Reggie Sent on 08/27/2025

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Top Top Recommendation!

Sophia, Taylor and Paige show up on wedding day! Well actually, they were perfect from our initial request to curate a full Mediterranean menu all the way through the big day, but WOW did we receive compliments after the wedding.

We really couldn’t give them a higher review; they over-delivered on our full custom menu request, a stress free tasting/ selection process, on-point staff, fresh and delicious wedding day food, a cold stocked bar and it was all at a fair rate. I can’t imagine this team ever going wrong, when working with them you will quickly realize they all care deeply to execute at the highest level. They delivered us a totally perfect experience and I was very picky in looking for a fresh herb packed menu.

We will most definitely be calling on Ivy’s for future catering needs, they have our highest recommendation. If you’re debating who to hire for your catering event, just reach out to the Ivy’s team and you’ll quickly realize the quality of team, service and most importantly food that comes from this group!

Miranda Sent on 11/01/2024

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Simply 10/10

Ivy catered my wedding and from start (about a year and half ago) to finish, she was there every step of the way. I truly appreciate her and Sophia’s amazing hospitality and willingness to meet our needs. Prior to the wedding, she held a private tasting for us and helped recommend us to the best pie shop!! Shoutout to Zest Pastry Shop! Day of, I heard from lots of guests how kind the caterers are and how attentive they were! I also got rave reviews for the food- I still dream about the salmon and the pilaf! I also did late night hors d’ouevres and my guests were so excited and surprised by them!!Some said it was the highlight of their night! On top of the amazing food, the drinks were also great- we loved our special signature drinks. Special thank you to Ivy for making my night awesome! If you want an extremely personable vendor and delicious food, I can promise you Ivy and Ivy’s Simply Homemade is the person to go to!

Griffin Sent on 10/01/2024

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Perfection!

Every guest at our wedding said "BEST WEDDING EVER" and we owe it to Ivy's.

Sarah Sent on 07/31/2024

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Shirshac/Calzaretta Wedding 7/19/24

I cannot say enough good things about Ivy and her team. Ivy, Sophia, Robin, the entire weight staff were amazing. From day one Sophia and Ivy were super responsive to emails and calls, kept me updated at all times, helped facilitate issues I was having with the venue, and really made the night incredible.
The food and drinks were amazing; I saw some of my guests go up for seconds to the buffet.

Really a wonderful team and wonderful food. I am so thankful to have worked with them on my special day.

Paul Sent on 02/13/2024

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Pizza Truck at Harkness is possible!

We reached out to the approved caterers on the list and told them we wanted a pizza truck. Four of the five caterers said it's not possible but Ivy said, "let me see how I can make this work!" And that she did! We weren't able to go out to the truck, but they brought it to us and displayed it beautifully. Just as Ivy promised it wasn't just put on the table. I will admit I was very apprehensive about the price for "pizza" but Ivy's kept impressing us with each detail. They handled all the details from floor plan to timeline and so much more. Knowing what I know now, it's Ivy's all the way!

Vivian Sent on 01/31/2024

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Taking all the stress off our shoulders

Planning our wedding from California was a bit of an undertaking. Ivy and her team were right there with all the details and answers. Although we weren't able to try the food until the month before our wedding, we felt confident form early on we made the right decision. The week of the weather looked really bad and Sophia walked us through our options and what would work to ensure our vision was perfect. Guess what, perfect weather but they stepped up once again to make us comfortable. Yes, the food was amazing, plentiful and presented beautifully, but we expected that from our caterer. It truly was all the other details that made Ivy's Simply Homemade, in our opinion, the best! Thank you Ivy, Sophia and Robin for being amazing!

Brittany Sent on 03/01/2023

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Catered our wedding

OH MY GOD! Everything about Ivy & her team were amazing. Thank you isn't enough for what they have done. We made some requests to make our wedding run smoothly & exceeded our expectations. Ivy, Mary & Robin y'all are the real MVP's. Our guests STILL talk about how great the food was. Everything went exactly how we imagined. Also being the bride & groom we DID in fact eat. Amazing Service, HIGHLY recommend!

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Theresa Sent on 07/29/2022

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Every aspect of the catering experience greatly exceeded our expectations.

We could not have been more pleased with the catering that Ivy's did for our daughter's wedding. The Ivy's team was creative, flexible, enthusiastic, open minded and executed every detail and menu item flawlessly. The couple chose a stations format reflecting their travels as a couple - the menu included Sicilian, Moroccan and Spanish choices. The guests raved about the food - remarking that the food - which often is a lull in the event - was one of the best parts of the reception. The team was willing to work to develop choices that they had the couple sample and then choose. Fun and creative - Bravo! (**also- reasonable.)

E. Banever Sent on 01/13/2022

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Will always Recommend Ivy's Simply Homemade HIGHLY

Ivy, Karen and the whole ISH team were just exceptional leading up to and on our special day! My husband and I got married on the water in mid November and a lot of our plans changed during the hours leading up to the ceremony (which was supposed to take place outside). Sleet, wind, rain and even tornados(!!!) touched down in Groton, Connecticut and the venue/estate lost power and moved to a generator but Karen and the team helped get the ceremony moved inside and keep guests (and me!) calm and plans moving right along. Please see their Facebook page for more details on that wild evening! All of the food was delicious (seriously guests couldn't stop telling us that night and the next day) and everything we did get to taste was exactly what we had envisioned only better. From everything to the assorted spiced bar nuts to the scallop stuffed sole entre- I mean EVERYTHING was delicious! As the bride I was even staffed with someone from the team to bring me snacks and water on the day of. I can't give enough praise to this team, to Karen and to Ivy, who really made the best out of the weather that evening and made our wedding dreams a complete reality. If you have a wedding or special event coming up, do yourselves a service and reach out to them!!

Kaitlyn Sent on 12/24/2021

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Perfection

Detail oriented, delicious. I would choose Ivy’s again and again. Having a caterer and coordinator all wrapped into one made my planning so much easier. Karen helped me every step of the way. Guests were blown away!

Sarah Sent on 10/28/2021

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Perfection!

It is almost impossible to articulate how amazing the people are at Ivy’s, and how absolutely fantastic the food is. The number one compliment I received at my wedding was how amazing the food was! Now a month later, people are still coming to me saying they are still dreaming about the dinner (and to be honest so am I). Every single dish was absolutely impeccable, and the service was truly unmatched. Outside of the incredible food by Ivy and the service, Karen and Sophia really made the whole wedding planning process extremely seamless. They were so on top of every single detail it made me feel like they truly cared! They thought of little things I missed, and really made sure everything went smoothly before, during, and after the wedding. Especially in the uncertain times with COVID, they made me feel relaxed and remained flexible which made the process so much less stressful. Additionally, I have a lot of people with allergies and dietary restrictions in my family and they truly went above and beyond to make sure everyone had a meal they enjoyed! I honestly could write ten pages about why I love Ivy’s but if I could sum it up into one sentence- just book them, you will be glad you did (and please invite me so I can eat their food again)!!

Samantha Sent on 10/16/2021

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Love the Ivy's Team - Highly Recommend!

From the start, the Ivy's Team helped us plan the perfect wedding. The entire team (especially Sophia, Karen, and Ivy) were super-helpful and knowledgeable about even the smallest details. They were always quick to respond to our numerous emails, calls, and miscellaneous questions that we sent their way. They offered great suggestions about how to make the day extra special, and went above and beyond to plan a meal that exceeded our expectations. We requested a plant-based meal, and Ivy and her team created the perfect menu for us. We weren't able to do our tasting in person, but Ivy's arranged a special tasting for our parents, which we were able to attend via zoom, and still get live feedback. It was much appreciated. On the wedding day, they went above and beyond by coordinating everything from setup, to the ceremony, to all the important milestones throughout the evening. Everyone who helped on the night of the wedding was friendly, and responsive, and really made the night special. Thank you Ivy's Team! - Sam & John

Barbara Sent on 09/19/2021

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Fantastic caterer!

My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed working with Ivy, Sophia and Karen! They were all extremely kind and professional throughout our entire wedding planning process. They were very accommodating and understanding with our menu changes and helped to organize so many logistical and day-of details. Our guests raved about the food, especially the mashed potatoes & salmon! Everything from apps to the buffet to the desert was displayed beautifully. We are so happy we chose Ivy's as our caterer and could not be more impressed with their services!

Julian Sent on 09/18/2021

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Simply amazing!

Ivy's catering company is simply amazing.
Not only you get great food, but you also get a company that helps you organize and plan your wedding.
Ivy and Karen are great duo.
Ivy's cooking is delicious. She is a great chef who personalizes the menu to your needs and taste. She cooks for you; she is not pushy, very open minded and flexible.
Karen is the wedding planner that you need. She goes above and beyond for your needs. She investigates, keeps you on the loop, and one of the most considerate wedding planners.
We could not ask for a better catering company. They took good care of us.

