Party hosts Larry and Liz Richardson

by Barbara Olsen

In Bermuda, May 24 is the official day that men hang up their long trousers and don their beloved bermuda shorts. That is reason to celebrate, and Liz and Larry Richardson did just that Saturday evening, May 24 for 40 appreciative guests, many who were born and bred Bermudians, several who own homes there, and many who just love the Bermuda style and beat.

Liz, who grew up in Bermuda where the Richardsons still maintain a residence, was just the right hostess to throw a fanciful party on the back patio of their French Village home. And Larry was just the right host for serving-up the traditional “Dark and Stormy” drink, a blend of Gosling's Black Seal Rum, Ginger Beer (pour until it resembles a storm cloud) with a wedge of lime.

Larry certainly looked the part in his showy, blue seersucker, “crabbie” shorts featuring a print of red crabs. Traditional style plus traditional drinks set the tone for a festive evening.

Although the gentleman were the pride of the evening – sport coats, button-downs, shorts, dress stockings to the knee and dress leather shoes – the ladies added light and jazz with brightly colored blouses or dresses. Liz, a stylist soon to launch a “tablescapes” blog, dressed the outdoor tables with orange and turquoise printed tablecloths and linens along with gorgeous, rectangular flower-trays of muted orange and ivory blooms. A beautiful weather evening, candlelight, and supper catered by Alison Romig all added to the celebratory event.

(I was unable to stay through the end of the gala event, but I wonder – do the gentlemen's knees get chilly?)

This party was a continuing celebration of the Preservation Celebration Party held in November and benefiting Chestnut Hill Historical Society. Patrons purchased a party ticket and the hosts contributed the party evening.