What an amazing day at "A Novel Romance" Luncheon!  All of the work of our MetroDolls club members paid off as guests were treated to all of the souvenirs that we have been preparing for the last year. 

Our members got into the "Outlander" spirit with a little plaid...




The table was graced with a stunning centerpiece doll in a replica gown from the film "Anna Karenina" made by Miriam Sheperd of Yum Yum Couture and repainted by Cheryl Jackson.


Each place setting had an acrylic stand with an assortment of romantic notions... a love letter, love potion, heart shaped cake, a corsage, and a single rose under a glass dome.


Attendees received a gift bag with a Jane Austen-inspired outfit "Regency Park".


John Davey shared some of his extensive costume collection with us showing "Romantic Hollywood Fashion", including costumes from Now, Voyager, An Affair to Remember, Son of the Sheik, and Brokeback Mountain.  We will make a separate post about the display later.  A real treat for movie lovers or lovers of historic costumes!





The raffle tables were packed with an amazing array of dolls and there were many happy winners in the room!

There were many things to shop for with vendors including Facets Boutique, Sandra Stillwell Presents, Katz Meow, Happily Ever After, Tonner Doll Company/Phyn and Aero and Jeff Lega with many OOAK dolls from Lynn Fenstermacher's collection.




Of course, the MetroDolls sales table had quite a few souvenirs to take home, including a Regency Park Accessory Pack, "Roaring 20's" outfit by Marian Jasper, 3 wigs - an Ilaria wig for JamieShow or Kingdom Doll and 2 early release Facets custom wigs, Duchesse and Victoria.  There was also a "Romantic Shoe Set" featuring 2 pairs of shoes for 19th or 20th century romantic scenes.  In anticipation of our Outlander souvenir doll, we also offered "Highland Laddie", a kilt set with custom printed plaid.



Robert Tonner spoke about his sculpting, his upcoming licenses (Fantastic Beasts' Eddie Redmayne looks AMAZING!) and his collection of romance novel paintings... suitable for our theme!

A representative of The Guide Dog Foundation spoke about her experiences with her guide dogs and the wonderful feeling of independence that sight-impaired people can achieve in their lives with the aid of their 4-legged guides.   Of course, her dog was at her feet.

Our auction to benefit The Guide Dog Foundation raised over $18,000, again with many happy winners of the gorgeous creations from our generous artists and donors.  You can see all of our auction donations on our 2017 Auction Page.



The day ended with the presentation of our souvenir doll, Garden Encounter Claire... the very first Outlander doll released by Tonner Doll Company.




MetroDolls thanks everyone for their support!