Published Articles on Entertaining
It's Entertaining Season again, at the Shore and in the Hamptons

Arlene Rotfeld the owner of Go2EventPlanner has been a private chef, caterer and “orchestrator of deliciousness” in the Hamptons for 25 years. She caters private events with glorious cuisine, table-top design & styling, delivering an artistic backdrop with luxe rentals, and utilizing an impeccable staff.
Her skill set allows her to to walk into your home and garden, and then, design everything to capture the exact theme that you want to implement.
Rotfeld is on site working her magic and conducting the culinary orchestra for a relaxed and stellar party. She can cook in front of you for an intimate dinner with friends (minimum of 12 ) or cater a large outdoor event with accents on health and freshness, with a Jackson Pollock colorful vibrancy.
Healthy cuisine can be the inspiration for an amazing dinner party, but Rotfeld's diverse offerings still include comfort food classics like legendary lobster mac & cheese, vegetable lasagna, penne and vegetables, and lemon squares dusted with sugar. Whether you’re looking for BBQs, or weekend cuisine and fresh flower arrangements delivered to the house, Rotfeld’s range has made her a delight for her clients who just want to kick back and depend on her services.
Healthy Entertaining
How does one who delights in cuisine and entertaining lose weight? Think European . . . with smaller portions and an accent on locally grown produce; an emphasis on visual vegetables, fish, berries is the way to go, with little or no cheese, and cutting down on breads. Done right, a drizzle of olive oil, and a squeeze of lemon, with no extra fat, can dazzle you and your guests.
Why we love entertaining at the bucolic Shore points and the Hamptons
Our fishermen catch the freshest fish. Our myriad of talented farmers grow leafy greens and vegetables that are utilized with my creativity in cuisine. Bright buckets of ripe heirloom tomatoes, and yellow wax and green beans, the fragrance of tarragon, dill, basil, a parade of peaches, plums, strawberries, and blueberries are perfect for the artistry of cooking. Our beautiful backyards only add to the ambiance.
Stage is Set
How to plan a Dinner Tuscan Style under the Stars .... Fully designed so you can enjoy all as a host
This meal celebrates the season and the abundance with a European setting. A long table is placed under the trees ( cloth, white china, flatware, glasses ) Short vases filled with lemons are placed going down the table. Garden chairs with provincial textiles pillows and warm blankets as throws on some of the chairs ( As the evening gets a little chillier ) Magical twinkled votive candles are everywhere...
Greet guests with a farm house table ( Arlene will find you one or use yours ) accented with tomatoes on the vine , large artichokes and ceramic vases filled with our farm growing tall sunflowers. Stationary ceramic platters are filled with Deliciousness: Bruschetta ( chopped ripe tomatoes , sprinkle of salt fresh basil Adorned with skinny architectural Italian light breadsticks
Seared Peppercorn sushi grade tuna presented on an English cucumber topped with wasabi and caviar ( no bread or cracker use vegetables instead as the base). I have put shrimp in Meyer lemon essence and dill or gravlox salmon with a dense mustard.
Buffet :
Dinner is a grilled white fish cooked in fresh herbs and dash of white wine and olive oil
Grilled Colorful red , yellow peppers, eggplant seared painterly plattered
London Broil sliced ( room temperature) with portobello mushrooms and onions with a drizzle of lemon aioli accompanied with small bite size baguette ( offering of less carbs is important )
A large Display of orzo, arugula, sunflower seeds, citrus sliced & mint leaf salad
Dessert:
Lingering around a warming pit guests eat fresh berries in shot glasses , tiny meringues and dark chocolate biscotti with coffee
Healthy lighter fare that LOOKS good and you feel refreshed
Contact Arlene Rotfeld this Season and ALL Year Round for Deliciousness!
Her skill set allows her to to walk into your home and garden, and then, design everything to capture the exact theme that you want to implement.
Rotfeld is on site working her magic and conducting the culinary orchestra for a relaxed and stellar party. She can cook in front of you for an intimate dinner with friends (minimum of 12 ) or cater a large outdoor event with accents on health and freshness, with a Jackson Pollock colorful vibrancy.
