Category Archives: Event Design

Tablesetting/Tara Guerard/Corbin Gurkin

Fresh off of hosting everyone for Thanksgiving, I’m already thinking about my table for Christmas. Here are some settings we styled and some simple tips on ways you can incorporate what you have around the house to give your table a a magazine worthy look. Thank you to Corbin Gurkin for the photos.  Depending on your menu you may not need an additional salad plate, but I loved the dimension these gave to the table. The white napkins were rolled up here and wrapped with gold metallic thread easily found at a fabric/craft store.

Table setting/Tara Guerard/Corbin Gurkin

For the centerpiece, we spray painted grocery store pairs a champagne metallic and set in a simple compote bowl. I always save the clippings from when we get our Christmas tree place on the mantle or in other arrangements. This was the perfect way to use these extras. I always iron my napkins if the fold calls for lots of real estate. There is something about a crisp wrinkle free napkin that I have to have (we iron ALL napkins for ALL of our events!). Simple gift wrap ribbon was tied in a square knot.

Table setting/Tara Guerard/Corbin Gurkin

I have a wide wrapping paper collection that I raided here for a simple belly band wrap.

Tablesetting/Tara Guerard/Corbin Gurkin

I don’t shy away from black… this velvet ribbon with shimmied edges made for such an elegant tie. So easy!

Tablesetting/Tara Guerard/Corbin Gurkin

I love a simple classic pocket fold napkin. It allows you to do so many design concepts- holding a menu, silverware, and even a bloom or branch. I cut Camelias out of my yard and tucked them into each napkin. Jump over to Martha Stewart for instructions on how to do this style of napkin fold.

Tablesetting/Tara Guerard/Corbin Gurkin

This cotton napkin was rolled into a wider roll and tied off again with gift wrap ribbon and adorned with a simple sprig of greenery from the yard. Again, if you have extra pine sprigs from your tree (or can reach the very very low branches were you could take a few), this would be a lovely way to incorporate them.

I hope everyone has a joyful and healthy holiday season full of celebration!

12.01.15   |   TARA GUÉRARD
Entertaining, Event Design, Flowers, Food and Drink, Interior Design | Comments >>
Nov 25, 2015

Couple at rehearsal by liz Banfield

The Rehearsal dinner is often one of the most memorable times a couple has over the course of their wedding events. It’s a smaller more intimate affair usually, where the couple gets to engage with everyone. Lots of fun stories and toasts bring back memories and connections with friends and family. So, as we head into what hopefully are good times with friends and family this week, I wanted to share a sweet and simple little rehearsal dinner we did here in Charleston. Thank you to Liz Banfield for the photos.

Table number by Tara Guerard Soiree/Liz Banfield

Dinner had a bit more of a traditional fare due to the ballroom dining space- where George Washington once dined!

Billy balls in vase by Tara Guerard Soiree Place setting by Tara Guerard Soiree/Liz Banfield

“Billy balls” were used to display the seating cards in large vessels anchored with yellow millet… we also used them to adorn the napkin ties to accentuate the in house gold china.

centerpieces by Tara Guerard Soiree/LIz Banfield

Simple centerpieces of candles in yellow millet and nosegays of yellow flowers flecked the table landscape.

Lounge by Tara guerard Soiree

McCrady’s restaurant in downtown Charleston opened a historic gallery space that has exposed beams, high ceilings, original plank flooring and beautiful moldings. We added some modern flair with loungy day beds covered in grey fur, mirrored bars, and lamp light.

sofas and candles by Tara Guerard Soiree

After dinner, all out of town guests were invited to join the party for champagne and dessert. Cozy sofas and cylinders full of glowing candles greeted guests as they partied into the evening just getting warmed up for the next big night.

11.25.15   |   TARA GUÉRARD
Charleston, Entertaining, Event Design, Rehearsal Dinner, Uncategorized | Comments >>

color-meanings

I was a psychology major at the College of Charleston, so when the Editor in Chief of Brides magazine brought up the meanings behind colors it got me thinking. Especially since I have an entire year ahead of me designing different shades of blue weddings.

Cake by Liz Banfield/ Tara Guerard Soiree

Jacoby tent by Liz BanfieldI love that there are so many different versions and variations of blue. Tiffany blue is a perennial favorite and one that works with many accent colors. Typically we see Tiffany blue used more during Spring or Summer months and I see “smart” “calm” and “faith”.

blue bridesmaid by Liz Banfield Blue tables by Liz BanfieldPeriwinkle, another blue lighter on the spectrum and still wildly popular is appropriate for any season. It says “natural” “stable” and “smart” to me.

Bridesmaids in navy by Corbin Gurkin

place setting and flowers by Corbin Gurkin navy table by corbin gurkin navy and gold cake by Corbin Gurkin

What can I say about classic navy? Navy has been gaining lots of legs in bride requests and surprisingly many of my navy weddings while historically has been in Fall and Winter, recently have been more in Spring! I love pairing the navy here with creams, pale peaches, and gold to lighten and brighten it up.

Pink dresses by Liz Banfield Pink wreath by LIz Banfield Pink boutonierres by Liz Banfield Pink tent by Liz Banfield

Probably the most popular wedding color at the end of the day, I think you’d be hard pressed to find anyone who doesn’t think pink when it comes to weddings. With shades from “blush” to “bashful” pink can go bold or soft, and can be girlie or sophisticated. I think it’s probably one of the colors best represented by the emotions above.

Green tent by LIz Banfield Green place setting by Liz Banfield Green bouquet by Liz Banfield Green boutonierre by Liz Banfield

By far for us, the final most popularly requested color would be green. The consistent qualities I’ve experienced with my couples wanting this color are the “natural”, “balanced”, and “eco friendly”… I love how you can use literally all year round, from casual to formally elegant, and pairs with anything from gold to black!

11.23.15   |   TARA GUÉRARD
Bridal, Bridal Style, Entertaining, Event Design, Event Planning, Flowers, Reception, Stationery, Invitations and Pretty Papers, Uncategorized, Weddings | Comments >>