By Holly Jackson

Contributing Writer

The Junior League of Austin’s 36th Annual A Christmas Affair provided a trip down memory lane to Santa’s Workshop. The women’s service organization started the holiday season with the event dubbed “The Magic of Christmas” by decking out the Palmer Events Center with oversized faux toys of drums, jack-in-the-box and nutcrackers.

Flanked by an old “Wild Bill” stagecoach, a 25-foot Christmas tree was as the centerpiece on the red carpet, which was fancifully decorated by 20-year sponsor Strong Events.

A special black-tie preview party gave 1,000 glamorous guests the premiere opportunity of spectacular shopping with 200 hand-selected merchants from across the country.

Hundreds of silent auction items included three diamond bracelets donated by Joe Koen & Son Jewelers, an Urban Moto Scooter and a vacation in Manhattan to see the Rachel Ray television show. A raffle showcased a Breitling dive watch donated by Russell Korman Jewelry, beach home stay in Florida and wild boar hunting and bay fishing trips.

A festive atmosphere featured live music by The Vintage 15 and cocktails at the “Gingerbread” bar. Word of Mouth catered decadent buffets of cheese beignets, mushroom turnovers, seafood spread, pork shoulder and chicken skewers, along with fudge brownies, gingersnaps and cheesecake.

“This year took shoppers back to their childhood Christmas memories,” said event chair Trish Koester. “Everyone experienced a magical wonderland filled with celebrations and joy of the season.”

A team of 1,000 women worked on the five-day festivities, turning out 25,000 attendees. Thematic events were “Visions of Sugar Plums” inaugural brunch and private shopping, “Santa Baby” girls night out, “Rock Star Runway” teen/tween fashion show, the 25th Annual Coats For Kids kick-off drive with “Whip Up a Little Magic” family bingo, “Frosty’s Winter Wonderland” breakfast with Santa, “Rudolph’s Reindeer Round-Up” with PJ’s and pancakes, “Sweet Memories” gingerbread house workshop and lunch in the The Candy Cane Café tearoom.

Since 1934, The Junior League of Austin has given more than a million volunteer hours to 100 nonprofits. Approximately 2,200 members contribute 100,000 hours a year to 26 nonprofits. Proceeds raised annually enable the organization to invest approximately $800,000 in the local community. As part of the Association of Junior Leagues International, 292 junior leagues exist throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and United Kingdom.

For more information, visit www.jlaustin.org.
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