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Archive for the 'Upcoming Events' Category

Branches Catering adds new feature to website!

Wednesday, June 15th, 2011

Branches has added a new feature to our website that lists couples who have upcoming beach wedding ceremonies and the information for their upcoming nuptials. Couples can now let their guests know to check the Branches website for more information about where and when their beach ceremony will be taking place. Couples and guests can check the homepage of branchescatering.com or can check here.

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Top 10: Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

Friday, May 6th, 2011

With Mother’s Day this Sunday we thought we’d share the Top 10 Mother’s Day Gift Ideas! In case you haven’t already planned a special day for the moms in your life be sure to check out our Mother’s Day Brunch featuring a large brunch menu and a complimentary family portrait to commemorate the special day!

Source: askmen.com

“All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel Mother.” -Abraham Lincoln

Every man on earth is some mother’s son. Put another way, each one of us owes our existence to our moms’ decisions to spend years and years putting our interests before theirs. Those men lucky enough to have kids of their own are in similar debt to their partners for their children.

We’re reminding you of this because Mother’s Day happens to be just around the corner, and we sincerely hope you’ve got plans to show as well as tell all the moms in your life just how much you appreciate them. If you haven’t figured out a strategy, we’re here to help get you on the right track by providing 10 great gift ideas most moms will love.

Keep in mind that hitting a home run on this day as a son, son-in-law, husband, or brother is no excuse for neglecting moms the other 364 days in a year. But showing you care in the right way on Mother’s Day certainly doesn’t hurt.

No.10 Flowers

If sending these along to your mom wasn’t the first idea that popped into your head, we’d recommend seeing a neurologist. That said, women have an uncanny ability to discern the quality of flowers, so don’t think she won’t know you opted for the cheapest bouquet you could find. Conversely, by taking the high road and shelling out for the FTD luxury collection, she’ll know you’ve done something special and show her pleasure by placing them prominently in her home for everyone to see.

Why? Though it may seem trite, there’s a reason why giving flowers on Mother’s Day is popular. Like flowers, being a mom is a beautiful thing, and beautiful things definitely deserve each other’s company.

No.9 Candles

Loved by women for their flattering and soothing light, and mind-clearing aromas, you can never go wrong adding to your mom’s candle stockpile. If you opt for this approach, make sure your selection is made from vegetable soy wax like that used in these Pacifica Perfume candles, because they burn better right to the very end.

Why?: A weekend at home smelling a yummy candle is much more appealing than noticing your or the family dog’s lack of hygiene.

No.8 Gift card

This isn’t the type of gift we recommend every day, but in the case of moms who spend the majority of time shopping for others, receiving a gift card to their favorite shop can often break down their selflessness for a change by giving them the treat to shop for themselves. Don’t assume, however, that you can pass this relatively easy gift off without putting some thought into some attractive packaging and a well-written card. If you want to get more specific, we recommend the new Robert Redford: The Biography.

Why? The saying goes “it’s the thought that counts,” but the fact is letting moms choose their own special gift will guarantee they get what they want.

No.7 Gift basket

This idea may seem better suited for a corporate convention, but not every gift basket is created equal. Packed with her favorite gourmet foods, and useful tools to make cooking them a real pleasure, a customized gift basket from Dean & DeLuca is a very classy gift. However, if you’re really looking to earn good-son brownie points, you should be the one to prepare this gift’s goodies for her as an added way to show you care.

Why? Food is meant to be shared with loved ones, so if you play your cards right, she might just let your stomach benefit from your good taste in gift giving as well.

No.6 Home spa treatment

While celebrating all of her accomplishments as a mother, many women find themselves reflecting on all the time that has passed to get here. By giving the gift of home spa products like this pomegranate salt glow scrub from Aromafloria, she can treat herself to a relaxing day at home while marveling at all she has accomplished. More importantly, though, her day of home pampering will also give her skin a more youthful appearance akin to the days when she focused on herself and not her kids.

Why? Every mom needs to be reminded of the beautiful woman she is as an individual, no matter how much you’d rather not think about it.

No.5 Home decor

Men may brush these tokens off as pointless knickknacks, but unique home decor accessories such as this Swan’s Island Merino throw are the kinds of gifts that detail-oriented moms love, because they help distinguish and freshen up the sanctuary that is her home.

Why? The old throw rug on the couch has started to resemble the Dead Sea Scrolls and this soft merino wool should provide her comfort even when you’re not around.

No.4 Sweet treats

Unless she’s in the extreme minority, your mom will always appreciate sweet treats. Chocolate, of course, is certainly a safe bet, but if you’re really looking to impress, sending an edible arrangement of her favorite fruit dipped in chocolate takes this gifting concept from the minor leagues to the pros. Made to be as beautiful as they are tasty, they’re also great for sharing when the family gets together

Why? Sending over a basket of treats will make her feel great and indulge her sweet-tooth urge she so often says no to.

No.3 Greenery

The process of caring for a living thing is an instinct that typically stays with moms long after they’ve kicked you out. To cater to this instinct, give her beautiful greenery she can also tend to, such as a gorgeously packaged BloemBox.

Why? Apart from adding color and wonderful fragrance to her home, raising plants doesn’t result in dirty dishes and unmade beds, the way raising you did.

No.2 Perfume

Some moms wear perfume every day, while others save it for special occasions. Regardless of what bucket your mom falls into, giving her a bottle of her own favorite fragrance will save her a trip to the department store and keep her smelling like she prefers. If you’re an inattentive son and don’t know what she likes, giving her a bottle of the classic Chanel No. 5 might just save your bacon.