Healthy cuisine can be the inspiration for an amazing dinner party, but Rotfeld's diverse offerings still include comfort food classics like legendary lobster mac & cheese, vegetable lasagna, penne and vegetables, and lemon squares dusted with sugar. Whether you’re looking for BBQs, or weekend cuisine and fresh flower arrangements delivered to the house, Rotfeld’s range has made her a delight for her clients who just want to kick back and depend on her services.
Healthy Entertaining
How does one who delights in cuisine and entertaining lose weight? Think European . . . with smaller portions and an accent on locally grown produce; an emphasis on visual vegetables, fish, berries is the way to go, with little or no cheese, and cutting down on breads. Done right, a drizzle of olive oil, and a squeeze of lemon, with no extra fat, can dazzle you and your guests.
Why we love entertaining at the bucolic Shore points and the Hamptons
Our fishermen catch the freshest fish. Our myriad of talented farmers grow leafy greens and vegetables that are utilized with my creativity in cuisine. Bright buckets of ripe heirloom tomatoes, and yellow wax and green beans, the fragrance of tarragon, dill, basil, a parade of peaches, plums, strawberries, and blueberries are perfect for the artistry of cooking. Our beautiful backyards only add to the ambiance.
Stage is Set
How to plan a Dinner Tuscan Style under the Stars .... Fully designed so you can enjoy all as a host
This meal celebrates the season and the abundance with a European setting. A long table is placed under the trees ( cloth, white china, flatware, glasses ) Short vases filled with lemons are placed going down the table. Garden chairs with provincial textiles pillows and warm blankets as throws on some of the chairs ( As the evening gets a little chillier ) Magical twinkled votive candles are everywhere...
Greet guests with a farm house table ( Arlene will find you one or use yours ) accented with tomatoes on the vine , large artichokes and ceramic vases filled with our farm growing tall sunflowers. Stationary ceramic platters are filled with Deliciousness: Bruschetta ( chopped ripe tomatoes , sprinkle of salt fresh basil Adorned with skinny architectural Italian light breadsticks
Seared Peppercorn sushi grade tuna presented on an English cucumber topped with wasabi and caviar ( no bread or cracker use vegetables instead as the base). I have put shrimp in Meyer lemon essence and dill or gravlox salmon with a dense mustard.
Buffet :
Dinner is a grilled white fish cooked in fresh herbs and dash of white wine and olive oil
Grilled Colorful red , yellow peppers, eggplant seared painterly plattered
London Broil sliced ( room temperature) with portobello mushrooms and onions with a drizzle of lemon aioli accompanied with small bite size baguette ( offering of less carbs is important )
A large Display of orzo, arugula, sunflower seeds, citrus sliced & mint leaf salad
Dessert:
Lingering around a warming pit guests eat fresh berries in shot glasses , tiny meringues and dark chocolate biscotti with coffee
Healthy lighter fare that LOOKS good and you feel refreshed
Contact Arlene Rotfeld this Season and ALL Year Round for Deliciousness!
Celebrate the Holidays in the Hamptons, or at the Shore, with Style

Changing the pillows and throws from summer lights to the warm hues of fall and winter, the crisp chill settling in the air, a crackling fire and the fragrance of wood often provide the inspiration for that next seasonal party.
For those fortunate enough to call the Hamptons home, or the lucky people who enjoy off time on our shores, the new and coming seasons are the perfect time to gather with friends and family. And catering pro Arlene Rotfeld, of go 2 event planner, can help make these gatherings at home a resounding success.
Whether enjoying a personal menu created by Rotfeld with her catering sources or serving your own cuisine, she’ll bring imagination, organization and style, as well as a top-notch team, to make any event a luxe experience no guest will soon forget.
Rotfeld takes care of all the details and brings a host’s party delightfully to fruition. Here are some of her tempting menus for a delicious, decadent holiday.
Thanksgiving: Go “Traditional with a Twist “
Rotfeld offers personalized and outstanding hors’ d’oeuvres along with the meal’s main event.
Golden brown turkey with a soy honey rub, rich sage and diverse herbs with apricot and cornbread stuffing.
