On the heels of last year’s sold-out inaugural event, the Deering Estate will begin the holiday season with the second annual Mistletoe and Martinis, an enchanting evening of holiday cheer to benefit the Deering Estate Foundation.
The event takes place on Friday, Dec. 14, at 7:30 p.m., at the Deering Estate, 16701 SW 72 Ave. in Palmetto Bay.
Mistletoe and Martinis brings together friends, neighbors and donors for a special evening of holiday cheer, celebration and giving. Guests will mix and mingle while strolling through the historic homes and magnificent grounds, which will be transformed into a wondrous Festival of Trees gloriously lit and fully adorned for the holidays.
As the Deering Estate comes alive with the sights, sounds and libations of the holiday season, guests will enjoy festive music, lavish hors d’oeuvres and desserts from some of South Florida’s finest caterers, and an accompaniment of flavorful samplings of martinis. Beer, wine and soft drinks will also be available.
Another special treat this year is that Alfredo Brito, the Deering Estate’s first “Designer in Residence,” will lend his creative flair to create spectacular, historic holiday displays throughout the estate. Based in Miami, Brito is an award-winning designer whose talents have been recognized in various publications, including Architectural Digest, Casa & Estilo and Florida Design.
In keeping with the historic significance of the Deering Estate, Brito will recreate the glory of Christmas Eve in the Richmond Cottage in 1903, replete with the sounds, aromas and decorations from that era. Guests will travel back in time to the year when the first Teddy Bear was introduced, which provided the inspiration for the décor in the cottage’s second floor playroom. Guests also will meet “Mr. and Mrs. Richmond,” who stayed in the cottage on that Christmas Eve in 1903.
Brito, along with five additional interior designers, will transform the Stone House with historic holiday décor, instilling each room with the grandeur and iconic beauty of the Gilded Aged when the house was first built. All of the designers are donating their services to enhance the holiday experience!
Located along the edge of Biscayne Bay, the 450-acre Deering Estate is part of the Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Space Department, which manages the rstate on behalf of the State of Florida. It is an environmental, archaeological and historical preserve, a jewel in the crown of Miami-Dade County’s public spaces. All proceeds from Mistletoe and Martinis will benefit the Deering Estate Foundation, to be used for environmental education, preservation and programming.
The Deering Estate Foundation is supported by its valued sponsors, including EWM Realty International, McLuskey, McDonald & Hughes, PA, Mercedes-Benz of Cutler Bay, Morris & Reynolds Insurance, Palmer Trinity School, Pantropic Power, the Szaro Family and ZYR Russian Vodka.
Mistletoe and Martinis is made possible with the support of Miami-Dade County Tourist Development Council, Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, the Cultural Affairs Council, and Miami-Dade Mayor and Board of County Commissioners.
Tickets for Mistletoe and Martinis are $75 for members and $100 for non-members. Space is limited, and tickets may be purchased at www.deeringestate.org/holiday-season/, or by calling 305-235-1668, ext. 263.
For more information on the Deering Estate visit www.deeringestate.org.
