Monday, September 23, 2013

Moments Leading Up to the Big Night

Today
On my kitchen table: one of the beautiful centerpieces created by Hollyflora for the Robinson Gardens Gala

Six days ago
THESE arrived for the gift bags

Five days ago
Taking a look at the spectacular Eiffel Tower and overhead lights delivered by the rental company 

 Four days ago
Assembling the table signs

Saturday morning
Placing the flowers, candles, and chocolates on the tables

Saturday afternoon
Swooning over this stunning arrangement by Hollyflora for the entry of the house

Saturday night
The Gala

Just a few of the magical moments getting ready for the Robinson Gardens Gala. I have been working on this fundraiser with my two wonderful co-chairs and a committee of talented women for months. Our theme was "Midnight in Paris" and our goal was to create the ambiance of Paris in the 1920's. Some of the elements of the night: a silent auction (which included a French dinner for 10 cooked by myself and a friend; you may remember the Italian dinner we donated last year), a band playing songs from Paris in the twenties, can-can dancers, a French-themed dinner which included Gougeres and baskets of French Fries with Aioli sauce for dipping, champagne stations, stylish women wearing Jazz Age fashions, and lots of dancing. We served Juice of a Few Flowers, the cocktail that Gerald and Sara Murphy drank with Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald in the south of France. Last week was the final push to get ready and it went by in a flash! Hard to believe it finally happened. The money raised will benefit the restoration and maintenance of this historic property in Los Angeles. It was a magical night...

14 comments:

  1. Your commitment and dedication to this wonderful garden is admirable. It must be such a great feeling knowing that your efforts ar appreciated and an event to remember.
    I hope that you will share your French dinner menu and perhaps a few snapshots of the food for those of us who love French cuisine.

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  2. Stunning. Congratulations. More pictures, please.

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  3. Sunday, what a beautiful party! The flowers are superb and everything looks amazing! BRAVO!

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  4. What a great event! So spectacular garden and all this arrangement! Magic moments!

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  5. Sunday...how I wish I was there to see ALL the BEAUTY & MAGIC you all sprinkle on top of the MAJESTY of The Virginia Robinson Gardens...truly THE First estate of Beverly Hills! Virginia smiles and I wish I could have sipped THE JUICE OF A FEW FLOWERS!

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  6. Congratulations on a beautiful and successful evening. There is nothing more satisfying than seeing an event, you have put your heart into, succeed. Now breathe and rest!

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  7. Sunday this is a magical post! What a beautiful way to raise money for this beautiful property. I wish I could have been there too ! I also second the request to see more photos of all of your hard work!

    Have a wonderful week Sunday! Happy Fall!

    Elizabeth

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  8. Everything looks absolutely perfect. Your hard work paid off. I can't wait to see more pictures!

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  9. What a wonderful idea! Congratulations to a superbly organized fundraiser!

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  10. I feel a bit like Sabrina, looking down from the stately tree in the movie, imagining myself in the garden at the ball. These photos are fabulous, Sunday, and the details done to perfection. My hat off to you for partaking in another worthwhile affair. Well done - and congratulations.

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  11. Everything is just breathtaking! The flowers are glorious.

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  12. I was fortunate to be there, and it was as Sunday described...and more. A truly spectacular evening, and Sunday and her co-chairs did a great job. Not so easy for charity fundraisers, which can be a bore. The band was spectacular too. Well done!

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  13. Wow Sunday! What a grand evening! Fun to see scenes leading up to the event ... those flowers!! And, love the Juice of a Few Flowers idea! Thanks much for sharing, and I read a couple of following blogs. You're so gifted at setting a mood and taking us to these places.

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  14. just gorgeous and congratulations! I love the Eiffel tower and the table names.(I would hope to be seated at Hemingways table, of course! and cheers to the murphys drink you served!

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