Man oh Man. It’s February already. What a strange winter this has been. We’re having spring-like weather and I can’t even remember most of January. All work and no play….
Oh well, a week or so ago I conducted my annual recon to the kids’ old school to check out the prep for their black tie auction and dinner. (I don’t actually attend the auction, but I enjoy seeing all of the decorations – you never know when there might be a fun idea to take home. Shandi came from one of these events.) At the end of my post about the auction last year I said “And now, if I start a new traditional closing line, maybe one day it will come true … I hope they go back to having a children’s book theme next year.”
Nope. Not Workin’.
The theme this year was Into Africa. (They seem to be stuck on travel themes — maybe so they can auction off exotic trips?) There’s always a fun entry into the auditorium.
Once past the zebra curtains the safari them starts in a hallway. (Locals will recognize that jeep from our local children’s zoo.)
And after walking through the swampy marshes, you enter the auditorium. Lots of zebras hanging from the ceiling.
And wild animals hovering at the edges of the tables.
Every year they give the attendees a take-away and this year it appeared to be a zebra mask attached to each chair.
The dinners are served in multiple courses with different wines and the table settings are always so pretty.
I think this year was my least favorite though. The centerpiece was a “tree” with pretty flowers around the base. They always have beautiful flower arrangements and I’m sure it was difficult to come up with something that was truly “Africa”. (Not sure I’m buyin’ the roses LOL!)
Wild animals lookin’ at you. (With a grill to be auctioned under them. ;-D)
The desserts were stacked outside, wrapped in cellophane. MyDadLovesMeBestSister works at the school so she’s lucky enough to attend. She reports that these were delicious cupcakes. Cute!
So, I must continue my mantra. “I hope they go back to having a children’s book theme next year.”
A girl can dream!
XOXO,
Anna
Yes, a children’s book theme would be awesome, but I have to admit that I’m pretty impressed with the Africa theme too. I’d love to have one of those zebra masks or lamps. I love seeing the theme and decorations that you post each year!
January? Ha! It passed by with such lightning speed that I barely had time to blink. I think I also was working too hard (always wink wink). All January did for me was to leave me another year older :( Maybe February will bring more fun. Goodness knows, we deserve it!
I can’t believe the work that goes into these events… right down to the very last detail.
I love the Africa theme and enjoy your annual posts every year!
January was warm and over before I realized. Now we have Winter here to stay, the ponds and lakes are starting to freeze and we Dutch people are getting crazy cause we all want to go ice-skating now.
That is very elaborate! That’s a fundraising dinner I would love to attend.
Wow!!!Those are some awesome decorations. I’d love to see what they do on a better year. This was beautiful. I am with on on the winter weather. I’m ready for spring. What I’m afraid of is that winter will finally arrive…..ohh, just about April.
A very fun post and oh so much work went into the event I hope they raised a lot of money. I am with you, I love children book themes, that was the theme for my daughter’s baby shower last year and it was so cute! Everyone added their favorite book to the gifts so Ilika started out with a full book shelf of well loved stories too! And where did January go!?!
they sure know how to have a party!!
I agree. Not my favorite theme so far. It’s okay but others have been better.
Wow. I can’t imagine our school putting on such a classy shindig. I’m not well connected, I guess!
Whoa that’s some serious planning and decorating – looks great and I’m not sure about the roses around the tree either lol.
Hugs – Me
Thats crazy decorations for a school event! wow!
I like the wooden plates/chargers. I’m with you….children’s books theme sounds much more exciting and fun.
Hmmm, not into safari myself, but that’s pretty awesome. Hope it was sucessful!
I think I’ve got my kids in the wrong school!
Wow, I don’t think schools here party like that! And yes, where did January go ….?
I see you’ve done your usual super efficient snoop job! Great pictures, and it looks like a lot of creativity went into it. I’m always amazed that people can come with ideas like that. Beautifully executed, too.
i should take a dinner party lesson or two from your school fundraiser planning committee!!!
thanks for being the best little detective ever.
Neil Caffrey’s got nuttin’ on you.
:waves madly
Well, it may not be book themed but it’s still pretty spectacular! Maybe MDLMBS need to start dropping hints now for next year. :)
Must admit I really like the Into Africa theme but then Africa is a country I know and have connections with:)
Cute embroidery. So many BOM’s out there to pick from, what’s a girl to do?
wow – what fun to see the party. I love themed parties.
I hope to see a childrens book next year too.