… and to all a Good Night!

One of the hardest things for me during the holidays is always wanting to get the perfect gift for everyone on my list and really resisting the temptation to buy everything I see for myself!

While searching the One Kings Lane gift guide, I found a few items to suggest that I’m loving!

I love the idea of a “wine set” a few sampler bottles along with some lovely glasses for enjoying… I am wanting to add some of these footed Riedels to my collection.

Or, for the red wine drinkers, their Pinot Noir sampler and hand blown glass decanter as a set…

What a sweet little stocking stuff, of a little mouse sleeping in a matchbox- warms my heart!

If you like to follow the tradition (which I promise to adopt next year) of making something homemade for your neighbors and other on your list, one of my favorite treats in the entire world but never ever get is candied citron, especially lemon peels.  Here is a fabulous recipe from Whole Foods. I even think their packaging is great with your own person touches like a custom printed sticker, or fabric wrapping. They even offer a downloadable gift tag.

I know when you think about giving a candle, you roll your eyes in boredom.  But, think about it, candles like these are ones that are so luxurious that you don’t buy them for yourself, and I personally will never get sick of receiving them.  Plus, I love the idea of having a “signature scent” throughout your entire house. I’m a fool for anything Fig scented. Here are some of my faves that I’ve sniffed out.

available at Bloomingdales online.

from Blue Mercury

From Beauty.com; plus the containers are so lovely to display…

And for only $49, this is perfect for ALL…

Enjoy these D2L photos from Taylor Stewart Photography…

Tara’s Holiday Tidbits

This year my Christmas cards will feature recent photos taken by my friend Travis Dew.  I am loving her photography of children, and just wanted to spread the word about her amazing talent!

I received this Happy Holiday email today and thought the artwork from Furman Land Design, LLC was just fitting for a Lowcountry Greeting.

A Woman of Many Talents

Liz Banfield recently shared with me some photos and comments from a recent “Golden Anniversary” party she threw for her parents… it’s adorable, and of course is just complimented by her photography… who knew we could add event designer to her resume!

I candied kumquats for the “topper” and the ornate ribbon was from Hymen Hendler & Sons in NYC.

On a budget, I chose candles over flowers for ambience.  It was their “golden” anniversary so I picked out this garland from Michaels.  I was a bit torn – looked like it could be tacky in the store – but it did look nice under the low lights… mirror tiles are from Ikea.

I dislike the “shrine” aspect of the usual photo display so I tried to make things more uniform my printing in B&W on 4×6.

Thank you Martha Stewart for this idea… pom poms attached to bamboo for swivel sticks.

No budget for flowers so I just did this large branch that cost $3.

A sign on the door using the same paper as the invitation and a photo from my parents wedding.  This was also the photo we used on the custom stamps.  Thank you Tara for teaching me that fresh flowers and hot glue can go together!!!

The 2010 Circle of Light Gala was a huge success, raising more through scholarships and the live auction than was anticipated, and of course a good time had by all.

Bold colors set the celebratory tone and were used throughout the decor, hundreds of paper wrapped cylinders brought a surprisingly warm glow to the room, cocktail hour was al fresco and the Satin Dolls provided music of current songs (i.e. Coldplay, Bjork, etc)but with a new twist.

Grill 225 who provides the nibbles for cocktail hour every year had fun with both sweet and savory birthday treats; some of the restaurants added to the fun at their tables by bringing in favors…

The Emcee, John Fugelsang and past Voice of Courage recipient, Angela Shelton make an exciting entrance…

The Burke High School Marching band brought guests from cocktail hour into the dinner tent and then kicked off the party with a funky version of Happy Birthday, it ended with surprise confetti cannons that really got spirits high.

This year’s Voice of Courage recipient, Darwin Hobbs also provided entertainment by leading the St. Philips Childrens’ Choir in the Darkness to Light song- From Darkness to Light, written by Dan Mackenzie.  These rare white lab puppies (a brother and sister from the same litter) fetched $9,000 each in the live auction!

The after party decor featured 5 foot silver tinsel chandeliers in the all magenta tent, the perfect glow for a party lounge…

photos from Gayle Brooker Photography

Catch Us Out and About

This coming Sunday, December, 12th, Tara will be signing books at The Preservation Society of Charleston Annual Holiday Book Signing.
Preservation Society Book and Gift Shop
147 King Street
1:00pm-4:00pm

And, coming up next month in Lexington, Kentucky, check out the WOW event

On the Blog Roll… the “Southern in the City” blog featured Tara Guerard’s Ten Tips for Easy Entertaining.

Congratulations to Stitch Design Co, and Fuzzco for their recent acclaims at the AIGA Show… Soiree’s printed collateral and website were both honored as top design in their respective fields…

Tara’s Tidbits

This is what I want from Santa this year… I’ve been a very good girl!