Hey Everyone!! You know I started a Punch Bowl Social for the blog, well I’m totally excited to tell you what started out to be a small brunch turned into being the launch party for the Punch Bowl Social Event! Initially my aunt wanted to host a small brunch at her home (just something for a few friends since she’s still fairly new to the area) to get to know folks around town. Well me and my overactive brain started thinking about the Punch Bowl Social. When you think of punch, it’s several different juices blended into one big bowl to create a delicious drink,right? So, I thought why not invite a group of women from different backgrounds, different cultures, different age groups etc… and let’s see how much fun we can have. 
It was exciting to prep the table, especially since we had the opportunity to use the vintage thrifted tableware we’ve been collecting. The table looks so inviting. Being it was an early luncheon, we planned a light menu of cocktail meatballs, shrimp cocktail, deviled eggs, baked salmon, homemade applesauce, pimento cheese spread, vegetable tray, chicken salad and,of course, Punch. We also had Prosecco, Moscato and a variety of other wines with cheese and crackers.
After everyone arrived we played the introduction name game – where you had to use a word which best describes you starting with first letter of your name.. (i.e I’m Kool-Kim aka Jazzy Jamala -lol)… so you can imagine how fun that was.. and who ever remembers all the names gets a prize (pretty fun right!!)
We had a total of 19 ladies who attended.
Next we played a candy bar game, in which you had to use descriptive words to describe the candy and if you guess it you win a prize. Afterwards, it was a room filled of katty chattying. It was so refreshing indulging in different conversations sharing different views and opinions and sharing lots of laughter. We had a terrific group of women who enjoy each other’s company.
A whole bunch of smiles (and I hope you’re smiling back.. 🙂
These two ladies added their joyful spirits into the life of the party (one of which is my mom)
As the moment was progressing, everyone’s name was darling, sugar, sweetheart, and hun… chuckles.. (you know how we ladies are..)
Homemade desserts served were Pecan Pie, Bean Pie, Sweet Potato Pie, Honey Bun Cake and Hummingbird Cake.
Lastly, for a party favor, everyone made their own hand Sugar Scrub. I figured since it’s Winter we all could use a bit of extra hand care treatment to relieve dry cracked skin from the harsh cold weather.
I must say, I would have never thought making hand scrub could be so much fun. These ladies were having a ball and the conversations brewing around this table were hilarious!
A couple of them were so happy they couldn’t wait to make a big tub of their own to use in the shower. It gave me so much joy seeing how excited they were making these scrubs.
By the time everyone left they were rubbing their hands and saying “OH WOW!!! It’s refreshing to see how the simplest of things can bring joy to people. Having this event not only brought together a fantastic group of women but it also showed how we all can have a deliciously fun experience with a diverse group of people… (like Punch). I am thankful to all the women who came to the event and I’d like to give a special thanks to these two ladies. I met Machelle and Jan on Facebook through a group called “Capital City Thrifters”. We’ve been communicating for about a year (sharing thrifted items and makeovers) and this was our first time meeting. You would have thought we’ve known each other for years..lol.
I also have to give a humongous THANK YOU to my aunt Bernadine for hosting this wonderful event at her beautiful home (home tour coming soon!)
Needless to say, everyone is wondering “WHEN” will we be doing this again… I don’t have a date set, but I can assure you – it will happen sometime soon. People say so many bad things happen in this world (especially with social media) I feel blessed to have been able to meet these beautiful ladies. I hope you enjoyed hearing about the Punch Bowl Social. So tell me – do you like my Punch Bowl Social concept? Would this spark you to host a PBS of your own? If so please let me know – I’d love to hear all about it. I’ll leave you with this Swahili Proverb – “Unity is strength, division is weakness” In order to grow and be strong, we must come together and overpower hate with Love. Thanks again for hanging out with us and I’ll see you at the next Social.
As always I bid you farewell with “Happy hunting while you thrift your house into a home”
Smooches!!
Hey Sheila! Thank you for reading. The sugar scrubs were absolutely a hit.. the ladies were so so excited about making them. It really was a joyful afternoon – we look forward to having more…I’m so glad you enjoyed reading about it.
Awww, I am grinning from ear to ear! What a beautifully nice PBS event! And you are so on point at every level, and word said. I can only imagine the conversation around the table, their smiles tells all. 🙂 Way to go my dear. Love you !!
I’m grinning back at your compliment Linda! Thank you and I’m happy to hear we made you smile sharing our moment of fun! Love you too!
This really is a great idea! Communities rarely come together like this anymore. Think how great it would be if everyone did a Punch Bowl Social in their area & continued to have them on a regular basis. I can imagine socializing being good old fashioned face to face interaction over great food & drinks. So refreshing!
Hey Nikki!! Girl yes, many folks don’t even know their neighbors nowadays.. As a community we’ve become so detached from one another and I thought it would be nice to try something to start the re-connection again. It would be great if many more (that’s my dream).. and by all means Go For It Girl- I know you can pull it off! If you decide to – please share the fun! Thanks again for reading and I’m glad you enjoyed it 🙂
What a wonderful event! It’s so nice to see everyone enjoying themselves and I really liked the idea of everyone making hand scrub as a party favors. That’s a great way to get everyone engaged and takes the burden off of the host to make something ahead of time. I agree with the other ladies…Keep rocking it girl! ❤
Jamala and Aunt B, what a glorious idea! I was grinning ear to ear throughout the post. Thank you for empowering women to join in union with love. Let’s talk about all this “happy” on the table! I’ll take those crystal compotes, please. The food looks ravishingly delicious and Aunt B’s home is magnificent! Can’t wait for the next social! You rock little sis!
Like Marsha, I found myself smiling as I was looking at the photographs and reading the text. The store is open and someone said, “Whatcha looking at? You are smiling.” Gosh, I wish I was in your group. What day and time did you and your aunt find to be a good time to host the party? Aunt Bernadine’s table was beautiful and what a delicious-looking luncheon. My grandmother used to have her club over for luncheon when it was her turn and they went all out with the good china and silver teapot. I loved this.
Ginene, you always make me smile with your comments. I’m very happy this has your seal of enjoyment. If you ever decide to come to SC, please, please let me know so we can plan an event when you’re here. But if you decide to host a PBS – by all means share the moment.. Luv Ya!
Marsha- I’m sending you a cyber hug! Thank you lady- I’m so glad you enjoyed reading this.
This was such a great idea I love it. This has give me inspiration on so many levels. Thanks Jamala for your great ideas girl you are on your way, be encourage too continue too bring us together we need something like this in this day and age. You ROCK!!!!☺
Hey Semone! Thanks a bunch.. I’m so glad you enjoyed reading about this event. Yes, we need more social engagements and hopefully this will be a spark to ignite many more to come.