Tag Archives: tabletop

May 09, 2017

2016_Laura_Skip_1038

photo by Corbin Gurkin

We loved sharing our tips on mixing old and new for your tabletops with Architectural Digest. So, today we’re also passing on some more of these tips to you. Above, complimentary patterns are at play here- mixing older or more recognizable patterns like the blue and white toile plates with fresher or more modern patterns like on the linen fabric. And, adding a lamp or overhead light in combination with candles adds a completely unexpected touch.

Liz Banfield 1

photo by Liz Banfield

Ways to mix on a more simple and refined level are by letting one or two items provide the depth of the design and then balancing with lighter looks. Here, the modern gold flatware seems a bit heavier and the flowers provide a rich color and texture focal point, so mixing in delicate crystal and china here was key.

Screen-Shot-2016-10-27-at-1.23.01-PM

photo by Corbin Gurkin

Playing off of our Arch Digest quote of mixing shiny with not so shiny, bright and not bright, we set this table with an eclectic mix. A rustic concrete urn with natural succulents provides a great balance to the shine of the modern gold bowls and flatware.  I really like mixing rustic with glamorous or using materials that can be both like suedes and leathers, and stones like marble and agate.

5.09.17   |   TARA GUÉRARD
Entertaining, Event Design, Event Planning, Interior Design, Parties, Press, Uncategorized, Weddings | Comments >>
Jan 23, 2017

2015_Brooke_David_0998

photo by Corbin Gurkin

Another Monday and another Monday roundup! One of my favorite parts of designing a wedding is the tabletop. We love seated dinners, not only because there is nothing more glamorous than enjoying a celebration while being served amazing food, but also because we can make so many special details.

2015_Brooke_David_0091

photo by Corbin Gurkin

Printing menus or place cards on different papers or materials is one of our favorite design details.  Finding different ways to fold the napkins or tying a pretty ribbon elevates a place setting in simple ways.

2015_Mollie_Sam_1311

photo by Corbin Gurkin

Some of our favorite tabletops include menu “booklets”. For a rustic but glam Colorado wedding, leather bound menus embossed with the guests’ names were also takeaways. We’ve done velvet bound, wood grain paper, and acrylic just to name a few.

0919.9834.01c.2015.53. © Liz Banfield

photo by Liz Banfield

We also have fun with the table numbers-painting on agate slices or marble tiles have been pretty ones. We’ve hung die cut paper shapes from chairs or lights, and glued flowers onto numbers, sometimes just the placement of them can give a nice look.

019_2016_Laura_Skip_1037

photo by Corbin Gurkin

Lamps on tabletops mixed with candles is one of my favorite tricks. They key to a good party is lighting!  This takes the tent easily from day to night and the ambience it creates is amazing.

2013_Diana_Ezra_0414 (1)

photo by Corbin Gurkin

Mixing the candles can be an easy and affordable idea- tall candlesticks mixed with complimentary votives and using a lot of them makes a table look dreamy.

015_elizabethmessina

photo by Elizabeth Messina

We also love embroidering linen napkins with the couples special monogram or motif. If not, the entire wedding, the head table is always nice, and is a great gift for the couple to have in their home after the wedding.

057_elizabethmessina

photo by Corbin Gurkin

1.23.17   |   TARA GUÉRARD
Entertaining, Event Design, Flowers, Photographers, Reception, Stationery, Invitations and Pretty Papers, Weddings | Comments >>

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!

lcp_tgs_holiday-34

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!

lcp_tgs_holiday-35

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