Tag Archives: hosting

Jul 02, 2019

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(photo courtesy of One Kings Lane)

In case you are like me and have been so busy all summer, that the fact it’s July Fourth already is blowing your mind, today we’re giving you easy tips on last minute hosting.  What to serve, shortcuts to take, and how to use what you have or gather what you need. The easiest table decor for the summer are bunches of hydrangeas (Trader Joe’s has great ones) in vases gathered through the house.

Food Collage

(photos by Nickie Stone and Corbin Gurkin)

One of the best things about celebrating the 4th of July is that it doesn’t have to be fancy. For heavier food options- store bought fried chicken, since it’s the season-local tomatoes sliced and watermelon slices are super easy sides, and of course, we have to serve shrimp- either peel and eat or cocktail style. When serving cocktail shrimp, I like to get take out bags of the pellet ice from Chick Fil A or Sonic and set up a display to keep them cold. Also, dress up chips and dips or cheese displays by bringing serving pieces of furniture outside for your set up.

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(photo courtesy of One Kings Lane)

If you are having a sit down dinner using disposable Bamboo serveware and plates is an easy way to avoid clean up, be good to the environment, and still look a little elevated. Available on Amazon in a flash!

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Cocktail Collage

(photos courtesy of One Kings Lane and Corbin Gurkin)

I of course, like to put thought into the bar and drinks we’ll be serving. A self serve bar that’s easily accessible is the best way to keep it easy and guests happy. If you don’t want to have everything available for cost purposes, the 4th is a great time to take advantage and go with a red, white, and blue theme. In the warmer months I substitute Rose for the “red”. Vodka sodas with a splash of fresh grapefruit and fresh blueberries are my perfect summer drink, but Gin and Tonics can work also. And, many of our local breweries do special summer releases and the cans were so perfect!

Happy Fourth of July!

7.02.19   |   TARA GUÉRARD
Entertaining, Event Planning, Food and Drink, Parties, Uncategorized | Comments >>
Apr 11, 2017

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With Easter and Mother’s Day right around the corner, you may find yourself in the role of hostess. Don’t get overwhelmed, we have all of your easiest fixes and tips right here.  We started with very simple basics, a white tablecloth, white dishes, and simple flatware (meaning using whatever you have in the house is a great start). First, develop your palette. Head to your local fabric store, or one of our favorite sources, Fabric.com to find a bright pretty swath in whatever color scheme or pattern you like. We made a runner that covered the tabletop (you can either finish the rough edges by hot glueing a ribbon over the ends for a tailored look, or by folding a bit underneath and ironing down with Stitch Witch).

Lunch Collage

 Details on the table help elevate some of those easy basics- Being in the Lowcountry, we gathered oyster shells for salt and pepper cellars and cut some Camellias still blooming out of the yard and floated in simple glass vessels.  Finding a template online and some paper that complimented the fabric, menus were printed. Having place cards and menus in some shape or fashion make such an impression on your guests. Using some decorative trim (here, rick rack), we tied an adornment on the napkins just for a little something extra.

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Flowering branches found at a local wholesale florist, or large greenery or leaves out of your yard in glass containers make a big impact for less money on the tables. Little bud vases sprinkled throughout add color and detail- I love the idea of pulling out some silver containers from your collection or glassware to mix and match your vases.

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Don’t stress too much about what you are serving as well. A store bought quiche and composed salad allow you to still be a hostess and not spend your entire time in the kitchen. Come up with a speciality drink that you can make ahead of time and serve with a pretty garnish (we like a Pink Lady for these occasions), but make sure to set up a bar cart or space making it easy for guests to access. If you style with a few little touches here and there and provide pretty glasses, guests will hardly mind serving themselves. Voila!

Thank you to Marni Rothschild for the lovely images.

4.11.17   |   TARA GUÉRARD
Charleston, Entertaining, Etiquette, Event Design, Event Planning, Events, Flowers, Food and Drink, Parties | Comments >>