Category Archives: Event Planning

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 >>

Dec 07, 2016

Wintery Wedding Wednesday

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Rice 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 >>

Nov 29, 2016

Holiday Table Tips

Now that the holidays are in full swing, we wanted to share a few more ideas on making your holiday table lovely- with easy and effortless tips. We shared our top 5 with the Charleston CVB blog recently, but here are some more sure to get your hostess hat ready for the holidays. Easy embellishments pack a lot of punch. Snipping a few branches or blooms out of the yard (or even desconstructing store bought blooms) and tucking them into simple napkin folds give a professional touch. I also love to layer my place settings-something traditional or classic as the anchor with something more detailed on top.

Keeping something classic as the base or charger will also allow you to use more of the special pieces you only break out a few times a year. Layered tables can be so pretty- walk around the house and pull things out of cabinets and bookshelves to give a more eclectic look. For a small dinner party, you can also hand write place cards or menus. Think about using materials other than paper or traditional pen and ink.

Stepping up your napkin design by trying different folds and embellishments is a super affordable and simple step. Ribbons, twine/raffia, bakers’ twine, anything you may have around the house like that would be pretty!

The most important tip we can offer though it to have a safe and happy holiday season. Savor the time with your friends and family, and enjoy the meaning of all getting together.

11.29.16 | TARA GUÉRARD
Entertaining, Event Planning, Parties, Uncategorized | Comments >>