The Drifters recorded Up on the Roof in 1962, reaching number 5 on the U.S. pop singles chart and number 4 on the U.S. R&B singles chart.

I don’t want to bore you with all of the lyrics but here is a couple of lines that I like:

Right smack dab in the middle of town
I’ve found a paradise that’s trouble proof (up on the roof)

It’s almost as if the songwriters, Gerry Goffin and Carole King, were up on the roof of Events @ 1418 when they wrote this song. It’s just that kind of place.

Give us a call at 615.321.2394 or contact Kellie Bryson at kellie@maineventpro.com to schedule a tour and go up on the roof.

Fall events are all about nature. The colors are changing and the crisp, cooler temperatures set a dramatic backdrop for your special day.

Catering menu ideas that work best for fall have a lot in common with the traditional Thanksgiving feast. Cranberry and walnut salad would be a great start to accompany a slice of juicy ham or a roasted turkey breast. Consider serving stuffing or a sweet potato casserole on the side. Add a modern twist by serving a deconstructed apple pie for dessert.

At A Catered Affair, we know it’s still hot outside but it’s never too soon to start planning for your special occasion when the seasons change. Give us a call at 615.321.2394 or contact Kellie Bryson at kellie@maineventpro.com to schedule a consultation.

Who knew?

• National Cake Month – February
• National Chocolate Cake Day – January 27
• National Carrot Cake Day – February 3
• National Poundcake Day – March 4
• National Blackforest Cake Day – March 28
• National Lemon Chiffon Cake Day – March 29
• National Coffee Cake Day – April 7
• National Hazelnut Cake Day – June 1
• National Applesauce Cake Day – June 6
• National German Chocolate Cake Day – June 12
• National Strawberry Shortcake Day – June 14
• National Spongecake Day – August 23
• National Angel Food Cake Day – October 10
• National Cake Day – November 26
• National Fruitcake Day -December 27
• National Sacher Torte Day -December 5

Eleven of these cake holidays have come and gone. Did you miss out on celebrating one of them? My favorite day will be October 10^th when we celebrate National Angel Food Cake Day. I absolutely LOVE angel food cake!

Want to share in the celebrations? We can help. Give us a call at 615.321.2394 or contact Kellie Bryson at kellie@maineventpro.com to schedule a consultation.

Ahhh. Temps in the upper 90s and no relief in sight. But wait! Is that the sound of Christmas? Could it only be six short months to December? Have you already started making your list?

• Choose a date
• Select the venue
• Call the caterer
• Theme
• Consider décor
• Guest list
• Invitations

It’s not too early to start checking off these items. After you select your date, give us a call. Events @ 1418 and Legacy Farms offer great versatility for any holiday party. Once you have your date and venue, A Catered Affair and The Bake Shoppe can assist with your theme, cake, décor, and catering.

What does that leave? The guest lists and invitations. Pretty simple!

Give us a call at 615.321.2394 or contact Kellie Bryson at kellie@maineventpro.com to schedule a consultation.

It seems that everyone is going green these days. The 20-somethings are definitely talking about it, the 30-somethings want this option for their weddings, and the 40-somethings want this for their parties and family gatherings. When selecting a caterer for your next event, ask what they do to be green.

Many caterers use an extensive network of organic local farmers which give you the highest quality of products. Utilizing local foods not only supports the local economy, they travel a shorter distance from farm to plate. This means that their carbon footprint has been reduced since less fuel was used for the delivery. These food items will be fresher and more flavorful while supporting our local farmers.  Choosing local farmers, dairies, and wine makers is a very green and tasty plan for your celebration.

Be sure to ask your caterer about the food containers they use for events. Requesting that your caterer use reusable platters, tableware and serving dishes will reduce waste.  If there is no way around using disposables, consider biodegradable tableware made with renewable materials like bamboo, wheat, and corn.

Be creative about being green. If you are having a sit down meal for 200 guests and the caterer pours a glass of water for each guest; that is over 15 gallons of water just in the glasses. How much of that water will be poured out at the end of the night? Those glasses will use more water because now each has to be washed. Ask your caterer to have the servers offer water instead of pre-pouring. This will take a little extra time but the larger the group the more water that is being conserved.

Want to know how A Catered Affair can help you achieve your sustainable event goals? Give us a call at 615.321.2394 or contact Kellie Bryson at kellie@maineventpro.com to schedule a consultation.

Legacy Farms is the newest member of the Main Event Productions family and we had our first wedding back in May. The property has the ability to host almost any type of event, large or small.

The 1800’s Manor House is perfect for a dinner for a board of directors or a rehearsal dinner. With it’s eight guestrooms, brides could utilize them to get ready for the big day. A retirement reception would be awesome here.