Yummy healthy quinoa with pomegranate seeds and caramelized onions.
Hearty sweet potato pies topped with cinnamon, powdered sugar and light-as-air whipped cream.
Green mosaic salads, composed of sautéed Brussels sprouts, candied cashews, yellow and red orange-infused beets and arugula.
Montrachet cheese.
Warmed pies of fruit topped with vanilla bean or toffee brittle ice cream.
Decor of twisted tall branches in vases and leaves strewn on silk ribbons to hang around the window beams. The table dressed with multiple centerpieces made of autumnal fruits and vegetables, and vessel vases filled with colorful vibrant florals.
Set the tone of the party as a buffet or sit down. Arlene will handle it all beautifully and skillfully with her talented team.
Christmas or Hanukkah
Creativity really comes full blast as Rotfeld stages your home with the magic of Christmas. Holiday cheer is everywhere—staircase, mantels, fireplaces filled with pillar candles, tables of red and green tartan runners, tree trimming topped with an artful French wired bow and the amazing aroma of oranges studded with cloves simmering in apple cider on the stovetop—a walk through the home reveals a world of glorious decor.
Luxurious buffets feature a fruits de mere of colossal shrimp, lobster presented on three-tier silver stands, caviar and toast points, grilled Chilean sea bass in lobster broth, creamy seafood risotto and a panoply of rich chocolate ganache desserts topped with edible silver candied balls. Then add the family’s polished flatware and China to keep that feeling of history and tradition alive.
For Hanukkah, imagine the brightness of blue and gold décor, the aroma of sizzling spinach and feta latkes, legendary brisket with tzimmes in an orange glaze and fruit tartlets glistening with marmalade. And, of course, gold coins and dreidels will be strewn across the length of each table.
Rotfeld specializes in festive holidays or the anytime celebration of life’s joys with entertaining dinners for 12. And her work is always done with stellar calm, organization, orchestration and fantastic results for the past 25 years. It’s all about staff, cuisine, luxe rentals, lavish décor and first-class staging.
As Rotfeld says, it’s time to be a guest at your own party!
To the delight of her clients, Arlene Rotfeld is a passionate orchestrator of celebrations in Philadelphia, New York City and the Hamptons. To hire her for your next Hamptons summer soiree, email go2eventplanner@gmail.com, call 516-909-8580 or visit go2eventplanner.com.
Originally appeared here: http://www.danspapers.com/2015/09/celebrate-the-holidays-in-the-hamptons-with-style
For those fortunate enough to call the Hamptons home, or the lucky people who enjoy off time on our shores, the new and coming seasons are the perfect time to gather with friends and family. And catering pro Arlene Rotfeld, of go 2 event planner, can help make these gatherings at home a resounding success.
Whether enjoying a personal menu created by Rotfeld with her catering sources or serving your own cuisine, she’ll bring imagination, organization and style, as well as a top-notch team, to make any event a luxe experience no guest will soon forget.
Rotfeld takes care of all the details and brings a host’s party delightfully to fruition. Here are some of her tempting menus for a delicious, decadent holiday.
Thanksgiving: Go “Traditional with a Twist “
Rotfeld offers personalized and outstanding hors’ d’oeuvres along with the meal’s main event.
Golden brown turkey with a soy honey rub, rich sage and diverse herbs with apricot and cornbread stuffing.
Yummy healthy quinoa with pomegranate seeds and caramelized onions.
Hearty sweet potato pies topped with cinnamon, powdered sugar and light-as-air whipped cream.
Green mosaic salads, composed of sautéed Brussels sprouts, candied cashews, yellow and red orange-infused beets and arugula.
Montrachet cheese.
Warmed pies of fruit topped with vanilla bean or toffee brittle ice cream.
Decor of twisted tall branches in vases and leaves strewn on silk ribbons to hang around the window beams. The table dressed with multiple centerpieces made of autumnal fruits and vegetables, and vessel vases filled with colorful vibrant florals.
Set the tone of the party as a buffet or sit down. Arlene will handle it all beautifully and skillfully with her talented team.
