Sustainable Weddings & Events

Summers in Sun Valley, Idaho are a beautiful and magical time to visit, vacation and live in the Wood River Valley. The Big Wood River is flowing down from the Sawtooth Mountains and the hillsides are varying shades of green with wild flora and fauna. This beautiful landscape along with the thriving communities and top-notch catering and event services available make this a popular wedding and private event destination. Over the years we have been part of hundreds of special celebrations and gatherings in Ketchum, Hailey and beyond.

The topic of sustainability is the core of who we are. Rasberrys truly believes in being local and organic and sustainable whenever and wherever possible. Earth Day is everyday for us and we love to share with and collaborate on these practices with clients and businesses - as well as events.

Here are a few ways your next Sun Valley event can be sustainable:

1. Marry or gather in the great outdoors - Sun Valley has endless daylight in summer

2. Look for built-in decor and backdrops - think scenic backdrops, backyards, parks and botanical gardens

3. Bouquets & Flowers - seasonal blooms, grown locally and potted plants

4. Confetti - dried petals or leaves, fresh blooms, vintage bells

5. Opt for sustainable meals - Local, sustainable and seasonally sourced menus

6. Food waste - plated meals rather than buffets, caterers who compost waste

7. Welcome bags - locally sourced goods and products

8. Wedding registry - choose charities

9. Rentals - rent, not buy one-time use items

10. Vendors - book local vendors to minimize travel

11. Travel - group transport when possible

Rasberrys Holiday Party Planning Tips

The Holiday Season is a wonderful time of year when friends and family come together.  We love that many of you invite us into your homes to make these gatherings special.  In our 15 years of catering in Sun Valley, we have learned a thing or two about party planning.  Here are our tips to help make your events flawless.

1. Call Rasberrys! Dial 208-726-0606. See what we can do for you, then you can plan from there!
2. Rasberrys always has take and bake cookies on hand! Think how good the house will smell and no one will even know you "cheated"...
3. Housemade chips, salsa and guacamole are readily available and always a fave.
4. Make ahead...A simple plate with brie and Rasberry's chutney or jam with crackers, spiced popcorn or nuts with Rasberry's spice seasonings (think "everything bagel"), jalapeno ranch, classic ranch or green goddess.  Hummus and Rasberry's homemade pita, feta and mixed olives with olive oil, orange peel and z'aatar spice mix. --Remember it doesn't hurt to ask others to bring these items.  
5. Set the table with candles and pine cones or branches from outside or cuttings from a local florist.  Simple arrangements are easy and fun too--think single stems or just greens.
6. Ask others to bring their own wine/drinks
7. Do rent wine glasses and dishes if needed.  They are cheap and it saves the environment from plastic and not so many dishes to do.
8. Use a cooler filled with snow and put outside as storage for cold drinks.
9. Set up a playlist for music on your phone.  Keep it neutral.
10. Pre-arrange "DD" transportation to and from--think Uber, local shuttles or taxis...

Planning a Seasonally Fresh Party Menu

One of the reasons Rasberrys Catering does not create standard catering menus is because 1. every client is different and 2. we always use local, organic fresh and in-season whenever and wherever possible.  When you give Rasberrys creative freedom to just make good food, you will be amazed with the results.  Our food is fresh, flavorful and hearty. 

Here are some suggestions on ways to incorporate fresh seasonal produce in your party planning with (or without) Rasberrys Catering in Sun Valley.  Whether its a dinner for 8, rehearsal dinner, wedding or corporate summer picnic, a fresh menu always gets applause.

Winter Fruits & Vegetables

Beets, Pumpkins, Carrots, Shallots, Garlic, Spinach, Quince, Winter Squash, Winter Greens (in hoop house or boxes), Dandelion Greens, Jerusalem Artichoke, Potatoes, Kale, Dry Beans, Mache

Spring Fruits & Vegetables

Chard, Carrots, Radishes, Peas, Kale, Tarragon, Turnips, Lettuce, Chives, Spring Onions, Bok Choy, Beets, Rhubarb, Mache, Strawberries, Arugula, Spinach

Summer Fruits & Vegetables

Eggplant, Peppers, Onions, Arugula, New Potatoes, Rhubarb, Peas, Green Garlic, Asparagus, Cilantro, Apples, Bok Choy, Corn, Apricots, Blackberries, Garlic, Carrots, Plum Cots, Summer Squash, Nectarines, Beets, Cucumbers, Lettuce, Peaches, Tomatoes, Pears, Blueberries, Favas, Basil, Raspberries, Strawberries

Fall Fruits & Vegetables

Pears, Melon, Tomatoes, Tomatillos, Blackberries, Apples, Strawberries, Plums, Peaches, Corn, Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Basil, Radish, Bok Choy, Potatoes, Eggplant, Dill, Summer Squash, Lettuce, Beans, Turnips, Beets, Kale, Chard, Peppers, Leeks, Winter Squash, Cilantro

Source: Edible Idaho