for the 5th year! MBD Marketing & Events has been proudly based in Loveland, CO for 15 years - and passionate about supporting tourism in the city we work in. 
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Loveland's Annual Valentine's Day Group Wedding & Vow Renewal Ceremony
Monday, February 14th, 2022

Location: The Giant LOVE Sculpture by The Loveland Visitor's Center​
Address: 5400 Stone Creek Cir, Loveland, CO 80538
Ceremony Time: 4pm 

A romantic ceremony with music you vote on, a customized ceremony, keepsake photos, a LOCK couples can use to "Lock their love" on the famous LOVE sculpture or HEART sculpture in Loveland, gift bags, signature wedding cupcakes, and a chance to win a huge gift basket!  What an original way to celebrate your love ON Valentine's Day!


Cost: $95 per couple
Includes:
  • Custom Wedding & Vow Renewal Ceremony in the Sweetheart City, Loveland CO
  • Romantic ceremony & background music
  • Your marriage certificate signed by the officiant
  • Signature Wedding Cupcakes from B Sweet Cupcakes
  • ​A celebratory toast post-ceremony hosted by On The Rocks mobile bar
  • Gift bag from Participating Loveland Businesses 
  • Keepsake photo with custom backdrop 
  • Keepsake lock you can use to permanently 'lock your love' on the famous Loveland sculpture!
  • A chance to win a BIG gift basket from local businesses!

Tickets: https://www.valentinesdayinloveland.com/tickets.html
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Contact MBD Marketing & Events
​​
Small Business. Big Impact.

Phone: 970-613-1455  or  303-886-3068
​
Email Us


We serve the entire Front Range;  Denver, Southern Wyoming, the CO Mountains, and Northern Colorado: Loveland, Fort Collins, Greeley, Windsor, Berthoud, Estes Park, Lyons, Longmont, Boulder, Wellington, Johnstown, Evans, Severance, Timnath, Mead, Frederick, Firestone, Milliken

9 Wedding Bar Trends for 2022

12/28/2021

 
​Almost a third of brides-to-be get engaged over the holidays, which means some of you will be stocking up on wedding magazines and poring over wedding checklists in the coming weeks (or maybe you already are, while you wait for that ring – we won’t judge). Weddings are part of our business at MBD Marketing & Events --- and for our client, On the Rocks, so we like to keep up with the latest trends, including this list of nine wedding bar trends for 2022.
 
Did you know 2.6 million weddings are forecast to happen in the U.S. in 2022? That’s the most since almost 40 years ago, in 1984. If you’re one of these millions getting married in the new year, read on for what’s “in” in 2022. 
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​Mobile Bars
 
Hey, that’s us! Mobile bars are still big for 2022, especially those that are serviced. Portable or permanent bars are traditional at wedding venues, but traditional can get a bit boring. Opt for a unique, whimsical mobile bar like our Pearl instead. You’ll stand out from the rest and get tailored service from our TIPS-certified bartenders.
 
Mocktails and Low-ABV Cocktails
 
Having guests at your wedding who don’t drink alcohol is nothing new. But more and more brides and grooms are deciding they’d rather avoid drunken family drama and other inappropriate guest behavior by offering alcohol-free mocktails or “low-alcohol by volume” cocktails.
 
Non-alcoholic beer has been around for decades, but alcohol-free spirits mimicking the taste of tequila, vodka, and flavored liqueurs are increasingly popular. Low-ABV cocktails still contain alcohol, but in percentages similar to those of beer and wine, rather than hard liquor. 
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​Customization and Personalization
 
We love the trend of couples wanting to infuse every part of their big day with their personalities and interests, and this includes cocktails. The signature cocktail came about as a way for couples to create their own drinks, rather than follow recipes from a bar book. Consider a signature cocktail for each newlywed, or one that celebrates the couple.
 
Special touches like monogrammed drink stirrers or personalized napkins are another way to make a statement.
 