Christmas or Hanukkah
Creativity really comes full blast as Rotfeld stages your home with the magic of Christmas. Holiday cheer is everywhere—staircase, mantels, fireplaces filled with pillar candles, tables of red and green tartan runners, tree trimming topped with an artful French wired bow and the amazing aroma of oranges studded with cloves simmering in apple cider on the stovetop—a walk through the home reveals a world of glorious decor.
Luxurious buffets feature a fruits de mere of colossal shrimp, lobster presented on three-tier silver stands, caviar and toast points, grilled Chilean sea bass in lobster broth, creamy seafood risotto and a panoply of rich chocolate ganache desserts topped with edible silver candied balls. Then add the family’s polished flatware and China to keep that feeling of history and tradition alive.
For Hanukkah, imagine the brightness of blue and gold décor, the aroma of sizzling spinach and feta latkes, legendary brisket with tzimmes in an orange glaze and fruit tartlets glistening with marmalade. And, of course, gold coins and dreidels will be strewn across the length of each table.
Rotfeld specializes in festive holidays or the anytime celebration of life’s joys with entertaining dinners for 12. And her work is always done with stellar calm, organization, orchestration and fantastic results for the past 25 years. It’s all about staff, cuisine, luxe rentals, lavish décor and first-class staging.
As Rotfeld says, it’s time to be a guest at your own party!
To the delight of her clients, Arlene Rotfeld is a passionate orchestrator of celebrations in Philadelphia, New York City and the Hamptons. To hire her for your next Hamptons summer soiree, email go2eventplanner@gmail.com, call 516-909-8580 or visit go2eventplanner.com.
Originally appeared here: http://www.danspapers.com/2015/09/celebrate-the-holidays-in-the-hamptons-with-style
Celebrate the Jewish New Year with a Perfect Menu

Starting with the glorious Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, on September 13, the coming months are full of days to celebrate and gather with family and friends.
And as the Hamptons’ natural beauty gets even more magnificent with autumnal tones—a chill in the air, a light sweater, rustling leaves and the fragrance of fall— inspired menus are also made to complement the season.
Arlene Rotfeld of Shackamaxon Caterers explains that among the many holiday parties she caters, it’s always a joy to cook and plan for the Jewish New Year.
“It’s all about making delicious traditional foods with a twist,” Rotfeld says, describing raisin studded round challahs, thick sweet honey, her legendary brisket and decadent cakes as wonderful choices to make the New Year joyous.
She shares this year’s menu, which can be delivered or served with a full staff, below.
Rosh Hashanah Menu
Round Raisin Challah included with Honey
Appetizers
Gefilte Fish with Wasabi and Salmon Roe
Chopped Chicken Liver with Riced Eggs & Chopped Onions accompanied by Fine Crackers
Fresh Blanched Seasonal Crudite’ with Red Roasted Pepper Dip
Hummus-Eggplant Caponata with Grilled Pita
Entrees
Salmon Grilled with Ginger Soy topped with Confetti of Julienne Vegetables
Vegetarian Lasagna: Autumn Vegetables topped with Basil Marinara Sauce
Chicken Breast Stuffed with Kale and Apricots
Chef’s Homemade Brisket with Carmelized Onions
Accompaniments
Orzo with Kennet Square Mushrooms
Grilled Vegetables with Lemon Essence
Apple and Sliced Almond Compote
Sweet Kugels with Raisins
Kasha Varnishkas
Chunky Apple Sauce
Desserts
Jewish Apple Cake
Sliced Seasonal Fruit
Dark chocolate biscotti
And as the Hamptons’ natural beauty gets even more magnificent with autumnal tones—a chill in the air, a light sweater, rustling leaves and the fragrance of fall— inspired menus are also made to complement the season.
Arlene Rotfeld of Shackamaxon Caterers explains that among the many holiday parties she caters, it’s always a joy to cook and plan for the Jewish New Year.
“It’s all about making delicious traditional foods with a twist,” Rotfeld says, describing raisin studded round challahs, thick sweet honey, her legendary brisket and decadent cakes as wonderful choices to make the New Year joyous.
She shares this year’s menu, which can be delivered or served with a full staff, below.
