Thursday, April 2, 2015

Cheese Festival 2015

Burlap.  Watering cans.  The “Old Farmers Almanac.”  Who would have thought that these rustic elements could all be combined into a “look” for fabulous, multi-course meal in a beautiful hotel… 

Event planning presents all sorts of wonderful challenges, one of which is deciding on design elements that express the essence of the occasion in a fun, cohesive, and elegant manner.  This was the 4th year that AZ Catering & Event Planning coordinated both the annual fundraising dinner for the Oregon Cheese Guild and the 11th Annual Oregon Cheese Festival on March 13th & 14th, 2015.  The dinner was held at the Inn at the Commons in Medford, OR and the main Cheese Festival happened next door to the Rogue Creamery in Central Point.  Dinner was catered by Larks at Inn on the Commons.

This year, AZ Catering & Event Planning designed a look that incorporated the feel of the “Old Farmers Almanac” meets elegant 4-course plated meal, in many different elements, including all of the signs, menus, and table numbers.  Playing off the idea of a farm during spring, we added masses of brilliant daffodils and miniature watering cans filled with wheat grass for both color on the tables and party favors. Attached to each watering can was a bag of magic beans etched with the words Oregon and Cheese.  If planted, the words are inscribed on the plant’s central bean as well - a bean with a message, how fun!


Miniature watering can and magic beans at each place for a guest-favor.  So cute!


Working closely with Oregon Cheese Guild members and local wineries, we collaborated in crafting a menu with the chefs at Larks.  They created a delicious feast for us and we had the joy of creating the graphic design look of the printed aspects. 

So.  Much.  Fun!



An amazingly delicious menu with perfect wine-pairings!







Second course: Ahi Tuna Carpaccio with Hannah Cheese from 
Ancient Heritage Dairy.  Yumm!






Table numbers a la "The Old Farmers Almanac."






Signage to help guests check in and find name tags.




We love working with the Oregon Cheese Guild on this dynamic and creative project.  Every year presents a new twist and every 'look' gives us the opportunity to step out of the kitchen for a bit, and use our skill set in a totally different way.  We're definitely looking forward to next year already...







No comments: