7 Simple Ways To Prep Your Party!

From formal dances and masquerade balls to light-hearted garden parties on the lawn, celebrations at Biltmore House were always held in style.

Ready to host your own elegant soiree or homespun hoe-down? Here are our top picks to make your party preparations easier and your event memorable:

1. Choose a theme
The easiest way to kick-off your party prep is to choose a theme. Be inspired by the life and times of Cornelia Vanderbilt who grew up in the Jazz Age and consider a 1920s era Gatsby Party or a Downton Abbey-style garden party or festive tea.

2. Color palette
Just as brides select wedding colors to help keep things coordinated and under control, a pair of pretty colors will make some of your choices easier. For example, we love the fresh look of green and yellow together for a summer-themed party.

3. Party favors
Get creative! Add a meaningful quote to a print you love and roll it up gently, like a scroll, and tie with a pretty ribbon. Your guests can frame them for display in their home or office as a reminder of a wonderful gathering with friends and family.

4. Make it memorable
Offer one or two truly distinctive elements that get people excited and keep them talking about your party. Ideas include renting a Photo Booth to preserve all those fun faces or providing old-fashioned lawn games to fire up a competitive spirit.

5. Do it differently
Use your garden statuary as a stunning centerpiece or use your birdbath as a temporary wine chiller. Our Hospitality Pineapple is the age-old symbol of hospitality and our Ramp Douce Tortoise is inspired by the stone turtles at the terraced stairway at Biltmore. 

6. Take it outside
Make a statement by moving some of your favorite furniture pieces outside, like we've done with our Beverage Cart. It will really change the “landscape” of your yard or garden and surprise your guests. Also, don’t limit yourself to paper and plastic just because you’re in the yard—enjoy your pretty serveware outside, too. 

7. Simple & Personal
To keep the party prep simple while still adding your personal touch, consider easy additions to something you pick up ready-made—like fresh fruit for the sorbet or crushed candy bars as an ice cream topping.

Here’s a summer party idea we love: turn plain iced tea into a refreshing Southern Raspberry Iced Tea!

Get the recipe here

Click here to discover more Biltmore For Your Home products.

 

Here's to a great party!

Every wedding is personal for Inn’s floral designers

We've been talking a lot about weddings lately. Mostly those that have happened in the distant past. Today we talk a bit about weddings that happen at Biltmore in the present tense.

Did you know that this year alone, more than 200 weddings are scheduled for venues across Biltmore? Jodee Mitchell, Floral Designer at the Inn, and her team will have their hands in some of those events.

“It’s so personal to us. We put a lot of emotion into it and want everything to be perfect. Many of the brides have been thinking about their perfect wedding since they were little girls, so it’s a huge, important day,” said Jodee.

By the time a large wedding takes place, Jodee and her team have been in touch regularly with the bride for months. The process usually begins with booking the venue, often a year out. Fall weddings are especially popular and venues book up fast for this gorgeous season.

Floral Designer Jill Rutherford said the initial meeting with the bride, and often her mother, is the most important. “We talk about décor, look at the venue, nail down the date, get a feel for budget, and listen to the bride’s ideas. We also offer our own ideas, things we know will suit the selected venue.”

A flurry of emails are traded after that first meeting; the team offers more ideas and sends photos. Many brides create Pinterest boards to exchange ideas. After the details are ironed out, the team and the bride hold a final meeting where the team presents a mock set-up.

Today’s décor is decidedly different from even a decade ago. Jill says many brides want more than flowers.

“We often create display pieces, use fabric draping, and order signage and rental furniture,” she said. “We’ve even decorated a candy table for the reception! And theme weddings are very popular now.  We always suggest that the bride selects a look that matches the venue to let it shine.”

Most of the actual set-up for both large and small weddings happens within a week.  Some of the preparation can include setting up frame systems to accommodate hanging items, creating arbors, putting the floral arrangements together, and painting things as needed. Jodee credits Biltmore’s engineering team for their professional and fast help. Everything that’s built must also be taken down, and she and her team do that too.

“When we are at the actual wedding and see the bride we feel so proud of the work we’ve done to make their day exactly what they wanted and really magical. We take pride into our work.  The whole team is equally excited about making each wedding look spectacular,” Jodee said.

Main photo: A recent reception, designed by the Inn's floral team. 

Tea-Time, Vanderbilt Style

Hot or iced? Cream or lemon? Black, green, herbal, white, spiced? Sugar, honey, or unsweetened? There are as many ways to enjoy tea as there are people who enjoy it!

The Vanderbilt family was no exception—they enjoyed tea themselves and served it to their guests, perhaps lingering over an afternoon tea outdoors on the Loggia in warmer weather, or by a crackling fire in fall and winter.