Rosh Hashanah Menu
Round Raisin Challah included with Honey
Appetizers
Gefilte Fish with Wasabi and Salmon Roe
Chopped Chicken Liver with Riced Eggs & Chopped Onions accompanied by Fine Crackers
Fresh Blanched Seasonal Crudite’ with Red Roasted Pepper Dip
Hummus-Eggplant Caponata with Grilled Pita
Entrees
Salmon Grilled with Ginger Soy topped with Confetti of Julienne Vegetables
Vegetarian Lasagna: Autumn Vegetables topped with Basil Marinara Sauce
Chicken Breast Stuffed with Kale and Apricots
Chef’s Homemade Brisket with Carmelized Onions
Accompaniments
Orzo with Kennet Square Mushrooms
Grilled Vegetables with Lemon Essence
Apple and Sliced Almond Compote
Sweet Kugels with Raisins
Kasha Varnishkas
Chunky Apple Sauce
Desserts
Jewish Apple Cake
Sliced Seasonal Fruit
Dark chocolate biscotti
Along with her sophisticated and creative cuisine, Rotfeld brings sublime tabletop décor, rentals, staffing and staging to parties, both social and corporate, year round. That includes Christmas, New Years, Thanksgiving and anything else one could imagine.
Arlene has over 25 years of experience making delicious food for film, celebrations and more in Philadelphia, Atlantic City, NYC and the Hamptons. Call 516-909-8580 Article originally appeared here: http://www.danspapers.com/2015/09/celebrate-the-jewish-new-year-with-a-perfect-menu
|
Plan a Hamptons or Shore Summer Soiree with an Expert – Be a Guest at Your Own Party

Arlene Rotfeld, founder of Go2Eventplanner, who specializes in orchestrating all sorts of parties, explains how she prepares, allowing hosts to rest easy while she attends to all the details.
Whether you just bought a new home or your lush hydrangeas and garden are at their peak, there’s always an excuse to celebrate the season with a summer soiree. So do it right with a fabulous party by the pool!
While hosting a party can be a fun, it’s rarely as easy, breezy and stress-free as we’d like. That’s why it’s important to hire a good event planner, or at the very least understand what goes into creating a perfect Hamptons gathering.
Meeting and Walk Thru
To begin, make sure to have a clear vision of the event at hand. In her business, Rotfeld starts with a meeting and walk thru, listening to a host’s vision and then inspecting the grounds, kitchen and seating area to see how best to implement it.
“Always get a tent on hold in case of inclement weather,” Rotfeld says.
Great People–Great Party
Once the idea is fully formulated and a plan is in place to best use the available indoor and outdoor space, Rotfeld says hiring impeccable staff is key. “I know a good back of the house staff, who work as a group prepping, preparing and setting up beautiful tables, chairs and linens,” Rotfeld adds, noting that she’s found great people throughout her 25 years in the business.
The Right Stuff
Along with securing a quality staff, most hosts will need to rent tables, chairs, glasses and a variety of other items to ensure that all guests have a place to sit and drink in their hand. “Luxe rentals, with specific focus on color and themed tabletops are my specialty,” Rotfeld says, painting a gorgeous picture of what she can acquire. “Colorful chandeliers on the trees, long tables with shocking pink Chiavari chairs, orange linen that pops, magenta orchids in square glass vases filled with sliced oranges and twinkling votive candles, or an Americana theme—I bring ‘wow’ to fruition!” she continues.
Taste Good, Look Good
Whether a host provides their own food or needs food provided, Rotfeld says creating a menu of “glorious cuisine” is paramount. As an event planner, she makes sure to oversee the menu, top to bottom, from hors d’oeuvres to entrees, drinks and dessert. “Organize platters and serving pieces, and do a tabletop display of seasonal fruits flowers vegetables,” Rotfeld says. “When the candles are lit and the bar is set, the party can begin!”
Go with the Flow
While a good host may want to mingle, dance, drink and hobnob with guests, it can pull them away from the necessary chore of managing their party. An event planner, Rotfeld explains, takes that burden off the host. “When we’re working a party, my team and I efficiently and quietly attend to all the guests and make sure all delicious hors d’oeuvres are passed, beverages are replenished and the buffet is open—or a streamlined sit-down service is underway,” Rotfeld says. “At the end of the evening, put some yummy desserts on display, and do all of this in an orderly, effortless fashion.”