Creative Presentations
 
The signature cocktail movement has translated into seemingly endless cocktail presentation possibilities. Couples with a carnival theme may serve drinks in striped cups rimmed with frosting and sprinkles, movie buffs might skewer popcorn for a garnish, and dessert fanatics can serve boozy milkshakes in cookie cups or ice cream cones.
 
Fresh Floral Bar Decor
 
Fresh flowers and greenery aren’t only for bouquets and boutonnieres. Bars are becoming a decor focal point at weddings, incorporating the style of the wedding ceremony and reception. Whether your budget allows for some sprigs of greenery or elaborate bar arrangements, fresh florals make your bar an inviting focal point instead of an afterthought.
 
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​Canned Beers, Wines, and Cocktails
 
Canned drinks are ideal for small, intimate weddings or at venues with a strict no-glass rule. They’re also convenient, with less spilling and easier cleanup. You’ll save money on drinkware rentals and washing. Plus, there are so many canned alcoholic beverages available these days, you can find can designs to suit your wedding colors or theme.
 
It’s still good practice to let an experienced bartender (like our TIPS-certified ones) be in charge of canned drinks, to prevent incidents due to guests being over-served. In Colorado, for example, you could even be held liable for an over-served guest who drinks and drives after your event.
 
Vintage Drinks
 
Traditional cocktails are back in style, most notably the aptly-named Old Fashioned. Vintage touches lend elegance to modern weddings. Even the champagne tower, where champagne is poured over a tower of old-fashioned champagne coupes, is making a comeback that doubles as both refreshment and eye-catching decoration.
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re-Ceremony Refreshment Bar
 
Another growing trend is the pre-ceremony refreshment bar, which offers guests non-alcoholic options like fruit-infused waters in summer or a hot chocolate station in the winter. It’s not a bad idea to provide some light snacks too, especially for guests who traveled a long way the day of the ceremony and to prevent fainting at a hot summer wedding.
 
Themed Bar and Drinks
 
Your bar and drinks can emulate the overall style of your wedding, or you can get creative with themed cocktails and bar decorations that mean something to you as a couple. One popular option is a travel-themed bar, with cocktails from countries or regions you’ve traveled to as a couple.
 
A cocktail hour bar can also be decorated to suit a theme different from your ceremony and reception style, such as a favorite hobby of the groom or the couple. Drinks themselves can be customized to suit that theme, with creative names and garnishes.
Need a wedding planning team? Look no further than the gals at MBD Marketing & Events!
You can learn more about our Colorado and Wyoming wedding packages HERE.

Ready to book mobile bar services for your 2022 wedding? 
Contact ON THE ROCKS now. Choose from one of their ready-made packages, or they can create a custom package for you. 
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Christmas Parties Gone Wrong

12/21/2021

 
Christmas Parties Gone Wrong; All Work and No Play...Celebrating the Holidays with your Work Crew

By Carrie Stadtmueller, Content Conductor
 
There are many types of Christmas traditions out there, but none perhaps as steeped and as important as planning the PERFECT holiday office party! The perfect office party is just the right blend of structure and professionalism with just enough of a relaxed atmosphere where people can cut loose enough with some fun and slight indulgences. A time to celebrate a year of accomplishments!
 
We’ve helped many companies and businesses plan perfect celebrations with class and flair. And, it’s always great for our clients to know that they have an extra set of eyes and hands on site to help should things get out of hand - or slightly out of control.
 
How can things get out of control, you might ask? Well, anytime you mix good food, good drink, good music, and good fun – you run the risk of things getting out of control. Take these examples for instance:
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​“Office Christmas Party”
Starring Jennifer Aniston & Jason Bateman

If you’ve ever held a job, chances are, you’ve also had to deal with the annual work holiday party. As mentioned above, as event planners - we’ve planned a few! Let us just say - the characters in this movie probably could have used our help!