The Event Center will hold the largest number of people with seating on the main floor, a second floor and a covered veranda area. The main floor is the perfect size for an anniversary or birthday party. Why would you want to hold a corporate event anywhere else?

Our Rustic Covered Pier is a delightful backdrop for an intimate wedding or rehearsal dinner. How about a private dinner for two? It is perfect for an intimate family celebration.

A lush, ornate Courtyard is located between the Manor House and the Event Center. It is a beautifully landscaped area with a fountain and iron and brick detail with an aggregate walkway. It is a great space for an outdoor wedding or corporate reception.

Whatever your needs, we think you will find the answer at Legacy Farms. Just give us a call at 615.321.2394 or contact Kellie Bryson at kellie@maineventpro.com to schedule a tour. You will be glad you did.

You are ready to celebrate! One of the first things that come to mind is a beautiful cake as the centerpiece of your red-letter day. Are you marking a milestone like a birthday or anniversary? Is it a holiday or a special achievement? There are as many things to celebrate as there are cake ideas.

Here are some of the most creative special occasion cakes we have created over the years.

What are you celebrating? We can help. Call 615.321.2394 or contact Kellie Bryson at kellie@maineventpro.com to get started today!

One of the most difficult decisions facing any bride-to-be or professional event planner is the selection of the perfect menu. There are so many choices and it can become a daunting task.

Some items to consider are:

• Are you going to serve finger foods?
• Are you going to serve a full meal?
• Are you going to have a specific theme of food for this wedding?
• Are you going to have a bar?

It is important to find a qualified caterer with a good track record and reputation. Get references. A caterer might make a mean barbecue but how about their chateaubriand? Ask for a sample menu or two from recent weddings they have catered. Sample wedding menus should include everything from the appetizers to the salad to the main course to the desserts.

Are you going to have a theme? Do you want to create a wedding menu to fit that theme? If you are planning a Hawaiian-themed wedding, you may want a menu with a luau flavor. Casual weddings may have a more informal flavor.

Are you ready to schedule an appointment to discuss these issues? Simply call 615.321.2394 or contact Kellie Bryson at kellie@maineventpro.com.

That is, we are giving away a free event at Legacy Farms. How cool is that?

If you work for, or know of, a deserving non-profit serving Wilson, Cannon or Rutherford Counties, please send them this information. The winner of the giveaway will receive an event worth $20,000, where they could hold their largest fundraiser of the year. Are you holding a capital campaign? How about a scholarship fundraiser? Why not a donor thank you event?

Legacy Farms is planning an Open House event on July 28th and we want your organization to be a part of it! Organizations who wish to present will be given the opportunity to appear before a panel of judges on July 21^st. Those who make presentations will be invited to host a table-top display during the Legacy Farms Open House where the guests will have the opportunity to talk to each organization one-on-one and then vote for their favorite. Just like Dancing with the Stars, the scores from the presentation and the popular vote will be combined and the winner will be announced at the Open House.

Hurry because the entry deadline is June 30, 2011.

Questions? Call 615.321.2394

Please email Kellie Bryson with your contact information so that you will know the dates for the live presentations and the open house.

You knew there would be fine print:

• Open to a non-profit that serves Wilson, Cannon or Rutherford County
• Must present their proposal in person at Legacy Farms on July 21st. Presentations to last no longer than 15 minutes.
• Event to be scheduled at least three months in advance and restricted to a Sunday-Thursday, based on availability.
• Value: $20,000
• Includes facility rental of Legacy Farms, catering of food, tables, chairs, linens, wait staff and centerpieces for up to 200 guests.
• Event must take place before July 31, 2012.

Visit these websites to find out more about Legacy Farms and Main Event Productions.

Legacy Farms website: http://legacyfarmstn.com/

Main Event Productions website: http://maineventpro.com/

Centerpieces.  That’s the little something in the middle of the table at a reception that adds some flavor/decor to the table.  It’s also the center, meaning, it’s the object that everyone at the table will be starring at.  Planning your centerpieces can be tricky, especially if you’re needing to stay within a budget.  You may want something unique, perhaps something you can use after the big day is over, and something that really captures your guests’ attention.

Well, the professionals here at Main Event Productions have some solutions for you!  Though flowers are traditional and stunning, there are some alternatives that can create a spectacular creation.  Here’s just a few….

• Glass

Glass Centerpieces; Events @1418

Glass Centerpieces; Events @1418

• Fruit, Food, Edible Arrangements

Edible Centerpiece

• Plants/Rocks/Tree Trunks/Mother nature

Candles, wedding favors, and photos are also alternatives as well.  For more information in booking Main Event Productions for your event, please call or email for more information!

615-321-2394 or email at kellie@maineventpro.com