And to all, a fun night
12/25/2000The living room furniture arrived just in time - the day before their party. Kim and Nancy Klewer scurried about with last minute touches before their party Saturday evening.
The home built by decorator Claire Hoffman in 1968 was restored by the Klewers to its grand 1920s style with high ceilings and elegant lion-head moldings.
Toy soldiers greeted guests at the riverfront Eagle Point Colony home of Tom and Joni Fought on Dec. 17. Decorated trees were in every room, a festive wonderland for more than 400 guests. Instead of hostess gifts, the who's-who crowd was invited to bring donations for the residents of Sunshine Children's Home. The generosity was overwhelming.
Art and Betty Raker opened their home Dec. 17 for the annual Western Lake Erie Sailing Club Champagne Brunch. Friends brought their favorite dish to share.
John Vance created another masterpiece just in time for his Christmas party Dec. 16 - his newly decorated home. Friends oohed and aahed but wondered, what will next year bring. The host admitted he is already bored with the house and is looking for another challenge.
Guests at Rob and Pat Robinson's casual holiday affair had valet service under a tented entrance. A white limousine awaited guests.
Emmanuel and Marion Key were hosts of An Old Fashion Christmas celebration with caroling, games, and plenty of food December 16 in their home for Jack and Jill of America. Marie Bush is president.
Christmas Eve 55 years ago found four longtime friends, all recently discharged military veterans, lunching together at Dyer's Chop House.
They had such a great time they decided to repeat it the following year - same place, same time.
The ritual continued each year after. With time, some of the dozen or so members have died or moved away.
But those who remain still keep the Friday before Christmas as a ritual.
When Dyer's closed, their moveable feast landed at Georgio's, where they met last Friday.
Dick Arnos missed the lunch. Other deceased members remembered and missed included James Robinson, Horton Rorick, Robert Bogart, Ham Fess, Daniel Philips, and Malcolm Crowther.
A cookie exchange allows guests to bring one batch of cookies and trade them for a sweet homemade sampler -and have fun doing it.
Jackie Crawford held her 10th annual cookie exchange Dec. 14 in her Lambertville, Mich., home. Diana Randolph and her mom, Gloria Carpenter, had their Mother-Daughter Cookie and House Exchange on Dec. 12. Guests started at one home for snacks, then traded baked goods at the other home..
Guests included Ruth Judd and her daughter, Shere Lichtenwald; Donna Danford and daughter Laura Novotny; Joanne Mennitt and daughter, Joyce Pasch, and Nadji Houghton and her daughters Christie Reynolds and Nina Houghton as well as Mrs. Randolph's daughters, Amanda and Breanna.
Toledo Country Club members were greeted by a wintry fairyland scene during holiday dinners last week. On the lawn were a life-size sleigh and reindeer, Old Man Winter, an angel, and a few extra large snowflakes, all carved by Chef Steve Hurd out of 20 blocks of ice. Chef Hurd even added an icy version of the club logo, complete with lights.
- SALLY VALLONGO
Holiday sweaters were in full bloom at the annual Junior League Holiday Cocktail Party Dec. 19 at Inverness Club. It's the rare time when the crowd of movers and shakers gather JUST to socialize - no meetings, no work. The committee included Gretchen Thomas, Kathleen Costello, Lois Churchill, Anne Lathrop, and Christine Tyo. Men - mainly hubbies of volunteers were invited, too. Among the members were Kim Swirbul, Bridgett Holt, Marcia Deeb, Vicki Bleckner, Linda Hoetzl, Sandy Wiseley, Sue White, and Judy Barnard.
Kim Pfitzer surprised her husband Dan with a party in honor of his 40th birthday Saturday at Firecreek Golf Course Club House, Temperance, Mich.
Snow created a winter wonderland for guests at the Toledo Symphony League Holiday Open House in the home of Marianne Ballas on Dec. 13. Guests were cozy inside as they sipped tea and nibbled tempting edibles.
Sew N' So, a women's sewing club, held its 34th annual Christmas Celebration Dec. 9 at the Clarion Westgate Hotel. This year's “Silver Bells” theme inspired members to wear royal blue and silver ensembles they made for the occasion. Guests lunched, sang carols, and admired each other's homemade gifts. Chair person of the event was Mary Gregory and club president is Juanita Brown.
Flower Hospital Auxiliary's Christmas luncheon at Sylvania Country Club Dec. 6 included a fashion showwith members, including birthday girl Evadine Bryan, Marge Day, Patty Cross, Jane Larson, Marion Boyer, Barbara Bippus, Margot Clark, and Barbara Benham as models.
Faberge was the theme of an elegant dinner party held Dec. 20 Wednesday in the home of Alex and Theresa Sahadi. Gold and silver settings, fine china and crystal, and flowers set a lavish table for the feast prepared by chef Ron Banas.
From fish soup, salmon souffle crepes, and lamb chops to chocolate torte, guests including Tony and Madlyn Pizza, Howard and Jeannie Driggs, and Jeff and Mary Lyden, dined sumptuously.
Barbara Hendel is The Blade's society editor. E-mail her at bhendel@theblade.com.