Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Bring the Outdoors In Through Casual Entertaining


By Jennifer Slaughter
 
Summer is just around the corner, and warmer temperatures begin to conjure up images of backyard barbeques and poolside parties? perhaps even a picnic in the park? Whatever the scene, consumers are looking for the perfect serveware and drinkware to complement their casual summertime gatherings and parties. No occasion is too big or too small to move the party outside, or bring that outdoor experience in. In fact, outdoor living is one of the strongest lifestyle trends in recent years. With the economy influencing decisions to dine and entertain at home, consumers are using their outdoor spaces as prime extensions of their living space at home.














Given this trend toward casual, outdoor dining, melamine and acrylic entertaining products are emerging as hot items. They satisfy consumer demand for both style and practicality. Gift industry brand C.R. Gibson is on the leading edge of this trend, offering a mix of beautiful melamine dinnerware and serving pieces as well as acrylic drinkware from such well-known brands as Lolita, Dena and Susan Winget. 
 
The question is, Are you taking advantage of this marketplace trend in your store?
 
If not, now's the time. Recent market trends point to exciting growth for melamine and acrylic products for summer and beyond. Here's a look at a handful of different casual entertaining design trends that sizzle:
 
           bold color and pattern
Melamine plates, bowls, trays and more are available in eye-catching colors and patterns. Pantone’s color of the year, Tangerine Tango, is front and center, and Moroccan inspired ikat patterns add sophistication and impact to table settings as well as in-store merchandising.
 
           coastal themes
Beach living, or dreaming of the relaxed beach lifestyle, continues to be a top trend for entertaining. On melamine or acrylic, sea shells sell by the sea shore and in every other climate!
 
           summer scenes
Consumers are looking to infuse their own personal style into their serving and drinkware pieces. Informal, theme-driven collections centered on summer, incorporating flips flops, sunglasses and marine life, easily transition to summer theme parties and gatherings with the girls.
 

Catch the casual, outdoor entertaining trend, and add some summer fun to your bottom line! Shop the latest melamine collections and coordinating acrylic drinkware from C.R. Gibson.

View the entire line at www.scantrade.ca

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Orange Crate Goodness!


Caramelized Onion Dip  



3 Tbsp  (45 ml) butter

½ cup (125 ml) sweet onion – finely chopped

Add 1 heaping tbsp (10 g) OC Onion & Chive Dip mix

1 tsp (5 ml) granulated sugar

1 cup (250 ml) sour cream

¼ cup (60 ml) mayonnaise

1 garlic clove, minced



In a large frying pan over medium heat, melt butter.  Stir in onion, sugar, garlic and Onion & Chive Dip Mix. Reduce heat to medium-low and continue cooking, stirring frequently until the onions are a brown color, about 8 minutes. Cool onion mixture and add to sour cream and mayonnaise. Refrigerate until ready to use.


Orange Crate Goodness!!!!!!!!

Louisiana  Cajun Shrimp

18 – 20 large shrimp peeled 

¼ cup butter

2 tbsp (20 g) of Cayenne & Black Pepper seasoning

2 tsp. (5 ml) minced garlic

4 tsp.  (10 ml) Worcestershire sauce

¼ cup (60 ml) dry white wine/broth


 
Melt butter in saucepan. Add all other ingredients except shrimp to make the sauce. Heat on medium until combined- approx 3 min.

Add shrimp to sauce and cook – turn shrimp in pan after 3-4 minutes and cook until shrimp turn pink.

Serve over rice.  Yield 3-4 servings.





***This recipe is on the New  Cayenne, Black Pepper and Parsley Rub & Marinade.  It’s fast, easy and spicy!  ***




Wednesday, May 2, 2012