The Parker Palm Spring Series VI: The Dinner

It may seem random, the menu the theme etc, but what you'll find is that it all ties in. For my parents wedding they had brunch at a Chinese restaurant. So we decided on having a pink and orange Chinese theme. Try going to Chinatown with pink and orange as your colours. What seemed to be impossible, ended up being doable.


It began with my parents dancing to Harvest Moon by Neil Young. We got some photos taken and then commenced our evening. As the sun went down and the pool lit up I thought nothing could top this evening... until something did. We got a personal visit from The Parker's pastry chef. He presented the edible art created especially for my parents 40th. Since the 40th is the Ruby anniversary, he decided on red velvet cake. And boy, am I glad he did. 


It was just one of those nights.

Playlist: Frank Sinatra (lots of it), Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Ultra Lounge Cha-Cha album, Solomon Burke, Sonny and Cher and many more.

What we brought from home: Pink table runner, paper lanterns, yellow tassels, fortune cookies, mini umbrella's, parasols and graphics (including name cards and menus).

What we borrowed from the Parker: Flower centrepiece, candles, linens and furniture. 

A huge thank you to the staff at the Parker for making this what it was. It's because of you that I will be returning.


(Side Note: The pink dress I wore, was my grandma's from the late 1960's.)

Cheers,

Charysse

The Parker Palm Springs Series V: Croquet

Croquet is a sport close to my heart. Growing up it was played before Sunday dinner at my grandparents. Usually my father and I would get caught cheating, though this has yet to be proven in a court of law.


The sun was getting hot, the mallets began to be used as weapons and so we decided to move on. After croquet, we cooled off by the pool. 

Cheers,

Charysse

The Parker Palm Springs Series IV: The Lemonade Stand

Little children at makeshift refreshment stands everywhere should be ashamed of themselves.  Sure, their drinks are delicious, but where's the rest? The ambiance, the excitement...the alcohol. I'll let you in on a secret, they spike your lemonade at The Lemonade Stand. 


There is everything you could possibly want near the "Stand". Bikes to take around the property, ping pong and a huge chess board. While little Jimmy might be selling his wares for only 10 cents, as the pictures show, you definitely get what you pay for. Another please.

Cheers,

Charysse

The Parker Palm Springs Series III: Boules

Every family has traditions. Every family thinks they are normal. Therefore every family thinks their traditions are normal. Non? Well whether this is true or not, this is our normal. It's natural for us to get together, pop some bubbly and pull out the camera. However, this isn't usually done at 9:30 in the morning.


Okay so we went from playing boules, to a break at the lemonade stand (featured here) and ended off with a game of croquet (featured here) But first I will start you off with how we commenced Carriveau family photos for 2012. An ambitious game of boules... okay, well maybe not so ambitious.

Cheers,

Charysse

The Parker Palm Springs Series II: The Rooms

When lunch ended, all of our rooms were ready to go. We used the map that was given to us at check-in (pictured below) and made our way into the gardens to find our rooms. There are no signs on the paths, which enables you to get lost. And trust me, you want to get lost.


Everything is manicured to perfection. Step into an opening and you might find some hammocks calling your name or into another and pick up a mallet for croquet. You half expect to turn a corner and have the Mad Hatter at a well appointed table, slightly askew, impatiently awaiting your arrival for tea (with booze in it). Coincidentally, there is a giant chess board to be found. Eventually we found our room. 

The Estate Room (No.80 North)
Need a drink of water? Use the Iittala glasses. Need to moisturize your hands? Use the Bvlgari lotion, or some other product you'll feel shy to try and pronounce. The toiletries and design in these rooms are the best I have ever come across. Very... Jonathan Adler, as is the rest of the hotel designed by him.

The Lanai Room (No. 15 North)

If I could stay in one room for the rest of my life, this would be it. There are quite a few upgrades from the Estate room (besides the price) that make this room special. Poster bed, ground floor patio in close proximity to the pool and the horse lamp by Jonathan Adler to name a few. This room we got for my parents and it would later be used as our venue for the anniversary dinner (featured here).

Cheers,

Charysse

The Parker Palm Springs Series I: The Arrival

My parents have been married for 40 years. When that happens, you plan something special. They have travelled the world from India to Scotland to Bali. One place they had never been was Palm Springs. We thought this would be fitting because my mum is totally into mid-century modern which is quintessential Palm Springs, therefore quintessential mum. Since we had a destination, it seemed the only place that would suit us (and be special enough) was The Parker. 


I knew that this place was meant for us when we pulled up and the valets were wearing pink pants (very Pagoda from The Royal Tenenbaums.) The hotel decor leaves you feeling that you entered a time era uniquely it's own. Somewhat indiscernible, very chic. They have pitchers of lemonade in the lobby to sip on as you check-in, full suits of armour guarding the lobby restrooms and palm tree chandeliers announcing you've arrived...somewhere. 


Since we all arrived at different times, knowing lunch started at 1:30pm, we all met in the Lounge to commence the event with a Pimm's Cup.


At lunch everyone received a bag with a swim cap for the ladies and an itinerary for the events to follow for the two nights/three days. This was the start to a very exciting, relaxing, bonding, hilarious event.

The following blog posts will be on our time spent there. Let the games begin! But first, let me introduce you to the characters:


My Dad: Professor Birk Westminster
My Mum: Lady Genevieve Kensington
My Husband: Ascot Philips VIII
Moi: Bee Charleston 
My Sister: Cecil Hennessy  
My Brother: Bryce Paddington III
My Sister-in-law: Mrs. Edith Essex
My Baby Niece: Little Miss Pearl Sass
My Uncle: Captain Crispin Winston
My Aunt: Abigail Ackley

Cheers,

Charysse