Paige Sent on 09/07/2021

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The ONLY Catering Company you need!

Ivy, Karen, and the staff made my stressful wedding so much less stressful and a beautiful day to remember. Early on I told them I was allergic to dairy but not to worry about me, I would just eat the food that didn’t have dairy. They STILL made sure to make me a special plate of their DELICIOUS French toast bake without the cream cheese. About a month before my wedding my cake maker backed out on me and Ivy’s was there to give me multiple recommendations and even reached out to places for me. They were the only people that made sure I ate and drank and helped get everything into my car at the end of the wedding. The entire staff went above and beyond what they had to do as a catering company and I will never forget the support they provided me. Everyone at my wedding raved about the food as unforgettable and some of the best food they’ve ever had at a wedding. I cannot say enough kind words about Ivy’s Catering and I recommend them to everyone having an event!

Alexa Sent on 08/25/2021

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We love Ivy’s!

Ivy’s catered my wedding at Harkness State Park this summer- Sophia and Ivy were extremely helpful, attentive, and flexible with the menu and guest list as covid regulations were changing every few months. They helped us with every detail to create a personalized menu and bar and went above and beyond to help with day-of coordination including decor and organizing other vendors. Multiple guests told us it was the “best wedding food” they’d ever had. We can’t recommend Ivy’s enough!

Ashley Sent on 07/10/2021

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Ivy's Made Our Wedding Amazing!

A HUGE thank you to Ivy and Sophia and the team for making our wedding at Harkness Memorial state park incredibly special!! They initially caught our eye because they were able to make lobster roll appetizers for our March wedding. But we quickly realized they were more than just amazing lobster rolls! From the initial phone call to the day of, their services were so reassuring, flexible, attentive to detail, kind, organized, professional, especially as we were planning during COVID. Their familiarity and long-time relationship with the Harkness mansion made creating the layout so easy and they were part of the takedown and set up of tables, chairs, etc. They were even able to serve a special beer my dad made. The food platter and drinks for the bridal suite were a nice touch! We're still thinking about the food and our guests are still talking about it!

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Ashley Sent on 05/25/2021

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Simply the best!

Ivy and Karen helped to make our wedding the best day of our lives! Their attention to detail and passion makes you feel like your day is truly just as special to them as it is to you. Not to mention their consistent and thorough communication, guest-centered high quality customer service, and wonderful personalities made this experience a breeze. As if their incredible service wasn’t enough, the quality of the food cannot be beat. Ivy’s creativity with our menu won us and our guests over. I couldn’t imagine having anyone else for our wedding, they are truly the best there is, and we HIGHLY recommend Ivy’s for your special day!

Katie Sent on 11/01/2020

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Simply the best!

Ivy and her team are absolutely top notch. We came to them for drop-off catering for a small backyard wedding after the pandemic caused us to change our original plans, and they went absolutely above and beyond to make our little wedding fantastic. Several guests told me that it was the best wedding food they ever had, but Ivy’s went well beyond just providing amazing food!

Sophia turned our vague ideas during the consultation into our dream menu. We were very concerned about making our wedding as safe as possible for our guests, and Sophia and Ivy had very innovative ideas for individually packaging food in a way that still looked cute for a wedding and not just utilitarian. They put together a lovely tasting for us, including cupcake options upon my request. When Sophia wasn’t feeling well, Ivy (the owner) stepped in to run the tasting for us and was so friendly and helpful. She gave us tips for linens and rentals as we cobbled together our new wedding plan in the course of two months.

Sophia was incredibly organized and gave us far more attention and care than I would have expected for such a small wedding. I was able to just relax and trust her and the team completely because she was on top of every single little detail, including ones I didn’t even think of. She sent a fantastic setup team to do all of our linens and decor for us as well as set up the food, and they made it more beautiful than I ever could have dreamed.

Every single person we interacted with from Ivy’s was just a total pro and so friendly; we couldn’t have been more delighted to work with them. This is a hard-working team that will make your wedding run absolutely flawlessly and give your guests amazing food. I can’t recommend them highly enough!

User5419957 Sent on 10/30/2020

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Something Special about Ivys!

There are many caterers available who provide exceptional food, but to provide exceptional food and service with passion and pride is what sets Ivy’s Simply Homeade apart. I started following Ivy’s on Instagram this past year as I was looking to plan an event . As an owner, her community support, weekly menu updates , and Covid safety tips really made me comfortable. Ivy’s passion is apparent and she really cares so much about her business and customers. I also was at a small birthday celebration that was personally catered by Ivy . The event was more than memorable! I can assure you my choice will be Ivys for our event and highly recommend Ivy , her team and their talent !

Kate Sent on 10/17/2020

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Absolutely Amazing!

We booked Ivy’s to cater our October 2020 wedding a few months before COVID hit. As you can expect, our wedding plans changed a few times but working with Sophia alleviated any concerns/worries we had. We were originally getting married at the Eolia Mansion in Waterford with 90 guests. We had to scale back to 30 and moved the wedding to my in-laws back yard. Sophia worked with us to manage all of the rentals and reworked our entire menu to ensure we still had the food we imagined served in a safe way. Sophia made it easy for us to not worry or stress as she thought and considered every single detail. When we arrived at our reception everything was perfectly set up, the amazing staff greeted us with drinks and food and we got to enjoy our evening. The passed appetizers were absolutely incredible - my siblings are still talking about them a week later! We had a beautiful plated dinner that came out to all of the guests hot and beautifully plated. Sophia also managed all of our dessert options and worked with Zest to coordinate a cutting cake and cupcakes. They cleaned everything up after the fact and it looked like they were never there. Planning a wedding during covid was stressful but having Sophia made the entire process much more enjoyable. We also got lunch from Ivy’s for the day of which I would also recommend. The entire experience was amazing - I will never use another caterer! Thank you Sophia, Ivy and team!

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Miles Sent on 10/05/2020

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Ivy's was Perfect!

Ivy's was amazing during our whole planning process. From the initial discussion on what our expectations were through the wedding day, Ivy and Karen were fantastic. They created the menu we wanted, they kept open communications throughout the whole process, they managed the ever-changing Covid rules including changes made less than a week before the wedding, and they handled our day with both professionalism and personal touches, making us feel completely taken care of. Oh, and did I mention the food was absolutely delicious?! Thank you so much Ivy and Karen for everything you did for us!

Miles and Leslie

Amanda Sent on 09/28/2020

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Amanda Terenzi- Salem Herb Farm Wedding 09.18.2020

I have nothing but positive comments on how incredible of a job Ivy's did with catering my wedding. Everything from the schedule to the professionalism as well as friendliness and to the food was as perfect as my now husband and I could have imagined. Karen's consistent and always positive communication, even in midst of covid was exceptional. She shared any updates they had with us as soon as they knew, and helped us stay positive. She was such a pleasure to work with. I was also so happy to have Ivy directing the bridal party and my Dad and I on when to walk down the aisle the day of. Overall, the experience with them was nothing but perfect and what we hoped for. They truly showed that they were invested in and cared about our special day.

Lisa Sent on 09/22/2020

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Can’t imagine a better caterer!

Ivy’s is everything you could want in a wedding caterer, and so much more.
Karen helped us create a menu that was right for us with many different options to choose from. From the starters to the main courses to the cake everything was absolutely delicious and all the servers were friendly and courteous. Ivy and Karen dealt with the many challenges of Covid with ingenuity, professionalism, and always with understanding and kindness. It gave me much needed peace of mind knowing they were there to help things run smoothly on my daughters wedding day. Forever grateful!

Mackenzie Sent on 08/17/2020

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Ivy's Catering Saved Our Wedding

Ivy and Sophia made everything on the day of our wedding EASY and gorgeous. It felt like a fairy tale, they understood exactly what we wanted and had it all taken care of before we even arrived to our wedding venue. Our rehearsal dinner vendors and lodging had been a true nightmare and Sophia rescued our day. Not only was everything visually as we hoped it would be but Ivy's Catering truly took care of us and made us feel like royalty all night long on our wedding night. They had an attendant just for us who constantly kept an eye on our drinks and our food situation - we got to just be in the moment and present for our guests and Sophia's team did the rest. It felt like we were guests at our own dream wedding. I cannot speak highly enough of the Ivy's Catering team.

Jc Kates Sent on 02/17/2020

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Remarkable!

We had our wedding September 2019, Ivy and her team made our wedding so memorable. From planning with Karen, food tasting with Ivy to our wedding day with the whole team. The food was delicious and creative! My husband and I loved it and our guests enjoyed it as well.

They are more than just a catering vendor. Karen helped us coordinate, she gave us a lot of advice and suggestions while planning our wedding in general. She made sure our vegan/vegetarian guests have options for appetizers and made sure we eat during the reception (very important lol). She was very nice and understanding, very attentive to detail and most of all she genuinely wanted to help to make sure we had the best day.

