DORIS BERGMAN’S PRE-OSCARS VALENTINE ROMANCE LOUNGE & PARTY

For Doris’ annual fete at Fig and Olive, this time she decided to go with an easy-going brunch the day before the awards show. Since the Oscars came so early this year, Doris’ theme of “Valentine Romance” was especially effective! I got into the swing of it by having the reddest fingernails possible! (I changed out of my red dress at the last second—her helpers always rock that color, and even though I do help others on a daily basis, I didn’t want anyone to erroneously ask me to carry their bags!)

The generous food is always a major attraction at Doris Bergman’s events. For the first few hours of this gift lounge, the always-darling servers passed the eatery’s signature crostinis. My contributing writer on this one, Marc, told me his fave was the shrimp, while mine was one with fig jam and manchego cheese. At just the right time, we were all invited inside the lush dining room for what Marc called “a huge spread of fabulous brunch dishes!” He was happy to dine on scrambled e-words, sausage, and shrimp pasta, while I went with bacon and potatoes, and to offset my guilt at those delicious calories, a bit of salad. And just about everyone went nuts over the various fresh croissants, muffins, and assorted breakfast pasties.

Even with all that food and gifts, (which I’m about to give you the lowdown on in a minute,) my favorite aspect of Doris’ soirees is bringing gifts to her perennial charity, Wednesday’s Child, which go to teens in foster care. I love being able to give back like that, as I hope that all her guests do! As always, if you’re interested in contributing to this very worthy cause, with gifts and/or money, (or, even better, adoptions,) here’s their site with all the info you’ll need: www.foxla.com/wednesdays-child.

On the celeb front, Marc was happy to spy soap opera actress Deirdre Hall, old school movie actor Judd Nelson, and Oscar-nominated Bruce Dern, but I had eyes for only Titus Makin, Jr. from one of my favorite TV shows, The Rookie. He’s adorable, and assured me that the show will still be on for the foreseeable future, thank goodness!

Okay, food, charity, and celebs were in abundance. But let’s be real; most of the guests were there to be gifted. And boy, were they ever! Here are the highlights:

True Gold Honey—Marc and I love this specialty honey so much that we just may have to move to Oregon to be closer to it! He says, “This award-winning honey is the best I have ever tasted,” and I concur. Each guest received a very generous five-flavor set which features Orange Blossom, Summer Valley Flowers, Avocado, their award-winning Wild Buckwheat, and my personal fave, Coastal Mountain Sage. www.truegoldhoney.com

BeautyStat Cosmetics— Since this company makes only two products, I totally trust their specialty. They were gifting their famous Vitamin C serum that has been named “best” by a trio of woman’s magazines I read. Marc, my skincare expert, tells me that its combination of ingredients should really “help reduce hyper-pigmentation and rejuvenate your skin.” I bet this product went over really well with all the looks-conscious Hollywood guests! More importantly to me, the item’s on-site reps were really nice, which you know is what I care the most about. www.beautystat.com

IFGfit—Athletic Marc really enjoyed learning about this exercise wear line that I was already a fan of. He tells us that it’s all “made with a new technology that helps your posture and also assists in healing injuries on overworked muscles.” He declares it to be “a very sporty athletic line for both men and women.” www.ifgfit.com

Twisted Silver Jewelry—This was only the second time Marc had met this jewelry designer, and he told me, “Debra Mitchell always has such a stunning array of bracelets and necklaces and earrings that are both beautiful and have unique designs.” She always seems to be a favorite of the guests, who are clamoring to get over to the table where she chooses something special for each guest. This time, her featured items were lovely and fun “mood glass” beads on silver chains, and delicate pendants with green sea glass she chose herself on a recent trip to the Amalfi coast! That woman does it all! That woman does it all! www.twisted-silver.com

Buywine.com—The event’s Presenting Sponsor was featuring wines from the Campos Family Vineyards, a boutique winery in NoCal’s Mount Diablo, which I hear is a beautiful area. (So, of course, I’d like to visit it someday.) They were gifting a choice of wines, with something for everyone. There were Sparkling Roses, Chardonnays, Sauvignon Blancs, Cabernet Francs, Petite Sirahs, Cabernets, and even more. Marc took note that this company’s new specialty is creating private labels to customize the wine bottles for all special events. www.buywine.com

