Category Archives: Etiquette

Dec 20, 2016

Now that it’s finally citrus season, one of my favorite DIY decor tips for entertaining at home are my orange votives! They are readily available for your last minute holiday tabletop or for any given dinner party. First step is to assemble everything you need- a sharp knife, a good strong spoon or scoop, and your oranges of course. If it’s your first round, get a bag to allow for any Oops!

Slice a thinnish piece off the bottom (and an even thinner part off the opposite side just of the peel, not any of the inside so that it has a steady platform for where you plan to set it down). Use your spoon to hollow out all of the pulp, juices, etc. I like to keep them all to use for smoothies or juicing.

We make sure to use the candle drop ins that have the plastic bases0 they are deeper and don’t get as hot as the aluminum based ones; they also look nicer!

It’s also a good idea to zest or shave a bit of the peel off of the sides so that the candles are able to really glow through. Of course, they are wonderfully fragrant as well!

To give your table more depth and glow, I recommend adding in some taller taper style candles with custom “made” candlesticks that are also easily tackled last minute. Spray painting antique or craft store bought glass candlesticks gold or silver, or even a metallic blue would give a beautiful finishing touch along with your orange votives!

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

Jul 19, 2016

Charleston’s Bridal Registry

Charleston brides and residents alike have come to The Boutique for years as their go to Wedding shop. It’s a one stop shop for gifting and bridal registry- they even offer an online registry. Here are just a few of our favorite items from the store, and some tips and suggestions on not always thought of registry pieces.

When a bride registers with the Boutique, their place settings, glassware, etc are “set” on the shop’s dining table, so guests can see it laid out. I’ve always loved this Southern registry tradition.

China options of all imaginable designs and makers are displayed so couples are able to see what will truly fit their aesthetic.

The Boutique is a great source for the Anna Weatherly plates that are a huge hit every time we use them or post photos of them. They are handpainted in Hungary, and truly beautiful in person.

Our gift guide from The Boutique:

Giving champagne flutes (of course if the couple registered for some selecting those would be most important), but special flutes they can use on the wedding night would be a great gift.

Some items that brides often forget to register for, or feel they may not need are napkin rings, cheese knives and other miscellaneous serving pieces. For the bride having lots of showers prior to the wedding, these are great additions to a brides’ collection.

These sweet porcelain dishes make a perfect engagement gift, bridesmaids gifts, or even shower hostess gifts.

I’m a cocktail napkin collector, you can never have too many in my opinion… love these with the Charleston zip code embroidered on them… Would pair as a lovely gift with the pewter monogram glasses below at a stock the bar shower.

Another fantastic gift for showers are books- cookbooks, or maybe a photo book of the city where the couple is getting married or will be living. I still use a cookbook I was given for my wedding!

For more information on the bridal registry or to purchase any of these gifts go to The Boutique Charleston.

7.19.16 | TARA GUÉRARD
Bridal, Charleston, Entertaining, Etiquette, Gifts, Registry, Shopping, Uncategorized, Weddings | Comments >>

Jan 12, 2016

Tasty Tuesday

(Corbin Gurkin photo)

Now that everyone is trying to stick to those New Year’s resolutions, like eating healthy and loosing weight I’m sharing some of my favorite food styling from some of our events. We are so lucky to be able to work with the calibre of caterers that we have here in Charleston, like Cru Catering, one of of faves that we frequently collaborate with. They are always willing to get creative with us! Like this new take on shrimp cocktail- served on the “half shell” over a bed of cocktail sauce. So much more refined at a wedding than “dipping”.

(Liz Banfield Photo)

Sometimes using unexpected containers is a way to do something fun. Here, at a wedding at The William Aiken House, Patrick Properties Hospitality Group served a palette cleansing sorbet (after cocktail hour before dinner) in individual glass votive holders in the wedding color scheme.

(Corbin Gurkin photo)

For a wedding at home, I love being able to use the hostess own serving pieces. This tiered sterling serving tray was perfect for canapes on the buffet, and using what the home owner owns adds makes for an organic mix of different pieces.

(photo by Corbin Gurkin)

I love this new way of serving oysters on the half shell- instead of bowls of Tabasco and lemons that can get messy and need to be replenished, they were served on the ice with the oysters. How awesome are those mini Tabasco bottles?

(Corbin Gurkin photo)

For a refined and modern cocktail hour food display, Cru Catering painstakingly created perfect mini individual foods like Caprese salad with basil geleee, and asparagus wrapped in smoked salmon in dill creme fraiche.

(Gayle Brooker photo)

I loved this trio of soup that Caroline’s Catering created for a first course- 3 mini soups in clear glass votives made for a perfect portion and sampling for a fall feast.

1.12.16 | TARA GUÉRARD
Charleston, Entertaining, Etiquette, Event Design, Food and Drink, Photographers, Reception, Uncategorized, Weddings | Comments >>