Overall, our experience was amazing. Outstanding food and service. We had bumps during our wedding planning and they were very flexible and helped us out as much as they can. We definitely recommend them, you will not be disappointed!

Best,
Jc Kates Sansone

Lindsay Sent on 01/03/2020

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Wedding 11/2/2019

I could not be happier that I chose Ivy's Simply Homemade to cater my wedding! From the very first time we spoke, the women at Ivy's were incredibly attentive and kind. They made planning my wedding a breeze even though we had to do most of the planning virtually as I live out-of-state! In addition to their amazing help with planning, the food and service at my wedding was absolutely fantastic! All of my guests raved about Ivy's and I would highly recommend them to everyone!

Maureen Sent on 10/15/2019

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Absolutely Perfect!

I can't say enough about our wonderdul experience with Ivy's Simply Homemade. From start to finish their attention to detail, coordination and professionalism was outstanding. Ivy and her staff worked with us on our catering needs, but also as a coordinator with our venue and other wedding vendors. The food was outstanding from the appetizers, to entrees and desserts. Attention to every detail prior to the wedding and flexibility with changes was on point. The day of the wedding everything fell into place perfectly, with Sophia and her team working effortless behind the scenes to ensure perfection. Fantastic food, and a friendly and professional staff that will surely make your event one to remember!

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Anne Sent on 10/14/2019

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Perfect Evening

My experience with Ivy's Catering for my son's Rehearsal Dinner, was phenomenal! Karen, who coordinated the event, was a great listener, professional, knowledgeable and flexible. The night of our rehearsal dinner, Karen and Ivy were there, and they, along with their wonderful staff, produced a flawless dinner experience...and the food was SO GOOD!!! Everything was presented beautifully, and tasted incredible. I would highly recommend Ivy's Simply Homemade to anyone who wants excellent quality food, matched with professional and friendly service. Thank you to Ivy and Karen!

Kathy Sent on 10/02/2019

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Wedding on 9/14/19

Ivys was amazing. We had a small outdoor reception at my son's home around the pool. Karen and her staff were amazing from the time we sat down with her to plan. We interviewed 3 other caterers and they were hands down the best. We had so many comments about the food. The french onion bites were to die for! Actually everything we had was awesome. they went above and beyond. We had borrowed a popcorn maker and they even got it started with the first batch so when guests arrived ahead of us there was fresh popped corn. I also called Karen or emailed her with sooooo many questions and she was always prompt and helpful. I am so glad we went with them and you will not be disappointed.

Sally Sent on 09/29/2019

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Fantastic food and customer service

Ivy's did a fantastic job with our wedding. We worked closely with Karen throughout the entire planning process and she was always incredibly responsive. I really appreciated how much she listened to what was important to us, and then worked with us to create a custom menu and bar selection. Ivy's was also incredibly attentive to detail and special requests, including making a different salad for the groom and providing special desserts for our guests with food allergies. And of course, the quality of the food was excellent. So, so many of our guests went out of their way to tell us how much they enjoyed the food. If you're looking for high quality food, great service, excellent value, and a customized experience, Ivy's is your place.

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Ramona Sent on 09/08/2019

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Everything we wanted and more

Working with Ivy's was a dream from start to finish. From my first conversation with Sophia, who was our point person throughout, I knew we were in good hands. She was always super prompt to answer emails throughout the planning process, and was extremely clear and flexible about our budget and menu. I loved that she handled the food, drink, dessert, and day-of coordination—it was so simple to have all this handled by the same person. And the food was AMAZING!! We had a non-traditional buffet with lots of fresh, local salad options, chicken kebobs with multiple sauces, salmon sliders, and a poutine bar. Our guests couldn't stop raving about it. Truly, I can't recommend Sophia, Ivy, and the whole team more highly.

Emily Sent on 08/28/2019

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Thank you, Ivy's!

We first started talking with caterers about seven months before our wedding. From the very first time we got on the phone with Sophia (the event coordinator at Ivy's), we were thrilled at how thoughtful and professional she was. Ivy's did so much to make our day run smoothly - they did all the table setup and breakdown, transported and set up our cake, and took care of a lot of day-of coordination, all included in the price of the package. So even though the catering was a little more expensive than we had originally been planning, it was well worth the money. All during the process, Ivy's worked with us to determine which things were most important to us (availability of meat? hot food? glass dishes?) and to cut costs on the parts that weren't. It was really important to us to be able to serve good food to all of our guests, including those with severe allergies and other food restrictions, and Ivy's was up for the task in a way that most other caterers we talked with were not. Everyone we talked with was friendly, professional, and down-to-earth. I was so thrilled to be able to share our day with such a good group of people, and to know that our money is supporting a great local woman-owned business. And, of course, the food was amazing! :D

Martha Sent on 08/26/2019

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Wonderful catering company

Ivy's worked with me within my budget for a welcome party/rehearsal dinner. They are wonderful, very pleasant to work with, professional and the food was great!

Mary Sent on 08/05/2019

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Fantastic!

Ivy’s Simply Homemade Catering did a fantastic job for my Summer Wedding!! From Start to Finish... Ivy, Karen and their team were extremely helpful, responsive, flexible and knowledgeable with regards to our Catering experience. They even helped with planning and set up... far beyond my expectations. My guests all said the food was delicious!! My MAN OF HONOR... a highly experienced bar and restaurant manager and tough critic... said it was FANTASTIC! Full Marks for Karen, Ivy and the team!! Thank you all very much, it was the best night of our lives!!

Sincerely,
Mr & Mrs Hernandez

Lisa Sent on 07/29/2019

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Delicious food guests keep raving about!

Ivy's Simply Homemade delivered an exquisite dinner for our vow renewal celebration in July, 2019. From the beginning, Ivy's team was so helpful and flexible in their food suggestions, as we had several dietary requirements; vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free. Their motto? "No problem!" This is exactly what any person wants to hear while planning a very special event. The food was incredible, and our guests are still talking about it! Kathy delivered the food and set it up so when we returned from the church, we could begin eating right away. I would HIGHLY recommend Ivy's Catering for any event!

Justin Sent on 07/03/2019

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The Perfect Day

We could have not asked for a more perfect day. That was due in no small part to the level of care and attention to detail you, Ivy, and the entire team provided.

Thank you so much for all the time, patience, and love you put into our wedding day. We cannot imagine anyone doing a better job.

Again, Ivy's was the perfect choice so such a perfect day.

Rebecca Sent on 06/17/2019

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Wedding in Mystic CT at the Mystic Museum of Art

Thank you Ivy’s for creating the most wonderful & enjoyable atmosphere for our guests at our wedding at the Mystic Museum of Art!
It was truly magical, every single detail from our ceremony, to cocktail hour , to the reception !
You were incredible to organize & plan with. Thank you Karen & Ivy !

True Professionals
Absolutely the best choice !
Thoughtful, attentive to every detail & lovely!!!!!

Bob Sent on 03/25/2019

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Ivy's - Superb in Every Respect

We've used Ivy's for three major events - and they have delivered a first-class experience every time. Our guests constantly asked for their phone number or card.

Blaze Sent on 10/24/2018

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Simply amazing!

Ivy's Homemade was everything we were looking for in a catering company. After looking into several local catering company's we knew hands down Ivys fit our budget, menu dreams and needs. Ivy, Sophia, Brook and all the team members were able to help us put together a wonderful, delicious menu for all 3 of our events. We used Ivy's for our wedding weekend including rehearsal dinner, brunch and reception! Its almost a month later and we have family and friends still commenting on how good it was. We couldn't have asked for better service, food, organization and helpful friendly faces!
P.s. We also love to stop in to the shop on a busy night to grab a pre-made meal to go and pop in the oven.

Holly Sent on 10/19/2018

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Best Caterer!

The whole team at Ivy's is wonderful. They are responsive, helpful, and kind. I worked closely with Karen who always took my phone calls and answered emails with kindness and thoughtfulness. My husband and I planned most of our wedding, but Karen and the Ivy's team helped bring everything together. They are more than a caterer!

The custom menu was so unique and excited us. No other vendor was willing to work with us on such a personal level. We received so many compliments from guests about the food, which paired well with our fall wedding and venue. We also told Ivy's that we did not want the traditional wedding cake, they worked with a local vendor to supply pies, which again, our guests loved.

There were menu customizations, tastings, checklists, and walkthroughs all provided before the wedding day. On the day of our wedding, the staff at Ivy's helped organize and direct our guests, they were attendant to my family and wedding party and always made sure we had what we needed. I would highly recommend Ivy's Simply Homemade and if I have another party/event to plan, I'd love to partner with them again.

