A little while ago, I went on the Pickler and Ben show to talk DIY table top ideas… So excited to finally be able to share the video with you! Hope you enjoy… Let us know what you think…
I find people always asking for easy entertaining at home tips- especially on quantities or what to sere at the bar. Entertaining at home is a cinch if you have the right guidelines to follow! Here are my recommendations based on a four hour party for about 20 guests.
You’ll need:
7 bottles of white wine- it’s nice to offer a couple of different varietals as well a Chardonnay (I suggest Rombauer) and a Sauvignon Blanc (like Oyster Bay).
3 bottles of red wine- I prefer red so I will drink year round, but not a bad idea to double up here in the colder months.
30 bottles of beer- I like Stella Artois – and I do like to pour/serve in glasses
1 750 mil bottle of Vodka- I enjoy Tito’s
1 750 mil bottle of Gin, Rum, and/or Tequila.
1 liter bottle (or if a few of the guests are known to imbibe, add 1 more) of whiskey, bourbon, or scotch. There is a new scotch that I am loving… the bottle is pretty enough to be on display as well!
If you are going to have a self serve bar, you can always dress it up by using your decanters, pitchers, or other vessels and have tags identify each liquor.
For accoutrements you’ll need- (13-15) 12 oz bottles of your favorite mixers including Ginger Ale, Club Soda and Tonic. We have a local tonic made here that is divine- Jack Rudy. (3) 2 liter bottles of soda, (1) 2 liter of diet soda, 20 pounds of ice. And, precut your fruit and serve in a pretty bowl.
I think it’s a nice touch to have bar snacks for guests as well, in case they end up in a conversation over cocktail refreshing.
I suggest for glassware that you have a standard high ball that you can use for cocktails and beer. As well as wine glasses ( you can use something fun and if it’s casual and the wine isn’t from your best collection you can use the same glasses for all), and champagne if serving.
You’ll also need about 250 paper cocktail napkins (foryourparty.com is a great resource), or if you have a collection of linen cocktail napkins, break those out. And custom drink stirrers would really wow your guests! I favor these from Lettered Olive.
And, if you can really splurge, it’s nice to have a bartender so that guests don’t have to lift a finger!
It’s your first Christmas together as Mr. and Mrs. so why not set yourselves a “sweetheart” table fit for the season. Here are a few quick tips for putting together a quick and easy but still special tabletop. Thank you to Lucy Cuneo for shooting these details with us.
Basic candlesticks are readily available at any craft, or discount store, but may go overlooked. Don’t be so quick to write them off. Here, we took ones of varying heights and shapes and spray painted them gold to jazz them up. Keep these tucked away for future gatherings and you can repaint in any color needed!
Two tips: Wrap the bases of your candles in floral wrap tape (again available at craft and floral stores), it has a bit of tack to it and will hold the candlesticks in place and upright- no more crooked candles! Also, never have candles on a table with fresh wicks- it’s bad luck! Light them if only for a couple of seconds, and then blow them out.
Another fast and easy design element is adding something to your napkins. Here, I rolled a linen napkin and tied off with gold twine. You could tuck a sprig of your tree or even a quick handwritten note to your new spouse in there for something special.
Don’t be afraid to mix your plates and glassware. You can use water glasses for wine, wine glasses for a specialty cocktail, etc. I love these vintage champagne coupes, there is something quite grown up and festive about drinking from them. These party plates from Anthropologie were a quick little purchase that totally dresses up the table, and since you only need two, they won’t break your Christmas budget.
We’ll share our how to’s on creating a poinsettia centerpiece and greenery wrapped votives next week, so join us then.
Recognized as one of the nation’s leading tastemakers, Tara Guérard has earned a widespread reputation for her ability to create spectacular settings celebrating life’s most anticipated occasions. As the visionary and founder of Tara Guérard Soirée, she is best known for her distinct style that honors the storied traditions of Southern hospitality paired with a modern aesthetic and flair for the unexpected.