“With a well planned party, everyone loves being your guest,” Rotfeld says, “but when you have an event planner, you’ll love being your guest at your own event, too!”
To the delight of her clients, Arlene Rotfeld is a passionate orchestrator of celebrations in Philadelphia, New York City and the Hamptons. To hire her for your next Hamptons summer soiree, email Go2eventplanner@gmail.com, call 516-909-8580 or visit go2eventplanner.com.
Whether you just bought a new home or your lush hydrangeas and garden are at their peak, there’s always an excuse to celebrate the season with a summer soiree. So do it right with a fabulous party by the pool!
While hosting a party can be a fun, it’s rarely as easy, breezy and stress-free as we’d like. That’s why it’s important to hire a good event planner, or at the very least understand what goes into creating a perfect Hamptons gathering.
Meeting and Walk Thru
To begin, make sure to have a clear vision of the event at hand. In her business, Rotfeld starts with a meeting and walk thru, listening to a host’s vision and then inspecting the grounds, kitchen and seating area to see how best to implement it.
“Always get a tent on hold in case of inclement weather,” Rotfeld says.
Great People–Great Party
Once the idea is fully formulated and a plan is in place to best use the available indoor and outdoor space, Rotfeld says hiring impeccable staff is key. “I know a good back of the house staff, who work as a group prepping, preparing and setting up beautiful tables, chairs and linens,” Rotfeld adds, noting that she’s found great people throughout her 25 years in the business.
The Right Stuff
Along with securing a quality staff, most hosts will need to rent tables, chairs, glasses and a variety of other items to ensure that all guests have a place to sit and drink in their hand. “Luxe rentals, with specific focus on color and themed tabletops are my specialty,” Rotfeld says, painting a gorgeous picture of what she can acquire. “Colorful chandeliers on the trees, long tables with shocking pink Chiavari chairs, orange linen that pops, magenta orchids in square glass vases filled with sliced oranges and twinkling votive candles, or an Americana theme—I bring ‘wow’ to fruition!” she continues.
Taste Good, Look Good
Whether a host provides their own food or needs food provided, Rotfeld says creating a menu of “glorious cuisine” is paramount. As an event planner, she makes sure to oversee the menu, top to bottom, from hors d’oeuvres to entrees, drinks and dessert. “Organize platters and serving pieces, and do a tabletop display of seasonal fruits flowers vegetables,” Rotfeld says. “When the candles are lit and the bar is set, the party can begin!”
Go with the Flow
While a good host may want to mingle, dance, drink and hobnob with guests, it can pull them away from the necessary chore of managing their party. An event planner, Rotfeld explains, takes that burden off the host. “When we’re working a party, my team and I efficiently and quietly attend to all the guests and make sure all delicious hors d’oeuvres are passed, beverages are replenished and the buffet is open—or a streamlined sit-down service is underway,” Rotfeld says. “At the end of the evening, put some yummy desserts on display, and do all of this in an orderly, effortless fashion.”
“With a well planned party, everyone loves being your guest,” Rotfeld says, “but when you have an event planner, you’ll love being your guest at your own event, too!”
To the delight of her clients, Arlene Rotfeld is a passionate orchestrator of celebrations in Philadelphia, New York City and the Hamptons. To hire her for your next Hamptons summer soiree, email Go2eventplanner@gmail.com, call 516-909-8580 or visit go2eventplanner.com.
This article originally appeared here: http://www.danspapers.com/2015/07/plan-a-hamptons-summer-soiree-with-an-expert-be-a-guest-at-your-own-party/
Great Catering Ideas for Your Hamptons or Jersey Shore Summer BBQ

As George and Ira Gershwin wrote, “Summertime, and the livin’ is easy.”
Well, the lyric certainly applies to summer 2015 in the Hamptons as we kick back, ride bikes and enjoy the beach, boats and all the flavors of summer—literally and figuratively.