Brian Sent on 10/03/2018

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Any wedding, independent of venue or size, requires a catering service that is highly skilled, efficient and able to give exceptional quality. Ivy , Karen and the entire team, from the early planning stage through completion, gave us a wonderful experience. We give them all our highest praise. Brian and Pam, parents of the bride

Marissa Sent on 09/02/2018

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My husband and I couldn’t be more thrilled with the exceptional service we received from Ivy’s catering! From start to finish, Ivy, Sophia, and staff, exceeded all our expectations! As many of you know, it can be very overwhelming planning a wedding on your own. Upon initial consultation, we felt very comfortable with their approach, attention to detail, and overall business structure. They were attentive to our needs and went out of their way to help us overcome any hurdle that was placed in our path. Communication was fluent and precise. Additionally, check-ins were frequent and informative, providing us with all the resources needed to make decisions we felt confident in regarding our special day. We had a blast at our tasting experience which allowed us to narrow down our selection from an impressive menu! Throughout the process, they were patient and understanding. Since we already had an idea for what we wanted for our cake, finalizing that decision was easy as Ivy’s was able to accommodate our vision beautifully. As for the big day, Ivy’s staff coordination was professionally and seamlessly orchestrated. Who needs a wedding planner when you have Ivy’s?! Ivy even helped coordinate the line-up at the ceremony itself. Our guests are still talking about the amazing food and impressive staff from our wedding. We are truly grateful and can’t say enough about our wonderful experience! There is zero reason to look for another caterer as you will not find better! We absolutely recommend Ivy’s for any catering event and would hire them again in a heartbeat for future catered occasions!

+8 photos

Deborah Sent on 08/05/2018

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We could not have had a more amazing experience with Ivy’s. They catered our wedding at the Mystic Museum of Art.

Karen, the catering manager, was warm, professional, listened to our ideas, and offered great suggestions. Each time we made an adjustment, Karen responded immediately. Her knowledge and expertise helped us plan a wonderful evening.

We met Ivy and she exuded genuine enthusiasm for our wedding. She prepared menu options and served them to us. During the tasting, Ivy listened to our feedback and tweaked some of the ingredients to better meet our tastes. Ivy also created additional options for us to sample and made arrangements to cater to gluten-free guests as well.

The food was amazing. The servers were professional and friendly. Our guests raved about the passed horderves, harvest table filled with cheeses, raw bar, and delicious sliced beef tenderloin. And to top off the evening party, the desserts Ivy prepared were decadently delicious.

Ivy’s Simply Homemade treated us like family and helped make our wedding and party even more memorable. We give them our highest recommendation.

Tawny Sent on 07/22/2018

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While I naturally consider my new husband a match in heaven, Ivy’s was one, too! From the beginning, by being friendly, professional and flexible, Ivy’s wowed us all the way! Especially with their menu customized to our favorite foods, which blew all our guests away. We couldn’t ask for a better caterer, to be honest!

Ally Sent on 07/17/2018

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Everyone at Ivy's was absolutely amazing throughout the entire planning process, right through the day of the wedding. We had a tented backyard wedding and it rained cats and dogs but the team from Ivy's were still on top of every little detail. They were literally sloshing through the mud to make sure that everything was done to perfection. Our guests were not only raving about the food but also about how helpful Karen and her team were on the day of the wedding. Hiring them to cater our wedding was hands down the best decision we could have made! It felt like we were working with family the entire time. I am so glad we chose Ivy's! They really go out of their way to make sure that the food and the service are perfect.

Eleanor Sent on 07/05/2018

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Ivy's was amazing! From start to finish.
Karen was helpful and timely during the beginning stages of my search for the perfect caterer.

A few weeks before my wedding she would email me to check in to be sure I didn't need anything and would also remind of things that a did need.

The day of the wedding the Ivy staff was professional, helpful and on the ball and last but not least the food was absolutely delicious!

Definite 5 stars!

Kevin Sent on 04/16/2018

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Excellent food, stress free, super accommodating! Overall an excellent experience for our wedding!

Kaitlyn Sent on 03/19/2018

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When planning my wedding I was also finishing my final semester as a full time student. It was an overwhelming experience. Ivy's Simply Homemade is the perfect catering company! Sophia was so professional, friendly, attentive. I would have drastically different ideas of food and even if they were not in my budget she would still send me estimates for whatever I had asked for, trying to work in my budget as best as possible. Some of my guest had dietary restrictions and they were more than accommodating. There was someone who has celiac and another who was vegan gluten free and not only did they prepare them something special but made sure they knew their name and where they sat to give them their dish. Both approached me in shock for their accommodations. Sophia was also very helpful in the rentals, how much of something and which contacts to make. When I arrived early she was helping me unload and set everything up with her staff while I finished getting ready. There were never empty cups and the catering staff were super friendly! If I ever need an event catered this would be my go to! Or if I am ever passing by I will stop in for a quick to go!

Joey Sent on 03/18/2018

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We got married in September. Ivy’s helped us to put together a menu with great autumn flavors. Several guests told us it was the best food they’d ever eaten at a wedding - no bland roast or mashed potatoes here! They were so accommodating, helping us with all of the arrangements with the venue and the rental company, it was almost like having a wedding planner! We are so grateful. A big thank you to Karen and Ivy and the rest of your wonderful staff!

Fran Sent on 02/14/2018

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The food was great, table set beautifully, our food server was excellent. I didn't have to take care of a thing... house was kept clean! I will use Ivy's again! Don't miss the mac n cheese with carmalized onions.... delicious.

Laura Sent on 01/06/2018

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We had an amazing experience with Ivy's! We started off having a meeting and discussing what types of food and service we were interested in. Ivy and karen then provided us with an incredible tasting. We sampled all kinds of delicious food and loved all of it. They were able to tweak a few dishes for us and the process was seamless. They are totally flexible with their food and will work to create whatever you are looking for. We had to change our venue at the last minute and Ivy's couldn't have been more accommodating. The service at our wedding was seamless. The staff was exceptionally friendly and helpful. Our guests commented on how great everyone was. The food was delicious and everything happened on schedule. My husband and I highly recommend Ivy's. They helped make our wedding perfect!!

Sally Sent on 12/28/2017

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Last June Ivy's Simply Homemade catered our family event at The Granite House in New London. We were so lucky to work with Karen and her crew who were always polite and professional. Karen helped us select foods that would work well for all guests, including some with food allergies, and made sure these guests were served the correct foods throughout the day. The food was delicious and the added touches to the tables was much appreciated. Once the team arrived, we relaxed and enjoyed the day. I would highly recommend Ivy's Simply Homemade for any catering needs.

Katharine Sent on 12/13/2017

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My husband Joel and I could not have had a more wonderful experience with Ivy's Simply Homemade. We worked with Karen, who is responsive, detail oriented, kind and lovely. Joel and I were immediately impressed by the professionalism of Ivys in our e-mail exchanges, and we were blown away by our first sit down meeting. Karen put so much effort into crafting a menu that was exactly what we wanted. Out tasting was a special event that we will always remember. Karen made every step of the process more enjoyable, and went above and beyond on numerous occasions (talking through the logistics of the day with us, coordinating with our other vendors, etc.) Joel and I are so grateful that we had the opportunity to work with Ivys-- it was truly a pleasure. Thank you Karen and Ivy!

Susan Sent on 11/26/2017

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Ivy’s was the best decision we made for our wedding! They were so helpful, flexible and accommodating at every step of the way! Sophia was a life saver and helped our wedding day run smoothly. Everyone loved the food and it was exactly what we pictured. I would highly recommend Ivy’s Simply Homemade to anyone planning an event big or small. Ivy, Sophia and all of their staff really know their stuff and we can’t thank them enough for everything!!

Susan Sent on 11/08/2017

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5.0+ Every superlative applies!!

Harriette Sent on 11/02/2017

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Thank you to everyone at Ivy's Simply Homemade for making the Rehearsal Dinner a special and memorable event. I felt very comfortable working with Karen and she it was evident that she wanted to present what we were interested in. It was great to be able to depend on Karen and her team and not have to worry about anything. You have made the whole process so effortless and I appreciate how you worked with us to create beautiful event. I found suggestions and ideas Karen shared with us to be more than helpful. The event preparation, the professional staff, the food (such tender meat and the four dipping sauces to go with the shish kabobs gave the meal a European flair!), the food displays, the clean up (I believe the kitchen was cleaner after Ivy's left than it was before), and all the unthinkable details were handled with grace. The compliments still keep coming and it was because of you. Thank you so much!

Krysti Sent on 10/31/2017

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We can not say enough about how amazing Ivy's Simply Homemade is. From the very beginning, Karen and Ivy were there to help us through every aspect of the wedding planning process. Karen was always extremely responsive and there to help. The service at our wedding, from the cocktail hour throughout dinner and the reception, was exceptional. All aspects of our menu were carefully crafted and personalized, and we were blown away by the beautiful layout and decor of each stationary display and plate. Everything was absolutely delicious. The bar service was handled perfectly, with enough servers to avoid lines and keep the drinks flowing. Karen created a perfect timeline and her and Ivy were there to make sure everything remained on schedule throughout the night. Our wedding was almost 3 weeks ago and we are still getting compliments from our guests on service, presentation, and taste. Ivy's is a must for any event!

