Category Archives: Parties

Dec 19, 2017

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.

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!

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.

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.

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 >>

Dec 11, 2017

Lela Rose’s Presentation in the Park

photo by Nina Westervelt

We are stepping into the Elizabeth Street Garden in New York today to view Lela Rose’s Fall 2018 bridal collection. In a stroke of genius she invited guests into the garden for a presentation in lieu of a traditional runway show for NYFW… This way guests get to view the gowns from every angle and get up close and personal to see all of the gorgeous details.
photo by Nina Westervelt

One thing that noticeably sticks out to me is that Lela always incorporates high fashion alternatives to traditional gowns. I love love love the pant ensemble here! And two piece options are featured as well- perfection!

photo by Taylor Jewell

Lela says the inspiration behind this collection was seeing traditional silhouettes updates for the modern bride. While there are plenty of lovely strapless gowns out there, I prefer sleeves and other alternatives, like this off the shoulder number. And this delicate lace design is the perfect for a feminine bride wanting a sophisticated take on the sheer trend.

photo by Taylor Jewell

Lela’s Southern sensibility shines through the presentation… Guests enjoy Callie’s Charleston ham biscuits (a big favorite of ours!) and “Sweeties” .. and a sketch artist onsite offers a special touch. And don’t forget the “bouquet bar” as seen below.

photo by Taylor Jewell

Lela walks her “brides” out of the park making sure the gowns stay bridal white, something we are all too familiar with… We thank Lela for sharing this glimpse of her Fall 2018 Bridal presentation with us…

12.11.17 | TARA GUÉRARD
Bridal, Bridal Style, Dresses, Events, Fashion, Flowers, Food and Drink, New York, Parties, Photographers, Weddings | Comments >>

Dec 05, 2017

DIY Dinner Table

Today, we are sharing a very easy and affordable way to turn your tabletop into holiday perfection. It’s so easy we were able to whip this up in our office before a little holiday Soiree lunch. We used things readily available, and often lying around. This time of year when decorating at home or the office, I’ve found that I often have to trim bottom branches of the tree, or pieces fall off the pine garlands. Taking these and doing something different with them instead of tossing them is what inspired this idea!

My kids love pears, so we always have them around the house. So, we took pears, and the extra tree trimmings and spray painted them gold. Of course, Copper (our new favorite metallic), rose gold, or silver would all be lovely as well. I took the color inspiration from the plates I wanted to use, so if you’re stuck making that decision, look there for an idea (or a napkin, table linen, or whatnot).

While you may not favor them for everyday table use, colored candles can be an easy way to add an out of the ordinary pop of color. I’ve been seeing them more and more at local gift store, etc, but our favorite source for them is Creative Candles.

The rest is up to your imagination to play… We took a very small dish for stacking our centerpiece, but a large clear bowl, or something with embellishments would all be really lovely. I always like mixing candles- votives with tapers, etc to fill up the table, use enough so that a bright overhead light isn’t necessary.

And, of course, there are so so many ways to embellish or “juge” up each place setting. I always find that this is one of the main ways at our weddings that makes guests feel special. Seeing their name written in a special way, or on a unique item (a leaf, a stone, or maybe even a ribbon used to tie the napkins). These looked great mixed on the table, and were straight from the yard- a simple camelilia bloom, or a sprig of your favorite greenery.

We’d love to see some of your favorite tabletop designs, share with us some of the ones you were proud of, or loved creating.

12.05.17 | TARA GUÉRARD
Entertaining, Event Design, Event Planning, Food and Drink, Interior Design, Parties | Comments >>