Tuesday, December 28, 2010

The face that launched a Night in Venice....


Sometimes, inspiration comes in small packages!
Last year, I received a charming little Venetian Mask as a present,
and an idea started to grow...



Wouldn't it be nice to have a Party in Venice?

Perhaps not the real Venice...
but our own version...



Planning started...
and invitations went out.


Now normally, 'feeding and watering' ideas too much, they start to take over,
and this one really started to grow out of the pot.. and eventually, right out of my budget!
There was just no way that I could build the Rialto bridge!
(Or any of the other bridges for that matter.)

Not to mention beg, borrow or steal a few gondolas...



But we were determined to have at least something resembling a bridge...

and a few gondolas...


To the left of the vase, red Arabic couches are visible.
They form part of an outdoor theater.







Many of the decorations, which were bought for previous parties,
are re-used, but in a different way...









At the end of the pool you can see my inexpensive imitation Venetian bridge.
Really gaudy, but I needed the 'Canal' to visually end there.







Night has, thank goodness, a way of casting its spell over all.
And darkness can hide a great many flaws...

It can also turn the mediocre into magical!



Ordinary glasses reflecting light...


Sparkle...



Glitter and glow...






Cups ready for tea, cuppuccino and espresso...






Now all we need are the guests!


Even the bridge, visible at the far end of the pool,
is not too frightening at night time...

And the three old and battered canoes, not quite gondolas,
but at least adding to the atmosphere...



Two of our pretty, young guests pretending to be gondoliers!



Did I hear murmurs of who Seiji Ozawa is?
He is a very entertaining, brilliant and adorable Japanese Conductor.
Below, our guests are watching him conduct the Berliner Philharmonicer perform Gerswin.
(Very Jazzy Music) 
(Gerswin composed 'An American in Paris')


The recording was done in the Waldbuhne (Germany) Theater.
Every New Year, they have an open air concert.
I can really recommend any of their high quality recordings,
and Seiji Ozawa is bound to entertain even those least interested in 'not-so-modern' music.



  After dessert, coffee, and several long discussions following the performance,
all that was left was to sign the guest book
and wave goodbye...


Yes, all things come to an end... and the more enjoyable things end even  quicker.

Which is in fact a good thing,
because after too much partying, this is what you start seeing:


Or perhaps I should just mount my camera on the tri-pod!


And also, being YET ANOTHER YEAR OLDER,
I needed a good nights sleep.
Especially after all the hard work!

BTW.  Did you misplace your invitation?
We really missed you!
Well, never mind, I'll invite you again next year!


Now where can we go next...
Any suggestions?


Oh, and last but not least
A very happy 2011 to you and your loved ones!



22 comments:

rosanna said...

Another lovely party near your swimming pool. You definitely spoil your guests.Best wishes for a very happy new year, Rosanna

Susanne said...

What a nice scenery, you have created, Lize, I would love to spend a night there by the pool!
Love, Susanne

Ana said...

Lovely decorations, and lots of magic in the air, congratulations,
Ana

rosanna said...

PS I forgot to say: I love your red striped cups !

Sans! said...

Have a Kama Sutra party! LOL! Nahh, sans sex :). I think you have a perfect setting for an Indian outdoor party with basket of floating flowers, yellow saffron rice and a lamb roasted over open fire. Lots of fabric, barefoot dancers and AR Rahman :). Invite me and I will come as a Maharani , with my howdah if you have a spot for my elephant :).

I love your parties, Lize. I am sure all your friends do.

Lize said...

This pool has accommodated camels and horses before... I am sure we can make space for your elephant Sans! Those floating baskets filled with flowers... sound great! So in dress code will be 'sans shirt' and invite will read 'Gouws family and Maharani Sans"? Will we ever confuse them sans doubt, Sans!!

miniacollection said...

It's incredible what you manage to achieve. You have a real talent for decoration, looking at your photos is like a dream.
Geneviève

Eva said...

Reasing this post I was remembering you party of last year. I was impressed then and now again.
Wonderful atmosphere, Venice is always a sure bet.
Congratulations for organising such a beautiful party.
I do not know next year...something magic perhaps...
HAppy new year Lize

Prior said...

What a fantastic party! Great Decorations and I love the cups and saucers! I just watched Casanova on tv, this morning, so I was thinking of Venice!
Lezlee

Splenderosa said...

You have captured the magic of Venice perfectly with your lovely creations. I'm coming over from BNOTP. Happy New Year to you!
Marsha

Jacqueline said...

This was out of this world! I haven't been to visit before and am so glad to have the opportunity. I felt transformed and can only imagine that in real life it was even more stupendous - I feel awfully, terribly and horribly sick that I misplaced my invitation! I sure hope I don't next year!!!

Maria said...

Venice is at the top of my bucket list! Thank you for recreating such a splendid setting. Darn it! I didn't get my invitation but I would have loved to have come! Fantastic job!

our daily dishes said...

what a fun party!

Carolyn said...

Wow! you do know how to throw a party. I am sure all your guests had a wonderful time and you are right is was magical.

Best Wishes for 2011.

Carolyn

Chubby Chieque said...

WOW! what a blast! Lucky friends & guests.

Love to sit & listen to the jap conductor. Love operas...

Your decos are extravagazas...

Happy TS & NY to come...

Greeting from a freezing Stockholm,
/chie

Shelly {makingthemomentmatter} said...

I adore Venice! What a great idea for a theme! You did a fantastic job decorating for this!

Donnie said...

What a lovely party. Happy New Year.

Mid-Atlantic Martha said...

Very magical and dramatic! Happy New Year.

Entertaining Women said...

The up lighting on the masks was wonderfully conceived. Great job. Next party...I could see you tackling "Moulin Rouge." I can already visualize it. Thank you for sharing your amazing designs. Happy New Year! Cherry Kay

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