(photo courtesy of One Kings Lane)
In case you are like me and have been so busy all summer, that the fact it’s July Fourth already is blowing your mind, today we’re giving you easy tips on last minute hosting. What to serve, shortcuts to take, and how to use what you have or gather what you need. The easiest table decor for the summer are bunches of hydrangeas (Trader Joe’s has great ones) in vases gathered through the house.
(photos by Nickie Stone and Corbin Gurkin)
One of the best things about celebrating the 4th of July is that it doesn’t have to be fancy. For heavier food options- store bought fried chicken, since it’s the season-local tomatoes sliced and watermelon slices are super easy sides, and of course, we have to serve shrimp- either peel and eat or cocktail style. When serving cocktail shrimp, I like to get take out bags of the pellet ice from Chick Fil A or Sonic and set up a display to keep them cold. Also, dress up chips and dips or cheese displays by bringing serving pieces of furniture outside for your set up.
(photo courtesy of One Kings Lane)
If you are having a sit down dinner using disposable Bamboo serveware and plates is an easy way to avoid clean up, be good to the environment, and still look a little elevated. Available on Amazon in a flash!
(photos courtesy of One Kings Lane and Corbin Gurkin)
I of course, like to put thought into the bar and drinks we’ll be serving. A self serve bar that’s easily accessible is the best way to keep it easy and guests happy. If you don’t want to have everything available for cost purposes, the 4th is a great time to take advantage and go with a red, white, and blue theme. In the warmer months I substitute Rose for the “red”. Vodka sodas with a splash of fresh grapefruit and fresh blueberries are my perfect summer drink, but Gin and Tonics can work also. And, many of our local breweries do special summer releases and the cans were so perfect!
Happy Fourth of July!
The bride chose a Guipure lace covered gown by Vollaro available through Maddison Row here in Charleston, SC. Bring a traditional Southern bride, we chose to monogram her satin bouquet wrap in her favorite “something blue “color.
Being that it was a summer wedding, hearty boutonierres were best… And, since the bride’s family owns an angling store, locally made 
The wedding ceremony took place at the church that the bride grew up attending, St. Philip’s (which also happens to be my church). An illustration of the historic steeple graced the cover of the classic ceremony programs.
Afterwards the bride and groom received guests at Lowndes Grove Plantation… True Southern sports fans, we flew flags for both alma maters- Clemson University, and The Citadel. And, custom cornhole boards for both schools graced the front lawn for those wanting to squeeze in a quick round during cocktail hour.
Charleston’s “haint” blue, also the bride’s favorite color, was chosen as the palette. Luckily the perfect dresses were available at 
Each bridesmaid carried a custom monogramed bouquet.
Guests enjoyed classic favorites like prosciutto wrapped melon and tasteful sips at cocktail hour.
Where else can you enjoy a lawn party than a glorious home overlooking the river banks than Charleston? A hanging swing bed allowed guests a fun take on al fresco seating…
Jim Smeal’s sweet cake was perfectly pretty for a Southern garden with gum paste flowers and an elevated basketweave…Of course displayed on a garden table with fresh greenery.
A traditional ceremony was held at the groom’s childhood church. One little touch I love doing when the ceremony is offsite is to have a special decorated “just married” vehicle for the bride and groom to ride in alone to the reception.
Guests convened at the Breakers for cocktail hour in the courtyard, featuring several of our custom fabric covered bars, and oysters on the half shell served by 
The dining room was set with a mixture of long and square tables topped with custom blue linen cloths, and alternating taller and smaller florals… miniature lamps and a sprinkling of candlelight added an old world ambiance.
