Sending Wishes Aloft on New Year's Eve

Michael Sandoval & Ken Hatch with Seahawks Tree

Ken and I enjoyed celebrating New Year's Eve with our friends who live on the water in West Seattle.  Their home was decorated with lights and swags from the top of their driveway throughout the interior of the home as well.  One of my favorite decorations was the whimsical "Seahawks Tree" that was proudly sporting both green and blue lights.  

It was a celebration evening where we were greeted with vintage champagne and caviar as we entered the party.  Owner and Chef Extraordinaire, William Belickis of Mistral Kitchen was the culinary maestro installed in the kitchen for the party and

Chef William Belickis
and culinary team at work

we of course saw beautiful (and delicious) food served all evening.  My favorites were his risotto with shaved truffles though for me his roast guinea hen with foie gras sauce was a close second and the octopus ceviche was also a contender.  

His food is art and it was fun to end the evening with a highball of vintage Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban Scotch from an exquisite presentation box served over a carved ice globe.  In addition, Ole Thompson, previously of Wild Ginger and now part of Acme Wine Company ensured that no one's glass was empty for long.

Everyone was in festive attire and it was fun to see some of the gorgeous shoes.  My favorites were some furry little mules and Sue Bianco's sparkling stilettos with jeweled soles.

In addition to catching up with old and new friends (Sue & Jim Bianco, Tim O'Keefe & Lisa Lloyd, Michael Sandoval, Jack Singer & Tia Higano, John Bauer & Maryel Duzan to name a few), we took the opportunity to

send aloft nine sky lanterns on which everyone had signed their names and added their wishes for the New Year.  The white sky lanterns glowed against the dark sky and it was magical to see them take flight.

We counted down to welcome the New Year with everyone consulting their cell phones and the television to make sure we were in sync.

Counting down . . . 10 - 9 - 8 - 7 . . .

Bianco boys, Gianni, Luciano, and Julio with friends
and Sue & Jim Bianco

Though there were some exceptions, most of the guests saidthey were glad to see the end of 2013 and were looking forward to 2014 with enthusiasm.  Happy 2014!