Good Morning, Darlings!
Four more shopping days until Christmas! So exciting!
This weekend was a bundle of fun. Friday night my darling and I spent the evening in, watching movies and cuddling up on the couch. Perfect time! Saturday was Val and Jay’s White Elephant Party. You know about White Elephant parties, right? Everyone brings an inexpensive gift and puts it under the tree. Then a corresponding number goes into a hat for drawing later. You all draw numbers (although Jay and Val did theirs a bit different – they put everyone’s name into a hat and then drew them for picking a gift), pick a gift, unwrap it and decide whether you want to keep it or trade for a gift that someone else has. It was just a blast. All our neighbors were there (I seriously love walking to and from these parties!), the food was great and the gifts hilarious. Sorry, but some of them were fairly NSFW (not suitable for work viewing), but I did take plenty of photos. Take a look:
Curtis and Shannon Compare Notes
Me, With Justin, The Christmas Elf (Actual Size, 6 Feet Tall...)
Two Gorgeous Faces - My Eric and Our Sweet Friend, Leila
Justin and Chioke Share A Laugh
Best Buddies Patti and Chioke
Jacqai, Sarah and Our Host For The Evening...The Always Fab Jay
Is Eric Really Surrounded By Twinkling Lights Or Are Those Just The Stars In My Eyes?
Adorable Hostess Val and Equally Adorable Neighbor Tiffany
Hey Look! Eric Gets Every Flavor of MD 20/20. Party!
One of Those NSFW Gifts - But They Sure Made Everyone Laugh!
After all the gifts were opened, Chioke asked if I would go with him to pick up Taruan from his office party. Now, if I haven’t mentioned it, Taruan is an interior designer for Bill Johnson’s Studio. I have been a fan of them since way before I met Taruan, so to be able to take a peek inside their holiday party was too much. They have designed all the coolest restaurants in Atlanta…and beyond. The party was held at Bill’s home in Midtown and was totally fab. As I was being taken as a guest, I know you will understand that I did not feel that it was appropriate for me to bring my camera. So, alack and alas, no photos. But I did have a great time and finally(!) got the opportunity to meet the wonderful Sharon Severance, who I have been corresponding with for a long time. Everyone was so warm and open and I really enjoyed my glimpse into how the other half parties.
At around 11:30 p.m., the music really started pumping at the party with Michael Jackson’s “Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough”…it was almost enough to make Chioke, Taruan and I stay, but after a quicky dance in the vestibule, we popped out of the front door, giggling and just generally having a ball. I proclaimed that I must hear more Michael Jackson music in the car and when Chioke turned on the radio, low and behold…there was MJ singing “Off The Wall”…it was a Christmas miracle!
Back at Jay and Val’s we partied some more with our fab neighbors and then ducked home for a bottle of champagne. Joined by Taruan, Chioke and Tracy at around 1:30 a.m., we enjoyed some bubbly and watched SNL. By 3 a.m., it was time for bed.
I’ve saved the best photo of the evening for last. Here is a picture of our friend and neighbor Shane, with the best gift of the night – The Grill. Now he can finally pursue his dream of being a rap singer. Kudos, Shane!
MC Shane
I hope the holidays are giving you belly laughs!
xoxo, Patti