2008 - Belles 7th Birthday Party

Vancouver Belles 7th Birthday Party

On Saturday, September 14, 2008, a group of gaily attired ladies descended upon Little Italy’s Trattoria in downtown Vancouver, Washington, for a Roaring 20’s Party to celebrate the 7th birthday of the chapter. At each place was a “birthday” goodie bag from Queen Mum Gretchen and slinky necklaces!

Some of these ladies wore the traditional regalia of Red Hat Society members. Most of the ladies, however, glided into the restaurant’s Speak Easy backroom looking more like gangsters’ molls than Belles. There was a great deal of fringe swaying as these lovelies wandered about greeting one another. Feather fascinators adorned most heads although there was a gorgeous purple leopard-spotted cloche covering the curls of the Queen Mum, Gretchen Gross! Judy Thompson and pink hatter daughter Betsy Rogers sported extremely long cigarette holders complete with “lighted” cigarettes! All of the attendees were invited to choose a feather boa from a colorful array; it must be stated, however, that most of the boas were discarded as soon as lunch was ready because they seemed to increase the threat of hot flashes!

Little Italy’s Trattoria is a great place for a Red Hat event! The food was outstanding.

Dessert was provided by Queen Mum Gretchen in the form of a beautifully decorated birthday cake. The raspberry filled chocolate cake was covered with butter cream frosting which had been air-brushed with red to compliment the purple trim on the cake. Red and purple roses adorned the top. A very fitting dessert for such a special celebration!

Happy 7th Birthday, Vancouver Belles. Here’s to many more wonderful, eventful years!

As always,
The Duchess of Dialogue