Category Archives: Parties

Tara Guerard Soiree

Now that it’s finally citrus season, one of my favorite DIY decor tips for entertaining at home are my orange votives! They are readily available for your last minute holiday tabletop or for any given dinner party. First step is to assemble everything you need- a sharp knife, a good strong spoon or scoop, and your oranges of course. If it’s your first round, get a bag to allow for any Oops!

Tara Guerard Soiree

Slice a thinnish piece off the bottom (and an even thinner part off the opposite side just of the peel, not any of the inside so that it has a steady platform for where you plan to set it down). Use your spoon to hollow out all of the pulp, juices, etc. I like to keep them all to use for smoothies or juicing.

Tara Guerard Soiree

We make sure to use the candle drop ins that have the plastic bases0 they are deeper and don’t get as hot as the aluminum based ones; they also look nicer!

Tara Guerard Soiree

It’s also a good idea to zest or shave a bit of the peel off of the sides so that the candles are able to really glow through. Of course, they are wonderfully fragrant as well!

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To give your table more depth and glow, I recommend adding in some taller taper style candles with custom “made” candlesticks that are also easily tackled last minute. Spray painting antique or craft store bought glass candlesticks gold or silver, or even a metallic blue would give a beautiful finishing touch along with your orange votives!

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12.20.16   |   TARA GUÉRARD
Entertaining, Etiquette, Event Design, Event Planning, Parties, Uncategorized | Comments >>
Nov 29, 2016

floral-collage

Now that the holidays are in full swing, we wanted to share a few more ideas on making your holiday table lovely- with easy and effortless tips. We shared our top 5 with the Charleston CVB blog recently, but here are some more sure to get your hostess hat ready for the holidays. Easy embellishments pack a lot of punch. Snipping a few branches or blooms out of the yard (or even desconstructing store bought blooms) and tucking them into simple napkin folds give a professional touch.  I also love to layer my place settings-something traditional or classic as the anchor with something more detailed on top.

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Keeping something classic as the base or charger will also allow you to use more of the special pieces you only break out a few times a year. Layered tables can be so pretty- walk around the house and pull things out of cabinets and bookshelves to give a more eclectic look. For a small dinner party, you can also hand write place cards or menus. Think about using materials other than paper or traditional pen and ink.

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Stepping up your napkin design by trying different folds and embellishments is a super affordable and simple step. Ribbons, twine/raffia, bakers’ twine, anything you may have around the house like that would be pretty!

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The most important tip we can offer though it to have a safe and happy holiday season. Savor the time with your friends and family, and enjoy the meaning of all getting together.

11.29.16   |   TARA GUÉRARD
Entertaining, Event Planning, Parties, Uncategorized | Comments >>
Nov 21, 2016

20yearparty

What a blast this past weekend!  Thank you to all who came out to celebrate Soiree being in business for 20 years, I can’t believe it. And, to any of our old brides who did not hear from us, please reach out to us here or at info@taraguerardsoiree.com and share your new contact information so we can keep in touch.

Our favorite band, Simply Irresistible blew it out and everyone danced all night. Cru Catering‘s burger and chicken slider bar was perfection, thank you to all.

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We were thrilled to partner with Thrive SC to raise money and awareness about domestic abuse. We were able to raise $20,000 which was more than what was needed to receive a matching donation of $30,000, so thank you to all of our guests for your donations.

Thrive’s mission is to provide safe, transitional housing, resources, and services for survivors of domestic violence in the Lowcountry and in the state of South Carolina and to equip survivors of violence with the tools necessary to build emotional and financial independence; to provide an exit strategy with transportation and a “rescue” team for women being held “captive” in rural areas with no means of escape; to partner with the communities of SC to educate the public about the epidemic of violence against women in our state; to teach violence prevention and awareness in schools, colleges, and all public forums; and to advocate for tougher laws and stricter sentences for perpetrators of abuse.

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And, Thrive is getting a lot of attention from some pretty big names- Stephen Colbert, Gloria Gaynor, and Dorothea Benton Frank. As a matter of fact, Mackie Moore, the founder of Thrive, worked with Dorothea on domestic abuse research, and a letter regarding statistics about abuse in SC was published in her book “The Hurricane Sisters”.

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We hope anyone reading will consider making a donation to help this organization move forward with building their transitional housing, to learn more and donate go to: http://www.thrivesc.life/

11.21.16   |   TARA GUÉRARD
Announcements, Charleston, Events, Parties, Uncategorized | 2 Comments