I saw this photo and just had to post it - this totally adorable and edible work of art was created by Gaby Colindres.  Gaby is the owner of Sweet Art Shop, and one of the owners of Serenatea.

Serenatea offers a variety of items from petit fours to cupcakes to hors d’oeuvres.  Some of my favorites are the cookies, which make wonderful favors for a shower or wedding.

Snacks may not be one of your top priorities as you are planning your wedding day.  But guess what?  You’ll need them!

I had a meeting with one of my Spring ‘09 couples on Saturday that reminded me of this point.  As we discussed the bride’s love of sunflowers, the groom asked if they would still have seeds in them.  Then when we talked about using hypericum berries in the boutonnieres (I love berries, by the way!), he made another snack comment.

So, for all of those grooms-to-be out there that love to munch, here are some yummy recipes for Trail Mix that can fit nicely into a plastic bag on your wedding day!

SUGAR FROSTED TRAIL MIX

4 c. Sugar frosted corn flake cereal
2 c. dry roasted peanuts
2 c. plain chocolate candies
1 c. chopped dried apricots
1 c. raisins

In large bowl combine all ingredients. Store in tightly covered container or plastic bag. Yield 10 cups.

ULTIMATE TRAIL MIX

1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup dried blueberries
1 cup dried pineapple
1 cup dried apple pieces
1 cup peanuts
1 cup cashews
1 cup almonds
1 cup marshmallows (any kind)
1 1/2 cups puppy chow
1 cup chocolate chips
1 cup peanutbutter chips
1 cup butterscotch chips
1 cup white chocolate chips

Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl.

VANILLA CHIP TRAIL MIX

1 stick butter, melted
2 tbsp. cocoa
2 tbsp. sugar
4 c. Cheerios cereal
4 c. Wheat Squares cereal
1 c. slivered almonds
1 c. golden raisins
1 (10 oz.) pkg. Hershey vanilla milk chips

In 4-quart bowl, place butter. Microwave on High 1 minute or until melted; stir in cocoa and sugar. Add cereals and almonds; stir until evenly coated. Microwave at High 3 minutes, stirring every minute; stir in raisins.

Microwave on High additional 3 minutes, stirring every minute. Cool completely stir in vanilla chips. Store in tightly covered container in cool, dry place.

(I found these recipes on Cooks.com - check out the website for more!)

Did you know that Roy’s in Jacksonville Beach has a great private dining room that is perfect for rehearsal dinners, engagement parties, or other events? I am such a huge fan of the food and atmosphere at Roy’s.

Plus, once a month, their Waina Hui (Wine Club) meets for a wine tasting. You can sample 5 wines, all paired with yummy appetizers, for only $20!

Be sure to check out www.RoysRestaurant.com for more information.

I met with Rachel Deremer of The Perfect Pear Catering Company earlier this week, and she shared a great idea that she is working on.

Rachel is creating menus based on destinations so that couples can select the theme that matches their honeymoon location.  These menus are perfect for rehearsal dinners or post-wedding brunch, and wil have food items that are completely different from the wedding reception.

The theme can be carried into linens, centerpieces, maybe even a photo backdrop.  Travel brochures or postcards can be scattered around a floral arrangement that matches the flora of your destination.  Linens can be bright colors or luxurious jewel tones.  And don’t forget about a wonderful signature cocktail!

If you are attending a wedding, or are looking for a unique gift for your soon-to-be spouse, consider a case of wine!  Before giving the gift, label each bottle with a special occasion - the birth of the first child, purchase of a new house, 25th wedding anniversary, etc. 

(Be sure to leave a few bottles for “unxepected” joys!)

For a special touch, choose wines from San Sebastian Winery in St. Augustine, or find a local winery when you will be honeymooning.