The Birthday Princess

Last night was certainly a great evening, a rare event, and a short-lived trip to Charleston all rolled into one soiree.

My good friend Andrea's birthday is approaching on Sept. 6, and our friend Lindsay planned the perfect party and evening for all of us to gather a celebrate.

"Our group" is really wonderful about rallying together to celebrate each other's birthdays, and Charleston was a great central location!  Of all my friends birthdays, I certainly cannot miss Andrea's.  We've been friends and like siblings for well over twenty-some years. 

I worked yesterday at my design studio in Myrtle Beach until 6, and then I quickly scooped of my friend Emily in Murrells Inlet on the way to Charleston.   We had "Big Mama" in the wind, hoppin' & poppin', and that accelerator laid down.  We had just enough time to drop our luggage off at Emily's family townhouse , change our clothes, and make it to the restaurant for an 8:30 reservation. 

I pulled in the unloading/loading zone of Printer's Row, and Emily and I raced up stairs to do the quickest changing of clothes EVER.  The entire time we were getting ready I silently prayed that "Big Mama" was not being towed away.

The Rodger's townhouse on Rainbow Row is absolutely beautiful.  The decor is classic, timeless, and very Southern....Blue Canton porcelain, botanical fabrics, Lowcountry watercolors, and yes...a complete mural of Rainbow Row in the foyer.  I could easily move right in...no problem! 

As soon as we were changed for the party we ran downstairs, and 'Thank the Lord' the car was still in the unloading zone. Quickly we stowed car in the garage down the block and put hurried over to the restaurant!

Carolina's was a great place and beautiful venue to enjoy a good meal and a few libations for friends.  We were seated at a long table that seem to go on for eternity in length, and I was lucky enough to enjoy old friends' company as well as meeting some new folks as well. 

Luckily the people I was seated next to and across from have a strong passion for interior design, decorating, and furniture.   Needless to say we hit it off right away with plenty to talk about. 

Any entree that I saw looked absolutely magnificent - beautiful and appetizing.  I ordered the shrimp-n-grits and it was so delicious and filling!  I was so consumed in conversation and food on my end of the table that I'm really not sure what went on elsewhere, but at the end of the meal everyone seemed to have had an enjoyable time.

Settling the individual checks took quite sometime, which of course called for another round of drinks.  I still say if that server got her drawer to balance at the end of the night, then she "done good!"  And to whomever it was that picked up my drink tab, I give a big thanks and a round of appreciative applause.

Lindsay have even planned transportation in a Mercedes party bus for us to travel from the restaurant to The Trio nightclub and lounge.  We use to frequent Trio quite regularly during college...boy if those walls could talk.  The place was packed wall to wall...on every floor and even the outdoor patio.  Let's just say we had no problem getting our eyes full! 

We danced the night away...right into the early hours of the morning. As long as I've known Andrea, I have never seen her dance as much as she did last night...and everyone for that matter. 

When it was time to leave, I walked outside and Lindsay had a white, stretch Lincoln limo to take us home - a truly great ending to a terrific night! Rolling like big-shots, the limo cruised the narrow streets of Charleston to drop Emily and me back off at Rainbow Row! 

Our few hours of sleep went by even more quickly than the rest of the night had...I jumped startled when the alarm went off so early.   We got dressed, packed up, straightened the house, and headed back toward the Grand Strand bright and early.  Of course with it being Sunday morning and us missing church because of our traveling, I insisted on blasting a Vestal Goodman CD so we could get some form of religion coming back! 

To be such a short visit, I really did have a great time...saw a lot of friends and had a lot of fun! I THINK Andrea really enjoyed her birthday evening, but I KNOW I certainly had a great time!