July 2019

vintage car- Tara Guerard Soiree/Nickie Cutrona Photography

If you are looking for an excuse to throw a party especially with a French accent, Bastille Day is right around the corner. Such fun details (which can also parlay into a chick Fourth of July dinner party) and I got to harbor my inspiration from my dream of living in France. I say every year that I’m going to take the summer off and go study at Le Cordon Bleu but in the meantime I’ll just settle for being a stateside Francophile. This shoot (shot by Nickie Cutrona) can also be seen in Lonny Mag.

children in garden- Tara Guerard Soiree/Nickie Cutrona Photography

cheese side board- Tara Guerard Soiree/Nickie Cutrona Photography

Think of different ways to display apps or snacks. A sideboard from our clients home was easily transported outside, and fashioned for an upscale “cheese cart”.

long table shot overview- Tara Guerard Soiree/Nickie Cutrona Photography

You may have seen our Facebook Live video with Southern Living last week, here is a great idea/trick to steal- I found a great striped rug on sale at Target, which made a perfect table runner!

overhead of table- Tara Guerard Soiree/Nickie Cutrona Photography

Place setting- Tara Guerard Soiree/Nickie Cutrona Photography

I don’t like using bread plates, etc on table because it can seem cluttered… Here, individual baguettes are preset with vellum menus and tied off with butcher twine for a nice detail. Try playing with flavor profiles in your olive oil- herbs, citrus, etc.

peach salad- Tara Guerard Soiree/NIckie Cutrona Photography

french chalk board- Tara Guerard Soiree/Nickie Cutrona Photography

sunflower cake- Tara Guerard Soiree/Nickie Cutrona Photography

A single tier coconut cake looks straight from the French countryside with a solo sunflower bloom. For a variation for Fourth of July, try blue hydrangea blooms.

table with guests- evening- Tara Guerard Soiree/Nickie Cutrona Photography

guests with sparklers- Tara Guerard Soiree/Nickie Cutrona Photography

 

7.09.19   |   TARA GUÉRARD
Cakes, Charleston, Entertaining, Event Design, Events, Food and Drink, J'adore!, Parties, Photographers, Press, Travel | Comments >>
Jul 02, 2019

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(photo courtesy of One Kings Lane)

In case you are like me and have been so busy all summer, that the fact it’s July Fourth already is blowing your mind, today we’re giving you easy tips on last minute hosting.  What to serve, shortcuts to take, and how to use what you have or gather what you need. The easiest table decor for the summer are bunches of hydrangeas (Trader Joe’s has great ones) in vases gathered through the house.

Food Collage

(photos by Nickie Stone and Corbin Gurkin)

One of the best things about celebrating the 4th of July is that it doesn’t have to be fancy. For heavier food options- store bought fried chicken, since it’s the season-local tomatoes sliced and watermelon slices are super easy sides, and of course, we have to serve shrimp- either peel and eat or cocktail style. When serving cocktail shrimp, I like to get take out bags of the pellet ice from Chick Fil A or Sonic and set up a display to keep them cold. Also, dress up chips and dips or cheese displays by bringing serving pieces of furniture outside for your set up.

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(photo courtesy of One Kings Lane)

If you are having a sit down dinner using disposable Bamboo serveware and plates is an easy way to avoid clean up, be good to the environment, and still look a little elevated. Available on Amazon in a flash!

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Cocktail Collage

(photos courtesy of One Kings Lane and Corbin Gurkin)

I of course, like to put thought into the bar and drinks we’ll be serving. A self serve bar that’s easily accessible is the best way to keep it easy and guests happy. If you don’t want to have everything available for cost purposes, the 4th is a great time to take advantage and go with a red, white, and blue theme. In the warmer months I substitute Rose for the “red”. Vodka sodas with a splash of fresh grapefruit and fresh blueberries are my perfect summer drink, but Gin and Tonics can work also. And, many of our local breweries do special summer releases and the cans were so perfect!

Happy Fourth of July!

7.02.19   |   TARA GUÉRARD
Entertaining, Event Planning, Food and Drink, Parties, Uncategorized | Comments >>