Category Archives: Interior Design

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 >>


Giving some love to my BFF, Nicki Clendening today, who was just featured as a design crush on Style Blueprint. Nicki and I first met waiting tables together at an amazing Italian restaurant in Charleston, and have been collaborating ever since. We recently moved into a new office in New York, and had Nicki do the design for it… you can see more below.

 

1.28.20   |   TARA GUÉRARD
Art, Interior Design, J'adore!, New York, Press | Comments >>
Jul 16, 2019

As many of you know we also have an office in New York, which we just celebrated the 10 year anniversary of… Recently when a larger corner space on our current floor opened up, we jumped at the chance to move in, and had my BFF, Nicki Clendening help with sprucing up the space for us. Thank you to Corbin Gurkin for the pics of the space.

Many of the items have been sourced via flea markets, antique booths, and favorite hidden gem spots over the past years, but we love the thought Nicki had to paint the walls a version of our “Soiree” signature orange…

Standard wooden kitchen cabinets get a complete face lift with marbleized fronts and new brass hardware…

Of course, no spot is complete without being able to entertain clients or vendors when needed… We hope you’ll come by and see us!

7.16.19   |   TARA GUÉRARD
Interior Design, New York, Uncategorized, Weddings | Comments >>