The tea service used by the Vanderbilts is currently on display in the Tapestry Gallery in Biltmore House—the lovely porcelain pieces were made in France around 1888 and feature fine floral detailing in heavenly shades of blue and gold on a crisp white background.

Time Travel With Tea

Elevate your tea time to new heights with our beautiful china serveware inspired by the original Vanderbilt set. The delicate gilding and rich colors highlight any occasion, adding an elegant note of old world charm to your table.

Hint: if you wonder what it was like to be a guest of the Vanderbilts, or are anticipating each new episode of this season’s Downton Abbey, let our Vanderbilt Tea Service help you time travel back to the Gilded Age simply by savoring a freshly brewed cup of tea!

Click here to view our Vanderbilt Service Collection.

Bubbles and Truffles for Valentine's Day

The Black Swan. Romeo and Juliet. Giselle. Some of the greatest love stories told through dance include iconic pairings of dancers, or “pas de deux,” a French ballet term meaning “steps of two,” in which two dancers perform together. In the same romantic tradition, we think Biltmore’s lively Pas de Deux sparkling wine sets the stage as a perfect go-to wine for Valentine’s Day entertaining.

Almost as sweet as your Valentine, Pas de Deux sparkling wine is perfect as an aperitif cocktail before dinner, or with desserts such as fresh fruit, cheesecake, or chocolate truffles. This wine could also serve as the perfect start to a night out with friends.

What to expect from this wine….Crafted in the classic Methode Champenoise, the lively bubbles offer a celebratory note, while its delicate sweet flavors and crisp finish are the perfect foil for the rich, creamy texture of chocolate confections and decadent Valentine’s Day fare.

Try one of these cocktail recipes along with the following easy chocolate truffle recipe this Valentine’s Day.

Pomegranate Pas de Deux Punch

Orange Pomegranate CocktailServes One
Ingredients:
• 1 ¼ ounces orange vodka
• 3/4 ounce triple sec
• 1 ounce pomegranate juice
• 1/2 ounce fresh-squeezed orange juice
• 2 ounces Biltmore Pas de Deux

Method:
Combine vodka, triple sec, pomegranate juice, and orange juice in a mixing glass over ice. Shake well and strain over ice in a tall glass. Top with Pas de Deux. Garnish with an orange wheel.

Sparkling Blackberry Punch

Biltmore Sparkling Blackberry Punch_v1Serves One
Ingredients:

• 1 ounce light rum
• ¾ ounce blackberry brandy
• 2 ounces cranberry juice
• 1 ounce simple syrup
• 1 ounce blackberry puree
• 3 ounces Biltmore Pas de Deux

Method:
Combine rum, brandy, cranberry juice, simple syrup and blackberry puree over ice in a mixing glass. Shake well and strain mixture over ice in a tall glass. Fill with Pas de Deux. Garnish with fresh blackberries and a mint sprig.

Decadent Biltmore Chocolate Truffles

Makes about 20 truffles.

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Cocoa powder or semi-sweet chocolate, as needed for the finish
• Optional additions: 2-3 tablespoons liqueur, roasted chopped nuts, chopped dried fruit, toasted coconut, fruit jam, peanut butter, sweet potato, caramel topping, chopped toffee or cookie pieces, extracts or flavorings.

Truffles and sparkling wineMethod:

To make the ganache, place chocolate into a bowl. Bring the cream to a boil and pour over the chocolate. Stir together until all is combined and chocolate is melted. Mix in any additions (see above for suggestions) to the ganache you desire. Let the ganache set and scoop into portions and place onto parchment or wax paper. Refrigerate for 10–15 minutes then take out and round into balls. Roll into cocoa powder or coat in semi-sweet chocolate and serve.

A sweetie for sweeties

Alicia Barger, the Inn’s pastry chef, had our mouths watering as she whipped up this guest favorite: Chocolate Cheesecake starring OREO® cookies! We talked her into sharing her recipe with us, which is a perfectly simple and absolutely delectable dessert for Valentine’s Day.

The recipe calls for a food processor to make the OREO crust. If you don’t have a food processor, Alicia has a trick:  Place the OREO cookies in a large sealable plastic bag. Press bag to remove excess air, then seal it. Use a rolling pin to crush cookies to form fine crumbs. Add the melted butter and squeeze the bag to evenly moisten the crumbs.

Inn on Biltmore Estate Chocolate Cheesecake

For Crust

3 tablespoons butter, melted

36 OREO cookies

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Place cookies in food processor until finely ground.

Add butter and mix until moistened.

