What a Grand Party

by ML Hilton, Director of Marketing and Public Relations

This year was my second New Year’s Eve party at the Napa Valley Wine Train. I was newbie compared to some.

My seat mates from last year were here again – Carl and Louise. They have come to our New Year’s Eve party for several years now. They are a really fun couple, and have GREAT taste in wine. I drew the lucky straw and was seated at a table adjacent to theirs last year. We laughed so hard, my face hurt for two days. This year, I missed the dinner on the Train, but caught them in the station afterwards dancing to 60 rock with jazz overtones.

Our most faithful New Year’s Eve partiers are the Anderson’s. They have been coming for 18 years now, and I think this year it took a heroic effort to be with us. Some of our friends have felt the trials of last year and, like us, are looking forward to the new decade with hope and optimism. The Anderson’s came through some pretty big challenges. They looked great and came in 1920’s dress, staying to toast the dawn and a new day.

One returning guest was very incognito. They had a new date this year and didn’t want the last year’s date to be remembered. Our memories, of course, were blank.

Also missing this year was the cigar smoking lounge we attempted last year. I took a lot of ribbing over that idea, as we ended up encasing a section of the patio with heavy plastic that then inadvertently created a den of smoke so thick you had to squint to see who was enjoying the luscious cigars.

Something new, something old; some new friends, and many old friends; dressed beautifully and flitting comfortably amongst velvet chairs and good wine flowing: NYE 2009 was truly a grand party.