"Til death do we part" are words we sometimes think may come before we ever make it to the alter.

Planning a wedding can be very stressful.  Not only do you have to deal with wedding attire, flowers, baker, photographer and decorating but the reception.

For some their budget just doesn't allow for a caterer, but don't fret!  You can still have a magical day with a little help from friends and family.

Fruit is the most popular food served at a wedding reception because it is refreshing and the colors just pop.

A wonderful thing about using fruit is after removing the fruit you can use the rind as your serving dish.

 Take a simple cantaloupe, use a melon scoop to remove the fruit, then carve the rind into a serving dish.

Add the fruit back and voila you have a beautiful display not to mention easy clean up.

 You can even fill the carved rind with dip. All you need is a sharp knife and a little time.

In the picture, I cut a fourth of the cantaloupe and removed the fruit with a melon scoop. I repeated on the other side to create a basket shape. Then I cut "V" shapes along the entire surface of the rind. I filled the “fruit basket” with melon, strawberries and grapes. If you are adventurous you can do the same with watermelon or build your display around several “baskets.”

Then sit back and enjoy the compliments you will get from your hard work.

Glass Slipper Events

256-449-2946

By Darlene Bailey

Darlene Bailey of Woodland is the owner of Glass Slipper Events. She began writing for Lake Wedowee Life in February 2008. She does event planning and created this regular column to offer easy and simple entertaining ideas.