I am plum full up from the weekend. Scores of tamales, Frangelico cake, cheese dip, guacamole, salsa, enchiladas, more chips. And a marathon of Being Human yesterday on the couch. Dang, that show is good.
Only a few more days before our big party here. We are scrambling to get everything done so all we have to do on Saturday night is open the door and welcome our friends.
The house is just about decorated and ready to go. Just a few finishing touches.
How about you? Are you ready? Is the house decorated or do you need help?
My adorable friend, Barry Belcher (who you might remember from our hilarious cooking videos here and here), is the new Marketing Manager at The Mansion on Peachtree. Their Elf on the Shelf is back for Christmas and is making appearances all over the property during the holidays.
Take a look! And go visit him in person. While you are there you can duck in for a drink at their swanky bar. You never know you you might meet there!
I hope your holiday party calendar is full this season. Mine certainly is. Party, Party, Party! Last week Eric and I went to a party here. Truly giggle inducing. It’s not everyday you get invited to a $10 million dollar house just to party. It is an evening we will not forget.
Another party I will hold dear in my Christmas memories this year is Richard’s Christmas party last Friday night. It was so much fun! Yummy appetizers, delightful beverages and some of the coolest people. It was a swell time.
The perfect time for my red hat!
We exchanged stories, sang and filled up on tasty fare that my sweet friend Richard slaved over all day long. Marvelous bruschetta, mini quiches and all sorts of treats. There were friends I already knew (Patricia, Jay, Barry and Kathy), along with brand new friends, Ricardo, Michael, Jamie, Kris, Sonny, Alexis and Bria – all super fabulous.
Sharing a hug with Kathy and Barry.
Not only is Richard an insanely talented photographer and stylist, but an incredible host as well. We had so much fun and were so tickled to be invited.
And aren’t friends the best gift of all? Priceless.
A very happy and stylish group of friends!
xoxo, Patti
Today, blogging to Dionne Warwick and Friends – That’s What Friends Are For
Whew, this week has been a whirlwind of parties – and we have not even started the weekend. Last night found Eric and me at a palatial mansion in Buckhead where every real estate fantasy was brought to life and Tuesday night I was lucky enough to be Kerry Howard’s date for the Callanwolde Christmas preview party. Incredible.
My dear friend Kerry was chosen to design the dining room and oh, what an amazing job he did! No detail was overlooked. The room was bathed in lush blue and champagne colors, accented by a gorgeous large print by Artaissance and framed by our friends at Larson-Juhl. Two huge trees flank the end of dining room (one of which fell over during the night and Kerry had to redecorate all over again, with unflappable grace, I might add). The fabulous furnishings were supplied by The Foundry (formerly World of Rugs and also our party hosts from last night’s shindig), with lots of Kerry details and beautiful orchids. It is the house show stopper and the first room you notice when you enter the mansion.
The preview party was all about fun. And boy, did we have fun. The food was incredible (catered by Affairs to Remember), lots of lovely libations, a live band and dancing, an organist playing Christmas tunes and just the most lovely setting imaginable.
Christmas is all about wishes. Sometimes fantastic wishes. So today, I thought I would bring you some fantasy items and offset them with similar, but less outrageous, alternatives.
For Him: Luxury
Not quite sure what justifies this price tag....
Is the man in your life a shutterbug? How about the Neiman Marcus Limited Edition Leica M9 Camera for a mere $17,500.00? Neiman Marcus lets us press our nose to the glass to wish for these luxury gifts via their luxe website, but those with the Black Amex are able to have this piece of history delivered personally by a Leica photography expert with private instruction. But you must hurry – only 50 have been crafted.
Now that Thanksgiving is over (full report next week..), thoughts turn to shopping for Christmas. Wouldn’t it be great if you could get all your shopping done in one spot and support local artists and craftsmen? Well, now you can. Next week, my great friends Randall and Patrick from the AFFPS will be participating in the Midtown Pop Up Shops Dec. 2-5, 2010. Their shop will be at 805 Peachtree Street. Take a look at the details.
Midtown “Pop Up Shops”
Indoor Artist Market
Dec. 2 – 5, 2010
Greetings!
The Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces and the Decatur Gallery have teamed up with the Midtown Alliance, Atlanta History Center, SCAD and others to host Atlanta’s first “pop up” shopping experience on Dec. 2 – 5, 2010.
30 local artists will “set up shop” at 805 Peachtree Street for a four day artist market and holiday shopping experience. The Artist Market is part of the first “Pop Up” shopping experience in Atlanta. Artists will occupy space in the 805 Peachtree building with original works for sale including paintings, pottery, photography, jewelry, woodworking and fiber art. The “Pop Up Shops” will include six blocks along the Midtown Mile of Peachtree Street from 10th to 6th Streets.
“Artists have a lot to offer for the holidays. We know that what we have are non-essentials, but finding a gift that’s directly from an artist has greater meaning,” says Patrick Dennis, owner of the Decatur Gallery and president of the Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces.
30 local artists and artisans will bring unique wares to 805 Peachtree for a four day artist market. Visitors will be treated to demonstrations by artists, live acoustic music and a complimentary beverage. Painters, potters, fiber artists, woodworkers, jewelers, even candle makers will show their holiday finest during the event.
WHEN
Dec. 2 – 5, 2010
HOURS
Thurs. – Sat.
10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Sun.
11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
WHERE
805 Peachtree Street
COST
free
Music and complimentary beverages will be offered each evening from 6-8 p.m. Artist demonstrations daily.
Start a new holiday shopping tradition with ART.
Doesn’t that sound much better than the mall? Of course it does. See you there.