Every word has a story, and every tradition has a history. Elegance embraces these experiences and celebrates them in the smallest ways. Today we are diving into New Years celebrations and how the legend of the most elegant New Years Eve Party ever changed how we've been celebrating for the last century.
Ever wondered why black and gold are so prominent on this holiday? It means more than you realize...
December 31, 1929, is known as the night of the most elegant New Year's Eve party ever.
The Great War was over, the 1920s roared in and people were ready for a change.
This party on December 31, 1929, marked the end of an era. It was so spectacular; it became legendary.
The final day of the 1920s is known as the night of the most elegant New Year's Eve party ever. The party was held in Los Angeles, hosted by Gordon and Mary Craig, who made sure that it would be remembered for decades to come. And boy did they succeed!
In an article from the New York Times published on January 1, 1930, it's described thus:
"It was like living in another world... a fairyland... life seems as if it couldn't get any better than this."
The party was held on December 31st— what many consider to be one of America's most significant cultural moments: The transition between two eras: The Jazz Age (1910-1929) and The Great Depression (1929-1945).
The 1920s were a time of new beginnings. After World War I and the start of the Great Depression, people were ready for a change. In 1919, The Roaring '20s began with the end of World War I in 1918; however, it wasn't until after Prohibition went into effect that people started celebrating in true "roaring" fashion.
That night they served champagne cocktails alongside hors d'oeuvres consisting of caviar sandwiches (a popular delicacy at parties during this era) along with other finger foods like oysters on the half shell or smoked salmon accompanied by crackers or toast points—which makes sense since these dishes are perfect for holding!
The story goes that famous businessman and newspaper publisher William Randolph Hearst was in attendance along with his mistress Marion Davies in Los Angeles. The guests were dressed in black and white and arrived in limousines. At midnight, each guest received a gold watch from the butler.
White orchids were everywhere.
From what I read, this party would but Jay Gatsby to shame.
The night defined the future New Years eve partying, from the flapper dresses, to top hats, to Jazz. The women wore black formal dresses with white pearls and their hair worn sleekly combed back into "bobs." A style that was seen as rebellious at the time.
Each year since 1929, this party has tried to be recreated, so much that it became part of the zeitgeist of the season.
The gold white and black of our modern decor is reminiscent of the gold watches, white orchids and black outfits of the party-goers that late night of December 31, 1927.
Traditions matter, and traditions are often created without trying.
This season as you count down to 2023 with your paper top hat, confetti, flapper dresses and champagne, know where those traditions came from.
What are your favorite New Years movies?
Mine would be Age of Adaline, a beautiful movie about growing old, history, fashion, and more.
Happy New Year, Friends! May this year bring blessings, joy, and elegance, of course.
