Planning your Christmas party is the most exciting but daunting job on the festive calendar.
There's the food, the entertainment, the music, the decorations and the guests (and how the dogs will greet them) to think about. And then there's what to wear!
But spare a thought for the Chancellor of the Exchequer, for whom inviting a few friends round involves high level security checks at Downing Street...kind of throws my little bash into perspective!
Alistair Darling and his wife Maggie invited a children's charity to host a Christmas party at their house, and they sure gave Changing Rooms a run for their money with their makeover of number 11 Downing Street. Rooms were transformed into a magical winter wonderland with reindeer and Santa.
As the children flooded through that big black door, they brushed their little party-frock clad shoulders with celebrity guests, elves, magicians, X-Factor stars and politicians alike.... even Alistair Darling's daughter donned an elf outfit for the event.
There was a hint of party faux pas when the children's choir (the fab Kindred Spirit who release their first single on Monday) sang "In The Bleak MidWinter" - current political climate considered... but we managed to diffuse reminders of reality by getting the X-Factor lot to have a sing-a-long with the kids, and when Father Christmas himself arrived all thoughts of bleak winters went up the chimney.
I should mention that the charity involved was Place2Be, a charity that works in schools to offer support to troubled children, and they did such a great job they can plan a party for me any time!
The Chancellor didn't want to give away what he wants for Christmas... but I bet he wouldn't mind a couple of CDs!
Merry Christmas
Kay B
very interesting, but I don't agree with you
Idetrorce
Posted by: Idetrorce 15 Dec 2007 18:29:52
Such are the joys of christmas, that the remarkable and charitable side of many a political head is more often obscured from the eyes of "Children" the world over, as life continues.
With the the further status for it to be the place2be, further corroboration of the fact that at th eheart of our aspirational dreams, lies the desire to better their future pproseprity and heatlh.
No doubt an enjoyable time, whilst "Robert Miles" listens to what santa will bring other than just a couple of cds. It might even be free tv licence, you never know, darling. Happy Christmas and a very happy 2008 ( Right Newcastle, one step beyond.!
Posted by: Khalid 7 Dec 2007 10:27:58