Candlelight Dinner #2

What a great night!! I started out saying that I was only going to take pictures of my favorite tables...but I ended up taking pictures of all of the tables...ALL 79 of them!! Each one a piece of art in its own right. All the love and care that is put into each one, and the details, just come alive for me, and tickle my senses like nothing has in a long time. I don't get it - it was the same reaction last year, and I thought for sure this year wouldn't be as exciting. Not true. I am still mesmorized by the pictures as I was with Candlelight Dinner #1.
My table (#26) was just as I would have it. Last year, I liked my table, but I felt it was too crowded. I didn't mind the mismatched china, but if I'd had my preference, of course they would have matched. And in the end, I didn't like my placemats...too big. This year, I pre-staged everything, and was really pleased with the placement, the color coordination, and the little details. We didn't feel crowded. The table really reflected me & my personality - casual, comfortable, yet detailed. I admit my favorite part was the shell swizzlers & matching shell glass jewelry. LOVED THAT!
Although designing & setting up my table is one of my favorite parts, the rest of the evening was great too.We had a good group at my table, and we laughed a lot. The meal was impeccable! (Ceasar salad, Chicken Breast marinated in raspberry dressing, the most awesome green beans (& I am not a green bean person!), scalloped potatoes, and the most fabulous dessert - chocolate cake drizzled with strawberry sauce, a fresh strawberry & 2 little wafer pencils covered in chocolate sticking out of the top!) The speaker was funny & motivating, and the entertainment was hilarious. The men are the servers, and they clean up as well. That's a great part too!
A part of me would love to come & just be surprized by it all, but a bigger part of me wants to do it all over again. I'm thinking those clearance set of Christmas dishes that I've never used would be a challenge next year...