Wanting to mix things up this past holiday season, Rachel and I hosted a holiday dessert soiree at Rachel’s beautiful family home in Santa Rosa Beach – The Tatley House. The Tatley House served as the perfect backdrop for our warm soiree on a cool, crisp evening on 30a.
We wanted to bring a group of friends together during the holidays and throw an event that stood out amid everyone’s busy social calendars during that time of year; so we planned a post-dinner party featuring only the most decadent of drinks and deserts.
Before the event, Rachel Christine – a close friend and one of the preferred venders we work with during many of our photoshoots – did all of the girls’ hair and makeup. We were then styled by The Southern Atelier’s own Rachel Marie before the rest of the guests arrived.
Shortly after the hair, makeup and wardrobe, we joined our guests, including fellow creatives and friends such as Amy Giles of Wardrobe Made Simple, Rachel Christine, Susan Tatley, Kathleen Doyle, Jeremiah Brewer and David Buchanan as we sat around the beautifully styled dining table under the warm glow of the dining rooms beautiful chandelier.
Rachel Marie created the whimsical table display alongside her mother Susan Tatley of The Tatley House. As always, limes graced the centerpiece as a nod to The Southern Atelier’s on-going awareness campaign for Chronic Lyme Disease in the South. Susan and Rachel included a beautiful cake stand handcrafted by Rachel’s grandfather, making this celebratory occasion all the more special by including three generations in the decor.
This event was catered by Bonne Vie Specialty and featured the culinary talent of the owner, April M. Dixon. Our guests enjoyed Shiraz-poached pears filled with vanilla bean mousse dipped in ganache and drizzled with shiraz reduction with toasted pecans, as well as espresso mousse and white chocolate dipped blackberries. The sweet treats were as delicious as they were beautiful, and the conversation and laughter continued well into the evening as our guests enjoyed each and every decadent bite of the deserts.
How did our experimental, sugar-filled event turn-out? We absolutely loved throwing the after-dinner party and found it to be a great success. As we only served dessert, there was less pressure on us as hostesses and the mood in the room was less-formal than a dinner party setting; I would even go as far as describing it as a mix of ‘giggly’ and ‘giddy.’
So, next time you want to throw a party that is slightly unconventional but comes with less stress, consider a dessert soiree with friends; the sugar-high is guaranteed to bring out the playful side of your guests, creating a night full of friendship and laughter that will not soon be forgotten.
xx, Sarah
Photography: Piper Arielle Photography
Set Design: the Southern Atelier
Pastry Chef: Bonne Vie Specialty
Hair and Makeup: Rachel Christine
For more photos: Click Here
David Buchanan
