Southern Lady Celebrate Elegant Gatherings 2014

The cold temperatures of the winter months may drive entertaining indoors, but the warm and cozy environment inside is simply unmatched. Watching the snow fall—and it does occasionally down here in Alabama—while curled up next to a fire is so relaxing. Add a warm mug of hot cocoa and it is just perfect. My favorite holiday at this time of year is Valentine’s Day. Dedicating a day to someone you love creates the most beautiful memories. While Neal and I like to enjoy a homemade meal of our favorite dishes, I also like to be with my dearest friends. Our “Crafted with Love” party on page 59 is a great way to create something fun for your Valentine alongside those dear to you. During this season, dinner parties can be simplified with…

Snowed In Place pillar candles in glass cylinders, and secure with fake snow. Group several together with white pinecones for a frosty, wintry look. Warm and Cozy Whether you’re serving comforting soup or tasty hot chocolate, wrap mason jars with the sleeves of recycled sweaters for a creative presentation perfect for winter. All That Glitters A gold-sugared rim can add a festive touch to any beverage. Moisten the rim of each glass with lemon or lime juice. Gently place and rotate the glasses in a bowl of gold sanding sugar until completely coated. Tulle and Twine Make this fun garland, using tulle and baker’s twine. Wrap a piece of tulle about 36 x 6 inches long around a piece of cardboard. Remove tulle loops, and tie twine around the centers. Cut the loops on boThends to create…

Icy blue Teal Pewter Warm gray Slate blue Snow-lined trails against bright, clear skies inspire a palette of frosty whites, glistening grays, and steely blues—cool colors that combine for an elegant winter look. Like the season itself, this rich, crisp setting heightens guests’ anticipation of the warming meal to come. GET THE LOOK • Striped Napkin in Ice Blue • Country Estate Dessert Plate in Flint • Berry and Thread Napkin Ring • Berry and Thread Dinner Plate in Ice Blue • Round Pewter Charger All from Juliska, juliska.com…

Sixteen years ago, a young woman with a background in the food and beverage industry and an innate sense of creativity, decided to open an event-planning business. At a time when planners were not as abundant, Tara Guérard introduced her company, Tara Guérard Soirée, to Charleston, SouThCarolina. Today she is one of the most sought-after designers not only in Charleston but across the United States. While studying psychology at the College of Charleston, Tara worked at an Italian restaurant and later in the food and beverage business. Exposure to the hospitality industry, together with her love for staging and crafting beautiful venues, made her realize where her passion lay. “These jobs served as building blocks for my move into event design and entertaining,” says Tara. “I opened the doors of Soirée…

Using rich textures and lush designs, Robyn Rissman and Diana Sandoval have translated their love of flowers into a premier floral business. At Bare Root Flora, this duo strives to bring beauty and elegance to some of life’s most memorable moments. Their philosophy on floral décor goes beyond merely placing flowers in a vase—capturing the essence of clients is key. Loosely structured and natural centerpieces are their signature style, and they never stop looking for ways to bring something new to the floral world. Based in Colorado, Bare Root Flora looks to the snow-covered Southern Rocky Mountains to evoke a wintry feel in their arrangements. HOW DID YOU GET YOUR START IN FLORAL DESIGN? Diana: I was introduced to flowers at an early age by my grandmother. She had the most breathtaking…

Since the creation of KarasPartyIdeas.com, Kara Allen has taken the party design and planning world by storm. An instant hit across the globe, her website features hundreds of recipes, party themes, DIY tutorials, and more. In addition, she has a best-selling book on the market, as well as an online store packed with party essentials. Kara took some to time to share how it all began and her secrets to planning the perfect party. Who: Kara Allen, creator, party designer, blogger, author, dessert stylist The website: KarasPartyIdeas.com The book: Kara’s Party Ideas Based in: Utah Started in: January 2009 What you’ll find: party inspiration, DIY tutorials, recipes, free printables, and a party-supply store HAVE YOU ALWAYS BEEN INTERESTED IN PARTY DESIGN AND PLANNING? Yes, I started when I was young. I still remember hand-drawing and coloring eight separate…