This movie follows an office holiday party that gets wildly out of hand as a branch manager uses the event to impress a potential client while trying to close a sale and save company jobs.
​
One major tip: Remember that this is still a business event.
While it is oky to relax and have fun when you’re at a workplace party, don’t loose sight of the fact that this event is still sponsored by your boss, and you should still remain professional.
​Best of the Christmas Parties - The Office

The Office has great examples for what “not to do” on so many occasions. This compilation of their holiday parties is a gold mine! But, there is one rule that really sticks out in this…

Holiday Party Tip: Don’t drink too much!
If your employer is offering you a drink and you don’t mind - accept, but watch and limit  yourself!
If there is one place you cannot afford to lose your senses, it is at an event that is hosted by your boss and attended by your coworkers. You do not want to be the talk around the watercooler the next Monday!
Best advice - probably stick to a two drink maximum. This will allow you to enjoy yourself without having to pay for it later!
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​
Die Hard
Starring Bruce Willis
​
While some people may argue whether or not this is truly a Christmas movie (IT IS!) - one thing is certain, it definitely holds some holiday office party lessons to follow.
Holiday Party Tip: Don’t bring uninvited guests.
Your party hosts have been planning for a certain amount of guests. Most caterers and venues require a base payment per guest. It is not appropriate to add to your hosts’ expenses by bringing extra guests to the event.

 
Holiday Tip: Do introduce yourself to others at the company.
If you work at a larger company, make it a goal to talk with a certain number of people with whom you haven’t spoken to or don’t know that well. Holiday parties can be great networking opportunities.

​Holiday Tip: Do arrive and depart on time.
Arriving fashionably late is not appropriate in a corporate setting. You also do not want to be the last one to leave either. Make sure that you are following the time that is listed on the event invitation.

When you choose to celebrate appropriately, your office holiday party can be a great way to build strong team ties and camaraderie and celebrate a year of accomplishments or milestones. Follow these tips to have a great time!

-Your MBD Event Planning Team
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Contact MBD Marketing & Events
​​
Small Business. Big Impact.

Phone: 970-613-1455  or  303-886-3068
​
Email Us


We serve the entire Front Range;  Denver, Southern Wyoming, the CO Mountains, and Northern Colorado: Loveland, Fort Collins, Greeley, Windsor, Berthoud, Estes Park, Lyons, Longmont, Boulder, Wellington, Johnstown, Evans, Severance, Timnath, Mead, Frederick, Firestone, Milliken

Holiday Proposal Inspiration

12/12/2021

 
​By Carrie Stadtmueller, Content Conductor
 
We are smack dab in the middle of prime Engagement Season, and Christmas is the crowning jewel - no pun intended, of dates when smitten gentlemen like to pop the question. And it’s no big surprise why – twinkly lights, decorated trees, winter wonderlands – the setting and decor is pretty much-taken care of for you. It’s practically a Hallmark Movie waiting to happen! The holidays are already a romantic time of year, it’s no wonder, many couples capitalize on the romance of it all!
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If you are looking into popping the question this holiday season, there are some things you may want to consider before you get down on one knee:
 
Think about what your partner likes
Is your partner a private person? If so, a proposal in front of your entire family over Christmas dinner might not be the best option – even if you both absolutely love each other’s families. If they are a more private person, perhaps a quiet walk on a snowy path in the woods? Or a horse-drawn carriage in on a crisp winter’s night under twinkle lights downtown? There are still ways to involve your families and friends after she has said yes — which leads us into the next consideration…..
 
Check with your partner’s friends and family
Are you thinking about asking your significant other to marry you during gift opening or some other party or event? You may want to let someone else know so that it isn’t a complete surprise to EVERYONE else there. They are all going to want to be a part of the big event. You’d hate to have someone miss out, and they can all serve as extra help!
 
Weather
If you’re planning an outdoor proposal, you will want to keep the weather in mind. If you live in Colorado - this is just a given - you always want to have a backup plan. We think a snowy proposal could actually be very romantic – however, a blizzard, not so much!
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​Plan ahead
Don’t assume that you’ll be able to walk into your favorite restaurant or bar for drinks. We are still living in a pandemic. Some establishments are still operating under limited capacity. So please – plan ahead! Don’t wait until the last minute to call for reservations! This time of year is always busier and typically gets booked months in advance.

