All of the Above from Better Homes and Gardens

Napkin: You can make a rustic napkin ring for an Irish gathering using rough twine, raffia, cording, or ribbon. Then embellish with a real (or artificial) shamrock leaf.

Festive Napkins: Make a striking tablecloth out of chartreuse raw silk or cotton. Set the place setting with simple white plates and inexpensive green glassware. For the festive napking, wrap white napkins with a square of green netting or organza before placing into a napkin ring.

Bowl of Apples: Stack green apples in a bowl and you can even hollow out a few apples to use as votive candleholders, making sure to coat all cut edges with lemon juice.

Plant: Display little pots o' luck with Oxalis plants (commonly called shamrocks) in jars, cups, or bowls.

Shamrock Cookies from Organic Bouquet, St. Patrick's Day Cupcakes from Martha Stewart

The tablecloth above is actually a king size sheet and the table runner and napkins are made from a remnant of decorator fabric. Beverages are served in old canning jars and displayed in an antique baby's bathtub.

Feta Cheese Truffles are served with cucumbers, tomatoes, almonds, and olives.

I just love the dip above, sounds yummy. It's Sweet Dip served with cookies, fruit and chocolate. Southern Living writes that it's reminiscent of buttercream frosting secretly swiped off a cake. Recipes and more details are here.

For many brides, planning a wedding menu can be difficult just in itself. Especially when you have extended family with food allergies. And, when you throw in a challenging gluten-free diet, it can be even more difficult. But, according to Mike Lathbury, Owner and Chef of High Pointe Catering in Lake Tahoe, CA, a "gluten-free cuisine can be just as tempting and delicious as standard party fare and guests will be none the wiser". Lathbury says "gluten-free menus can be creative and sexy and still be as tasty and eye-appealing as any regular party menu. We offer 100 percent gluten-free menus that allow the gluten-free host to be worry-free and really enjoy the party,".

Lathbury suggests hiring a caterer who is well-versed in the idiosyncrasies of gluten-free cooking. Lathbury says, "Many professional chefs are aware of gluten in bread, but they don't realize that is also found in many common ingredients used during cooking, including sauces with flour, glazes, MSG, modified food starch and textured vegetable protein".

Gluten-free hosts need to be mindful of cross-contamination if they are offering a few items with gluten. To cross that worry off the list, Lathbury suggests a 100 percent gluten-free menu. Do you think gluten-free food can't provide the celebratory vibe that good party food evokes? Think again, says Lathbury, whose specialties range from Dungeness Crab Cakes to Roasted Garlic Brie on Flat Bread with Blueberry and Apricot Puree. Oooooh, both sound delicious!

"Great parties feature great food, and everyone – the host and the guests – should be able to join in the fun" Lathbury says.

A favorite of High Point's customers is the gluten-free recipe, Dungeness Crab Cakes with Mango Relish, which Mike has been so kind to share with my readers today.

PS: If you would like to submit your Sweet Shop for a free listing in the Sweet Treats Directory, please click here.

Mary says "the "Ultimate Cheese-cake" can either be served along side or instead of a sweet wedding cake after dinner, during cocktail hour or as a cheese course providing guests with something savory to savor on their big day, at the rehearsal dinner and/or as a unique groom's cake".

Gina Freize, President & Cheese Wiz at Venissimo Cheese, was inspired by Cypress Grove Chevre and now creates and sells her own custom "chevre cheese-cakes" which are a popular new item among brides-to-be at her four stores located throughout Southern California.  

Below, Gina offers basic directions to create your own "cheese-cake" along with ideas on how to get creative and add your personal touch.

To assemble:
1. Order wheels of your favorite cheeses from your local cheese shop or specialty gourmet store
2. Stack wheels from large to small; if desired, separate layers with cake boards or parchment paper
3. Decorate in your event color palette with edible flowers, fresh or dried fruits, nuts or candies
4. Refrigerate; take cheese-cake out one hour before serving to give the cheese time to soften

To serve:
1. Use a thin blade, soft cheese knife with holes (look for a knife with large holes); do not use a serrated knife
2. Simply slice out a nice piece from the top layer and work your way down
3. Wipe the knife clean after each cut

Suggested Pairings and Accompaniments:
1. Delicious with fig jam, honey or dark chocolate atop artisan breads, flatbreads or crackers
2. Pairs well with Sauvignon Blanc or Champagne 
3. Serve alongside scoops of Laloo's for a gourmet take on "cake and ice cream" (all made from delicious and nutritious goat's milk!)

And, of course, if you'd rather leave it to the experts, Venissimo will work with you to create your ultimate cheese-cake with the cheeses of your choice and decorate it to match your wedding colors. Venissimo's most popular Chevre Cake is a smaller version, with Cypress Grove's 1-lb mini Humboldt Fog topped with Fog Lights (8 oz disk). Serves 20-25; average price: $75. Three-layer cakes serve 20-40; four-layer cakes can easily serve 100+ guests.

1. Print love fortunes on pretty paper and cut them into strips. Roll the note and tuck in the bottom of a cone. For an extra little surprise, you can sprinkle a few nonpareils inside the cone on top of the note.

2. Make Your Cookie "Scoops" by using a pastry brush and coating the bottoms of two store-bought meringue cookies with melted chocolate chips and stick them together.

3. Seal Your Note by coating the top inside of the sugar cone with melted chocolate, then set the meringue cookie "scoop" on top. Be sure to let the chocolate set before serving.

To see more of this wedding from Caroline Tran, please click here.

Special for Valentine's Day: You can buy (1) standard ticings™ valentine assortment sheet plus your choice of (1) valentine sugar or natural artisan raspberry sugar for only $15.95 + tax/shipping (while supplies last). That is enough to decorate one dozen standard size cupcakes! And, if you order by February 6th, you will receive it in time for holiday delivery.