When Love Is In the Air

We all know about June weddings. Anniversaries are also a great way to celebrate life. During the warm weather, it is sometimes easier for families to get together for one of the monumental dates - such as 25, 50 and 75 years. They are special indeed and need to be treated as such.

Buffets with a touch of elegance are always a sure fire way to success. A menu featuring family favorites as well as coconut ice cream balls tinted in the color of the wedding party (taken from photographs if it is a surprise). Assorted "tea" sandwiches, golden wedding rings (recipe on bottom), and fruit or frosty punch. A bit of lace and hearts (no, it's not corny) and a cake a bit on the shy side of a wedding cake, but just as special.

The invitations should be silver for 25 years, gold for 50 years and diamond for anything over 60 years. Candles, roses, and old photographs dress up the table and add to the memories. Using the family silver service and punch bowl will also give everyone a feeling of special. The day, like the original wedding day, will be remembered in the hearts of the wedding couple, but also in all the guests that are invited.

There can be a gift table, but usually gifts are not necessary. A nice touch would be if those invited gave something nostalgic, something that the couple would find endearing, or even amusing. If you go to second-hand shops, there are so many items that are a token of the past. They can be cleaned up, polished, painted, or decorated. These small but dear gifts will just add more love to the occasion. So, when anniversary bells ring, give the best anniversary buffet. It is worth the work and the thanks will be the true smiles of appreciation from everyone.

Wedding Bells:

1 8-oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened, maraschino cherry juice, unsliced sandwich loaf Thoroughly blend cream cheese w/enough cherry juice to make it of spreading consistency. Slice the sandwich loaf thinly. With a cookie cutter in the shape of a bell, cut the bread. Spread filling on the cut-outs. Trim with cherry slices if desired. A tasty treat that is also a fantastic decoration.

Golden Wedding Rings:

1 3-oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened, 3 tbs. mayonnaise, 1/2 cup chopped pecans, 1/2 cup drained crushed pineapple Blend cream cheese and mayonnaise (or use salad dressing of your choice). Add the nuts and pineapple. Bake your favorite nut bread and use a 1-lb. coffee can. Fill each can 2/3 full. When cool, remove from the can and slice thinly. Remove center from each slice with a doughnut cutter. Spread generously with the cream cheese mixture. Or, you can use regular bread and slice with the doughnut cutter, remove center, and spread with mixture. Lay on a bed of parsley and you have a beautiful table setting that will add eye appeal to your buffet.

Arleen M. Kaptur August, 2007

Arleen M. Kaptur has written many books and articles on everyday living and finding peace and joy in all we do.

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