Category Archives: Events

Feb 25, 2020

photo by Jose Villa

I guess one of the design elements we are most known for are our bars.  I’ve preached for years that a bar makes the party, it must be big enough to accommodate lots of bartenders (so that there are no lines) and easy to get to, sleek and clean on top (don’t display those beer bottles and plastic straws!), and of course look amazing.  We typically like to add some lower lighting through lamps, lanterns, candles, etc. depending on the look, and also custom printed cocktail napkins from Lettered Olive. For the cocktail hour bar above, custom printed fabric featuring a design used throughout the wedding decor covered the bottom and was topped with cut butcher block for a designer yet approachable feel.  Umbrella trim from Boutique Tents.

photo by Corbin Gurkin 

Of course, not only must they be good looking, they also must be functional.  We either build or rent different types of shelving or units that dress up the glassware storage- get creative, it doesn’t have to be just a table with a white polyester linen on it.  And, sweet details like matching bow ties or aprons for your bartenders pretty much nail it every time.

photo by Ryan Ray

One of our recent and most liked bar comes from a wedding we did at a plantation here in Charleston. A large square bar (so that it’s approachable from many different sides) is covered in custom printed fabric. Sleek marble on top gives it a elegant finish, and a floral topped glass storage unit takes this bar to an over the top decor moment. We also made custom lamps to hang from trees which swayed along with the spanish moss.

photos by Corbin Gurkin

For a summer time coastal wedding, live greens and florals were the way to go here. The couple’s name was even spelled in fresh blooms on one of the reception bars. Ombre rose panels were so fun yet impactful.

photo by Liz Banfield

This client loved the wall mural at the famed Bememlmen’s Bar at the Carlyle Hotel in New York. So, we created our interpretation and had it printed on fabric to cover the bottom of this oval bar topped with custom cut copper.  This was definitely a reception showstopper.
photo by Lauren Bailey photo

For a light and airy tented reception at a historic property in Atlanta, GA, a white wedding bar was topped with delicate greens to add a little element contrasting the starkness. A cluster of woven lampshades draped from greenery garlands gave it a modern garden look.

photo by Tec Petaja

2.25.20   |   TARA GUÉRARD
Entertaining, Event Design, Event Planning, Events, Food and Drink, Interior Design, Photographers, Reception, The Lettered Olive, Uncategorized, Weddings | Comments >>

070-2016_Stephanie_Peter_0325

We loved this seaside rehearsal dinner in downtown Newport, RI. It was the perfect compliment to the formal wedding held the next day, and a fantastic way to welcome guests in for the weekend. Held at a local restaurant, friends and family joined the couple for an intimate rehearsal dinner, followed by a dessert and dancing party for all guests. Corbin Gurkin captured all of the events of the weekend.

Rehearsal dinner Collage

Cocktail Hour CollageGuests enjoyed popular favorites like New England Clam Chowder and mini lobster rolls. Keeping in line with the sea colored palette, escort cards were nautical inspired flags displayed on a watercolored board.

044-2016_Stephanie_Peter_0094Keeping the decor natural and simple made the most sense for a nautical inspired feel. Table runners were of a french linen flour sack feel. Potted rosemary topiaries and simple hydrangea blooms dotted the length of the tables.

048-2016_Stephanie_Peter_0088One of my new favorite design elements are colored border linen dinner napkins. So simple but they lend such an elegant touch. And, how cute were these white nautical rope balls which we used to “anchor” the place cards. White ink on navy paper is an unexpected but pretty way to present the dinner menus.

scenery CollageNo seaside rehearsal dinner in New England would be complete without a lobster course.

059-2016_Stephanie_Peter_0117 045-2016_Stephanie_Peter_0124

Spectacular views were offered as desserts and drinks were served to the tunes of a DJ so  the couple had many moments to enjoy chatting with guests before the big day…

9.03.19   |   TARA GUÉRARD
Bridal Style, Entertaining, Events, Fashion, Flowers, Food and Drink, New York, Parties, Rehearsal Dinner, Travel, Uncategorized, Weddings | Comments >>

vintage car- Tara Guerard Soiree/Nickie Cutrona Photography

If you are looking for an excuse to throw a party especially with a French accent, Bastille Day is right around the corner. Such fun details (which can also parlay into a chick Fourth of July dinner party) and I got to harbor my inspiration from my dream of living in France. I say every year that I’m going to take the summer off and go study at Le Cordon Bleu but in the meantime I’ll just settle for being a stateside Francophile. This shoot (shot by Nickie Cutrona) can also be seen in Lonny Mag.

children in garden- Tara Guerard Soiree/Nickie Cutrona Photography

cheese side board- Tara Guerard Soiree/Nickie Cutrona Photography

Think of different ways to display apps or snacks. A sideboard from our clients home was easily transported outside, and fashioned for an upscale “cheese cart”.

long table shot overview- Tara Guerard Soiree/Nickie Cutrona Photography

You may have seen our Facebook Live video with Southern Living last week, here is a great idea/trick to steal- I found a great striped rug on sale at Target, which made a perfect table runner!

overhead of table- Tara Guerard Soiree/Nickie Cutrona Photography

Place setting- Tara Guerard Soiree/Nickie Cutrona Photography

I don’t like using bread plates, etc on table because it can seem cluttered… Here, individual baguettes are preset with vellum menus and tied off with butcher twine for a nice detail. Try playing with flavor profiles in your olive oil- herbs, citrus, etc.

peach salad- Tara Guerard Soiree/NIckie Cutrona Photography

french chalk board- Tara Guerard Soiree/Nickie Cutrona Photography

sunflower cake- Tara Guerard Soiree/Nickie Cutrona Photography

A single tier coconut cake looks straight from the French countryside with a solo sunflower bloom. For a variation for Fourth of July, try blue hydrangea blooms.

table with guests- evening- Tara Guerard Soiree/Nickie Cutrona Photography

guests with sparklers- Tara Guerard Soiree/Nickie Cutrona Photography

 

7.09.19   |   TARA GUÉRARD
Cakes, Charleston, Entertaining, Event Design, Events, Food and Drink, J'adore!, Parties, Photographers, Press, Travel | Comments >>