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 Bright lights and a balmy Friday evening were the setting for the SDFC Holiday Party on December 8, 2006. Co-hosted by Linda West and Britta Brice, the evening was highlighted by festive food, decorations, calligraphy, and gifts as SDFC members and guests gathered at the Rancho Bernardo home of Linda and Allen West.
A festive snowman display greeted folks as they arrived. Once inside the doors , a large, hand lettered story caught your attention. The precise and characteristically wonderful calligraphy was done by our friend, the late Lisabet Wilson. The piece was commissioned by Britta, and during the party she shared the history of the Christmas toy piece and how her sister Lisabet had created it for her. Other samples of Lisabet’s calligraphy were on the table, along with a charming ornament that complimented the large piece.
The SDFC ornaments were beautifully displayed throughout the West living room and on their Christmas tree and bookshelves and in front of their patio doors. Risa Gettler, Pat Sunda, and Britta contributed new ornaments for the year. Britta lettered a mini hang-glider; Pat created a forest green paper wreath with a compact disc as the base; Risa made a gourd into a birdh ouse including a feathered friend with a verse lettered outside. Seeing the collection of ornaments brought fond memories and a renewed appreciation for the talent in our guild.
And what’s a party without food? An impressive and varied selection of hors d’oeuvres and desserts, graciously provided by Britta Brice as a thank you for SDFC’s support during the time of the loss of her sister, were enthusiastically enjoyed by all. The dishes included seafood, dips, vegetables, fruits, homemade cookies and a centerpiece of SDFC logo cookies!
The party would not have been complete without the famous gift exchange. This year the game included passing the gifts to music and trading unwrapped gifts before they were opened. The participants were good sports in the spirit of the goodwill season. Thanks to Linda’s creativity, there was a new twist on the traditional gift exchange. Participants selected a gift and a “door”. Those who selected Door 1 sat down with their wrapped gift in hand. People at Door 2 played a game similar to musical chairs with their selection. Participa nts at Door 3 had t he opportunity to negotiate a gift swap, where arm twisting and bribery were permitted. Once the presents were with their new owners, the gifts were unwrapped, door by door, and shared for all to see.
Around thirty members and guests attended the party. One of the highlights of this social each year is being able to visit with friends without a pen or a brush in hand. The conversation and laughter attested to the fact that the group had fun socializing.
The evening of December 8th was one of good food, good friends, and great fun—a celebration to end our calligraphy year. Thanks to Britta for catering the party and thanks to Linda and Allen for opening their home to SDFC and for being such gracious hosts.
While 2006 has flown by, we look forward to writing our way into 2007. Happy New Year!
By Linda West and Diane Reiter
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