Fall in Charleston is an enigma. Some years we experience sweltering temperatures and reckless humidity, reminding us that we are still sitting ducks during hurricane season, cautioning us to leave the cashmere sweaters folded on the top shelf of the closet a little longer. In contrast, crisper climes sometimes arrive early, inviting a parade of boots, jeans, vests, scarves, fire pits, soups, chilis and pumpkin-spiced everything. But no matter how the pendulum swings, in Charleston, there is always cause for celebration. Fall means parties, whether that’s cheering for tigers or gamecocks at tailgates, setting the table for Friendsgiving or designing a concept for a fabulous fall wedding.
BUT FIRST, FOOTBALL
Football, especially college football, reigns as the king of fall events in the South, with men, women and children celebrating together. When it comes to tailgating, founder of Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit Carrie Morey suggests there is no need for pomp or circumstance, and to keep the setup simple. Pop the back of the SUV open, tear grocery craft bags up and spread them across the floor, stash the Tupperware and create a rustic yet artful charcuterie spread including pimento cheese and a baker’s dozen of Callie’s fluffiest biscuits. Add locally grown and seasonal produce freshly selected from the farmer’s market, along with nuts and Callie’s BLT dip with biscuit crackers. Even without China and polished silver, according to Morey, an impromptu arrangement such as this can be as aesthetically pleasing as it is delicious.
Another tailgating option is to go all out on oysters provided by Isabella Macbeth, founder of Holy City Oyster Maven and World Seafood Chef Competitor. Macbeth suggested selecting her pre-shucked oysters drizzled with Cajun butter and made with garlic, Old Bay and parmesan. They’re delivered ready for the grill. Macbeth expressed her love of shucking oysters directly for guests, and passion for teaching them how the selection process works. Tastes, much like wine, vary depending on the region. One of them is sure to flavor your event.
FRIENDSGIVING FAVORS
“For Friendsgiving,” Morey said, “it’s important to have a plan in order to avoid a potluck nightmare with too many guests bringing the same dish.” The best strategy is to assign contributions so that all the host has to worry about is the turkey — and creating a fabulous tablescape. Buffet-style is a great way to go, adding tall candles and low vases filled with tight flowers to enhance the culinary display. Morey also pointed out that every menu should include healthy options such as fruits, veggies, salty choices, crunchy options and savory and sweet additions.
Visit CalliesBiscuits.com and follow @callieshotlittlebiscuit on Instagram for more tips.
For something a little less traditional, but so very Lowcountry, oyster roasts are a good idea for Friendsgiving as well. Macbeth is anything but a one-trick pony, also styling spectacular seafood tablescapes with towers of lobster, clams and shrimp. Moreover, her ceviche and caviar services create a bespoke “wow” experience for guests at any celebration.
To learn more about booking an unforgettable event with Macbeth, follow her on Instagram @holy_city_oyster_maven.
FALL WEDDING BELLS
Another reason to celebrate fall, according to Blythe Hill, founder of Hill and Co. Creative, a full-service event planning company specializing in weddings, is the color scheme and lighting that inspire rich design aesthetics full of layers and textures. Hill added that because Charleston is so beautiful in the fall, often with warmer temperatures, there is no limit to what one can do when it comes to event planning this time of year — especially with floral designs, for which Hill leans on Stephanie Gibbs, who, according to Hill, can create any arrangement.
Hill believes this is not the season to minimize, but a season to go big, think outside the box and make the planning process fun. Hill does this by creating design boards using elements of how her clients entertain and decorate their homes. As tabletop design is Hill’s specialty, she guides her clients to select varying patterns for linens, China and chargers. She then incorporates exquisite place settings using florals, candles and mini lamps to create the ambience of an intimate dinner party.
To learn more about planning your fabulous autumnal wedding with Hill and Co. Creative visit HillandCoCreative.com.
Another event planning service, Curated Events — a company specializing in planning weddings, organizing corporate events and facilitating social gatherings — also lends some fall festivity advice to Mount Pleasant Magazine.
Marketing director Mary-Kathryn McConaghy suggested, “Be mindful of location and season, and honor that with either a neutral or rich color palette.” When it comes to fall hues, McConaghy takes inspiration from what’s trending in interior design and fashion, as well as nature and the time of year. Her go-to colors for fall are deep oxblood, chocolate brown, pops of black for grounding, rattan and fresh greenery in any shade. “Florals always add artful depth to any fall event,” McConaghy said, “whether playing with orchids or the last garden roses of the season.”
To get guests mingling, McConaghy styles place settings with conversationstarting prompt cards that ask a question or share fun-fact trivia. For flatware, she suggested selecting a timeless brushed gold, an exquisite bone inlay or mother of pearl. She also encourages mixing and matching patterns, stating, “the more pattern play, the more interesting the tablescape or space.” She accomplishes this while still weaving cohesive designs through an event by coordinating unique and exclusive patterns on Curated Events’ rental chairs, ottomans and sofas with China, linens and tiny details like envelope liners on invitations. McConaghy emphasized that to pull off a seamless event, aesthetics must meet function — and that’s what Curated Events does best.
To book your over-the-top fall event, visit CuratedEvents.com.
By Sarah Rose
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