Press crumb mixture onto bottom of 9” x 13” pan sprayed with cooking spray.

Bake at 350 for 10 minutes. Cool before filling.

 

For Filling

1 1/8 cups sugar

¼ tsp salt

3 tablespoons butter, melted

1 pound, 14 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature (just under four 8-ounce packages from your grocer’s dairy case)

1 cup sour cream

1 cup chocolate syrup

4 large eggs

¾ cups whipping cream

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.

Cream sugar, salt, and butter until light and fluffy.

Add cream cheese, scraping sides of bowl frequently.

Add sour cream and chocolate syrup. Scrape bowl well.

Add eggs and cream in increments, scraping well between additions.

Pour into cooled OREO crust-lined pan and bake for 1 hour. Test by lightly tapping on the top of the cake. It should be firm but slightly jiggly.

What's Cooking?

Belk Cookware Set

Looking for a thoughtful gift that will be used all the time? Our Biltmore chefs have partnered with Belk to create quality cookware to delight the culinarians in your life. From novice to experienced cook, this 13-piece set of cookware will help ensure professional quality results from the kitchen!

 

 

Shop the collection at Belk here.

New Year’s Eve: Turn up the Sparkle!

Your holiday table may not be as large as the one in the Banquet Hall of Biltmore House in Asheville, NC, but don’t let that stop you from creating a memorable and sparkly setting for your New Year’s Eve celebrations at home.

Banquet Hall table set for
Banquet Hall table set for “A Vanderbilt House Party” exhibition in 2019.

Our Biltmore Floral designers are experts in creating shine and polish for all types of events, but especially for New Year’s Eve celebrations around the table.

Here are six ideas for creating Biltmore-inspired decor for your New Year’s Eve celebrations:

  1. Take a look around your home to see what kinds of everyday objects you can transform into extraordinary elements. You’d be surprised by what you can do with what you already have, such as sparkling ornaments from your Christmas tree, candles, glass vases, and the like. Of course, if you come up short, a trip to the local crafts store may be necessary.
  2. Start with table linens to build a base for your centerpiece. Layer your linens, starting with a tablecloth; then add an overlay, and finish with a runner. Build texture by mixing solid colors, metallics, and elegant prints.
  3. If you don’t have them on hand, you can purchase oversized martini or Champagne glasses, or vases for the centerpiece. If room permits, use three different heights and add some tulips to each glass, letting them spill over the edge. Acrylic gems added to the water in the vases will create a sparkling effect.
  4. Another centerpiece idea is to use one or several clear glass vases that are varying in height and fill each vase with water pearls and LED submersible lights (available at any craft store). Metallic twigs in each vase will add extra sparkle to the table.
  5. Don’t forget candlelight! If you have room, use a variety of sizes: pillars, candlesticks, and votives. The more, the better! At the base of your vases and candles, add oversized gems or crystals to reflect the light. For a more whimsical look, add a variety of clocks so you can watch the countdown to the New Year.
  6. Most importantly, remember to have fun and don’t hold back on your creativity.
Detail look at decorative elements
Sparkling ornaments from your Christmas tree can be repurposed for creating a sparkling tablescape.

We hope these ideas from Biltmore’s floral experts help make your New Year’s decor and tablescapes sparkle!

Easy, Crowd-pleasing Appetizers

If you’re rushed for time, but want to pull together a last-minute gathering, these are the recipes for you. They’re short on prep time, but long on flavor. Pair them with our recommended wines and you have a splendid spread without the fuss.

Smoked Salmon Bruschetta | Kahlua-Pecan Brie | Spiced Nuts | Hot Crab & Scallion Dip | Pork Sausage Balls with Gruyere & Sage

 

Smoked Salmon Bruschetta

Serves 6

Ingredients:
• 1 good quality baguette
• 4 ounces Biltmore Smoked Salmon (found in Ingles and Food City)
• 1 ounce cream cheese
• 1 tablespoon. finely chopped red onion
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped capers
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 ounces dill Havarti cheese, grated

Method:
Heat oven to broil. Slice baguette on a diagonal into six ½ inch slices. Cut salmon on a diagonal into 6 thin slices. Blend together cream cheese, onions, and capers and set aside. Brush olive oil on one side of bread, arrange on a baking sheet oil side down and broil until it begins to brown, approximately 3–5 minutes.

Turn bread over, spread with cream cheese mixture, top with salmon slices, and sprinkle with shredded cheese. Return to broiler until cheese begins to melt, approximately 3–5 minutes. Can be prepared in advance and refrigerated.
Total time: 15 minutes.

Pair with Biltmore Estate Sparkling Blanc de Blancs.