Amanda Sent on 10/23/2017

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Two months after the wedding and I am still being complimented on the food! Ivy's is creative and responsive, we had a peanut allergy attending last minute and Ivy's switched the menu in minutes and made some amazingggg sweet chili chicken skewers. We had a huge array of guests and restrictions, from the aforementioned peanut allergy to gluten free vegan, every single person was thrilled. From the first meeting I knew we were going to make a beautiful wedding together. From the bottom of our hearts, Thank You Ivy's Simply Homemade!

Love,
Mr. and Mrs. Davis

Christina Sent on 10/16/2017

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Karen and the Ivy's team are the best! I hired Ivy's for my wedding this past August at Eolia Mansion at Harkness State Park and I could not think of anyone better for the job than Ivy's. Getting married and having a wedding reception at Harkness was no easy feat without a wedding planner but Ivy's was experienced with the venue and answered so many of my questions leading up to the wedding and even the night of!

Ivy's food is delicious and months later our guests are still raving to us about the food at our wedding (we had a buffet with a variety of choices). Ivy's worked with us until the menu was exactly what we wanted. Ivy even made adjustments to our pasta dish we tried at our tasting and invited us to taste it again to make sure it was perfect.

What made Ivy's stand out the most, though was how kind and genuine their whole team was throughout the entire process. They made us feel like we had known them forever and one of the servers on the Ivy's staff even helped my bridesmaids bustle my dress in a pinch. I'm telling you... These people do it all!

I whole heartedly recommend Ivy's especially if you are having your wedding at Eolia mansion!

Kasie Sent on 10/05/2017

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Ivys Simply Homemade was Simply Amazing!! Not only did we get many compliments from our guests on how great the food was, Sophia was very helpful and was there to guide me step by step to get through my planning...they were much more than just a caterer, I don't believe the night would have gone so smoothly without their help! I would recommend Ivys to anyone that asked. They provide quality and professionalism to the highest standard!

Gail Sent on 09/25/2017

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If you are planning a wedding, hire Ivy's Simply Homemade now! They are hands down the best caterer in the business. I could not have pulled off a wedding for 180 guests without the expertise, caring, and support from Karen Bartelli and Ivy Mellow. They are simply the best. Our guests raved about the food both in taste, presentation and the wonderful and courteous staff who served our guests. We had a raw bar that people are still talking about and a cheese platter that was fit for a food magazine cover. Karen and Ivy are not only exceptional caterers, they are like mini wedding planners. We spoke on the phone for months and Karen gave me many pep talks and tips. I cannot say enough about them.

Danielle Sent on 09/22/2017

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Ivy's SH catered my wedding and they were amazing!!! They offered amazing options that were beautifully presented, tasty, modern, and fit within our modest wedding budget. We opted for the no-heat buffet to save money, and the food was so good that no one even noticed it was not a hot buffet service! They also work with an excellent cake vendor and the cake blew me away, it was so good. Our guests also said the catering staff were very friendly. The catering coordinator, Sophia, is so great to work with. She is organized and seems to have a lot of experience. She helped us with a lot of non-food related tasks, like getting the DJ set with the timing and unpacking boxes at the venue. I highly recommend ISH for wedding catering. They are really out to impress and to make you as happy as they can.

Susan Sent on 08/24/2017

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We had a baby shower at our home for 42 guests, outside under a tent. Ivy's put together a great menu with plenty of options, which we approved without changes. Our server arrived early, worked quietly and efficiently, and left the kitchen cleaner than she found it! They even put my in contact with a local Tent and other rental items provider (EZ Occasions) at the last minute, who came through with exactly what I wanted. We would use both of them again without hesitation

Angela Sent on 08/04/2017

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We hired Ivy's to cater my in-law's 50 Wedding Anniversary party and everything was superb!
My husband and I were planning this from DC and had to make several last minute changes but Karen and the team were very responsive, understanding, and wonderfully helpful.
The food and service was excellent. Everyone loved it and my in laws were beaming for days at how great it was.

Thank you Ivy’s!!

Rebecca Sent on 07/13/2017

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My husband and I enjoyed working with Ivy's Homemade Catering for our wedding. We had a budget of how much we wanted to spend and Ivy's worked with us to cut costs, and still make our day perfect. We couldn't have been happier with another catering team. They were very professonal and when our big day came they did such an amazing job. They even made sure my husband and I made time to sit and eat in the midst of all the business and celebrating. I 100% recommend Ivy's Homemade Catering.

Sarah Sent on 07/10/2017

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I really cannot say enough wonderful things about Ivy and her team. Not only was the food delicious, but they truly went above and beyond and our wedding day was absolutely perfect. Mike and I ended up losing our original venue about a month before our wedding date. We were heartbroken, but not for long because we had Ivy! She took it upon herself to call every vendor in the area determined to find one that was available for our wedding date. Fate had it that the Mystic Museum of Art was available and Mike and I booked it right away. The last minute venue change was no problem for Ivy and Sophia and the rest of the team. They were professional, organized and ran the day in such a calm and friendly manner Mike and I were completely stress free and trusted their guidance 100%. We had so many compliments on how amazing the food was, how smoothly Ivy and Sophia kept the day flowing and how beautiful the venue was. I could go on and on about all the major things they did for us, but it's more than that, it's the small things that makes Ivy stand out above the rest. For example, we had a buffet dinner so Ivy and Sophia made it a point to prepare a plate for my 90 year old great aunt and 87 year old grandma so they could relax and not have to worry about carrying their plate to and from the buffet table. Such a small touch, but makes a huge difference. We wouldn't change a single thing about our wedding day, it was perfect and we have Ivy and her team to thank for that. Everyone just worked so hard to make sure it was special for Mike and I and we are extremely thankful for every minute of it. Without a doubt we would recommend Ivy's Simply Homemade to anyone and everyone.

Adam Sent on 06/27/2017

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Ivy and Karen really made our reception at the Mystic Museum of Art fantastic. They were accommodating to our culinary preferences (including vegan!), professional, and responsive throughout the planning process. We were always comforted knowing they had things under control. And best of all - they make great food with great service.

Samantha Sent on 06/25/2017

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We had our wedding at Rocky Neck State park, where Ivy's is one of four approved caterers. First things first: the food was AMAZING! Guests came up to our sweetheart table to compliment it, and two weeks later we are still getting comments! Sophia, our coordinator, answered all our questions, gave great advice on how to stay within our budget, and kept us on task during our relatively short planning timeframe. When the day came, we knew we could relax and enjoy it while she made sure everything ran smoothly. Ivy, the owner, was also very present, taking the time to consult with us during the tasting and check in during the event. On the day of, one of the servers acted as a personal attendant, making sure we always had the drinks of our choice and got to actually enjoy our cocktail hour food.

A few things specific to us:
I was on an extremely restrictive medical diet when we signed our contract, and Ivy's committed to making at least all of my food totally safe without compromising flavor. I am allergic to olive oil, so this was no easy feat, and it was definitely achieved.
Our complicated alcohol situation is a perfect example of Ivys' flexibility. My religion forbids drinking, so a fair number of our guests were teetotalers. On the other hand, my husband is a connoisseur of dark beers, and our family and friends of course have a variety of tastes. For the nondrinkers, Ivy's made a great fresh lemonade and virgin mojitos, my favorite mocktail. For those who imbibe, we selected six wines and about ten beers, which Ivy's transported to the venue and served for a very reasonable handling fee.

The total cost we indicated includes food, staffing, tax, and the handling fee, but not the cost of alcohol since we purchased that ourselves.

Kelley Sent on 06/13/2017

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Ivy's is hands-down the best! I hosted a big bridal shower at my home (no pressure there) and could not have been more pleased with the food and the service. I was a bit nervous and it was my first time hosting a 'sit-down' event of this size. I received so many compliments on the food and how lovely the 'presentation' was. You get what you pay for and this is very high quality. Specifically, one comment that resonated was, "Boy, you can tell these are not your typical frozen shrimp!"

Not only is the food delish, the employees are exceptional to work with! The gals are efficient, responsive, and make everything a little extra special. I am VERY detailed and the gals took note of everything I had asked. I cannot recommend these folks enough. Having their services allowed me to relax and enjoy the event, without any added stress! They take care of everything. Ivy's is definitely my go-to for anything event related. Highly recommend - you won't be disappointed!