You may also need to enlist other vendors to help you pull off your perfect proposal – florists, event rentals, musicians – whomever you may choose to help with your Big Day – this is a very busy time of year for event professionals. PLAN, PLAN, PLAN. Don’t have your dream of a holiday proposal thwarted by poor planning.
 
Creative Proposal Ideas
My Big Day has curated an entire Pinterest Board full of creative Holiday Proposals. Follow this Board of ideas to inspire your big ask:
https://www.pinterest.com/MyBigDayEvents/the-perfect-proposal/

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Contact MBD Marketing & Events
​​
Small Business. Big Impact.

Phone: 970-613-1455  or  303-886-3068
​
Email Us


We serve the entire Front Range;  Denver, Southern Wyoming, the CO Mountains, and Northern Colorado: Loveland, Fort Collins, Greeley, Windsor, Berthoud, Estes Park, Lyons, Longmont, Boulder, Wellington, Johnstown, Evans, Severance, Timnath, Mead, Frederick, Firestone, Milliken

Top 7 Winter Activities in Northern Colorado - Home for the Holidays

12/11/2021

 
​Colorado is so beautiful in the wintertime, with snowy mountains and lots of festivities! It’s the perfect time to have some fun while remaining safe with the whole family.
We are bringing you our top picks for activities in Northern Colorado for winter this year!
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With the COVID pandemic in mind, there are lots of options for safe fun. From festive light displays to ice skating at the Promenade Shops at Centerra, there are plenty of budget-friendly activities outdoors where you can keep a safe distance while having a great time. Getting creative with fun at home activities is another way to celebrate and enjoy your time with your family while keeping warm all from the comfort of your own home.
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Outdoor Winter Activities in Northern Colorado

​1. Downtown Fort Collin’s Santa Quest
Go on a scavenger hunt around Old Town for Santa! If you find them all you can be entered for a chance to win gift cards!

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2. Loveland Winter Wonderlights
See the beautiful lights at Chapungu Sculpture Park this December. A romantic night out or a fun family night to see Santa and his reindeer!
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3. Bundle up for a Cross Country Ski
Everyone can cross country ski! In town or up in the mountains, get on some snow gear and explore a beautiful snowy day! We recommend some of the trails in Estes Park!
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4. Hunt for the Loveland Holiday Gnomes
Back by popular demand, get ready to hunt for Herbie (Loveland’s holiday gnome) and all of his gnome friends around Loveland!  Herbie and his friends have homes at various locations throughout the city. To play, you must download EVENTZEE, a free mobile app, to find out where they are, meet each of them, and complete each of their challenges. You’ll snap photos of yourself with the gnomes and be entered into our contest through the app to be able to win one of the grand prizes below.
All players who successfully complete all of the challenges on the app will win a holiday prize!
​Home for the Holidays-Fun Activities to do at Home
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1. CP Holiday Train at Home"Canadian Music Hall-of-Famer Steven Page and The Strumbellas will lead an all-star cast of performers aboard the CP Holiday Train for the 2021 "Holiday Train at Home" concert."
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2. Make a Hot Cocoa Bar for a Family Movie Night
Make an ordinary family movie night extraordinary with a hot chocolate bar. Marshmallows, caramel, peppermints, cookies, you name it! Let the family have their way with their hot cocoa!
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3. Make Snow/Ice Sculptures
Give your snowman a mohawk! Design a winter wonderland with not just snow but ice as well! 
For more ideas check out our Pinterest Board https://www.pinterest.com/MyBigDayEvents/education-k-12/winter-activities/
​
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Contact MBD Marketing & Events
​​
Small Business. Big Impact.

