"Lunch at Dawnridge . . . "

Dawnridge

Greetings,

Well, I'm safely returned to my little slice of heaven here in San Francisco. I awoke early this morning to the gentle sounds of a pre-dawn drizzle - and curled up dreaming about a magical land . . . Dawnridge.

When I realized last week that I might be able to sneak down to LA for a few days - I sent emails to a few friends to see what might be going on. Any parties I should go to? Anyone going to be in town for WestWeek that I could see? What would the weather going to be like?

Well, huge thanks to the amazing Ronda Carman - who replied almost immediately that she might be able to get me on the guest list for a luncheon hosted by Hutton Wilkinson at the Tony Duquette designed Dawnridge estate.

The wonderful setting for our luncheon.

Outside in the garden. Under the trellis. On the antique china.

Touring through the gardens after lunch.

Ronda Carman, Hutton Wilkinson, Lulu Powers, Me

The experience of being at the house is clearly going to be difficult to describe. To say that it is a feast for the eyes is a shameful understatement. Lavish. Exuberant. Charming. Theatrical. And well loved. And much enjoyed. And to say that I was charmed by the delightful Hutton would be a sad understatement as well. He was such the perfect host - and clearly enjoyed seeing his home through our fresh, excited eyes. And turning to remind us to 'keep up' if we began to fall too far behind.

And when I say 'touring through the gardens,' this is what is mean . . .

But, since you weren't able to enjoy the tour with me,

I found this wonderful video - with Hutton giving a peek through the house and the gardens.

I was only in LA for just over 48 hours - 2 luncheons, 2 parties, 4 star sightings (if you count seeing Jake from the Bachelor), 1 flurry of paparazzi (for the aforementioned Jake, at The Ivy), and a perfect time to catch up with friends - both old and new.

Back to work,

tartanscot