A Charleston Holiday Soiree

Embracing Old-World Elegance with our Southern Twist

As we settle into the holiday season here, Charleston transforms into a city of quintessentially timeless beauty and charm. You won’t find Santa Claus and reindeer decorations here at the Coburn Hutchinson House!

Our historic home exudes an old-world Southern elegance that sets the stage for unforgettable holiday gatherings. As an interior designer in Charleston, I have a unique opportunity to infuse our holiday entertaining with the historic charm of a bygone era.

In this blog, we’ll explore how to create an old-world Charleston-themed holiday soirée, blending fresh florals, pheasant feathers, pine boughs, and more to set the scene for indoor and outdoor celebrations inside and on the veranda.

The Magic of Charleston Holiday Entertaining

With its rich history and warm hospitality, Charleston is the perfect backdrop for hosting holiday gatherings, harkening back to a wholesome time without all the commercial trappings you see today.

The tradition of welcoming friends and family into your home for the holidays is deeply ingrained in the culture of this city.

Whether indoors or on the veranda, Charlestonians revel in the opportunity to showcase their love for elegant, timeless celebrations.

Creating a Charleston Holiday Ambiance

To infuse your holiday soirée with old-world Charleston charm, consider these key elements:

1. Fresh Flowers

Charleston’s mild winter climate allows for a stunning array of fresh florals. Incorporate magnolia leaves, camellias, and gardenias into your décor to capture the city’s natural seasonal beauty. Create beautiful arrangements in vases or as table centerpieces for a fragrant and visually striking display.

2. Pine Cones & Pine Boughs

Pine cones and boughs bring a rustic yet elegant touch to your holiday decor. They can use them to adorn the veranda railing, dining table, and mantelpieces, adding a lovely nod to the season…and the aroma they emit is wonderfully fragrant!

3. Pheasant Feathers

Pheasant feathers exude an air of luxury and are an excellent choice for decorating. Use them in table centerpieces with your flower arrangement or as accents in your place settings for a touch of extravagance.

4. Charcuterie Boards

Elevate your holiday entertaining with decadent charcuterie boards featuring a selection of artisan cheeses, cured meats, fruits, and nuts. These boards serve as both a visual feast and a delightful culinary experience for your guests. Using smaller cut crystal bowls on your boards for dips and toothpicks adds sparkle!

5. Cut Crystal and China Place Settings

Set a regal holiday table with heirloom-quality cut crystal and fine china. The crystal glassware’s gleam and china dinnerware’s timeless elegance create a sense of opulence reminiscent of Charleston’s grand past. We truly do love to celebrate here in the South!

6. Gold Cutlery and accents

Complete the place settings with gold cutlery, adding a touch of refinement to your holiday table. The golden glow beautifully complements the rest of the decor and makes it all ‘extra fancy,’ I say!

Setting Up the Bar Cart

No Charleston holiday soirée is complete without a well-appointed bar cart. As an interior designer, I understand the importance of creating a curated space, and the bar cart is no exception. Consider these elements:

1. Glassware

Choose glassware that reflects the grandeur of the occasion. Crystal glasses for cocktails and wine add a touch of luxury to your bar cart.

2. Bar Cart Tools

Outfit your bar cart with essential tools such as cocktail shakers, strainers, zesters, muddlers, and a bar spoon. The quality of these tools will make a significant difference in the art of crafting exquisite cocktails.

3. Alcoholic & Non-Alcoholic Libations

For a Charleston holiday soirée, consider offering alcoholic and non-alcoholic options to cater to all your guests. While featuring traditional Christmas-themed drinks, you can also create festive ‘signature cocktails’ for your party!

For alcoholic drinks, consider offering classics like eggnog and hot buttered rum. And for my non-alcohol-drinking friends, mocktails featuring seasonal flavors like cranberry and citrus can be a big hit! See below:

Indoor & Outdoor Celebrations

Charleston’s mild winters allow for the unique experience of hosting both indoor and outdoor holiday celebrations. The veranda, adorned with fresh florals, pine cones, and pheasant feathers, provides a stunning backdrop for holiday gatherings. Consider stringing up lights and adding cozy blankets for your guests to stay warm while enjoying the outdoors. Tiny fire pits and outdoor lamps amp up the cozy factor to 10.

In Charleston, the veranda is not just a space; it’s a vibe and an extension of the home, a place to create memories. Whether you celebrate indoors, outdoors, or a bit of both, your Charleston holiday soirée is bound to be a resounding success. I can hear them talking about how wonderful it was already!

Y’all, as an interior designer in Charleston, I love the opportunity to transport my clients’ party organizing to an era where elegance and tradition ruled the day. By ‘keeping it real’ and combining fresh florals, classic decor elements, and carefully crafted cocktails, you can create a Charleston-themed holiday soirée that will be remembered for years to come. It’s all about capturing the old-world charm of this enchanting city and sharing it with your guests in a truly magical way!

Want more design tips? Your interior spaces will be right on track with these design trends!

A Charleston Holiday Soiree

Embracing Old-World Elegance with our Southern Twist

The Magic of Charleston Holiday Entertaining