'tis the season for holiday markets!

So if there is one thing us southern girls know how to do, it's throwing a fantastic party! I loved being involved with the Junior League of Columbia during my time there, and I have been to the Preview Party before the JLC's annual Holiday Market for five straight years now. Richard has escorted me to Preview Party in the past, and when we found out about the cocktail party that was part of Junior League of Washington's "A Capital Collection," we quickly shelled out a pretty penny for tickets, thinking it would be similar to one of our favorite South Carolina events.

Sadly, it just didn't quite compare. The menu was not very extensive, there was a DJ instead of a band, and the atmosphere wasn't nearly as festive. The best part of the evening was free pimento cheese from a South Carolinian at the Augusta's Creations booth and getting to hang out with our new friends Davis and Blaire. They are from Nashville and were equally disappointed- but the dinner we had to get post-party gave us time to really talk in-depth, so there was a silver lining to the evening! In JLW's defense, space is at a premium in DC, and everything here is twice as expensive as it is in SC. And every friend I've met through the JLW has been smart and wonderful and super involved in the community. I just think party planning in a big metropolitan area can present some tough challenges!

Blaire and me in front of the Pink Palm Lilly tree

Thankfully, I did get to extend my Thanksgiving stay in the Palmetto State and attend the JLC's Holiday Market Preview Party. The pretty ladies below were extremely instrumental in the success of the event. Ashley is co-chair of the entire Holiday Market Committee, and Mary Douglass is in charge of decorations. And incredible decorations they were!

It was such a fabulous evening of seeing old friends and new family and getting to visit with all kinds of Columbia's finest. Even Jill came down from Winston-Salem, which was a huge treat in itself. I really am starting to adjust to the DC area and appreciate my new home more and more, but it was good for my soul to see so many people who are dear to me. I'd love to make it an annual reunion!

Bec, me, Hannah and Suzanne- all roommates at one point in various combinations

Racquettes reunite!

Love, love these Clemson girls- Kelly, Katie, and Baylis- friends for ten years now

prom pose with Alexis and Kelly under the balls- these girls are hilarious

Rachel, Alexis, Kelly, Jill, Rebecca and me, splitting the silent auction rope

we added Elizabeth and Ashley and Hannah

huge, gorgeous tree