The first week of December brought with it the unmistakable magic of the festive season with school nativities and carol services. To end the week, the Old Dining Room was transformed into the perfect setting for a luxurious Christmas Soirée. Over 100 guests gathered for an evening that seamlessly blended warmth, socialising, dancing, and the unmistakable spirit of Christmas.
This historic space steeped in charm, became an enchanting retreat adorned with glittering Christmas decorations and softly glowing fairy lights. Glass jars filled with holly and twinkling lights graced poseur tables, while candelabras added a flicker of elegance. In one corner, the lounge area beckoned with its Chesterfield sofas, lit softly by table lamps, inviting guests to relax and enjoy the festive atmosphere. It felt less like a formal event and more like stepping into the elegant home of an old friend.
As always, the culinary experience was nothing short of exquisite, thanks to the school’s expert catering team Thomas Franks. Waiting staff weaved through the crowd, offering trays of beautifully presented canapés: miniature Yorkshire puddings filled with rare roast beef and a dollop of horseradish cream, kimchi prawn cocktail boats, and vegan crostini topped with roasted ratatouille and cream cheese. Other delights included wild mushroom and thyme tartlets and wonderfully flaky Christmas sausage rolls. As the evening unfolded, orange and dark chocolate brownies made their appearance, while the cheese table, adorned with pine trunks, candelabras, and festive treats, became a favourite stop for guests to graze and chat.
Drinks flowed freely, with staff ensuring glasses were never empty. From champagne and fine wines to beer and soft drinks, guests had plenty to choose from. Later in the evening, a playful twist added to the merriment—a round of surprise coffee tequila shots for everyone, a spirited gesture that brought the room together in a toast to the season.
Music set the perfect tone for our soirée, starting with festive tunes playing softly in the background, creating an inviting and relaxed atmosphere. As the evening progressed, the tempo picked up, and the dance floor came alive. For those seeking a quieter retreat, the lounge area provided a tranquil corner, where soft lighting and comfortable seating invited relaxed conversation, away from the vibrant buzz of the main room.
Behind the scenes, a well-organised team ensured everything ran like clockwork. Waiting staff glided through the room, not only serving food and drinks but also clearing glasses and tidying up as they went. Only an hour or two before, the decorating team had worked tirelessly to create the enchanting ambiance, dressing the room with foliage, glittering walls, and even a snow projector that added a whimsical touch.
As the evening drew to a close and the music faded, the team efficiently began the tidy-up process, gathering glassware and packing away decorations. By Monday, everything had been returned to its rightful place, but the memories of this spectacular soirée will remain!
A huge thank you to everyone involved in making the 2024 Christmas Soirée possible, and to all our guests for supporting FOHSA. We will be handing over the reigns for next year to new event organisers, so if you're interested in party planning do send an email to hello@friendsofhsa.com. You will of course have support, should you wish!
Merry Christmas to all!
Sara & Sarah
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