Category Archives: Entertaining

May 09, 2017

2016_Laura_Skip_1038

photo by Corbin Gurkin

We loved sharing our tips on mixing old and new for your tabletops with Architectural Digest. So, today we’re also passing on some more of these tips to you. Above, complimentary patterns are at play here- mixing older or more recognizable patterns like the blue and white toile plates with fresher or more modern patterns like on the linen fabric. And, adding a lamp or overhead light in combination with candles adds a completely unexpected touch.

Liz Banfield 1

photo by Liz Banfield

Ways to mix on a more simple and refined level are by letting one or two items provide the depth of the design and then balancing with lighter looks. Here, the modern gold flatware seems a bit heavier and the flowers provide a rich color and texture focal point, so mixing in delicate crystal and china here was key.

Screen-Shot-2016-10-27-at-1.23.01-PM

photo by Corbin Gurkin

Playing off of our Arch Digest quote of mixing shiny with not so shiny, bright and not bright, we set this table with an eclectic mix. A rustic concrete urn with natural succulents provides a great balance to the shine of the modern gold bowls and flatware.  I really like mixing rustic with glamorous or using materials that can be both like suedes and leathers, and stones like marble and agate.

5.09.17   |   TARA GUÉRARD
Entertaining, Event Design, Event Planning, Interior Design, Parties, Press, Uncategorized, Weddings | Comments >>
May 02, 2017

2015_Brooke_David_2301

Of course, when you get married you want it to be the best day of your life. And, you want your guests to have an amazing time that they will be talking about for years. Our job as a planner and designer is to suggest a flow of both the timeline and space so that everything works and has maximum impact. But, there are also very easy ways to leave your mark with little details- here starting with your printed materials. Lettered Olive started by combining all elements of design for us to pull out and use throughout the wedding decor- lace pattern from the brides’ dress, a custom monogram (this is what we really focused on as you will see), the color palette, and scenery from the wedding venue.

2015_Brooke_David_0021

Coordinating the presentation and items in your wedding guest welcome bags is a great way to brand your wedding and leave guests with lasting takeaways.  Baseball hats and frosted cups (everyone loves a frosted cup!) emblazoned with the couple’s monogram were treasured treats. Even the snacks and information were branded by stickers carrying the colors and monogram.

2015_Brooke_David_0036

To formalize the monogram in places like the ceremony and wedding dinner, the monogram received a formal border and was changed to a more neutral color.

2015_Brooke_David_0998

Guests love sitting down to a beautiful setting… This is always a great area to bring in pretty design pieces. The bordered monogram and calligraphy used in the early printed items are brought back on the menus.

2015_Brooke_David_1079

It’s easy to loose sight of places to brand your self later into the event, but printing pillows or fabric to use as a photo booth backdrop, etc is easy on websites like Spoonflower. Or at For Your Party.com print cocktail napkins or drink stirrers with a simple element to have at the bar. Favors and send offs are other areas to consider- we’ve printed custom lighters or matches for a sparkler send off.  All photos by Corbin Gurkin.

5.02.17   |   TARA GUÉRARD
Bridal Style, Entertaining, Event Design, Event Planning, Parties, Reception, Stationery, Invitations and Pretty Papers, The Lettered Olive, Uncategorized, Weddings | Comments >>
Apr 25, 2017

Corbin Gurkin Photo; Tara Guerard Soiree florals

image by Corbin Gurkin

It’s time again for the annual Running of the Roses, otherwise known as the Kentucky Derby. May 6th is right around the corner, so today we’re sharing just a few tips you can use at home for hosting an impromptu Derby Party.  First, keeping it simple and using store bought roses is an easy way to look like you’ve gone the extra mile. Break out the silver for this party and it will show your true hostess skills.

Bourbon Bar by Tara Guerard Soiree

image by Corbin Gurkin

This is definitely a party that you can easily do with items at home, it’s the time to make guests feel that Southern welcome and you don’t need to fuss about bringing in a lot of stuff. Throw a nice linen over any table in the house and it becomes a bar! I like using lamps or other items such as china bowls from around the house to dress them up. Bourbon is of course a staple for the Derby (i.e. Mint Juleps), but if you want to keep it simple, just setting up a bar with a variety of bourbons, whiskeys, and some mint julep fixings is all you need.

bar:lowcountry lemonade

image by Marni Rothschild

For the ladies who may not care for the darker stuff, having everything guests may want to enjoy is a golden rule of mine. You can serve  your own fun specialty cocktail called the “Running of the Roses”

1 part vodka; 2-3 parts lemonade (pink) to taste; 1 teaspoon of rose syrup; 1 strawberry slice for garnish

Water Collage

images by Corbin Gurkin

And, not wanting those who aren’t enjoying cocktails to feel left out, doing something special and simple with water is a nice touch- fresh cucumber slices or cute straws!

Koozies

image by Corbin Gurkin

I love the idea of having a trophy style silver cup holding koozies, or something else for guests to take away at the food table or bar.

Food Collage

images by Corbin Gurkin

Serving even the most casual and simple hors d’eouvres on silver can make such a difference. Serve easy but substantial food if guests will be partaking in lots of spirits. Chicken or ham biscuits, crab cakes, even sliced flatbreads are great. Something that guests pick up and graze on and keeps you out of the kitchen preparing items is the way to go!

floral crown

image by Corbin Gurkin

Even your best friend wants to attend the party a little floral crown for them would make a cute little detail!  Have fun, and Happy Derby!

4.25.17   |   TARA GUÉRARD
Charleston, Entertaining, Etiquette, Event Planning, Flowers, Food and Drink, Parties, Recipes, Uncategorized | Comments >>