Phone: 970-613-1455  or  303-886-3068
​
Email Us


We serve the entire Front Range;  Denver, Southern Wyoming, the CO Mountains, and Northern Colorado: Loveland, Fort Collins, Greeley, Windsor, Berthoud, Estes Park, Lyons, Longmont, Boulder, Wellington, Johnstown, Evans, Severance, Timnath, Mead, Frederick, Firestone, Milliken

10 Guilty Pleasure Party Appetizers

12/9/2021

 
​If you’re dieting for the holidays this year, you’ve come to the wrong place – the My Big Day team has rounded up ten of our favorite guilty pleasure party appetizers. No counting calories allowed!
 
Whip up any of these recipes (double or triple them to feed a crowd), and you’ll be getting all the compliments. To promote safe partying during the pandemic, we’ve chosen bite-sized apps for your guests. Bonus: Dishes are optional and clean-up is easy.
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​Whether you need a little help planning your next event, or want to show up the day-of with everything done, our team with over 15 years of experience in the event industry is here to help. Book now.
 
 
Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
 
A little spicy? Yep. Super indulgent? Yes. Totally addictive? You bet.
 
Yield: 12 poppers
 
Ingredients
 
  • 12 jalapeno peppers, approximately 3-4 inches long
  • 8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
  • ½ c. mozzarella cheese
  • ½ c. Monterey jack or pepper jack cheese
  • ½ tsp. smoked or regular paprika
  • ¼ tsp. garlic powder
  • ⅛ tsp. onion powder
  • salt, to taste
  • 12 slices thin-cut bacon, cut in half
  • 24 toothpicks
 
Directions
 
  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a large baking pan with foil and place a baking/cooling rack on top, to keep peppers from getting soggy.
  2. Wearing gloves, cut peppers in half and carefully remove seeds and membranes. A spoon is a great tool for this.
  3. In a medium-sized bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add the other cheeses and spices and mix until smooth and ingredients are evenly distributed.
  4. Spoon cream cheese mixture into each pepper and level off the top. Wrap with half a piece of bacon. Secure with a toothpick and place on prepared rack.
  5. Bake 25-30 minutes or until crispy and slightly browned on top. If bacon is not crispy enough, turn to broil for 1-2 minutes, watching very carefully.
 
 
Cream Cheese Tortilla Bites
 
Quick and easy (only 4 ingredients!) and vegetarian.
 
Yield: 36 bites
 
Ingredients
 
  • 6 8-inch tortillas
  • 8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
  • 2 tbsp. everything seasoning, divided
  • 2 tbsp. Butter
 
Directions
 
  1. Divided equally, spread the cream cheese over the tops of the tortillas.
  2. Sprinkle each with 1 tbsp. everything seasoning, roll up, and cut into 1-inch sections (six per tortilla, plus ends).
  3. In a large frying pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the tortilla bites, cut side down, and cook 1-2 minutes or until golden brown. Flip and repeat on the other side. Serve warm.
 
 
Feta and Spinach Puff Pastry Appetizers
 
These fancy pastries look as good as they taste and are sure to impress. Vegetarian.
 
Yield: 27 pastries
 
Ingredients
 
  • 16 oz. frozen spinach, thawed, drained, and squeezed dry
  • 14 oz. can artichoke hearts, drained, chopped, and squeezed dry
  • ½ c. green onions, chopped
  • 8 oz. crumbled Feta cheese
  • 4 oz. Parmigiano Reggiano, grated
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • ½ tsp. pepper
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ stick butter, melted
  • 3 eggs, beaten, divided
  • 3 sheets of puff pastry
 
Directions
 
  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Using a cheesecloth or clean dish towel, squeeze a much water as possible out of chopped spinach and artichokes.
  2. In a medium-sized bowl, combine spinach, artichokes, green onions, cheeses, salt, pepper, garlic, butter, and two beaten eggs.
  3. Roll each sheet of puff pastry out to 10x10 inches. Using a pizza cutter, divide each sheet of puff pastry into 9 equal squares.
  4. Spray a mini muffin tin with nonstick spray. Press each puff pastry square into the bottom and sides of the tins. Place a heaping tablespoon of spinach mixture into each square. Bring each corner up and twist to seal.
  5. Brush additional egg onto each pastry. Bake 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
 
 
Ritz Crackers Party Sandwiches
 
Yes, the nostalgic snack is still a party favorite. Customize with your own favorite cheese and meat, or cheese and roasted veggies.
 