And what’s summer in the Hamptons without a fabulous party? For the last 25 years, Arlene Rotfeld has been providing full service, creative catering with spectacular results in Philadelphia, New York City and, of course, the Hamptons.
While Rotfeld would advise that any prospective party planner secure her services to achieve soiree superiority, she shares some tips for getting any party started right.
1. Hire a Good Caterer
“We provide all the delicious cuisine, along with the grill(s) to cook it, tents and everything else needed for a great time,” Rotfeld says.
2. Creative Invitations
Try thinking outside the box when creating your party invite—it should stand out among all the other competing events. Because, let’s face it, there’s no shortage of things to do during summer in the Hamptons. “We often hand deliver creative barbecue invites with aprons tied around the actual paper invitation,” Rotfeld says, also suggesting tying invites with raffia and placing them into cornhusks.
3. Decor Is Key
Consider tents to add importance to a party and transport guests into your world. Place lounge furniture strategically so guests can lie back and relax when not at the table. Of course, put loungers around the pool, where you can float flowers for extra effect, Rotfeld adds, noting that she caters all celebrations in all sorts of environments, including gorgeous rooftop soirees.
4. Set the Stage
No detail should be spared when preparing dining tables, even for outdoor picnic table affairs. Red and white checked linen, crisp blue napkins tied with raffia and a mini American flag in it, centerpieces with Montauk daisies in stellar galvanized buckets, blue and white spongeware plates and Bakelite flatware all go a long way toward making a fun and memorable impression, Rotfeld says, sharing some of her favorite summer looks for catering. “Tabletops can also by styled with fruits and vegetables en masse.”
5. Talk to Your Caterer
Get the most out of your caterer by really explaining what you want, and make sure you’ve hired someone receptive and willing to do the extra work. “Add more appetizers, whether it’s mozzarella-basil caprese stacks and cheese straws, lobster and mac n’ cheese cups or some other fun bite,” Rotfeld says. “A truly luxe meal can be customized.”
6. Good Barbecue Doesn’t Begin and End at Hamburgers
“Add shrimp kebobs in orange zest, halibut in sesame hoisin, swordfish rubbed with mango,” Rotfeld says. Good, unique food puts a smile on everyone’s face. That’s a fact.
7. Staff, Staff, Staff, Relax, Relax, Relax
Of course the best way to prep a party is to let the experts do it all for you, Rotfeld says, pointing out that a qualified, confident caterer with an abundance of staff, including a talented bartender, will ensure that hosts can relax and actually host. Leave the rest to someone else.
Scroll down to view Arlene Rotfeld’s “Grillin’ & Chillin’ July 4th Barbecue” menu.
Arlene Rotfeld
Catering not just barbecues, but all manner of celebration, Arlene Rotfeld has been turning events into experiences for more than 25 years. From Center City Philadelphia to New York City and the Hamptons, Rotfeld has been orchestrating weddings, mitzvahs and events of all shapes and sizes, to the delight of her clients.
To reach Arlene, call 516-909-8580
Grillin’ & Chillin’ July 4th Barbecue Menu
First we’ll have some yummy hors d’oeuvres…
Mini Hot Dogs with Spicy Mustard
Tex-Mex 7-Layer Dip with Lime Chips
Bruschetta with Garlic Crostini
Chow Down Buffet
Extra Long Beef Hot Dogs with Mustard, Relish, Chopped Onions
Southern Barbecued Chicken with Grilled Pineapple
Down and Dirty Ribs with Brown Sugar Glaze
¼ LB. All Beef Burgers with Condiments
Grilled Corn with Chili Lime Butter
Brown Sugar Baked Beans
Still Hungry?
Whole Watermelon Basket filled with Summer Fresh Fruits
Assorted Homemade Pies
Apple, Cherry, Blueberry
Beverages
Assorted Regular and Diet Sodas
Bottled Water, Iced Tea
(Other options available: Grilled Salmon,Tuna and Halibut)
Pricing available on request
Includes all food as listed above and all paper products.
Setup, Wait Staff and Delivery additional
Well, the lyric certainly applies to summer 2015 in the Hamptons as we kick back, ride bikes and enjoy the beach, boats and all the flavors of summer—literally and figuratively.
