Botanic Bling Preview Kicks Off Descanso Holiday Season

Descanso Gardens kicked off the winter holiday season with an exclusive preview of its annual Botanic Bling trunk show on Friday, Dec. 4. About 65 guests, including Descanso trustees, members of Center Circle Associates – the botanic garden’s highest level of membership – and their guests gathered in the historic Boddy House for champagne, light bites and shopping. Celebrity stylist Mark Alan Harmon gave the group expert advice on how to accessorize fashions this holiday season, using guests as models.

“The Botanic Bling preview is just one of the many events we offer for our Center Circle Associates,” said Somer Sherwood White, Descanso Gardens development manager. “This membership group is so supportive of the Gardens year round, and we are thrilled to give them first pick of the sale. And of course, having Mark Alan Harmon is really what makes the event special — he gives spot on fashion advice with a generous dose of humor and warmth. We are so glad he could join us again this year.”

Botanic Bling is a much anticipated twice yearly trunk show of nature?themed jewelry, accessories and gifts. 15 independent vendors and craftspeople chatted with guests Friday night and did steady business selling jewelry, hats, purses, gift cards and much more. Patina Restaurant Group catered the event. The hors d’ouevres included crispy endive leaf with blue cheese mousse and candied walnut; wild mushroom mousse, toasted ciabatta and parsley pesto; crostini with rosemary grilled beef, caramelized onions and creamy horseradish; and gold potato blini, smoked salmon and vodka crème fraiche. Champagne and a signature hibiscus flower cocktail were also served.

Botanic Bling was open to all Descanso visitors through a busy weekend, which included another seasonal tradition, Descanso’s wreath making classes, as well as a members-only singalong viewing of the Disney animated film “Frozen” on Saturday evening.

Established as a public garden in 1953, Descanso Gardens is located at 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge. The Gardens are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily except Christmas Day. Descanso Gardens is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. Admission to Descanso Gardens is $9 general, $6 seniors/students with I.D., $4 children 5 to 12; children 4 and younger free. Join Descanso Gardens and enjoy free admission and early entry year round. Public admission is free on the third Tuesday of the month. Information: descansogardens.org or (818) 949?4200.