Wednesday, April 15, 2009

STUFFED

Last night, a hotel here in town had a party to celebrate their recent renovations to their event space. Since we're all friendly in this industry, they had a big shindig to show off the new digs and my department was on the guest list.

The theme was "Progressive" -- meaning, they were honoring their progressive renovation through a progressive party. The partitions in their grand ballroom had been drawn and the room was divided into thirds.

Party One - my favorite (which may surprise you after reading about all the parties). It was a loft style set up with soft furniture, drapery, mood lighting, a baby grand piano and jazz music. There were passed drinks and hors d'oeuvres as well as an open bar (white wine!) and a cheese and bread buffet. Four different kinds of cheeses with all kinds of bread and rolls and breadsticks and crackers. I don't think I need to get into detail, but let's just say I would have put a few mice to shame. It was AMAZING.

After a brief welcome speech, the curtain was drawn and Party Two began. An upbeat band was playing and there was fun, festive lighting and furniture. The food was a little bit heavier - pork sliders, chicken and grits, and a down south eggroll are what I tried. There was seafood and a truffle macaroni and cheese and some other things I didn't dive into because I had heard what was coming in Party Three...

After about 30 minutes, our host announced it was time for door prizes. Unfortunately, I didn't win one but lots of people won two nights stays at sister hotels all over the country.

Finally, it was time for Party Three. I kid you not when I say I was the first one to skip (yes, I skipped) through the doors and into CANDYLAND. A candy buffet, a white chocolate fountain with almond bark in all kinds of flavors, gelato, a decorate your own cupcake station, several rubbermaid tubs filled with oreo "dirt" and gummy worms with chocolate-covered strawberries "growing" in the dirt, edible flowers, a tree made of chocolate covered pretezel rods and more. I felt like I was Charlie Bucket, walking into Wonkaland and getting to eat whatever I wanted. It was stunning. Absolutely amazing. I am still shaking a little bit from the sugar high. Sarah - you would have dropped dead on the floor from a sugar coma.

Between the cheese and all the chocolate, it was a great night. Just thought I'd rub it in!

6 comments:

  1. I want to see pictures of Candyland!! Sounds like so much fun!!

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  2. Geez Louise that sounds incredible. They should have skipped room number two with the band and gone right to the candy.

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  3. OMG... I want to go to Candyland. I'm picturing it and it sounds positively delicious. So jealous of you and your cool parties.

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  4. Party Two was good, Eric. Plus, it gave all the cheese a chance to settle in so I could have room for all that chocolate.

    Ivy, I was going to take pictures but my hands were full/covered in chocolate.

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  5. I am so jealous right now it is not even funny. I hope you made a dirt cupcake, complete with a gummy worm coming out of it!

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  6. Oh my gosh that sounds so completely amazing. I want to go to there...

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Oh goody!

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