Woodlawn Plantation’s Holiday Dinner by Candlelight is always a special event. This year it was even more special. In addition to the elegant dinner that is traditionally held on the main floor of the home, this year guests were treated to a cocktail party in the private upstairs chamber of the home.
Stepping back in time, the 140 guests could try one of Martha Washington’s Bourbon Slushes and a special Holiday Punch, among other traditional options, as they enjoyed trays of passed hors ‘d oeuvres.
As dinner was announced, guests began descending into the main area of the home, where three separate dining areas were prepared. Each table was elegantly set with claret glassware and festive holiday greenery. Colorful martini glasses, used as water goblets for the meal, were given to guests to take home. An elegant dinner was accompanied by gold and silver medal winning wines of the 2004 Virginia State Wine Competition, compliments of Woodlawn Benefactor, Gordon Murchie, president of Vinifera Wine Growers Association and wine consultant to Mount Vernon.
Ross Randall, executive director, greeted guests, along with his daughter, Clare Randall. He said that the event raised $25,000 for educational programs at Woodlawn. According to Cindy Conner, president of the Woodlawn Council, 140 people attended the dinner. She also said that the Council are continuing to raise money for the renovation of the house and that Woodlawn recently received the Save America's Treasure, a matching grant from several Virginia foundations and individuals. Woodlawn Holiday Dinner co-chairs were Wendy Burnley and Colette Godfrey.
<ro>More Holiday Events:
<1st>GATHER THE FAMILY: AN EARLY 19TH CENTURY HOLIDAY
Through Dec. 31, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Enjoy a special tour which highlights an 1820’s Christmas with America's First Family. Offered daily. Free with regular admission. Tours are provided every thirty minutes with the last tour at 4:30. If you have a group of 10 of more people or have special needs, reservations are required. Call 703-780-4000 ext. 23 for reservations. Woodlawn is located at 9000 Richmond Highway (U.S. Route 1) in Alexandria, Va.