Patty Sent on 06/06/2017

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I honestly cannot say enough about Ivy and her team. From the start they are so easy to work with and you can tell they love what they do. Ivy catered my daughter's wedding on May 29th and it was amazing! Not only was the food fantastic the staff is outstanding. Karen, you are amazing you kept everything flowing smoothly we did not have one worry and that was such a blessing. Everyone went above and beyond what was expected down to the little details that made Kimberly's reception extra special. Our guests are still raving about the food and the friendly staff and how professional they are. The presentation of the food was gorgeous with all the special touches here and there. We had quite a variety of food and it amazes me how perfectly everything was done. That just shows what an amazing and talented team they are and the passion they have to create a flawless event. I wouldn't have any other caterer for an event Ivy's is simply the best! Thank you all again!

Susan Sent on 06/06/2017

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Working with Ivy's for our wedding was the best decision we have ever made! We got married at the Mystic Museum of Art and after talking to all 4 caterers that the venue allowed, we knew we had to go with Ivy's because they were so professional, warm, thoughtful, and most importantly fun! My husband and I were planning our whole wedding by ourselves and everything was pretty overwhelming. Luckily we had Sophia who helped us plan every little detail and was always so responsive (within minutes of email response) and just a joy to work with. We were on a budget so Sophia really helped us find ways to save money but not compromise the feel of the wedding. To echo some of the other reviews, it really felt like we had extra family members planning and cooking for our wedding, which took a lot of the stress out of the planning process and made it very fun! We definitely underestimated how much detail went into every aspect of planning, but Sophia was always so organized and kept us on track.
The day of the wedding, everyone at Ivy's just went ABOVE AND BEYOND and our guests (who go to a lot of weddings) are still talking about the delicious food, friendly and attentive staff, and how smoothly everything went. Ivy's was so thoughtful with everything and even did a lot of extra stuff to make the evening extra special (blackberries in the champagne, lots of snacks for the bridal party, special meals for the vegetarians). Our guests had a lot of fun and we were able to enjoy our special day knowing that everything was taken care of. We can't recommend them enough and are already looking for reasons to work with them again on another event!!

Kim Sent on 05/31/2017

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I have only been in the area for 3.5 years but was needing a caterer pretty soon after arriving for my husband's 50th birthday party. My contractor told me about Karen at Ivy's so I called her. She was incredible and helped with all the rentals and menu. Ivy was just as amazing. I have now done another 50th birthday, a rehearsal dinner and this past weekend my son's engagement party. They seem to get better with each event. I would highly recommend them!!!

Rosemary Sent on 05/22/2017

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Words cannot describe the joy we all experienced on my daughter's Wedding Day! Karen, Ivy and her entire team went to extraordinary lengths to ensure everyone's experience was memorable and top notch. We could not of gone through it all alone and thanks to Ivy's Simply Homemade Catering we didn't. They guided us and supported us every step of the way. They not only didn't disappoint but exceeded our expectations on everything from their smiles to decorating, food preparations and display, serving, organizing, staging, guiding, crisis interventions, presentation and communications. They ensured everyone's needs were anticipated and met, not to mention their warmth and compassion shown in everything they said and did. We felt like family over these past few months and we will miss communicating & planning alongside all of you. Did I mention the food was delicious! Thank you so very much. We have beautiful memories and are very pleased and highly recommend Ivy's Simply Homemade Catering.

Jennifer Sent on 04/18/2017

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I absolutely love them! Karen and Ivy are amazing to work with, they're very responsive and extremely accommodating. The food is very good as well!!

Samantha Sent on 01/25/2017

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Ivy's Simply Homemade is a woman owned and women run business and it was great to see such strong role models working in a tough industry. Hands down, working with Karen at Ivy's was the easiest and best part of our wedding planning. Karen was extremely helpful, making sure we had everything we needed for the perfect day. They were so willing to work with us on controlling costs in ways that were not cutting corners. Email response times were impeccable, and Karen checked in on me way more than I imagine any other catering coordinator would have. It was like having an extra family member to help plan our wedding, she was interested in all of our tiny details. She was my point person the day of and made sure everything ran smoothly. She coordinated with our other vendors and the rental company, making sure our timeline was correct, and everything was delivered on time.

We tasked Ivy & Karen with making a meal to cater to my uncle's very strict medical diet, and not only did they come through at dinner time, they had created appetizers just for him. This is way more than we had asked for, and beyond our expectations. He was so grateful to be able to eat something without worrying if it was not within his plan, both during cocktail hour and dinner.

We had a chicken, fish, beef & vegan choice, and every person we spoke with told us their meal was the best wedding food they had ever had. My personal favorite was the baked potato dip, and our bridal attendant that was assigned to make sure the bridal party got some snacks during cocktail hour followed me around during pictures with a bowl of it. Chicken apple whiskey meatballs and acorn squash rings were other high points.

The only negative feedback we had was that the children's chicken fingers were a little overcooked-- they were apologetic and immediately offered a refund. We highly recommend Karen & Ivy and all their staff-- you will not be disappointed. Everything was wonderful!

Brian Sent on 12/30/2016

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Karen and team were amazing from the day we met them. They have a genuinely friendly, personal, adaptable and knowledgeable approach to wedding planning. And their food is excellent - which of course is the most important part. From the beginning, Karen and Ivy impressed us with their expertise. They prepared a fun tasting (which was more like a 7 course meal) for us and our parents that will always be a happy memory. Our guests are still talking about the CT-style lobster roll hor d'oeuvres. Planning the menu was fun and Karen had helpful recommendations and was able to come up with a menu that aligned with our tastes. The staff was also great on the wedding day, blending in with the guests but making sure that all of the decorations got set up and that our friends with food restrictions got exactly what they needed. Karen was always just an email or a phone call away and was great at pulling together many of the different vendors we used at Harkness. She was always up to helping with anything we asked about. She kept us on track during the whole planning season, reminding us when we needed to choose linens and tables and all those other important details! From the first phone call, to the last dance, we could count on Karen and team to make sure everything ran smoothly. We are so happy that we went with Ivy's for our wedding day!

Arianna Sent on 11/15/2016

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Ben and I could not have asked for a better caterer for our wedding! Both Karen and Ivy were very professional, friendly and very responsive to all of our questions. The food is absolutely delicious! All of my guests are still raving about it! Also, both Karen and Ivy went out of their way to ensure my day went smoothly :) Overall, Ivy's was the best choice for us and we couldn't be happier with how our day turned out. Thank you!!!

Amanda Sent on 10/25/2016

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The staff at Ivy's Simply Homemade go above and beyond with their catering. Their coordination with rentals, venue and other vendors went off without a hitch. Karen has been doing this work for many years and is a true professional. The service was top notch and set up / take down was a breeze. Our wedding design scheme was present through out all food displays. The food was phenomenal and some guests said it was the best food they had ever had at a wedding. Our wedding day wouldn't have been as spectacular, if we had chosen a different caterer.

Karole Sent on 10/21/2016

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We were 100 percent satisfied with our event. The staff were excellent and so helpful guiding our process and making the day go so smoothly

Emma Sent on 10/20/2016

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Ivy's Simply homemade was a joy to work with for my wedding! They were one of four vendors we could select at our venue and I am so glad we found them! Sophia was incredibly responsive and helpful with all of our questions, big and small, and worked with us to get the exact perfect menu for our 150 guests - New England Beach Party meets Mexican Fiesta. We had a market table of spreads and dips, passed aps (lobster rolls, watermelon feta salad on sticks, and deviled eggs) and a taco bar that our friends are still talking about. Being huge food lovers we wanted the meal to be perfect and delicious, but still casual and fun, and Ivy's did exactly that. They were also very flexible in tweaking things to our vision, keeping costs down, and offering incredibly helpful suggestions when needed. I would whole heartedly recommend them, and absolutely call on them again for another event - my mom actually already has for a work event, since she liked them so much! Thank you Sophia, Ivy, and staff - you made our wedding!

Amanda Sent on 10/20/2016

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Review Ivy's
My name is Amanda and my husband's name is Brent. We got married in May of 2016, we chose Ivy's Simply Homemade. Not only are they local to my home town but they also do a great job with their wide selection of ready made dinners. I knew that they would not let us down and we were not disappointed!
We started our wedding planning process about a year in advance and just to clarify we live in Saratoga Springs, NY planning a wedding out of state was a genuine challenge. If it wasn't for the help we received from Sophia I don't think I would have been as confident that every detail would have been met with grace. She was very good about answering all of the silly questions; be it decorations, or linens as well as DJ options. When In town we met for coffee to go over the finer details of things.
Our favorite part was the food, from the tasting that they put together, a table for two in there shop that gave us the full spectrum from cocktail hour appetizers to the main dishes. Both my husband and myself aren't much for desserts but we came up with a clever alternative to the traditional wedding cake, we had a fruit tart, make your own pies and chocolate covered strawberries. As far as the liquor goes we wanted to keep things simple. Ivy's worked with us to customize the bar for us and our guests, we had a few different beers and wines as well as Titos and Makers Mark. They made a coustom order to accommodate, the day of we went through everything that we ordered and it lasted until the very end of our reseption. I was thankful for their honestly in the ordering process. Weddings can get expensive but the ladies at Ivy's were helpful and saved us quite a bit in the little things whiles not skimping on the things that matter. The food was absolutely incredible, we had a guest list that included 4 chefs that all Really enjoyed the food. The staff at Ivy's where personable and incredibly helpful. Both Brent and I would recommend them! Thank you ladies!

