Anatomy of a Dinner Party: a day in the life of a hospitalityaholic
 

Post Party Musings, Part II

Written by Patti on December 14th, 2011

Good Morning Darlings!

These ramblings about the other side of the party are about as candid as you will ever see me get here. I am laying it all out for you. And sometimes, it ain’t pretty.

From yesterday’s recap – fog machine died, stereo burned up, iPhone with all the music went missing.

Food and decor were spectacular. And darling Holly got a photo! Yay for Holly!

Thank you Holly for capturing how cool the table looked!

My makeup was also a standout, thanks to my sweet friend, Melanie over at Capitol de Beaute, who made me look as close to Barbie as possible. She was also responsible for my dress, which was tailored perfectly by Gizzelle James.

The cocktails were fab, too. Designed by Our Libatious Nature in conjunction with Cayrum Rum, they came up with Sex on the Holideck and Pangalatic Punch. Both total winners. Served with style by our beloved Wallace, they were the hit of the party.

Other highlights included our friend Bob, dressed as Data from Star Trek and meeting & greeting everyone to their sheer delight.

The show stealer, though, was the Smilebooth. Hand party guests the remote control and they will take 600 pictures of themselves. It is positively addictive. The photos belong to Smilebooth, so you will see the link to those in another post. But I assure you, if you are looking for something to bring total strangers together and get everyone talking to each other – this is it. Hire them. You will not regret it. I wish I had a dime for every time someone said to me “I have to have this in my house!” I would be jetting off to Jamaica with that money right now.

Kevin, Me, Tiana

Marcus and Keith

Johnny P and Holly

There was a point during the night that there were so many people in our home, I was afraid the fire marshall would come shut it down. It was packed. Almost 200 guests came to party and for this 5’2 blond hostess, pushing through from one room to the next was next to impossible.

But it was fun. The iPhone miraculously showed back up, a fist fight was put at bay, and by 2 a.m., I was toasting bagels and Brent was asking me for all my favorite songs, which he played promptly as I was able to dance in the living room with just a few of our late night friends.

There are still a sea of decorations that need to go back to their homes, but hopefully we will get them back soon. Next year, Eric and I have decided that the annual Black Tie will be a benefit for a local charity, at a large venue – not our home.

But we will host the afterparty at the house for just a few – bagels taste best after a night of partying.

Today’s gift tip is for all you parents of Canine-Americans. My friend Shari is the creator of Fifi Runn dog collars and they are ADORABLE! Your four legged baby needs one right now. So off you go – but not before I leave you with a cocktail recipe from my friends at Hendrick’s Gin. You could drink another gin – but for goodness gracious, why bother? Plus, their website is positively whimsical!

FLORADORA

1½ parts Hendrick’s Gin
½ part lime juice
½ part raspberry syrup*
spicy ginger beer**
lime wheel
2 raspberries

Pour Hendrick’s Gin followed by lime juice and raspberry syrup into an ice-filled long glass. Now top with ginger beer. Garnish with two raspberries and a lime wheel. *Found in specialty shops, but if you must, a spoonful of raspberry preserves will do. ** Ginger ale will suffice in a pinch.

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to Judy Garland – Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

 

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