Our annual New Year’s party was an event that we are still talking about. Produced in partnership with Justin Kinnaird and By Invitation Only, we held all of the cards as we put together a party that was both exquisitely designed, but also, perfectly tasted.  Our Black Tie event featured entertainment by American Idol finalist Leah Hubbard, who was absolutely divine as she sang along with a saxophone and bass. The most memorable piece of the event was certainly the venue. A vision to turn an unsuspecting space into something beautiful was exactly the creation. We transformed a west side artist studio occupied by pop art figurative artists, Devon Stanfield and Mya Nielsen. We suspended 18 white drum shades above the dining tables, and each drum held a strand of Swarovski crystals. Our favorite element was also the most labored over—we covered an entire wall with over 2,000 pieces of paper. Folded, rolled, crinkled, and crushed, it took three people over the course of two full days to create a wall installation display that was beyond any of our expectations. Chef David Kimball prepared a fantastic meal, and his filet mignon was cooked to perfection. Only a true culinary artist can make food of this caliber in a wood fired pizza oven (outside). We served 120 guests for dinner, and were joined by 80 after-dinner party guests, and DJ Randolph of the Dolph Experience. The evening truly was a dream, and the best way to ring in the New Year.

There is a Scot’s poem that was written by Robert Burns in 1788. It is sung to an old folk tune, and traditionally is heard around New Years, generally, at the end of a New Year’s party. But, it is also a song that pays tribute to the end of something beautiful. It has been sung as a farewell, as a celebration, or commemorates the finale of something great. It seems only fitting, to pay tribute to our dear Justin Kinnaird. We will always hold this event very close to our hearts as it was the last event we produced with Justin. We will miss his incredible attitude and desire to bring people together at the table. There has never been a finer host.

So we end this post, with ‘Auld Lang Syne’