Jane Sent on 09/20/2016

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Ivy's Simply Homemade catered a wonderful brunch for us, the day after our daughter's wedding. Our family and friends are still raving about the food, especially the french toast! Every detail was handled so smoothly and with such professionalism. The location was an outdoor patio and tent, and everything from the menu selections, table linens, display of the food and set up of tables and chairs was perfect for this venue. The staff was very capable and attentive during the brunch. Karen Bartelli was our catering coordinator and she corresponded with the venue and coordinated everythng with them for the event. Ivy's was a preferred caterer for this venue, and I certainly see why! Everything was done beautifully and it made for a very memorable day. I can't thank Karen and Ivy enough!

Amber Sent on 09/08/2016

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We had an absolutely wonderful experience working with Ivy's Simply Homemade for our wedding. The food was beyond amazing and we received rave reviews from all our guests. When deciding who to go with for a caterer we had several great options in the area. Ultimately we chose Ivy's as right from the tasting we could tell how attentive and responsive Karen, the Catering Coordinator, would be. Karen worked with my husband and I on everything from making great suggestions for how we could customize the initial menu to our liking, to coordinating the linen/dishware rentals, to making excellent suggestions for where to place decor at the venue (Eolia) as she was very familiar. Karen's prompt response to emails was always greatly appreciated, especially when it got down to the wire. Karen brought great wedding expertise to the table and we were so fortunate to have her as a resource for all our questions. We also selected Ivy's as Ivy, the chef, would be on-site the night of the wedding. Some of the other caterers we considered could not provide information on who would be on-site the day of as they have a number of teams that they assign to events. Ultimately, we picked Ivy's for the delicious food and the responsive and personable staff, and we could not have been happier with our choice. They really went above and beyond.

Lucinda Sent on 09/04/2016

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I am still smiling about my daughter's wedding catered by Ivy's 1 week ago. Ivy's provides an event coordinator -ours was Karen and she was fabulous. She was on top of all the details and had our event running smoothly. The hors oeuvres were plentiful and delicious and the plated salad and buffet meal were all appealing in presentation and quite tasty. The servers were efficient but not at all obtrusive. Hors oeuvres and water were sent up to the bride's dressing room as well as delivered to the bridal party during those post ceremony photos. Ivy's staff helped us decorate the dining areas (something our venue did not supply) and helped us take everything down at the end of the evening. The reception was everything I had hoped for and more! As mother of the bride I was worried I would be asked all sorts of questions during the evening but Ivy's staff handled everything - my husband and I were able to just enjoy the moments. I whole-heartedly recommend Ivy's (and Karen was superb)

John Sent on 08/09/2016

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Sophia at Ivy's Simply Homemade was absolutely perfect. She walked us through each and every step and ensured we were never stressed out. Come the day of our wedding, their staff was on top of everything and we didn't need to worry about a single thing. Our guests loved the food and we received nothing but rave reviews. We are very happy we went with Ivy's and couldn't have asked for anything more.

Nora Sent on 08/05/2016

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For anyone looking for the perfect caterer at the perfect price in the Southeastern CT area, please do give Ivy's Catering in Waterford, CT a try! We could not have been more pleased from start to finish with the delicious food choices, the flexibility of Karen and Ivy with respect to the venue and food! We hired them for our daughter's wedding at Harkness Memorial Park/Eolia Mansion, June 2016. They really have their act together and the food is soooo good. Please at least make an appointment with them - you won't be disappointed! A shout out in particular to Karen who was ALWAYS very quickly responsive to our many questions over the months before the wedding.

Kathryn Sent on 07/25/2016

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If you want tasty food, great service, and everyone to remember your wedding, book Ivy's, like right NOW! People are still raving about her food and how great it was! Sophia, one of the event coordinators, was absolutely amazing and made sure that everything was set up just right! There was a situation that was happening at our venue, and instead of the venue handling it (which they should have), Sophia did. She made sure that everything was PERFECT, and it was! This team is absolutely amazing and they know how to work so well with each other. Cheers to Ivy's for all of the amazing food, but most importantly, to their amazing staff!!!!

Elise Sent on 07/10/2016

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Ivy's was the perfect choice for our wedding. The food was delicious and I can't even express how wonderful Ivy and her staff were for our big day. They had everything SO under control it was amazing. They went so far out of their way to always make sure me, my husband, my parents, and the bridal party were 100% attended to at all times - it honestly felt like we were royalty. During the planning process they were so great about planning a dinner that would fit into my budget, and then went above and beyond on the big day to make sure everything was PERFECT. I can't recommend them enough - save yourself the time of researching any more caterers and trust me that you won't regret going with Ivy's!

User2458253 Sent on 12/08/2015

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I am so glad that I found Ivy's Simply Homemade for our wedding day. My husband and I changed our wedding plans last minute and planned a wedding in two months. It was a lot of planning to cram into two months and they were very helpful. They started working on a menu as soon as I called them and when I told them my budget they gave me options on how we could work with that budget to make the best of the meal. When I went into Ivy's shop, they were so friendly. I have never bought food from the shop but after visting the shop for the first time and having them cater our wedding I know my husband and I will be making quite a few trips over there. Ivy's crew did an amazing job of setting the table and the cermony/ reception area for me. They contacted my other vendors and coordinated with them, so I didn't have to worry about contacting 5 different people the week of my wedding. They were very kind to all of my guests and my guests had nothing but great things to say about the food, the set up, and the kind waiting staff. I am very thankful I found Ivy's Simply homemade. My husband and I would recommend them anyday!! Thank you again!!

Nathan Sent on 11/30/2015

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Ivy & staff were excellent to work with & for a budget that we set.

We went to Ivy with a price already set, & they came up with a delicious spread that fit that budget. Ivy & Karen were both very nice & professional to work with & we received amazing feedback from our guests about the food & cake (cake by another vendor that works with Ivy).

We knew as soon as we went for our tasting with Ivy that we wanted her to do our wedding. We were welcomed into her shop after-hours & served a full course meal that included everything we discussed having at the wedding; it was extremely helpful in deciding exactly what courses/hors d'oeuvre to have the day of as well as made us feel extremely special.

Would recommend Ivy's to anyone who asked.

Erin Sent on 11/22/2015

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We worked with Ivy's Homemade for our wedding at Eolia Mansion back in June and I would absolutely recommend them to other brides. Karen was our main point of contact before the wedding, working through all the details, logistics, and menu changes. We were going for a paleo-ish menu and they (patiently) went through many iterations with us before finalizing. The lobster roll appetizer was absolutely amazing and totally worth the extra $$ even though it wasn't paleo :) Our guests really enjoyed the food which was important to us.

Day of the wedding they went beyond my expectation. Their staff set up the mansion with all of our pictures, name cards, and other items, and everything looked great! There was always someone around to make sure the groom and I had what we needed. They provided snacks before the ceremony and kept us well hydrated throughout the night. I was surprised to see how involved they were in the flow of the day but I'm really glad they were. I'm a logistics nut and they operated like a well oiled team which allowed me to focus on just enjoying the day.

User2449550 Sent on 10/05/2015

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Ivy's Simply Homemade far exceeded any expectations that I had. We got married at Harkness Memorial State Park and Ivy's Simply Homemade was one of the six approved caterers. When I first contacted Ivy's, I spoke with Karen, the coordinator, and discussed what we were looking for. Within a couple of days, we received a customized menu that not only matched our food requests but also stayed within our budget. We then visited Ivy's shop for a tasting. Every single bite from the appetizers to the desserts and everything in between was absolutely delicious! We knew right away we found our caterer. We also met Ivy, who is a true artist in the kitchen!
Over the next several months, I stayed in frequent contact with Karen. I cannot stress enough how wonderful it was working with Karen. She always responded very promptly to all my emails and she was always delightful to talk with. I never once felt like I was bothering her or asking too many questions. Karen was as dedicated to making our day perfect as we were.
Ivy, Karen, and the staff went above and beyond on our wedding day. Karen and crew made sure all the set-up of the tables and décor were exactly what we had envisioned. The food was even better than we had remembered. And we received multiple compliments from guests about the staff (and of course food!). We even had our own personal attendant who brought us the cocktail hour hor d'oeuvres while we were taking pictures, to make sure we didn't miss out! Ivy also helped with last minute details right before the ceremony, such as handing out the boutonnieres, adjusting the train of my dress right before walking out, and even working with the musicians to cue the music.
Working with Ivy and Karen was more than just having a caterer -- it truly felt like we were working alongside family to plan our special day. I'm already trying to think of future events so I can work with Ivy's again! I strongly recommend Ivy's Simply Homemade!