Why? Scent is the most powerful sense attached to memory, so make sure you always remember your mom in the best possible way.

No.1 Massage and spa treatment

Mother’s Day gifts are all about making moms feel good, and nothing fulfills that goal more directly than giving mom a massage and spa treatment. Lucky for you, giving this gift just got easier thanks to SpaFinder, since there’s no need to struggle with the hassle of finding a local spa. One universal gift certificate is accepted at over 5,000 spa locations and can be used for any service the spa offers.

Why? After a lifetime of making you feel good when you needed it the most, treating her to a day of relaxation is one small way of paying her back.

For the full article click here.

Celebrate Cinco De Mayo at Branches with Oro Azul Tequila Mexico’s Treasure

Friday, April 29th, 2011

Celebrate Cinco De Mayo at Branches

with Oro Azul Tequila

Mexico’s Treasure

Thursday

May 5th, 20117:00pm

Begin with Tapas and Samplers in our beautiful Waterfall Garden (weather permitting) & the Classic Margarita and Bloody Marias. Then come inside for a three course dinner paired with heart warming tequila cocktails.

Call (732) 542-7790

to make your reservations!

$45.00 (plus tax & 18% service charge)

Click here to view full menu

BRIDES Magazine & Checkerboard Launch ‘BRIDES Fine Wedding Papers’ Stationery Collection

Friday, March 25th, 2011

BRIDES Magazine & Checkerboard Launch ‘BRIDES Fine Wedding Papers’ Stationery Collection

When bride’s start planning their wedding they think of their reception hall first as that’s where most of the time will be spent. But, there are other details that are just as important, if not more important, than just where your ceremony and reception will be. Invitations are just one of the great ways to tell your guests what they can expect from your wedding. The joining of BRIDES and Checkerboard is great news for all of us!

Source: businesswire.com

Now Every Couple Can Have a BRIDES Editor Help Choose the Invitation That’s Perfect for Them

WEST BOYLSTON, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Today, BRIDES magazine, the undisputed authority in the bridal market, and Checkerboard, one of the leading personalized fine stationery designers and manufacturers, introduced an exclusive line of personalized wedding invitations and accessories called ‘BRIDES Fine Wedding Papers’. Available at independent stationers nationwide and online, the collection, along with a dealer locator, can be seen at bridesfineweddingpapers.

“This collection will captivate couples who know that expressing the spirit of their wedding celebration begins with the invitation,” said BRIDES editor in chief Millie Martini Bratten. “The Checkerboard designers expertly translated the BRIDES style into a truly special collection that offers a balance of formal and fun, unexpected and traditional.”

Like the magazine, BRIDES Fine Wedding Papers by Checkerboard was designed to inspire every bride to embrace her distinctive style. Whether her taste is whimsical or romantic, graphic or classic, she can relate to the designs in the collection and make them her own.

The collection takes full advantage Checkerboard’s vast array of papers, inks and ribbons to give the couple an unprecedented ability to create the perfect invitation just the way they want it. By adding additional layers, changing a current layer to match their color scheme, or using the envelope liner as a distinguishing item, couples can add just the right design element to their ensemble through color, pattern or texture and truly make the invitation their own.

The BRIDES Fine Wedding Papers album was expressly designed to redefine the invitation selection process so the couple can enjoy an experience similar to the one they get while reading and interacting with BRIDES magazine’s visually distinctive, informative, and engaging editorial. Each invitation suite is positioned side by side in the album with “inspiration boards” featuring real wedding photography and editorial captions to help couples understand the look and feel of the invitation. Many of the nation’s top wedding photographers, whose work is regularly seen in BRIDES magazine, are featured in the album, including Mel Barlow, Suzy Clement, Terry Gruber Photographers, Corbin Gurkin, Tinywater Photography and Michèle M. Waite.

“This unique assortment of exclusive personalized wedding stationery truly celebrates the bride’s personal style and individuality,” said Micah Chase, president, Checkerboard. “This is the perfect ‘match’ between BRIDES magazine — which knows brides best, and Checkerboard — which knows stationery best. And the results are truly breathtaking. BRIDES Fine Wedding Papers is more than a collection of exceptional wedding stationery, it is a source of inspiration for the perfect wedding knowing it all begins with the invitation.”

For the full article click here.

A New Wedding Cake Alternative

Wednesday, March 16th, 2011

For a traditional wedding the wedding cake is a must have, but as more and more weddings are taking a less formal turn brides and grooms have gotten more creative with their dessert of choice. Cupcakes have started becoming the main focus at wedding receptions whether stacked in tiers or individually decorated. Now the folks at cakeshooters.com have started a new trend for wedding cakes that we love at Jersey Shore weddings!

Source: brides.com

Photo: Courtesy of CakeShooters
Photo: Courtesy of CakeShooters

If you’re looking for a unique alternative to the traditional wedding cake, but are over the whole cupcake craze, then check out CakeShooters. These treats are designed like push-up pops (remember those?) and are filled with cake and icings in a variety of flavors, including, Sprinkles Signature, yellow raspberry swirl, piña colada, and OMG (raspberry swirl with chocolate buttercream). Couples can customize the packaging with their names and wedding logo; plus, the desserts are available in vegan and gluten-free varieties. CakeShooters start at $3 each/$36 for a baker’s dozen; the company is based in Winter Park, FL, but they ship nationwide. To see all of the flavors and order CakeShooters online, visit their website. —Mary Beth Somich, Editorial Intern, Brides Florida

Source: brides.com