le fete de l’imagination: Vivian Leigh

I’ve been looking forward to today’s “party of the imagination” for a looooong time. As a child, I thought Vivian Leigh was Scarlett O’Hara. In my mind, she was everything a southern belle should be, and it wasn’t until a little later in my life did I learn she was a) not southern, and b) not actually Scarlett O. The story her real life makes me sad because it was one which contained loneliness, heartache, and mental illness. But I believe she’s in a much better place now…so let’s celebrate her birthday in style! She’d be 97 years young today.

For the place, I’ve chosen the Rome Cavalieri, a Waldorf Astoria property in that lovely eternal city. Doesn’t this enclosed room make for a lovely setting…melons adorning the table for a distinctly southern feel. In addition to the yummy melons, we’ll be serving smoked salmon blinis with crème fraiche among other yummy things.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To give us all an idea about party attire, I chose a couple of looks from Carolina Herrera’s Resort Collection. Both seem perfect for a luncheon in the enclosed portico. Maybe with an oversized piece of jewelry and an elegant wrap draped around the shoulders?

    

For Ms. Leigh’s gift, I would select a 12 place settings of English bone china in a pattern that is reminiscent of the south, but also playful and modern.

I hope you will all join us for the party. Isn’t imagining fun?

Hope you all have a fabulous weekend and take some time to sip a julep in honor of our favorite “southern belle.”