Entertain | July 2014
Haute Hoedown
Entertaining ideas for a rustic,
farm-inspired evening.
Story by Michelle Hope, Social Butterflies, LLC
Photos by Donny Granger, Creation Studios

Sources:
Event Design:
Michelle Hope & Jaime Newsom Social Butterflies Events
901.828.9321, socialbutterfliesevents.com
Photography:
Creation Studios
901.283.3902, creationstudiosgallery.com
Floral Design:
Ashlye McCormick Design
901.290.8912, ashlyemccormick.com
Catering:
Corky's Ribs & BBQ
901.685.9744, corkysbbq.com
Bundt Cake:
Nothing Bundt Cakes
901.208.8984, nothingbundtcakes.com
Cookies:
The Painted Cookie
901.896.8590, paintedcookie.com
Rentals:
Propcellar Vintage Rentals
901.654.6737, propcellar.com
Calligraphy:
Whitney Nicole Designs
901.491.0035



Grab your boots and get ready to throw a “haute hoedown” to heat things up at your next gathering. There are many options when putting together a western-themed event, especially in the South. Mason jars, burlap, lanterns and other rustic elements are readily available for decor, and the menu can be as simple as barbeque or as elegant as a bison steak dinner. Professional wedding and event planner Michelle Hope and Jaime Newsom of Social Butterflies, LLC designed this elegant rustic affair in honor of one couple’s engagement, however, using Hope’s expert tips this party can be used as inspiration for a number of Autumn celebrations.
Tips from the expert…
Instead of the average sit down dinner, serving a family-style meal for a fun and unique approach. Fried chicken and mashed potatoes with all the fixings is both delicious and affordable, but any Southern menu will do with this theme.
Don’t have a barn? Adding hay bales to your backyard can help instantly transform the space into a Western delight.
Picnic tables covered with gingham cloth provide easy seating, and daisies or sunflowers can be made into individualized floral centerpieces that fit the theme.
Setting the scene
Be sure to stay true to the theme when throwing your own hoedown. Bandanas can double as table decor while serving as cloth napkins, and mason jars make great glassware. Create napkin rings with muted or colorful rope, and string up burlap banners for added decor. Wooden pallets or old barrels, if you have access to them, are great options for seating or tables.
The details…
•We chose a private barn to host this intimate sit-down dinner, and a local chef prepared a decadent bison steak dinner for guests.
•Dinner was served at large tables covered in burlap linens, and guest sat in wooden chairs with giant fabric roses adorning the backs.
•Vibrant floral centerpieces, housed in bark containers, lined the center of each table, and rattan chargers added to the decor.
•Place cards embellished with rope knots were used to mark each guest’s seat, and a variety of lanterns were strung with market lights to add ambiance inside the barn.
•Guests took to the dance floor after dinner and line danced to music provided by a live band.
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