And what’s summer in the Hamptons without a fabulous party? For the last 25 years, Arlene Rotfeld has been providing full service, creative catering with spectacular results in Philadelphia, New York City and, of course, the Hamptons.
While Rotfeld would advise that any prospective party planner secure her services to achieve soiree superiority, she shares some tips for getting any party started right.
1. Hire a Good Caterer
“We provide all the delicious cuisine, along with the grill(s) to cook it, tents and everything else needed for a great time,” Rotfeld says.
2. Creative Invitations
Try thinking outside the box when creating your party invite—it should stand out among all the other competing events. Because, let’s face it, there’s no shortage of things to do during summer in the Hamptons. “We often hand deliver creative barbecue invites with aprons tied around the actual paper invitation,” Rotfeld says, also suggesting tying invites with raffia and placing them into cornhusks.
3. Decor Is Key
Consider tents to add importance to a party and transport guests into your world. Place lounge furniture strategically so guests can lie back and relax when not at the table. Of course, put loungers around the pool, where you can float flowers for extra effect, Rotfeld adds, noting that she caters all celebrations in all sorts of environments, including gorgeous rooftop soirees.
4. Set the Stage
No detail should be spared when preparing dining tables, even for outdoor picnic table affairs. Red and white checked linen, crisp blue napkins tied with raffia and a mini American flag in it, centerpieces with Montauk daisies in stellar galvanized buckets, blue and white spongeware plates and Bakelite flatware all go a long way toward making a fun and memorable impression, Rotfeld says, sharing some of her favorite summer looks for catering. “Tabletops can also by styled with fruits and vegetables en masse.”
5. Talk to Your Caterer
Get the most out of your caterer by really explaining what you want, and make sure you’ve hired someone receptive and willing to do the extra work. “Add more appetizers, whether it’s mozzarella-basil caprese stacks and cheese straws, lobster and mac n’ cheese cups or some other fun bite,” Rotfeld says. “A truly luxe meal can be customized.”
6. Good Barbecue Doesn’t Begin and End at Hamburgers
“Add shrimp kebobs in orange zest, halibut in sesame hoisin, swordfish rubbed with mango,” Rotfeld says. Good, unique food puts a smile on everyone’s face. That’s a fact.
7. Staff, Staff, Staff, Relax, Relax, Relax
Of course the best way to prep a party is to let the experts do it all for you, Rotfeld says, pointing out that a qualified, confident caterer with an abundance of staff, including a talented bartender, will ensure that hosts can relax and actually host. Leave the rest to someone else.
Scroll down to view Arlene Rotfeld’s “Grillin’ & Chillin’ July 4th Barbecue” menu.
Arlene Rotfeld
Catering not just barbecues, but all manner of celebration, Arlene Rotfeld has been turning events into experiences for more than 25 years. From Center City Philadelphia to New York City and the Hamptons, Rotfeld has been orchestrating weddings, mitzvahs and events of all shapes and sizes, to the delight of her clients.
To reach Arlene, call 516-909-8580
Grillin’ & Chillin’ July 4th Barbecue Menu
First we’ll have some yummy hors d’oeuvres…
Mini Hot Dogs with Spicy Mustard
Tex-Mex 7-Layer Dip with Lime Chips
Bruschetta with Garlic Crostini
Chow Down Buffet
Extra Long Beef Hot Dogs with Mustard, Relish, Chopped Onions
Southern Barbecued Chicken with Grilled Pineapple
Down and Dirty Ribs with Brown Sugar Glaze
¼ LB. All Beef Burgers with Condiments
Grilled Corn with Chili Lime Butter
Brown Sugar Baked Beans
Still Hungry?
Whole Watermelon Basket filled with Summer Fresh Fruits
Assorted Homemade Pies
Apple, Cherry, Blueberry
Beverages
Assorted Regular and Diet Sodas
Bottled Water, Iced Tea
(Other options available: Grilled Salmon,Tuna and Halibut)
Pricing available on request
Includes all food as listed above and all paper products.
Setup, Wait Staff and Delivery additional