It’s been such a fun year, with the launch of A Daily Gathering! I just love bringing people together, to learn to skills, to share a meal together, to commune, and to just slow down and be present. These workshops and dinners are a lot of work, but I thrive on being busy. The past two weeks were some of my busiest this year, with two workshops and a dinner, and the biggest styling job of my career! But wow, it’s fun, and I have such a supportive husband, friends, assistants, and the list goes on!

Two weekends ago, on a blustery cold Saturday morning earlier this month, a bunch of eager-to-learn ladies (and one adorable baby boy) gathered at Pamela Jane’s Studio for the first ever A Daily Gathering Calligraphy Workshop! Pamela Jane’s Studio is a brand new private event space in Fairfax Station, and I cannot recommend it enough! Pamela is a joy to work with, and her studio. It’s filled with such a great light, and tables, and art supplies, and all the pretty things. I am so looking forward to working with her again! It was a simply wonderful time! Lindsay Ponta of Shrimp Salad Circus was our genius instructor and miraculously taught us all how to write beautifully. Not that we don’t have to practice…but she was patient, shared some tricks and tips, and made us all feel so confident in our new skill!

We were privileged to work with some lovely sponsors who provided decor, some of our food and drink, and all of our goodie bag contents! Haley Tobias decked out the space with local, seasonal flowers and greenery. My favorite were those huge white mums! Le Pain Quotidien sent us quite the array of pastries, a granola, yogurt and fruit bar, mini croissant sandwiches, and coffee and tea. We were so impressed with their generosity and presentation. Best catering ever! Kristyn from Laite sent each of our students a gorgeous handcrafted gold ring. I want every single piece of jewelry she designs. They’re just perfectly dainty and unique. Rifle Paper Co. generously sent each student a two-pack journal set. Kelsey Garrity Riley, a Brooklyn-based illustrator sent everyone notecards. My favorite is the “Warmest Wishes” card. Her artwork is beautiful and whimsical, and I have an adorable print all ready to go on Zoe’s wall next week for her big room makeover! Knot & Bow gave each student a roll of black cotton twine. This stuff is my favorite! And just in time for the new year, each student got a wall calendar from Idlewild Co. They sent over their kaleidoscope flowers wall calendar, and I just LOVE the bright patterns and colors. A dear, local friend Sandy from Mes 2 Petites Etoiles gave each student personalized pencils from her shop. And to top it all off, these goodies were all stowed away in an Oh, Hello Friend tote bag. They sent over a few designs, and my favorite design is “let’s be adventurers.” Yes, please!

I’ll be announcing the 2015 A Daily Gathering schedule in early January, so keep an eye out for that! Sign up for the mailing list to be the first to know!

Photos by Anna Clair Photography .