 

Kahlua-Pecan Brie

Ingredients:
• 1 (15 ounce) round Brie
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 1/2 tablespoons Kahlua

Method:
Remove rind from the top of the cheese, cutting to within 1/2” of edge. Combine pecans, brown sugar and Kahlua; spread over cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 5 minutes or just until soft. Serve immediately with gingersnaps or apple slices.

Pair with
Biltmore Estate Sparkling Blanc de Blancs.

 

Spiced Nuts

Yields: 4 cups

Ingredients:
• 4 Cups Unsalted Assorted Nuts
• 4 Tbsp. Butter
• 6 Tbsp. Granulated Sugar
• 1 tsp. Kosher Salt
• 1/2 tsp. Cayenne Pepper
• 1/2 tsp Cinnamon
• 1 tbsp. Water

Method:
Heat nuts in a dry skillet until they begin to toast (about 4 minutes). Add butter and continue to cook until starting to brown. Add spices, sugar, water, and salt. Cook until sauce thickens and glazed (approx 5 minutes). Transfer to a foil lined baking sheet and separate with a fork. Let nuts stand until cooled and sugar has hardened (approx 15 minutes). Store in an airtight container until needed.

Pair with Biltmore Riesling or Biltmore Estate Sparkling Blanc de Blancs.

 

Hot Crab and Scallion Dip

Serves: 8–10

Ingredients:
• 8 oz. Softened Cream Cheese
• 6 oz. Lump Crab Meat (Picked ,reserving crab liquid)
• 1/4 cup Scallions (Chopped)
• 2 tsp.Lemon Juice
• 1/2 tsp. Worcestershire Sauce
• 1/4 tsp. Paprika
• 1/4 tsp. Kosher Salt

Method:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place all ingredients in a medium sized mixing bowl and mix together thoroughly with a rubber spatula. Place in an oven proof dish and bake until hot (approx 10 minutes). Serve warm with desired crackers.

Pair with Biltmore Sauvignon Blanc or Biltmore Estate Sparkling Blanc de Blancs.

 

Pork Sausage Balls with Gruyere and Sage

Yields: Approximately 30 Sausage Balls

Ingredients:
• 1 lb. Pork Breakfast Sausage (not links)
• 1/2 lb. Shredded Gruyere Cheese
• 1/2 lb. Shredded Sharp White Cheddar Cheese
• 2 Cups Bisquick
• 1/8 tsp. Ground Black Pepper
• 1/8 tsp. Red Pepper Flakes
• 1/2 tsp. Rubbed Sage

Method:
Preheat Oven to 350 degrees. Place all ingredients in a medium mixing bowl. Mix well with hands until all ingredients are incorporated. Form mixture into round walnut sized balls. Place on a greased sheet pan. Bake until golden brown and cooked through (approx. 12-15 minutes).

Pair with Biltmore Riesling or Biltmore Estate Sparkling Blanc de Blancs.

Backyard Cookout Menu

A Vanderbilt-Inspired Thanksgiving

George and Edith Vanderbilt were known for their hospitality at Biltmore House in Asheville, North Carolina. Of course, their holiday celebrations were no different and highlighted the ultimate in food and wine for their guests.

Treat your guests to a Vanderbilt-inspired Thanksgiving menu featuring recipes and suggested wine pairings from our winemaker.

Bring Out The Flavors of Your Feast with Biltmore Wines!

Set your Thanksgiving table with an assortment of Biltmore Wines
Set your Thanksgiving table with an assortment of Biltmore Wines

This special time deserves an equally special wine! Surprise and delight your guests by offering both a red and a white wine option to pair with your Vanderbilt-inspired Thanksgiving menu. Our winemaker recommends selecting our buttery, complex Chardonnay and our elegant and medium-bodied Pinot Noir to grace your holiday table.

For a delicious and festive option fit for a Vanderbilt, our Biltmore Estate Winemaker suggests choosing any of our Biltmore sparkling wines to complement your Thanksgiving meal from start to finish.

Vanderbilt-Inspired Recipes

George Vanderbilt’s Favorite Turkey and Cornbread Dressing
George Vanderbilt’s Favorite Turkey and Cornbread Dressing

Main Course: George Vanderbilt’s Favorite Turkey and Cornbread Dressing

Fun Fact: The creator of this recipe, Ellen Davis, came to Biltmore House from the community of Avery Creek in the spring of 1899 to work as a cook for the Vanderbilts. She fell in love with Thomas H. Johnson, a groomsman in the Stables, and they were married the following spring. This recipe was a favorite of George and Edith Vanderbilt’s, and it became a tradition for Ellen Johnson to prepare it for them each year.

