We adore the winter holiday season, so we would never think to utter the words “Bah, humbug.” But this past weekend, we channeled the spirit of Ebenezer Scrooge as we visited the Events of the Christmas Past, Present(s), and Yet to Come.
[slideshow-1]
One of the best things about the past is the wardrobe. Last Wednesday, the spirit led us not to Mr. Fezziwig’s party but to the Cavortress pop-up shop at the Elliotborough Mini Bar. Guests crammed into the intimate bar alongside abundant racks of vintage clothing. We grabbed a glass of wine and perused the $10 bin of steals offered by Julie Wheat, the owner of Cavortress. Wheat has traveled across the country styling and designing wardrobes for film projects, and along the way she picks up vintage finds for us to sift through. Wheat’s fur coats and leather skirts were tempting, but with the 80 degree weather, we decided to hold off on expanding our winter wardrobe.
After leaving behind the past, we ventured out the next evening for the Event of Christmas Present(s). Shops on Cannon stayed open late and offered discounts to entice shoppers to pick up a few holiday gifts. Our first stop was Mac and Murphy to purchase a few holiday cards and wrapping paper. Owners Ami Murphy and Liz Macpherson offered guests champagne and candy canes while they browsed. The Fraser Fir candles and toys from Finkelstein’s Center were popular items that evening. Down the street at Indigo and Cotton, owner Brett Carron welcomed customers with a cooler of beer and a generous discount on the menswear in his shop. Harper Poe of Proud Mary set out some of her colorful clutches and whimsical pencil cases. The scene at Sugar Bakeshop was full of merriment as hungry patrons snapped up cookies and cupcakes while a duo outside sang Christmas carols. The crowd joined in on the songs they knew and clapped along to those they didn’t. Leigh Magar’s shop, Magar Hatworks, boasted happy little babies running around and ladies checking out her new clothing line.
The Event of Christmas Yet to Come didn’t present us with the dire vision Scrooge experienced, but rather a feast that could be displayed at our upcoming parties. Heirloom Book Company hosted a “Taste of the Holidays” in connection with Whole Foods Market on Thursday. Proceeds from the evening went to the Feed the Need charity. We arrived a little late, but the buffet of party foods was still brimming. The bounty included items that could be ordered from Whole Foods to cater any size holiday fête, including deviled eggs, crab cakes, and delicious dim sum. For those who are bad at pairing, they also offered samples of pleasing holiday wines. The team did a wonderful job on all the food, but if you want to keep your catering with a local company, we ran into Executive Chef Eva Keilty and she told us all about her new venture, Wren Culinaire. Keilty, who gained acclaim at Ted’s Butcherblock, is now offering her services as a personal chef. Visions of elaborate dinner parties and New Year’s Eve soirees came to mind. (Or, if we’re going with our theme, a turkey for the Cratchit family.) Though we were full from too many finger sandwiches, we couldn’t resist a chocolate hazelnut truffle on the way out the door. With so many wonderful friends and foods, how could one ever hate the holidays like Scrooge?
Stay cool. Support City Paper.
City Paper has been bringing the best news, food, arts, music and event coverage to the Holy City since 1997. Support our continued efforts to highlight the best of Charleston with a one-time donation or become a member of the City Paper Club.