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The party at Calypso St. Barth tonight is going to be a celebration of the coming change in seasons, amongst many other things. It’s been a cold and soggy February, but the sun has been shining over the past few days and I know everyone here is ready to “Thaw Out and Spring Up”.
It’s also going to be a special reunion for a group of hard working women who have raised quite a bit of money for Children’s Hospital Uncompensated Care Fund over the years, the members of the Eleanor Henry Reed Guild. This fund is what allows Children’s to say “yes” to anyone who comes in and needs care, without regard to if they have insurance or the finances to pay out of pocket.
Our guild began a ~ LONG time ago, at a time when many of us were just getting married. For our first party we auctioned off our less~useful wedding gifts in a silent auction at a members house. Each of the re~directed gifts found a better home that night and our guilds mission started to develop. Our team really came together after that event, each member bringing her talents into the mix and we started building a strong organization to raise funds for children in need. My contribution was usually decor.
Next, we moved the event to a generous friends’ basement nightclub. We brightened the space by covering the pool table with a layer of sod {grass}, where we displayed all of the food we’d prepared and created giant bouquets of daffodils and citrus, similar to the one at the top of the post. I adore the look and the scent of the early spring daffodils, their bright yellow color and unique shape are sure to put everyone in a better mood, and the scent is mildly sweet and oh, so fresh smelling. Also, they are reasonably priced so you can make a big display of them without spending much {meaning more money for the kids}. We timed the party for mid – late February when a Cabin Fever Epidemic usually sweeps through town and named it “The Winter Thaw Party”.
As our guest list and donations grew we moved the event to top hotels and social clubs and renamed the event La Fête. Tonight, we’ll be reminded of our history as we Thaw Out and Spring Up again. As a nostalgic nod I’m creating daffodil nosegays as take home gifts for guests {while they last}. I’m thankful to Calypso, for allowing us to dedicate the funds from the raffle to Children’s Uncompensated Care Fund.
Another detail for the party is that I’ve chosen my outfit, and it is fabulous! I had a great try~on session with plenty of help and input from the incredible crew at Calypso. In addition to having a great sense of style, they are all very helpful, gracious, and fun. Come by the party to see my final choice and to have a chance to work with this talented group.
Finally, The After~Party! Just a few doors down from Calypso,
is an enticing restaurant called Liam’s. They are known for their cozy bistro food, emphasis on shared plates, charcuterie {which will be served at Calypso} and their world famous mac & cheese, with additions such as dungeness crab, bacon and pickled fennel, and even a gluten free version.
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Tonight, Liam’s, very generously, will be donating 50% of the food purchases by party guests to Children’s Uncompensated Care Fund. Be sure to pick up a card at Calypso to let your server know you are part of the group. To make reservations call 206-527-6089 or click on Liam’s.
~~ just a few more details~~
To make the bouquet above, I put a smaller fluted vase inside the large straight sided vase and dropped lemon halves between the two before filling it with water. Then I loaded the inside vase with as many daffodils as it could hold!
Finally, here are some shots from the last two Fêtes we threw, click on the captions to read the posts with more details.
I hope to see you tonight. If you don’t live in Seattle, no need to feel left out, email me your mailing address and I’ll send you one of the party favors.
Thaw Out, Spring Up.
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THat looks wonderful! I great charity even and what beautiful arrangements! I love Calypso and that restaurant looks fantastic as well!!
Such a wonderful cause Emily. The daffodils are just lovely and I know the event tonight will be success.
xxL
Thank you Leslie and Karolyn! Leslie, I hope our paths cross soon!
Gorgeous!!! I love the arrangement,in fact everything on this page….including the mac and cheese! Hope it was a blast!
I love that shop, I wish we had one and the climate to match. Do know that I would come work for you having heard the treats on offer at your end.
I for one can't wait for our daffodils to spring up! Yours looks fantastic!
Eddie
Thanks for the halved lemon vase demo/tip!
I am reading your posts backward in time today… congratulations on the Calypso Event. Was it just packed? So festive and for a great cause. Cheers!