Category Archives: Gifts

Sep 20, 2016

china

photo by Corbin Gurkin

Today, we wanted to share some easy basic guidelines on what you need on your bridal registry. There are many options out there, and luckily a wealth of information on what to register for and where. Here is a mere overview along with clickable shopping suggestions…

glassware-collage

Glassware is a biggie! Depending on your kitchen or storage space, start with the basics- rocks & highboys. You can use both of these for everyday water type glasses, but also for serving cocktails while entertaining. Another basic that is somewhat overlooked is a coffee service. Of course that collection of mugs gathered over the years is fine for your favorite morning brew, but if you forsee hosting guests for any number of reasons over the years, a lovely coffee service set is a must. You can either do something neutral that works for any event, or ones that match your china set (which is nice if you like to serve coffee after dinner).

champagne-collage

photos by Corbin Gurkin

Don’t forget your champagne glasses- if room allows, a set of 10-12 is great. It allows enough for a good basis for entertaining, but remember it’s likely that a couple may break over time, so if they are very special ones, you may want to go up on that. There are so many options these days, are you a coupe or a flute person? My favorite universal wine glasses are here

place-setting

silver-table

photos by Corbin Gurkin

China is such a broad subject it can overwhelming and hard to drill down on.. Many of our brides tend to inherit a set from a family member which can be used anywhere from everyday to holiday table settings. If you have an intricate or busy pattern that can be used on special occasions you can still register for a more neutral set to be used for everyday or to mix and match with the special set. It seems as if with busy careers and lives most newly married couples don’t find themselves sitting down to a formal dinner every night, so even if you eat on the couch with dinner in your lap on lovely plates it can still seem special!

punch-bowl-collage

There are many miscellaneous items that you should keep in mind and if you don’t have lots of storage space, keep in mind that many can be used in a slew of different ways.. A large salad bowl can double as a punch bowl when hosting a get together or trifle like desserts. A cake stand not only holds birthday cakes (even store bought ones like homemade on a cake stand), but baked brie, quiches, or small bites if hosting a buffet/cocktail party type event.

napkin-collage

I am a collector of napkins and linens – keep in mind a different array- linen dinner napkins, linen or cotton cocktail napkins, and a set to be used for holiday or special dinner entertaining. Monogramming can also be a way to give linens a special touch.

bed

Bed linens… personal style is a huge factor here! But, I would say a minimum place to start would be three sets. One nice set for your bed, one more basic for laundry time, and a nice set for your guest bed. Of course more sets are needed but you can usually find deals at many of the popular discount outlets like Tuesday Morning and Marshall’s…

9.20.16   |   TARA GUÉRARD
Bridal Style, Gifts, Registry, Shopping | Comments >>

the-botique-logo

Charleston brides and residents alike have come to The Boutique for years as their go to Wedding shop. It’s a one stop shop for gifting and bridal registry- they even offer an online registry. Here are just a few of our favorite items from the store, and some tips and suggestions on not always thought of registry pieces.

blue and white place setting

When a bride registers with the Boutique,  their place settings, glassware, etc are “set” on the shop’s dining table, so guests can see it laid out. I’ve always loved this Southern registry tradition.

left china wall right china wall

China options of all imaginable designs and makers are displayed so couples are able to see what will truly fit their aesthetic.

Balmoral plates

The Boutique is a  great source for the Anna Weatherly plates that are a huge hit every time we use them or post photos of them. They are handpainted in Hungary, and truly beautiful in person.

pickard

Our gift guide from The Boutique:

Champagne flutes

Giving champagne flutes (of course if the couple registered for some selecting those would be most important), but special flutes they can use on the wedding night would be a great gift.

gifts on tray

Some items that brides often forget to register for, or feel they may not need are napkin rings, cheese knives and other miscellaneous serving pieces. For the bride having lots of showers prior to the wedding, these are great additions to a brides’ collection.

Porcelain ring dish

These sweet porcelain dishes make a perfect engagement gift, bridesmaids gifts, or even shower hostess gifts.

cocktail napkins

I’m a cocktail napkin collector, you can never have too many in my opinion… love these with the Charleston zip code embroidered on them… Would pair as a lovely gift with the pewter monogram glasses below at a stock the bar shower.

glassware

Books

Another fantastic gift for showers are books- cookbooks, or maybe a photo book of the city where the couple is getting married or will be living. I still use a cookbook I was given for my wedding!

For more information on the bridal registry or to purchase any of these gifts go to The Boutique Charleston.

7.19.16   |   TARA GUÉRARD
Bridal, Charleston, Entertaining, Etiquette, Gifts, Registry, Shopping, Uncategorized, Weddings | Comments >>

LO_EddieRoss_Invitation

We are so excited to be welcoming Eddie Ross in celebration of his new book, Modern Mix and the Southern C Summit. I loved meeting Eddie at last year’s Summit, so we’re thrilled to have him joining us back in Charleston.  Below, Eddie fills us in on his return to Charleston and new projects he is working on and we’re sharing a few sneak peeks into the book.

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You and Jaithan are renovating a beautiful house, will you be sourcing any furniture or art while you’re in Charleston?

Yes! Finding great stuff when I’m on the road is the fun part; getting it home is another story. Years back, I bought a one-way ticket for a brass and Lucite bar cart from Miami to New York—we both needed a stiff drink after that one. 

How does entertaining in Charleston differ (if at all) from New York and Connecticut, where you grew up?

I’m a southerner at heart, blending gorgeous, old things on a table with clean-lined shapes for a modern mix. 

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You’ve were a featured speaker at The Southern C Summit last year, what are your thoughts on the event? What are you most looking forward to? 

The Summit is the perfect place to reconnect with friends, find new ones and get inspired. Plus, it’s always great fun visiting Charleston. It’s one of my favorite cities!

Any special places you discovered on your last trip? 

Shopping the Terrace Oaks Antiques Mall, I found a gorgeous pair of chintz curtain panels in a big, bright floral that I had my dry cleaner’s seamstress turn into a tablecloth. I can’t wait to go back!

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For more updates and to watch the progress of Eddie and Jaithan’s home project, be sure to follow him on Instagram!  And, we’d love to see you at our office in Charleston for Eddie’s book signing. xo!

4.07.16   |   TARA GUÉRARD
Announcements, Books, Charleston, Events, Gifts, Interior Design, Shopping, Uncategorized | Comments >>