Yield: 48 sandwiches
 
Ingredients
 
  • 96 Ritz crackers (3 sleeves)
  • ½ lb. thinly sliced deli ham
  • ⅓ lb. thinly sliced swiss cheese
  • 5 tbsp. unsalted butter
  • 2 tsp. dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
  • ¼ tsp. salt
  • 2 tsp. poppy seeds
  • 1 tsp. dried onion flakes
 
Directions
 
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Place 24 crackers flat side down in the bottom of a 13x9 baking dish. Tear the ham gently to create small strips, and gently fold a slice on top of each cracker.
  2. Cut the cheese into 1-inch squares and place one piece on top of each piece of ham. Top each sandwich with another cracker, round side up.
  3. Microwave butter until melted, about 45 seconds. Gently whisk in dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and salt. Pour the butter mixture evenly over the sandwiches, dividing evenly between the two pans. Sprinkle with poppy seeds and dried onion flakes.
  4. Bake 10-12 minutes, or until cheese is melted and crackers are lightly golden brown. Serve warm.
 
 
Crockpot Apple Butter and Bourbon Meatballs
 
Sweet and tangy. Add hot sauce for an extra kick.
 
Yield: 32 meatballs
 
Ingredients
 
  • ⅔ c. apple butter
  • ⅔ c. barbecue sauce
  • ½ tsp. Hot sauce (optional)
  • ⅓ c. bourbon
  • 2 tbsp. Chili powder
  • 32 oz. bag of frozen, pre-cooked meatballs
 
Directions
 
  1. Combine apple butter, barbecue sauce, hot sauce, and bourbon in a small bowl. Place meatballs in slow cooker.
  2. Pour the apple butter and barbecue sauce mixture on top. Cook on low 2-3 hours and serve warm.
*On a time crunch? Place meatballs and sauce mixture in a saucepan and cook on medium low, stirring frequently, for 30-40 minutes or until meatballs are heated through.
 
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Cranberry Havarti Bites
 
Decadent, creamy, and tangy.
 
Yield: 16 bites
 
Ingredients
 
  • Cranberry sauce, homemade or store-bought (make sure it is cranberry sauce, not cranberry jelly – you’re looking for a jam-like consistency)
  • One puff pastry sheet
  • Sliced creamy havarti, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten
  • Fresh thyme, for garnish (optional)
 
Directions
 
  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F and line a baking tray with baking paper or a silicone mat.
  2. Unroll the pastry, then divide it into 16 small rectangles and brush with egg wash.
  3. Drag a knife across each rectangle of dough along the edges to create a “crust.” Place a slice of havarti in the middle.
  4. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until golden brown.
  5. Top each bite with cranberry sauce and a sprig of fresh thyme.
 
 
Cranberry Brie Crostini Bites
 
Cranberry + brie is a sophisticated holiday combo, and this recipe can be made in advance and then assembled in just minutes on party day.
 
Yield: 24 toasts
 
Ingredients
 
  • 2 c. fresh cranberries
  • ¼ c. packed brown sugar
  • 1 orange, peeled and juiced (save the peels)
  • 1 tsp. vanilla
  • 1 sprig fresh rosemary, plus more for garnish
  • 1 baguette, sliced into 24 half-inch slices
  • 1 tbsp. olive oil
  • ½ tsp. salt
  • 8 oz. brie, sliced into 24 pieces
 
Directions
 
  1. Combine cranberries, brown sugar, orange juice, orange peels, vanilla, and rosemary in a small pot. Bring the liquid to a simmer and stir frequently until sugar has dissolved. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries are falling apart and a jam-like consistency has formed, 20-25 minutes. Remove from heat and fish out orange peels and rosemary stems. If jam is too tart, add more brown sugar 1 tablespoon at a time.
  2. Heat oven to 375 degrees F. Slice baguette into 24 half-inch slices. Brush each side with olive oil, then lay on a baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt. Bake 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and crisp, flipping halfway.
  3. To assemble the bites, top each toast with a slice of brie and a tablespoon of cranberry jam. Garnish with rosemary if desired. *Jam will keep for 3-5 days in the refrigerator.
 
