We liked Beth's summary of the night - especially the part about the aroma's coming from the oven, e.g.burnt bread.  Fun night with great friends!

THANKS to the Pearce Hosts for an amazing evening!

We would like to express our gratitude for our TOP 10 favorites :
(too hard to put them in order/ consider them all equal)

1.  John's handyman/carpentry skills~  the handcrafted round table is totally superb & perfect for seating us together

2.  Linda's tablescape  ~ who else could turn a bolt of fabric into custom fit table linens? or create a fantastically shimmering centerpiece  using  treasures from the dollar store and Home Goods (what did we do pre-Home Goods?)

3.  The Pearce electrical team~ what an amazing light show on the ceiling produced by the creative flashlight idea

4.  Party Favors~ I came home with 2 awesome 'treasures' for my school Treasure Box (thanks for sharing Virginia) and a pair of toenail clippers....never, ever gotten to take home toenail clippers at any other New Year's Eve party in my life!

5.  Handmade snuggies (quilts, beach towels, blankets) for the outdoors guests' total comfort

6.  Total incorporation of our 5 Senses:  the house was as much of a feast for our eyes as the  delicious food was for our palate.....yet they didn't forget our sense of smell as a  vapor of blackened smoke evoked from the oven just previous to serving.  Love  that idea!

7.  Thought to 'table time'~ not only were the guests intermingled to encourage 'fellowship' but the seating was meticulously planned for the gentlemen to give the cushioned chairs to the ladies....those Pearce's never miss a beat.

8.  Entertainment~ thought provoking dinner questions that led to full guest participation and mind stimulating conversation

9.  Party attire~ loved the combined generous contribution from Bebe (thanks for always making sure we have some blinking or 'bling' going on somewhere!) and the "jug head" paper hats & glasses....definitely the look for Ray

10.  The Fun~ you know you are having fun on New Year's Eve when first of all you are still awake at 11:30 and secondly  when you are  only seconds away from the 'ball drop'....can't remember when a countdown has ever crept up so suddenly and we had to run to watch the TV

....we had a terrific time and hope thank you for all of your time, energy, efforts in making it a fantastic 'eve'!

Looking forward to many more decades together!
HAPPY 2010 and wishing all the best
Love,
Beth & Ray
 - Linda Pearce, Sat, 2 Jan 2010 7:24AM