"When I hear the word shower, I picture women sitting in someone's living room and tissue paper being tossed everywhere," says Little.

Having worked with Guérard for six years at the boutique events company Soirée, Little and Kelly had an inkling that this scenario wouldn't do for their expecting boss. Guérard, Little, and Kelly -- the Soirettes, as they call themselves -- interact more like sisters than coworkers and have a good sense of one another's style. "I've learned to think like Tara," says Kelly. "Her taste is a little bit more modern with some traditional aspects. Nothing too silly."

With Guérard's relaxed-meets-refined style in mind, the two Soirettes began with the guest list. A group of about 20 was ideal for a garden party. "We wanted it to be casual but a bit fancy, so guests would have a reason to put on a cute little dress," says Kelly.

Fancy came in the form of a three-course seated luncheon in a lush garden along the marsh at the home of Jim Smeal, wedding cake designer extraordinaire, and Alejandro Gonzalez. The rest of the menu, prepared by Guérard's favorite Charleston chef, James Burns, included "dishes that he knew were her favorites, such as quail, to give her something special that she would really like," says Little.

On the day of the party, glasses clinked and blueberries made fizzy trails to the bottoms of Champagne flutes as guests explored the drink station below a canopy of oaks. A mixed bar of Champagne, wine, lemonade, and fruit nectars made for a gracious and unfussy welcome. "We wanted to convey the relaxed feeling of 'come on in and help yourself,' " says Little.

The hospitality extended to the well-appointed table, set with silver flatware and lined with gerbera daisies. "It's a happy, simple flower," says Kelly. Before crossing the lawn to open gifts with Guérard, guests peeked inside their goody bags. Inside the yellow canvas totes were baby beauty products and glass baby bottles filled with yellow candies. Of course, Guérard received the best favor. Her special day was soon followed by a special delivery -- her son, Theodore Aiken Guérard.