My co-worker and good friend, Keith, heads up a non-profit organization with his partner, Efren, to provide school supplies to children in the Philippines. Earlier in the year, they held a silent auction event to raise money for their organization. One of the items up for bid was a catered multi-course Italian dinner prepared by Keith & Efren. We jumped at the opportunity and decided it would be perfect for the Kentridge Christmas since it was our turn to host this year!
For the theme, we settled on 1920s gangsters and flappers. We figured it paired well with the Italian meal.
For decorations I created a "chalk" outline of a dead body in our front entryway using masking tape and tracing around Dave playing dead. I also put a bullet hole sticker in the area of the heart.
I ordered these Wanted posters online. They have slits in them to insert in any 8X10 photo. I scanned in the boys' high school yearbook photos and applied a sepia finish to make them look old-fasioned and printed them out. I put more bullet hole stickers along the wall and placed some gold bricks on the floor.
We created one grand table for 12 using two folding tables. I used my grandmother's china for the special occasion and decorated the table with red roses, candles and some scattered Hershey's mini gold nuggets.
Here are Keith & Efren hard at work in our kitchen (Sully is supervising). They provided an amazing meal. Everything was delicious - appetizers, tuscan white bean soup, salad, lasagna, chicken. But the highlight was the homemade Tiramisu and Canolis for dessert. Simply amazing!
Everyone came dressed up in 20's costumes. So we took lots of pictures. I think they look better in sepia to get the full effect!
The whole gang
Mike & Jacie (she just gave birth to twins 2 weeks ago!)
Darren & Ceci
Jen & Troy
Scott & Nancy
Suzanne, Jeremy & baby girl Alyssa
Dave and me
Let's eat!
The boys
The girls
Everyone looked great!
After dinner we had our traditional gift exchange. We draw names try to get something that person will actually like, but there are occasional gag gifts that pop up. This year featured a Fremont Troll Chia Pet. Who knew they sold those?
I have to feature all of the babies that attended as well. 2011 has introduced 3 new members to our little gang.
Mike holding 2 week-old twins, Sam & Carly
Carly
And Sam
And 3 month old Alyssa
Once again we had a fabulous time. We are so truly blessed to have such great friends. They have been a huge part of Dave's life and it is so great that they are all still so close after all these years. Much of the talk at the party centered around how they are going to celebrate their 40th birthdays together! I am glad he has such great friends and am very lucky they all married such wonderful women so that I have fun people to hang out with!
Happy Holidays!
Looks like everyone had fun and thanks for the great pictures!
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