Tag Archives: candles

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 >>

gift-closet

Getting organized for the new year takes some serious effort and dedication, and after the holidays the gift closet was one of the biggest spaces to take a hit. The photo above is from Southern Living, and sadly not from my own gift closet, but it’s important to note that a gift closet is something that can make your life so much easier if kept properly. I’ve been working on cleaning mine out a bit and have come up with a list of my favorite things to help you start or re-stock your own.

scissors-and-ribbon

For starters, it’s very important to have good ribbon and scissors for wrapping your gifts. We love this velvet ribbon from M&J Trimming, and these beautiful brass scissors from The Apartment by The Line.

surcie-tags

And as you’re wrapping, you can’t go wrong with lovely letterpress “Surcie” tags by Lettered Olive. They give a subtle message and make your gift look polished and well thought out.

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I love giving local gifts, and Charleston-made Rewined Candles are always a hit. Made from recycled wine bottles with scents like “Champange” and “Pinot Noir,” they feel festive and are good for the environment.

wine

Speaking of wine, a nice bottle of your favorite vintage is always appreciated. I keep extra bottles of my favorites in the gift closet so I can easily grab them for a dinner party, and to complete the gift, I wrap them in our Lettered Olive wine bags and include a stainless steel vacuum wine stopper for keeping the bottle fresh. Better than a brown paper bag by far!

1.12.15   |   TARA GUÉRARD
Food and Drink, Gifts, Shopping | Comments >>