Category Archives: Entertaining

It happens every spring.  The weather gets lovely, you’ve been hibernating all winter, and want to show off all of the new things blooming in your yard or interiors that you’ve recently updated and you find yourself in the middle of a full fledged impromptu cocktail party.  Here are all of the items we think you should keep on hand so that you’re always prepared for a fabulous little fling and seem like the effortless hostess!

Bar snacks are a must, and Schermer Pecans make the perfect munchie.. They have an amazing Cinnamon Glaze or you could the Roasted and Salted version and add your own fresh Rosemary!

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Callie’s Biscuits and Pimento Cheese or their Cheese Crisps are a must for something a little more substantial (to soak up the booze!)

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An old college roommate of mine is making the most delicious dip.  Big T’s crab dip and shrimp dip (made from local seafood) and you can’t go wrong with either. They go well with ANY kind of cracker! Even the jalapeno version is awesome. They also have some great recipes on their website- Coastal Provisions.

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For a sweet treat, try local Grey Ghost Bakery cookies.

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You could even pair these with Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream for some amazing ice cream sandwiches!

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For drinks, I like local Westbrook Brewery and favor their White Thai.

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Highwire Distillery makes a Gin called Hat Trick that is divine. Even those who don’t love Gin will become fans. It’s so light and they use different herbal blends from local sources.

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4.10.15   |   TARA GUÉRARD
Charleston, Entertaining, Food and Drink, Gifts, Parties, Recipes | Comments >>

Most Charleston locals know about the South Windermere Antique mall. It’s a haven for mid century, traditional, and offbeat/funky items for the home. I’ve collected items for the Soiree office, my home, photo shoots, and many gifts over the years. They also have a sister store that focuses more on the high end traditional antique market called 17 South.   I wanted to show some of my favorite finds and they are just venturing into the social media world, so be sure to check them out! On Instagram: @antiquessouthwindermere and @17southantiques and Facebook (South Windermere and 17 South)

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Little lumbar pillow made from Schumacher in the Le Jardin fabric -LOVE!

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Killer mid century mirror and lucite ice bucket

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Lucite bar stool covered in python (there are 2)

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Feathered mirror, this would be so interesting on a gallery wall

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I love, love, love bar carts (we have a great one in our office) and this was a steal! Perfect for entertaining

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There is quite a mix of artwork, both framed and not, and all one of a kind.

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Perfect for seating in a Charleston garden.

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These amazing gilted floral sconces were on sale!!!!

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Vintage Louis suitcase- one of a kind and in great condition

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These campaign chests were a gorgeous shade of green- so many uses for these, I want!

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Little spoon collection, could be a lovely wedding or baby gift

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Taxidermy!

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Another chest/sideboard in a lovely shade of peacock blue

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Vintage dough bowl- we have incorporate these into wedding decor – on food stations, for holding flowers or favors, etc.

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pretty design elements on these brass side tables

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this gilt serving table is awesome- 3 tiers and would be a perfect home bar. One shelf for glasses, another for accessories, and the top shelf for the bottles

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really loved all of the colors in this oil.. could be so lovely over a mantle, a bed, etc.

4.03.15   |   TARA GUÉRARD
Art, Charleston, Entertaining, Event Design, Gifts, Interior Design, Shopping | Comments >>

Carolyne Roehm has long been known as one of the country’s leading tastemakers, both in fashion and interior design.  Before, starting her own fashion house, she worked with Oscar de la Renta and was the President of the Council of Fashion Designers of America. As an author of a dozen books on floral design, interiors, and entertaining her expertise has generated a loyal following.  A consummate hostess, Carolyne hosted a lovely affair for the Historic Charleston Foundation’s 12th Annual Antique Symposium at her new Charleston home (you can view this project here). We go tete-a-tete with her below.

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Favorite drink before noon?

Lots of black coffee to start and then I switch to cappuccino—alas the Italians would

think I am a philistine as I drink it after 11:00 a.m.

Favorite drink at 6pm?

Red Wine

Wine: red, white or champagne

All- I do not discriminate, but red is the favorite.

Hors d’ouerve that is always in the cabinet or fridge?

The salt and pepper peanuts that you all have down here—and Petit Basque in the

fridge

Music go to when friends are over…. i.e. Pandora station?

I use my own play lists and depends on my mood sometime it Earth Wind and Fire or

Verdi’s Requiem….the range is huge but depends on the mood and the occasion

Where would you like to go on vacation?

That also depends on my mood. I have had a desire recently to go back to Japan it has

been so many years since I was last there. I have been 7 times to India and could go

again and again. In 2016 I am going to Australia….this list is endless

Favorite flower?

An almost impossible question– as you know they are the subject of many of my books

and will feature prominently in my new garden book that will be out next October. I

really can’t choose—- the immediate response are my roses and peonies but I adore all

of my tulips and now of course my new favorite flower- now that I have a garden here

is the Camellia —I am totally mesmerized by their incredible variety and beauty. In

fact I am doing a post on my blog at carolyneroehm.com just on the extraordinary reds

ones in my garden right now. They are dazzling

Dream guest to have over for dinner?

At this moment I would like to meet the song composer David Foster and your own Pat

Conroy

Favorite restaurant?

 Are we speaking of the World or Charleston? Or is that one and the same? If in NYC

Sette Mezzo and Charlestonin the one we frequent the most is the Bar at Snob—great

food and great value. In the world it is a small place in Florence Vini Vecchi e Sapori—

And favorite thing to eat at this restaurant?

At Setto white truffles in season over pasta, At Snob what ever the fish of the day is and

at Vini EVERYTHING!!!!!

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Carolyne’s “blue and white” books have inspired many of our brides…

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3.24.15   |   TARA GUÉRARD
Books, Charleston, Entertaining, Fashion, Flowers, Interior Design, New York, Parties | Comments >>