Marie Antoinette, that is!
She was born in 1755...well, we won't get into a history lesson right now. In honor of Marie's birthday (which I guess was just totally a coincidence that the event was on her birthday), I attended A Parisian Soiree, hosted by the lovely Heather Bullard today at The Mission Inn. This was actually my first trip to The Mission Inn and what a lovely, historical hotel. They host a Festival of Lights during the holiday season which I understand is just incredible, but just the short time we looked around today, the Inn is breathtaking. Here are a few of my favorite shots of the interior courtyard.
What a lovely, relaxing afternoon we had. We were greeted at the door by two of the four lovely young ladies that were there to take care of our every last need. The girls included Heather's lovely daughter (Sweet Girl) and her girlfriends, who are part of a madrigal group, and they serenaded us with a beautiful song to open up the event.
The tables were adorned by gorgeously wrapped gift centerpieces and what soiree would be complete without a chocolate fountain and all the trimmings to go with it!!
We leisurely shopped at the boutique that was set up inside the room, which included vendors selling vintage decor items, jewelry, tea sets, antiques, etc. Here's a peek of Heather's booth which was filled with yummy mercury ornaments, glittered stars, bottle brush wreathes, etc!
Heather had put together two separate craft projects for us to complete and also proceeded to share with us how to use vintage wallpaper and findings, to wrap gifts for the upcoming holiday season. Kim and I enjoyed our time together crafting these fun bon-bon packages and also learned how to make these pretty ribbons to go on holiday packages.
Michelle White and Helle Greer (taking a couple hours away from their fabulous store, Paper Tales) show off their "Bon Bon's"!!
In addition, Jenny Doh and one of her editors, from Somerset Studios came and spoke to our group about their many publications and living the artful life, admist the day to day rush of everyday life!
More importantly, it was such a great afternoon of chatting with old and new friends who were all brought together to celebrate the start of the holiday season. What's better than chocolate, crafting and chatting with ladies in a lovely setting of the Mission Inn? Thank you, Heather, for putting this Soiree together and allowing us all the time and place to take a step back, relax and enjoy each other's company before the hectic pace of the Holiday Season is upon us!
Wow! Looks like you girls had a fabulous time. You'll have to teach me how to make those magnificent bows! ;-) Isn't the Mission Inn just gorgeous? I haven't gone during the holiday yet, but everyone out here in the Inland Empire says that it is THE thing to do for the holidays...
Posted by: Rebecca G. | November 03, 2008 at 07:15 AM
omg!!so so fun!!
i wish i could have been there.
looks beautiful
less than 2 weeks.
oxoxo,
jessi
Posted by: jessi nagy | November 03, 2008 at 02:02 PM
I was also at the Mission Inn yesterday and had had a wonderful time. I flew in from Colorado and I met a friend from Illinois. I wish the day could have gone on. I have to say....your bows turned out a lot better than mine.
Posted by: Jeanne | November 03, 2008 at 03:02 PM
What beautiful pics. Looks like it was a wonderful party. Love the bows
Posted by: sherry bamsey | November 03, 2008 at 05:28 PM
looks like you had a wonderful time! fun photos to!
Posted by: kim hesson | November 03, 2008 at 06:49 PM
very fun!
Posted by: kasey | November 04, 2008 at 11:03 AM
It looks lovely! I wish Heather was coming to Silver Bella, she was so much fun last year. We had a great slumber party in her room and she had us giggling till almost 4 am.
I have a feeling we'll be finding lots to giggle about this year, too, tho. Can't wait! See you in a couple of days.
Posted by: karla nathan | November 10, 2008 at 02:58 PM