User2343169 Sent on 09/30/2015

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Ivy's Simply homemade team (Sophia & crew) did an AMAZING job at our wedding in Rocky Neck Pavillion in Niantic 9/26/15. We requested Indian food (Chicken tikka masala & Saag Paneer, samosa appetizer) - she had never done Indian food before but our indian guests all loved it! It tasted authentic and was delicious. The service was great throughout the night. The bar service was especially good with accommodations for our personal selections of whiskey and hard cider. Overall, we loved the whole experience and would highly recommend!

User2339341 Sent on 09/28/2015

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I have never had a better customer experience than the one I had with Ivy's Simply Homemade. Karen, the catering manager, Ivy and the rest of the team put so much care and attention into our wedding day that afterward, I felt sad to no longer have a reason to work with these wonderful people. Without reservation, I would recommend Ivy's to anyone who needs catering services. The professionalism is unparalleled, and I cannot be more grateful for all they did to make our wedding day special. I could go on and on about the exceptional service provided over the course of a year but here are a few highlights:

- The food was amazing! Guests told us that was the best wedding food they'd ever had. We thought so too.

- They're patient and accommodating. Not only did I change the menu several times, but as a vegetarian, the team worked with me to create the perfect vegetarian option. On two separate occasions, they prepared take-home meals for us to try, even after our initial tasting. They also made a separate dish for my grandmother to meet her exceptional dietary needs.

-They're Environmentally friendly. It was extremely important to my husband and I that we minimize as much waste as possible. Karen's team brought any food that was safe to donate to a local shelter and any other food scraps were brought to a piggery instead of just thrown in the trash.

To this day, I am still in awe of the customer service we received. I find it rare to find a business that takes what is important to you and makes it important to them too. Karen, Ivy and their team went above and beyond our expectations, and my husband and I feel so blessed to have had such a wonderful experience. Did I mention, we planned our Connecticut wedding from Atlanta? I can't say enough...

User2328253 Sent on 09/22/2015

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Two months before my wedding I needed to fire my then caterer and find a new one (that's a story for another time). I found Ivy's Simply Homemade via a few local recommendations. Sophia Dunn, their Event Specialist, met with me straight away and got started on a menu and quote, even when I was still technically with another caterer. She jumped right in, got to work and by the time I had cut ties with my first caterer, the wheels were in motion with Ivy's. Throughout the process and through the event (and after), Ivy's, and specifically Sophia, were super professional, energetic, organized and took initiative to plan the evening.

Ivy's was very responsive to my wants and made a point to seek out some delicious farm vendors for all the greens being served. They called all my other vendors (including the band) to double check on schedule and make sure everything was in order for a smooth evening. On the day of the wedding, their staff was prompt, professional and very helpful. They pulled it off without a hitch, and with absolutely delicious, farm-to-table food that looked and tasted amazing.

I recommend Ivy's 100% - they are a first class catering company with a big heart, helpful staff and generous attitude. They knew exactly what needed to be done and how, and we also willing to work with me on my wants at every stage. All in all they did a STELLAR job and I highly encourage using Ivy's if you want fabulous, delicious food and service. And this is all coming from a New York City girl who was dubbed "difficult" by my first caterer. So my hat is off to Ivy's!

Nicki Sent on 09/06/2015

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Ivy's Simply Homemade was absolutely perfect for our wedding. My husband and I wanted a caterer who knew the local market and had farm-to-table type food. We met with a few caterers before deciding on Ivy's. The main reason we chose Ivy's was their personal touch. We knew that we would be their priority and they would work with us to help bring our vision to life.

We worked very closely with Karen on all of the details leading up to the wedding and we made decisions together. We shared our creative vision, look and feel and her and her team matched it perfectly. We didn't have a formal wedding planner, so having their support was immensely helpful in walking us through the process of planning a wedding.

Not to mention the food! We both asked for a variety of foods and they didn't say no to anything! We wanted a harvest table, sushi, crab cakes, mexican station and so on and they tied it all together so it didn't seem random :) They also were creative with the dessert! We decided on mini shooters with Tiramisu, s'mores and creme brule on ceramic spoons.

The day of, their team went above and beyond to ensure every detail of my vision came to life. They were always there when my husband or I needed anything onsite and they weren't afraid to suggest things they knew would make the experience better for our guests.

I highly recommend Iv'ys Simply Homemade for your wedding or any event! You won't regret it.

Elizabeth Sent on 08/08/2015

5 out of 5 rating

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Ivy's was added to the list of selected caterers at Harkness Memorial State Park soon after booking the venue. Thank goodness they did because we seriously did not click with the other caterers. Either rude and standoff-ish or way too expensive for even a simple meal. We talked to Karen and she immediately made us feel like our day was special and that she was happy to work with us to give us exactly what we wanted.
Within our budget Karen put together a beautiful three station dinner with passed appetizers and stationary table. Ivy is a genius chef and seriously, all of the food was fresh, seasonal, diverse, and most of all, delicious! Our guests loved being able to sample everything instead of being stuck with one entree and our hungrier guests loved being able to get seconds.
Service was impeccable the entire night and we loved our personal delivery of appetizers, drinks, and food to make sure we had enough time to actually sit down and eat before getting up to mingle with our guests.
For planning, Karen was indispensably helpful. We sent dozens of emails back and forth getting ready for the day and she was always kind and prompt with her responses and suggestions. We brought boxes and boxes of supplies for the wedding on the day of and her staff set everything up promptly and perfectly. Everything looked just as I had envisioned and we could not have been happier with how the decor turned out.
If you are getting married at Harkness, don't even bother calling other caterers. If you want food that guests will be raving about prepared by people who are kind, professional, and who will make your whole planning process and day of stress free, Karen and Ivy will take care of you and then some.

Sarah Sent on 08/02/2015

5 out of 5 rating

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My husband and I could not be more thrilled with the incredible, friendly and helpful service that we enjoyed through Ivy's catering. Karen was an incredible source if information and comfort, making every exchange an easy one during the year that we were planning our wedding. We knew from the moment we met Karen and Ivy that they were down-to-earth people and there to help us with whatever kind of question or detail we had for them.

I had no worries about handing over my meticulously planned table seating and arrangements to Ivy and Karen's team, and I promise, I had instructions down to the tiny fairy lights inside our DIY centerpieces!! It was all taken care of and looked exactly as I had hoped it would by the time the reception began. Our guests could not stop complimenting both the food and the service at our wedding. For Ben and I, they made sure we always had a drink in our hand, and did not serve us our food until we were ready to sit back down and enjoy it (we made it a point to thank every guest at our wedding before we actually enjoyed our dinners!) They even saved the cocktail hour hors d'oeuvres for us that we didn't get to taste while we were off taking pictures with the photographer. Their knowledge of the layout and past experiences at our venue (Harkness Memorial State Park) helped us enormously with the set-up planning which can be an overwhelming task. They knew exactly how everything would look, where the tables would be set up, how their staff would need to maneuver in the mansion and it made for a smooth and efficient evening of setting up, serving and clean-up. All of their staff were courteous, sweet and smiling. The meals themselves were, of course, delicious.

Ben and I are eternally grateful that we chose these wonderful people to help make our day unforgettable, and it truly was. We whole-heartedly recommend them to anyone getting married in the Waterford,CT area, especially at Harkness Memorial State Park!

Sarah Sent on 07/13/2015

5 out of 5 rating

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We worked with Ivy's Simply Homemade for catering and event coordinating for our wedding in June 2015 at Rocky Neck State Park in Niantic, CT. Ivy's honestly helped make our wedding everything we ever dreamed. From the very first time we met Ivy and Karen, they were so welcoming, genuine, kind, and professional. They listened to our vision, ideas, and worries and offered their experience and valuable input every step of the way. They had excellent communication with us over the course of a year of planning and always made us feel important and valued. They really went above and beyond in the planning process, and their attention to detail and organization were obvious. We appreciate them even advocating for us at times having to work with a state park venue! We were absolutely delighted, but not surprised, to witness Ivy's impressive execution on our wedding day! We LOVED our summery, refreshing menu, and have not stopped hearing wonderful feedback from our guests. We were so thankful for the to-go boxes of food they sent us home with too - it was a wonderful day-after treat! They also referred us to a great baker who made the most amazing cake. The service throughout the night was attentive, consistent, and strong. Everyone was friendly and courteous, and made us as the bride and groom feel like royalty! From the bottom of our hearts, we could not have asked for a better caterer and event coordinator. They are a force to be reckoned with and we plan to refer them to everyone we know!!!! We plan to stay in touch with Ivy and Karen, as they are genuinely great people.

Ivy's Simply Homemade Reviews

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Ivy's Simply Homemade