Category Archives: Event Design

Dec 27, 2016

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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.

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

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

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

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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.

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Trim any excess of the greenery ends…

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 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 >>

Tara Guerard Soiree

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!

Tara Guerard Soiree

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.

Tara Guerard Soiree

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!

Tara Guerard Soiree

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!

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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!

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

These two, aren’t they just the cutest? It’s been 6 years since we traveled to Arkansas to do the December wedding for this couple. While the groom was running for public office, the bride was in her second year of law school and planning her wedding! She was graceful under pressure and both she and her family were a joy to work with. And her dress- a perfectly pleated silk faille Carolina Herrera masterpiece paired with a vintage fur wrap for the chillier moments.

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Influenced by classic blue and white china, complimentary patterns were paired together throughout the printed pieces. Lettered Olive designed a custom monogram featuring a lion head door knocker, that the bride wanted to incorporate throughout.  We had custom velvet shoe bags made to use as the guest welcome bags. Full of champagne, local sparkling water, and snacks, guests had everything they would need for a pre wedding celebration.

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Pieces of the perfect blue and white fabric we found to use throughout the wedding decor, made the perfect bouquet wrap. The bride’s dress had a row of covered buttons, so we added that little detail for her on her flowers. Simple all white flowers (peonies and roses) were just the thing for this winter wedding.

The reception took place at Marlsgate Plantation just outside of Little Rock.  The couple did do a “first sight” at the plantation house before the ceremony. This worked so well for this event, since the sun sets a bit earlier this time of year. Liz Banfield was also able to steal the couple away to capture some amazing private moments before the sunset.

We scored a vintage lion’s head door knocker while out sourcing that we knew we had to snag to use somewhere- like the fabric covered escort card and “sign in” board.

Shades of blue in the ceiling upped the look of the all white dining room. Antique wrought iron chandeliers with pillar candles became amazing statement pieces.

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Special little touches like golden pillar candles, white velvet linens lined with thick blue piping, and lush white carpeting made for a warm, glowing, and breathtaking dining room.

The 5 tier cake was hand painted with each different pattern used throughout the wedding printing and decor and was the centerpiece of the dining room.

A 40 foot bar anchored the lounge tent with shelving to create a focal point for the blue votives.

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To give guests a different feel for dancing, we darkened up the lounge with navy blue and gold tones.

getaway-collageRice produced by the bride’s family’s business was packaged in custom stamped muslin pouches to toss during the couple’s getaway…Wishing our bride and groom the happiest of anniversaries.

 

12.07.16   |   TARA GUÉRARD
Bridal, Bridal Style, Cakes, Event Design, Event Planning, Reception, Stationery, Invitations and Pretty Papers, The Lettered Olive, Uncategorized, Weddings | Comments >>