April Open House

What a wonderful end to this year's Open House Series. We certainly want to thank all of our vendors for helping to make this such a wonderful experience for us and our customers.

Please remember to watch for more information later this summer as we are already planning for our next Open House Series to begin in November!

You can see more photos by viewing the Open House Gallery for April.

An Interview with Mary Beth Poe of MBP Distinctive Catering

What trends have you seen in the catering industry?  

• Décor----less is better.  The current trend is elegant and not fussy
• Hors d'oeuvres-----small bites are still on the rise served in small unique containers
• Action Stations-----are very popular.  It gives the guests the opportunity to mingle and try "small bites"" and they love the activity. 
• Signature Drinks----"Creating Your Own"" As the guests arrive it is a great touch to offer a signature drink as a beginning to a great event.
• Comfort Food-----popular but offer it with a different twist such as Meat Loaf Sliders or Mini Gourmet Grilled Cheese Sandwiches with Mini Chocolate Malts

Tell us about your café, The "Educated Sandwich." 
The "Educated Sandwich" is located in the ISTA building on the corner of Capital and Market.  It is open Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 2:00 P.M.  My husband Darryl runs it and we offer a variety from great soups, sandwiches and daily lunch specials.  You must try Darryl's homemade soups.  The best!

How did you get started?
I worked at IUPUI in the Student Union Building and we offered everything in the hospitality business from hotel to restaurants to catering.  I was there for 14 years and I had a great boss that demanded perfection and most of all he was very creative, way ahead of his time.  He taught me well.  I finally decided that it was time to try it on my own.  It all began in 1987 at Darryl's on the Circle, which was a full service restaurant, located next door to the Circle Theatre.  The restaurant was great but a very difficult time to operate a downtown restaurant.  Believe me downtown in those days was definitely not like today.  Fortunately, our catering business was increasing and we decided to leave the fancy restaurant and moved to the Morrison Opera Building located at Maryland and Meridian.  I ran the catering and my husband ran our Deli.  Since then, we have moved to our current location at 52nd and Keystone which houses our offices, warehouse and kitchen.  It is a great location and we love it here, but I still miss being downtown. 

An Interview with Loran Hilton of EnFlora - Flowers for Business

What trends are you seeing with weddings this year?
Wedding trends in 2010 are reflected in the romantic, elegant centerpieces chosen by today's brides. Vintage looks and mixing the old with the new create charming tablescapes which become conversation pieces. These looks can incorporate family heirlooms, estate sale finds and an abundance of candlelight. The flowers are highlighted in unique glass vases along with textural fruits, vegetables and other natural materials. We are seeing a significant trend in bride's choosing antique garden variety flowers such as David Austin roses. Silver, copper, brass and crystal compliment the floral arrangements designed in neoclassical forms and a nostalgic style.

How can you help someone to create a special event?
As a full service florist, Enflora can create an entire atmosphere for any event. With a vast selection of blooming and green plants, large trees, as well as an incredible range of rental props, our designers will set the mood for a business gathering, wedding and reception, or holiday party. The application of our talents is endless as we plan each event for the individual client. With our staff of many experienced event specialists, Enflora can offer unique wedding services, room transformations, and on-site design.

Is there anything else we should know about EnFlora?
With over 50 years of experience in the floral industry, Enflora and McNamara Florist, are dedicated to providing an unmatched design talent and unequaled flower selection to individuals and companies throughout Indiana. We go to great lengths to source flowers from areas as far reaching as South America, Europe and Australia. Our seasoned staff of award winning designers are comprised of well traveled professionals determined to bring beauty and success to every event, from a single floral arrangement to a large scale celebration. Enflora can confidently offer a wide range of styles from the traditional to urban chic with an eye for new trends and custom arrangements.