and Down to Earth

Over the Top & Down to Earth

Tried and true entertaining ideas

By Bev Church

For the past 25 years I’ve been the Editor of St. Charles Avenue magazine and produced an entertaining column almost monthly. I have co-authored four books on entertaining and I give presentations all over the United States. My latest lecture is called “Over the Top and Down to Earth,” which includes fabulous parties that are extremely expensive as well as ideas that are simple, inexpensive and may only include a trip to the grocery store. These are some of my favorites (so you may have seen them before in this magazine or in my books)!

Entertaining is a gift you give to your friends! My advice is to do what you do best and have fun. Your guests are there to be with you and to have a great time. Try to include something over the top and something down to earth at all of your parties. Personally, I love place cards and favors, and passing out maracas and tambourines as we dance to the juke box or to music in between courses! ✦

Down to Earth Perfect for a centerpiece or favor; choose an upright yellow pepper. Cut off the top and clean the inside. Add floral foam, water and flowers, and Voila!

Over the Top Dede Wilsey hosted this rehearsal dinner for Alexis and Trevor Traina at Sattui’s Castle in Napa, California. Famed decorator Stanley Gatti created the look and the San Francisco Orchestra played!

Down to Earth We created this clay pot filled with cabbage and flowers for a garden party at the Botanical Garden in City Park. The invitation, complete with seed packets and flowers, was hand delivered to each guest! Down to Earth This party at Dooky Chase's Restaurant was before heading out to Jazz Fest, so umbrellas were a must. All you need is a hot glue gun and flowers!

Over the Top Editor Morgan Packard Griffith's wedding on the Big Lawn at City Park was over the top! Urban Earth created the decorations, Chef John Folse created the menu and Frenchy painted Morgan and Mike and the whole scene! Over the Top Gayle and Tom Benson's party for the NFL owners at City Park was designed by Bronson van Wyck who helped her create the magic!