 
Twice Baked Potato Bites
 
Like a mini baked potato with all the toppings, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
 
Yield: 12
 
Ingredients
 
  • 12 small red and gold potatoes
  • 2 tbsp. Cream cheese, softened
  • 3 tbsp. Sour cream
  • ½ c. cooked, crumbled bacon
  • 2 tbsp. Chopped fresh chives
  • ½ c. grated cheese of your choice
  • ½ tsp. Salt
  • ¼ tsp. Pepper
  • Olive oil
 
Directions
 
  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Toss potatoes with olive oil and a sprinkle of salt. Roast 25-30 minutes or until fork tender. Cool until they can be safely handled, about 20 minutes.
  2. Slice off just the top of each potato and scoop out the insides with a small spoon or melon baller, leaving about ⅛ inch of potato. Put the scooped out potato into a bowl.
  3. To the same bowl, add cream cheese, sour cream, ¼ c. grated cheese, ¼ c. crumbled bacon, and 1 tbsp. chopped chives. Mash and mix until smooth.
  4. Fill potato shells with potato mixture. Bake at 350 degrees F 15-20 minutes until heated through. Top with remaining cheese and bacon and heat 5 minutes more. Sprinkle with remaining chives.
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​Antipasto Skewers
 
These snacking skewers are like a portable charcuterie board, without the touching-something-someone-else-has-touched.
 
Yield: 18 skewers
 
Ingredients

  • 18 6-inch wooden skewers
  • 18 cheese tortellini cooked and cooled
  • ¼ c. Italian salad dressing or vinaigrette
  • 18 large black olives, pitted
  • 18 cubes havarti cheese (about 8 oz.)
  • 18 slices of salami or prosciutto
  • 18 cherry or grape tomatoes
  • 18 to 36 fresh basil leaves
  • 18 marinated mozzarella balls
 
Directions

  1. After cooking tortellini, transfer to a container with a lid, and add dressing or vinaigrette. Toss lightly. Cover and refrigerate at least 3 hours, up to overnight, to marinate.
  2. Thread the ingredients onto the skewers in any order you’d like. A pleasing order: olive, havarti, salami or prosciutto (folded), tortellini, tomato, basil, marinated mozzarella.
 
 
Mini Bacon Ranch Cheese Balls on a Pretzel Stick
 
These salty, satisfying game-day snacks make a popular party app.
 
Yield: 30
 
Ingredients

  • 12 oz. softened cream cheese
  • 8 oz. shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 tbsp. Dry ranch seasoning
  • 1 c. (about 1 lb.) cooked, finely chopped bacon
  • 1 tbsp. Parsley
  • 30 pretzel sticks
 
Directions

  1. In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese. Add cheddar and ranch mix and beat until combined. In a small bowl, combine bacon and parsley.
  2. Use a melon baller to scoop out a ball of the cheese mixture. Roll into a ball, then roll to coat in the parsley and bacon mixture. Repeat until all balls are made.
  3. Place a pretzel stick in the middle of each cheese ball and serve.
 
 
Visit our Party Appetizers Pinterest board for many more party-worthy recipes. For more party planning tips and ideas, follow My Big Day on Facebook and Instagram.
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​My Big Day Company LLC  2006-2023  www.MyBigDayCompany.com 
970-613-1455  or  303-886-3068   EMAIL US

We serve the entire Front Range;  Denver, Southern Wyoming, the CO Mountains, and Northern Colorado: Loveland, Fort Collins, Greeley, Windsor, Berthoud, Estes Park, Lyons, Longmont, Boulder, Wellington, Johnstown, Evans, Severance, Timnath, Mead, Frederick, Firestone, Milliken

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Photo used under Creative Commons from wuestenigel