christmas party

my dear friend Lana is the classiest young lady I know. She was the first to inspire me to dress in a fancy, sophisticated way. She also throws fabulous parties. She is Ukrainian and her family and friends from the Ukraine are a very tight knit community. There always seems to be something to celebrate. and Lana is Miss Detail-oriented! Because she lives in the sacramento area I have never been to one of her parties. so, when I heard she was having one for christmas, I scheduled my flight just so i could go. and it was well worth it. It felt a bit like a lesson in culture in itself, considering I was the only non-Ukrainian there! But everyone was wonderfully welcoming, boisterous, fun and chatty. It was an appetizer potluck, which I loved because there was tons of food, but it was all light and not too filling. (i brought caprese salad, on skewers. yum!) there was much mingling. the most enjoyable christmas songs karaoke I've ever seen (and mind you there was no alcohol present). and then a fun white elephant exchange. it consisted of actually useful items ($10 limit). I got a giftcard to starbucks! although the hot ticket ended up being two soft fleece throw blankets (something to remember for next year!)






(all photos via Lana's myspace)