Christmas is the word as Dani and Katie are reunited

The striking Dani Behr posed with the delightful Katie Puckrik at this year's bash

DEC 15th, 2011 -- Eileen and I spent all day in the heart of Hollywood decorating at fashion designer Geren Ford's Annex, the space for this year's Christmas party and Toy drive sponsored by Lloyds-TSB International and Glenfiddich. First putting up a tree for guests to drop off their toys for our chosen charity Adopt-a-letter, we then filled the walls with Union Jack flags and bunting, Christmas crackers and tons of tinsel.

Eileen and Craig rocking around the Christmas tree

The idea was to have a throw back traditional British Christmas party where guests were transported to a 1980's local British town hall. Members were greeting by Valet of the Dolls, an all woman valet company complete with flashing Santa hats. Huge Thank you to BLA member Lynn and her girls for taking such great care of us all. Quote Brits in LA when ordering their valet services - I have to say they are very affordable.

Lorraine (L) and Tanya (R)

Brits in LA members Lorraine Wilkinson and Tanya Almor welcomed the guests and sold raffle tickets in abundance. Lorraine was taken aback by the technology of the iPad and Square, a new payment system taking retailers by storm - No need for big clunky tills anymore, one swipe of their card and the guests were done. Richard Keith and Mammarazzi snapped and papped the guests as they entered. The main room had DJ Gary on the decks, spinning British Christmas Hits such as, Slade, Wham! and Band Aid, after a few libations provided by Jonathan Ratter of  Blue Ice Vodka and Glenfiddich guests boogied the night away.

Julia Verdin (2nd L) and friends

DJ Gary

Long time member Mr. Marc Conneely was quite taken by the photo shoot area and props table where guests could dress in silly wigs and Christmas hats and pose with tinsel and props for their photos. A highlight of the night was the Glenfiddich Whisky tasting room where guests were led on a virtual tour of the distillery and  free to try all three good years of the brand 12, 15 and 18yrs. Ms. Puckrik was impressed and couldn't get her husband Jay out of there.

Marc Conneely did the flying Dutchman routine exceedingly well

The Glenfiddich tasting room

Among this years guests included alek keshishian, director of the documentary "Truth or Dare: In Bed With Madonna" who arrived with Station Film producer Michael Di Girolamo, who rubbed shoulders with Film producer Julia Verdin, while nibbling on hors d'oeuvres created by Chef Gene Gerrard of Divoon Dining. "Have you tried the mini Yorkshire puddings with roast beef and horseradish?" asked BLA member and producer Louise Hart. "They are delicious".

Divoon Dining at it's best

Other guests enjoyed the deserts too, mini mince pies with creme fresh. Fashion Photographer David LaChappelle, boogied alongside British Stylist David Thomas, journalist and screenwriter Lisa Marks and french songstress Jenny Reiu. Meanwhile Sarah May, Steve Nash, Singer Gayle Day and her husband Steve Chivers preferred hanging mainly in the corridor cooing over Geren Ford's latest fashion collection.

Tonalisa, Tony and David Thomas

But the big surprise of the night was the reunion of two of the UK's top telly stars of the 90's, Dani Behr and Katie Puckrik, who hadn't seen each other since their days hosting THE WORD. Dani arrived in the company of BLA member Sean Borg and Abigail King from the British Hell's Kitchen.

The Raffle Table

The raffle was a huge success hosted by yours truly, the big hits were brunch for 4 people at West Hollywood's hottest restaurant Cecconi's, CD and DVD packages from Sony music and a giant bar of Toblerone. "I've never seen such excitement over a bar of chocolate", said Keshishian. "You Brits are a mad eccentric bunch. I should know, I lived there for ten years."

Giles Masters, who coincidentally won best costume at our Halloween Party, won a huge Christmas hamper for 'best worst sweater' that was designed by Marilyn Mabbett, who rolled up with her Mother Katherine, Sister and Nephew, who was attending his first BLA event. "Brits in LA events are always a family affair for us", said Mabbett. "You guys always throw the best parties, we can't wait for the Toscars" - Well, neither can we and it's not too far away now. February will be here before you know it.

Giles claiming his prize for the best worst sweater.

Click here to see all the images from THE ANGLO FILES: BRITS IN LA CHRISTMAS PARTY 2011

Post by: Craig Young - Bla Staff