Category Archives: Entertaining

Jan 02, 2017

Weddings in 2017

We are in full swing 2017 wedding planning mode! This had me thinking of lots of the design elements that brides from the past few years have been asking for, and what we can switch up and do differently for our weddings this year.

photo by Liz Banfield

One of our favorite things are illustrations of the bride and groom. We used these cute alternatives to traditional printing or monograms on items like water bottles in the guest welcome bags or served before and after the ceremony.

photos by Liz Banfield and Corbin Gurkin

Another big trend we are seeing for 2017 is in color palettes.. Paler pastels and neutral creams and whites aren’t as in demand as brighter color combinations like corals, pinks, oranges, and reds, with touches of blue.

top photo by Liz Banfield; bottom photos by Corbin Gurkin

photo by Liz Banfield

Brides are also wanting their guest welcome bags to be something reusable- no more boxes or paper containers. Some classics we use are LL Bean totes with printed tags attached, or more recently wet zipper pouches or canvas totes.

As we are seeing things like illustrated maps, giant dessert stations, and photo booth props phasing out, one of our favorite new trends is a draught beer station in addition to the bar (we’re doing in our reception lounges). You can see more of what trends to avoid in 2017 here from Vogue.com.

1.02.17 | TARA GUÉRARD
Bridal Style, Entertaining, Event Planning, Photographers, Reception, Stationery, Invitations and Pretty Papers, Uncategorized, Weddings | Comments >>

Dec 28, 2016

Hosting New Year’s Eve

For years, making big New Year’s plans was all consuming, and with so much build up I found myself finding it more and more of a letdown. Now I’ve gotten to the point that we’re still recovering from Christmas and a nice low key evening maybe with a few friends sounds perfect! Today I’m sharing a few ideas for hosting a small impromptu cocktail party at home.

Tara Guerard Soiree

There is a great feature on domino.com about the 5 things you don’t know about champagne but should. I totally agree with their tip about finding a brand that you enjoy and serving that. I’m a big Veuve Clicqout fan, it’s a nice recognizable brand that fits with the occasion of New Year’s Eve, but not over the top, and a flavor that I prefer over many of the flashier brands. And I chose to forgo a champagne cocktail on New Year’s for the sake of simplicity and duration into the evening, but popping a store bought dendrobium orchid head into the glass offers an elegant touch.

Tara Guerard Soiree

Serving easy but substantial food is key. It’s of the old Charleston cocktail party tradition that whatever food you serve can be eaten with just a cocktail napkin, no plates or forks, etc. Sliced ham with assorted rolls/bread is a long time staple. So, maybe for a fun and easy twist for a smaller gathering, try already assembled and displayed ham biscuits. You could get really creative and add a decorative element like wrapping them in wax paper and tying them.

Another easy and hearty idea is making a big batch of a simple soup (like tomato basil) and putting it in votive candle holders or espresso cups that guests can quickly and easily pick up and sip.

I do think that people do enjoy having some kind of sweet treat. Classics like brownies, mini cheesecakes, rice pudding all work with the elegant vibe of New Year’s Eve and this could be the piece that you order out or delegate.

With the weather that we’re having this year, I completely plan on taking advantage of being outside. Set up an outside lounge or dining table and load it up with candles, you’ll be able to hear and possibly see all of the homegrown fireworks!

Tara Guerard Soiree

Don’t forget your sparklers.. Cheers and Happy New Year’s!

12.28.16 | TARA GUÉRARD
Entertaining, Food and Drink, Parties, Uncategorized | Comments >>

Dec 27, 2016

Greenery Votives

So Christmas is over, but the tree and greenery still smells so holiday-ey. If you happen to be hosting a New Year’s celebration, we have a quick and easy idea on recycling some of your greenery into festive votive candles for the evening’s affair.

To start with, inexpensive clear glass votives from a craft store, etc is all you’ll need. I also prefer that the candle be an off white, versus a bright white. Any greenery you may have from a wreath or Christmas tree would work here. I also like using some kind of chording, string, or ribbon to finish it off and give it a pretty touch.

You’ll need to place double sided scotch tape around the body of the votive candle.

Lay a thinnish strand of your greenery atop the double sided sticky tape.

Do leave a little tiny bit of the ends loose and not taped down all the way…

Wrap your ribbon or whatnot through and tie in a knot to secure and then finish off with a bow, or hand tied design of your choosing.

Trim any excess of the greenery ends…

Mix in and place on the dinner table, or cluster in groups on a serving buffet, bar cart, restroom, etc. Guests will note your clever touch, and you will enjoy the ease of this project! Happy Tuesday. Thank you to Lucy Cuneo for the photography.

12.27.16 | TARA GUÉRARD
Entertaining, Event Design, Event Planning, Parties, Uncategorized | Comments >>