The Ruth Pretty team went to the Karaka Yearling Sale in January -- not to buy any of the spectacularly beautiful young horses, but to help the prestigious Waikato Stud provide hospitality for its guests and prospective buyers. “Very few of our events last eight days. Waikato Stud hosted up...
Rachael and Andrew agreed they wanted a “relaxed family wedding that allowed us to spend quality time with all our guests, in a kid-friendly, accessible, and beautiful environment”. They chose the garden at Ruth and Paul Pretty’s Springfield. “It was the perfect solution: we definitely achieved our wish list with...
Everyone loves a birthday party, especially birthdays ending in 0. To celebrate his 40th, James and Morag wanted a relaxed event where friends and family could mingle easily, with interesting food and drinks, and room for music and dancing. Prefab Hall in Wellington, set up with bars and food stations,...
Living in London, Belinda and James chose to have their Wellington wedding between Christmas and New Year. “That was a convenient time for friends also living overseas to get time off work to come to New Zealand for our big day,” James explained. “Mostly it wasn't an issue finding suppliers...
“We’ve been to Springfield before for our Christmas staff get-together, and loved the combination of fantastic food, gorgeous garden setting and relaxed time together,” explained Kelly Haar, of Levin’s Queen Street Dental. “Last time we all made pizzas and loved it; this time our “party class” was based around food...
We are very proud to have these beautifully beaded baubles in the Kitchen Shop. Not only are they beautiful, but (as with food) knowing their story improves the experience. Made in South Africa, they were brought to New Zealand by Jane Rutledge from Palmerston North, during her time there with...
Everyone loves pies. This may be the biggest thing I have learned in catering. And it’s proven every November at Toast Martinborough, for 26 years. This year we are serving three pies (Thai Chicken Curry, Pulled Beef Short Rib and Swiss Cheese, and Roasted Vegetable and Blue Cheese), plus my...
When Jodi and Jonathan talk about their wedding you can see and hear their happiness. Their “low key, intimate and special wedding, surrounded by people we love” was held at their Wellington hillside home, with “an abundance of generous food and our favourite wines.” Even the weather came to the...
When 600 international pinot noir lovers and media celebrated the glories of their favourite grape in Wellington in early February, Ruth was focused on the food involved, in her role as Culinary Director. Paul supervised logistical support. “This was the sixth Pinot conference and my sixth time as Culinary Director....
