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Greetings!
Whether at-home, in the office, or a shindig downtown, celebrations are personal for the guest and host. From planning a party or planning to attend, this issue brings you some new ideas and sage advice.

Our À la Carte family is growing and offers even more event and feasting options than ever before. Check out the non-Sinatra martinis, and the very Emily Post table advice.

Yes, Virginia (and Maryland and DC), we are cooking your Christmas dinner. As always, stop by our kitchen for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Or sit down with an event planner and get comfortable while celebrating this joyous season.

Happy Holidays! Karen Baker, Proprietor



Holiday shopping and to dos do not always allow for healthy delicious meals. Let your TO DOs meet our TO GO! We have fabulous food-to-go from dawn to dark. Stop by or call ahead to grab and get on with your life, knowing we've got your taste buds covered.


Open Monday through Friday 6:30am - 7pm
Saturday 8am - 4pm

Download our menu here »

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Just in case you haven't heard... our new digs are even more convenient for our customers, hosting our popular Cooking Classes and our new À la Carte TO GO.

We are located a block south of Sheetz right off Route 15 in Haymarket.

6608 James Madison Highway
Haymarket, VA 20169

Click for map »

Stop in for some awesome sticky buns.

À la Carte will fashion the perfect holiday gift basket for corporate giving, friends, family, and co-workers. We are happy to deliver nationwide.

Choose from our deluxe line-up or have your basket(s) tailored to your specific requests, packed with delectable goodies.

Baskets start at just $25.

Place you order EARLY to ensure the best delivery times.

Click here for the inspired collection »

Fabulous Foodie Find - An Original Gift that Lasts.
Ward off the Winter Chill with the Winter Grill.
Stir up Holiday giving and give a tasty experience to friends, family or yourself. Cozy up in our kitchen for hands-on prep of great recipes. Reserve a space in our next class, held on January 14th. Click here to book your spot now. »

Download our Christmas Dinner MenuHome for the Holidays, Christmas Dinner Made To Go.
Choose from classic favorites such as Standing Prime Rib Roast, Fire 'n Spice Ham, Roasted Turkey and
a decadent Lobster Mac 'n Cheese. We also have an assortment of desserts including a Buche de Noel.

Please place your order by noon Monday, December 19th.
Dinners can be picked up between 10:00am and 7:00pm on Friday, December 23 and by noon on Saturday, Christmas Even day complete with step-by-step instructions. Please inquire about deliveries.

Enjoy a sampling of our Holiday Sweets and Mexican Hot Chocolate while our servers pack your vehicle.
Click here to download the PDF »

Martinis - Cool Sweet "Grown-up Treats" for the Holidays. Just mix, shake with ice, and pour.
Island treat 1-1/2 shots vodka, 2 splashes raspberry liqueur, 2 splashes pineapple juice, and garnish with a small wedge of fresh pineapple.

Wake-up
1 shot vodka, 1 shot hazelnut liqueur, 1 shot cold espresso, serve with a mini doughnut.

Orangeberry 1 shot vodka, 1 dash Grand Marnier, 1- 1/2 shots cranberry juice, squeeze of fresh lime juice, 1 orange twist, 1 shot Champagne, and garnish with orange twist.

Chocolate Martini 1-1/2 shots chocolate liqueur, 1-1/2 shots crème de cacao, 1/2 shot vodka, 2-1/2 shots half-and-half. Garnish with chocolate curls.

Cinnamon Martini Dip rim in cinnamon and sugar. 1 ounce vodka, 1 ounce Goldschläger cinnamon liqueur.

Home Party Trending

Moveable Feasting Say goodbye to lines at the bar and pushing through buffet huggers. Give motion entertaining a try with small plates, multiple stations, assorted seating and table options for conversation nooks. Place drink bars opposite the food. Have small games on tables such as cards, puzzles, inexpensive snow globes etc. to encourage talk and touch.

Less than Perfect Equals Comfort Less than perfect does not mean leaving your vacuum standing in the hall; but it does mean thinking about what makes your guests comfortable first, impressed second.

Avoid decorating all your surfaces so there are no surfaces. Guests will find a way to slip that glass or plate on a space the size of a quarter. If you do not have servers busing immediately, have stations to place bar ware, dishes and such. Lit candles everywhere are stunning, but fire, children or flowing alcohol don't mix. Parents will be chiding the little ones instead of enjoying the party. Always consider your guests first, they will be impressed when they say, "I wanted to stay, I was so comfortable!"

The Smart Table Tells You What Fork to Use.
Proper etiquette, wow, sounds stuffy. The fact is, good manners are not about appearing superior to others. Social protocol is meant to make others feel at ease so everyone is on a level playing field. Here is an informal table setting guide that answers the age old question, "What fork do I use?" Decorative embellishments are up to your imagination (or ours). Keep centerpieces low or high enough so one can see their dinner companions without leaning to and fro.

Basic dos and don'ts.

When serving hot food, let your guests know it is proper to begin eating and not wait for others.

Break bread by hand and butter only the piece you will eat.

If your hostess "mis places" utensils, let it go.

Upon sitting, unfold your napkin and place it in your lap immediately.

Never place a used utensil directly on a dinner table.

Don't lick your knife.

 


Get in Touch. Call 703-754-2714

À la Carte TO GO extension 1

À la Carte Catering + Event Design

Amanda - extension 2 | email >
Allan - extension 3 | email >
Bethany - extension 4 | email >
Karen - extension 5 | email >

Copyright 2012. À la Carte Catering + Event Design, Inc. | T:703 754 2714  | 6608 James Madison Highway Haymarket, Virginia 20169 | alacartecaters.com


Download ReadyTO GO  Menus Download Our Elegant Entertaining  Menu Website TO GO Menu, Hours & Address Book a Cooking Class Nine Great Baskets or Let Us Customize! Nice Words Contact Karen Direct Like Us on facebook Sign up here Corporate Picnics Book a Class Get the TO GO Menu