appreciation

Today is definitely a day of rest. I think my whole body is crashing...not to mention I've been fighting off some crud that I could NOT let get the best of me before this big event was over!

Last night was my FIRST annual Premier Designs Hostess Appreciation Dinner for my 2008 hostesses! After hours and hours of prep...the fire was going, my christmas playlist from my ipod playing, coffee, hot tea, cocoa and cider waiting, the room all set up...and the yummy food ready.

The Fireside Room at our church was seriously the perfect place to do this (the location was a debate for months...at one point, it was going to be at my house, that's when I predicted I'd have 15-20 max! Good thing I decided differently!)....and a full service kitchen was the handiest thing ever!

I intended to get pictures AFTER the guests arrived...that didn't happen. So you just get the BEFORE pics.

There is absolutely NO WAY I could have pulled this off myself....no way, Hosea!

My mother-in-law did the fantastic center pieces....THANKS JACQUIE!!

My sister came from Texas, and helped with EVERYTHING....mostly the dinner! She was a TOTAL lifesaver! I pretty much told her she has to come back EVERY year for this!

My friend Alisha, who also does Premier with me, came and let me boss her around all night...seriously, Alisha, thank you for EVERYTHING....you guys totally helped me keep my head on straight!

And of course, my dear husband....mostly there for moral support...but did SO much to help too!

After months of planning, food to feed 40, awards, decorations, gifts, and quite possibly one of the longest days of my life yesterday....I am HOPING my dear hostesses left feeling honored and appreciated....and with full bellies!

I couldn't feel my feet by the end of the night...not sure I've ever worn heels for that long. But it was ALL worth it!

Now countdown to my SECOND annual dinner begins!