Camelot Cocktails with Kitty Kelley
Entering the party in a chic red wool coat, radiant and smiling broadly, she was greeted like an old friend by her host and gathering of admirers and neighbors.
It was through the tender tribute to her friend Stanley Tretick and his photographs of the Kennedy White House that Kitty Kelley and I became acquainted last year. As a lifelong and zealous Kennedy follower, Capturing Camelot offered me a nuanced appreciation for the fragile private life of the First Family, and perhaps equally illuminating, insight into the kind of friend Kelley is. So devoted a one, in fact, she recently published a second book, Let Freedom Ring, honoring Stanley Tretick’s iconic images of the March on Washington.
She’s been quoted as saying her writing is about "moving an icon out of the moonlight and into the sunlight." For 30 lucky guests, Monday evening was about getting to know this icon. In a room filled largely with Georgetowners, including Karin Tanabe, whose debut novel, The List was published earlier this year, Kitty Kelley was gracious and engaging and ever so modest. When Ada Polla, owner of the Swiss skin care line, Alchimie Forever, shyly requested Ms Kelley sign six copies of Capturing Camelot, she was genuinely flattered.
Many of the party-goers share a penchant for literary expression, regularly and generously lending their talented voices to The Georgetown Dish. Its founder, Beth Solomon, updated friends on her new position as CEO of NADCO, a lending organization for small businesses.
Champagne flutes in hands, Gwendolyn van Paasschen and Constance Chatfield-Taylor listened intently to nutritionist Katherine Tallmadge's post Thanksgiving detox tips.
While most commuted yards or blocks, the prize for most miles driven went to the Myles, Mary Holahan and Nate who made the trek from their Pittsburgh home to meet the legendary investigative journalist.
Midway through the festivities, as guests enjoyed more than a bit of bubbly and Jackie Kennedy-inspired French hors d'oeuvres from aptly named Paris Caterers, the laughter grew louder and the line between friends and fans blurred. By party's end, after the exchange of business cards and Facebook friending, the hugs commenced.
Every holiday season should begin with a toast to Kitty Kelley and The Village so many of us love to call home.