Ingredients:

  • 20–25 pound turkey
  • Cornbread, prepared
  • 6 buttermilk biscuits, prepared
  • 1 dozen eggs, hard-boiled
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 1 cup chopped celery
  • 1/4 cup ground sage
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Method:

Rinse turkey and rub with salt inside and out.
Using a large boiler or cooker, place turkey in enough water to almost cover it (one gallon or more).
Heat to boiling point and cook on medium for about 2 1/2 hours or until breast is tender; use a ladle to baste broth over the breast meat to keep it moist.

For cornbread dressing:
Bake a large pan of cornbread using your favorite cornbread recipe.
Bake about six buttermilk biscuits using your favorite recipe, or purchase frozen biscuits and bake.
Peel eggs and chop or grate them into large mixing bowl. Add onions, celery, sage, salt and pepper. Crumble cornbread and biscuits into bowl.
When the turkey is done, pour turkey broth over the cornbread dressing until the desired consistency is reached. Mix well, using plenty of broth so that dressing will be moist and soft when done.

Place turkey in center of large baking pan. Spoon dressing into and around the turkey. Bake in 425ºF oven for about 45 minutes. If turkey browns too soon, cover with aluminum foil.

Side Dish: Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Dried Cranberries and Toasted Pumpkin Seeds

Ingredients:

  • 2 large sweet potatoes diced
  • 1 cup dried cranberries
  • 1 cup toasted pumpkin seeds
  • 1 tablespoon Shallots Minced
  • 1 teaspoon garlic minced
  • ½ tablespoon fresh sage
  • ¼ cup chicken stock
  • 1 tablespoon butter

Method:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Peel and dice the sweet potato into ½ inch pieces. Season with olive oil and salt and pepper. Spread on a parchment-lined baking tray. Place in oven and bake until the sweet potatoes start to turn golden brown and tender.
  • In a large skillet sauté the shallots and garlic in a tablespoon of olive oil, add pumpkins seeds and cranberries and cook one minute.
  • Add sweet potato and chicken stock to skillet, bring to a boil then add butter, remove from heat, stir until butter is melted.
  • Season with salt and pepper.

Side Dish: Haricot Vert (Green Beans)

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound haricot vert
  • Salt to taste
  • 7 tablespoons butter
  • Pepper to taste

Method:

  • Cut off the ends of the beans. Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil and add enough salt to taste like ocean water.
  • Add the beans and cook for 4 minutes or until done to taste. Drain and plunge into ice water. Drain and place on paper towels to absorb the moisture.
  • Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a sauté pan. Add the beans and sauté for 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter.
  • Cook until any liquid has evaporated and the beans are glazed; keep warm.

Side Dish: Creamed Corn

Ingredients:

  • 6 ears fresh corn
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped leek
  • 1 tablespoon chopped shallot
  • 1 teaspoon chopped garlic
  • 1/4 cup Biltmore Reserve Chardonnay
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
  • Salt and white pepper to taste

Method:

  • Cut the kernels from the cobs and discard the cobs.
  • Melt the butter in a heavy saucepan over medium heat. Add the leek, shallot and garlic and sauté for 2 minutes. Stir in the corn and cook until the corn is tender.
  • Add the wine, stirring up any of the mixture that has adhered to the bottom of the saucepan. Cook until the wine has evaporated.
  • Add the cream and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes or to the desired consistency, stirring occasionally.
  • Season with thyme, salt and pepper. Keep warm until ready to serve.

Dessert: Apple Tart

Ingredients for Pastry:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Ingredients for Streusel:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup butter, melted

Ingredients for Tart:

  • 4-5 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Ingredients for Garnish:

  • Sliced, dried figs
  • Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream

Method:

  • For pastry: combine butter, sugar, salt and vanilla in a mixing bowl. Cream together with a paddle attachment until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and scrape the sides of the bowl. Add the flour gradually, mixing until incorporated. Shape into a disk then wrap in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 2–8 hours.
  • For topping: mix flour and brown sugar in a small bowl. Add butter and work with fingers until smooth. Chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours.
  • For tart: preheat the oven to 350°F. Toss apples with sugar and spices in a bowl. Spray a tart pan with a removable bottom with nonstick cooking spray. Roll the pastry dough to 1/4 inch thick on a lightly floured surface and place in pan, pressing into bottom and trimming any excess dough. Spoon apple mixture into pastry and sprinkle with streusel topping. Bake for 25 to 35 minutes or until golden brown. Cool in pan on wire rack for 10 minutes. Remove to a serving plate and garnish with figs; serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.