Category Archives: Etiquette

Dec 03, 2019

HolidayBuffet

It’s that time of year again, the revolving door of parties, some of which you are a guest, and some of which you are hosting.  Today, I’m sharing tips on how to host a dinner buffet, which is great for groups. This will help you set up an efficient and beautiful spread that guests will enjoy and will work in any space large or small.

My top tips:

photo by Tec Petaja

-You want to have plenty of the healthier options like the veggies and sides set at the start of the buffet. Set your meats last (which are also the pricier selections), so that guests fill their plates with the veggie options.

photo by Corbin Gurkin 

-Just a reminder- make sure that each dish has it’s own serving utensil for guests’ ease. You’d be surprised at how many times I forget these and am scrambling last minute, or I’ve gone somewhere and seen this as well.  I like to set out all of the dishes and utensils with them I’m planning on using in the order they will be displayed ahead of time so that all that’s left is to put out the food. Tara Guerard Soiree place setting

-Roll up a fork and knife in your linen or cotton napkins and tie with a cute ribbon, etc for a cute decor detail. Set these at the end so that guests can pick up last. So easy to have both hands for serving and then grab a roll up on your way to a seat. Don’t be afraid to mix your napkins as well, if you don’t have enough of one one style or color. Adding a bit of decor and detail to them will make for a pretty set up.

photo by Peter Frank Edwards for Charleston Magazine

Keeping in line with the self service, (which to me is a no brainer for parties larger than 15 people) have a fully stocked bar cart or buffet to serve as a bar.  Make sure you have a variety of everything, I think one of the true essences of a good hostess is having something for all of your guests… I personally know red and white wine drinkers, champagne drinkers, vodka, scotch, and even beer drinkers, so be able to serve them all, and even a fun non alcoholic “mocktail” or nice flavored sparkling water.

12.03.19   |   TARA GUÉRARD
Entertaining, Etiquette, Event Design, Event Planning, Food and Drink, Parties | Comments >>

photos by Corbin Gurkin

Let’s talk gifts for you gals today, ladies. We have recently found ourselves more and more helping our brides curate gifts for their hostesses, mothers, and bridesmaids, so we thought we would share some of what we are seeing these days.  Jewelry is still a mainstay, but more and more ladies are taking a step away from things like pearls (even though they are having a moment) and trying out statement pieces that of course your girls will want to wear again. Places like BaubleBar, JCrew, and locally Croghan’s Jewel Box are great reliables sure to always have options. Of course embroidered handkerchiefs are perfection for a sweet little something that the girls can keep forever, use at all of the weddings, and possibly pass down one day.

photos by Corbin Gurkin

Pj’s and Robes are always popular too. Love this concept of photos of the bride and her maids together getting ready for the day and of course looking fantastic while doing so. Most of our clients treat their ladies to the hair and make up services on the wedding day, so these are a sweet little something for them to take home with them that compliment that. Our favorites are from Lake Pajamas, Plum Pretty Sugar, and Kim + Ono.

Some additions to this could be some super sweet slippers like the ones Birdies has come out with, or try some customized ones available on Etsy or Amazon.

photos by Corbin Gurkin

Loved our bride’s idea for a private yoga sesh before the getting ready process, which included personalized yoga mats.

Some other ideas include: Customized beach hats and Turkish towels (perfect for a bachelorette weekend or destination wedding), or custom clutch purses..

 

5.14.19   |   TARA GUÉRARD
Accessories, Bridal, Bridal Style, Etiquette, Gifts, Shopping, Uncategorized, Weddings | Comments >>

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

photo by Corbin Gurkin 

One thing still holds firm with many of our weddings we do throughout the South, and that’s tradition.  Many Southern brides have well known or tried and true traditions that we work to incorporate, and other times it varies by region or state and may not be as well known. We wanted to break it down for you in case you are looking for a little way to incorporate tradition into your upcoming wedding.  One that is definitely big with our Dallas brides is having a “house party”. A house party is essentially a second wedding party, your best girlfriends, sorority sisters, etc that wear special attire and sit up front, participate in all of the bridal party activities, but it just cuts back on the big number of people standing up front with the couple. 

Another popular trend that actually seems to get the guys excited and on board- burying the bourbon.  The folklore states that if you bury a bottle upside down in the ground, it won’t rain on your wedding day.

photo by Corbin Gurkin

I have to say it worked out pretty well for this couple… it was a gorgeous day for them.

photos by Liz Banfield (1,2) and Corbin Gurkin

This one has seemed to spread beyond just being a Southern thing, but we have our fair share of groom’s cakes on display still.  Usually the design is something sports related- like a favorite college or pro team, or maybe something related to a profession. Or, a favorite food or something from a movie or tv show. Whatever it may be, take that as a chance to put a custom mark on it.

photos by Corbin Gurkin and Liz Banfield

Another classic Southern wedding tradition is displaying the bride’s portrait somewhere at the wedding. It used to be just on an easel or in a frame on a table positioned somewhere near where everyone enters, but we try to do something different with it so that it can become a design moment.  For a wedding at Lowndes Grove Plantation we took down a painting and hung up one of our bride.  For another wedding, we blew up the photos and hung them at the tent entrance as part of a floral wall, all as a surprise for our bride…

1.14.19   |   TARA GUÉRARD
Bridal Style, Etiquette, Event Design, Event Planning, Photographers, Reception, Uncategorized, Weddings | Comments >>