Category Archives: Gifts

Mar 19, 2018

Grey ghost basket

Now that Spring is in full swing, the party season is too. At our recent trunk show, I had a couple of people ask what my favorite hostess gifts were, so today I’m sharing some ideas for you!

The above idea would be perfect if you have been invited to stay as a guest in someone’s home. A beautiful basket full of goodies (especially ones local to your hometown). Our basket includes Grey Ghost cookies (with custom Lettered Olive labels), a Candlefish candle, a bottle of bubbles, and a turkish towel (some of my favorites are here).

photo by Melanie Mauer

Our oyster shell salt and pepper cellars have been hugely popular and are back in stock. Wrapped in a pretty package, they make for an unexpected gift- you never knew you needed them, but you will use them at all your dinner parties!

product-detail-napkins_1

I’m a huge fan of linen cocktail napkins, and you can never go wrong with gifting them. They make for a great completion to just a bottle of wine or liquor, and having them embroidered with something custom makes them meaningful also! Lettered Olive can make any design you wish.

photos by Melanie Mauer 

Also, as a long time admirer of paper goods, a set of letterpress cards, a notepad featuring a customized or emblem that appeals to the hostess, or letterpressed recipe cards (which could be partnered with bottle of wine as a wine notes pad) would all be things I would be thrilled to receive… All by Lettered Olive.

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Another entertaining must have is a nice cutting board. These are handcarved and made in my hometown of Camden, SC by Nicholas Blake.

We love learning about new ideas- what are some of your favorite hostess gifts? Leave a comment and let us know!

3.19.18   |   TARA GUÉRARD
Charleston, Entertaining, Food and Drink, Gifts, Shopping, The Lettered Olive, Uncategorized | Comments >>
Mar 06, 2018

We hope you enjoy our tips on putting together your wedding weekend welcome guest bags.  For the full episode please head over to our YouTube channel to see more.

3.06.18   |   TARA GUÉRARD
Charleston, Entertaining, Etiquette, Event Planning, Gifts, Stationery, Invitations and Pretty Papers, Videos, Weddings | Comments >>

Tara Guerard Holiday Table by Lucy Cuneo

It’s your first Christmas together as Mr. and Mrs. so why not set yourselves a “sweetheart” table fit for the season. Here are a few quick tips for putting together a quick and easy but still special tabletop. Thank you to Lucy Cuneo for shooting these details with us.

Tara Guerard Holiday Table by Lucy Cuneo

Basic candlesticks are readily available at any craft, or discount store, but may go overlooked. Don’t be so quick to write them off. Here, we took ones of varying heights and shapes and spray painted them gold to jazz them up. Keep these tucked away for future gatherings and you can repaint in any color needed!

Tara Guerard Holiday Table by Lucy Cuneo

Two tips: Wrap the bases of your candles in floral wrap tape (again available at craft and floral stores), it has a bit of tack to it and will hold the candlesticks in place and upright- no more crooked candles!  Also, never have candles on a table with fresh wicks- it’s bad luck! Light them if only for a couple of seconds, and then blow them out.

Tara Guerard Holiday Table by Lucy Cuneo Tara Guerard Holiday Table by Lucy Cuneo Tara Guerard Holiday Table by Lucy Cuneo Tara Guerard Holiday Table by Lucy Cuneo

Another fast and easy design element is adding something to your napkins. Here, I rolled a linen napkin and tied off with gold twine. You could tuck a sprig of your tree or even a quick handwritten note to your new spouse in there for something special.

Tara Guerard Holiday Table by Lucy Cuneo

Don’t be afraid to mix your plates and glassware. You can use water glasses for wine, wine glasses for a specialty cocktail, etc. I love these vintage champagne coupes, there is something quite grown up and festive about drinking from them. These party plates from Anthropologie were a quick little purchase that totally dresses up the table, and since you only need two, they won’t break your Christmas budget.

We’ll share our how to’s on creating a poinsettia centerpiece and greenery wrapped votives next week, so join us then.

12.19.17   |   TARA GUÉRARD
Entertaining, Event Design, Flowers, Food and Drink, Gifts, Parties | Comments >>