Sue Wong—This designer’s silk scarves are all so stunning that guests don’t even try to choose one for themselves. They are all on her table in mystery bags, and anyone who receives one is thrilled. I’ve never even ever seen people try to trade them; when they open the packages during lunch, everyone oohs and aahs, and is more than happy with the one they received! www.suewong.com

RevealU Skincare—Marc knows more about skin care than anyone else on my team, and he loves this company! He said, “My current favorite from this line of water-based  gel moisture products is their Gold, which can be used on both face and body.” www.revealuskincare.com

My Saint, My Hero—Marc went nuts over these blessing bracelets “that give you a prayer to wear on your wrist for love, health, and happiness.” I thought I was familiar with all their designs, but at this event, they introduced a new one with angel wings. To celebrate them, their display featured a giant set of wings on the wall for us all to pose in the middle of. What fun! (That actually may be the only way some of us will ever get angel wings, if you get my drift.) www.mysaintmyhero.com

Shann Christen Salon—Four and a half years ago, I attended the launch of Shann’s Biomethod haircare line. So I was happy to run into this knowledgeable trichologist  once again.  Marc talked to him for awhile at the lounge, and he noted that the products “are geared toward all hair conditions and types; they’re designed to treat damage at the root cause.”  www.shannchristen.com

Charise Noel—This designer of lovely jewelry that can be mixed-and-matched has branched-out to write an all-ages book, Itchy Feet Happy Soul. She gave everyone the little book along with one of her necklaces that Marc noted “are as beautiful as Charise herself.” www.charisenoel.com

Appletinies—I first learned of this delicious candy from Austria about a decade ago! So, I was thrilled to rediscover them here.  Marc explains they’re “delicious dehydrated and coated apple snacks, and are organic and gluten-free.” Each guest received a gift box with a trio of flavors covering the tiny apple drops: white chocolate and lemon, white chocolate and elderberry, and dark chocolate. I brought a handful (or two) of the chocolate ones home to Mr. X, and they were so delish that we wish we had an entire orchard of them!  www.appletinies.com

The Apothecary Stores—For almost eighteen years, my precious pup, Clarence, and I shared sooo much, including a pillow! So it was interesting to discover these items that are designed for both humans and their pets. In this case, they were gifting a CBD-infused muscle pain relief gel for the guests themselves, and a corresponding calming spray for their best buddies, (though most of the people could use this one, in my humble opinion.) Marc said the latter is great to “calm your dog’s anxiety when you leave his side for a few hours.” That made me laugh because Clarence was a wreck if I just walked into another room! www.theapothecarystores.com

Milena’s Boutique—Milena was on-hand gifting what Marc describes as her “elegant candles, which she creates in heavy, well-made glass vessels.” He adds, “Of the numerous fragrances, the plumeria seems to be the gifting lounge favorite.” www.milenasboutique.com

Pachamama—This CBD-infused products company was doing two healing services, rather than gifting. Marc was treated to a brief neck massage, (it was a short one, time-wise, because he was rocking a suit and tie, so it would have been hard to have more work done without getting messy,) while I had my upper back worked on. (The masseuse said my back was incredibly tight and asked when my last massage was. She was in shock when I told her it had been the day before!) Then Daniel and Yumi did another healing treatment on me with…tuning forks! Two more pleasant people I cannot imagine, so I’m grateful to have made their acquaintances. www.enjoypachamama.com

Hint Water Sunscreen—Since half of this event was outside, (even though it was covered, you just can never be too safe these days with all these horrible global warming issues,) the guests were happy to receive cans of spray-on sunscreen from this water company! And I was happy to discover their new fragrance—pear! www.drinkhint.com

The Epic Comeback—No one had a better time at this event than Life Coach Nikki Bruno. This recent transplant from Massachusetts was gifting certificates for half hour sessions with her, (complete with an appropriate tiny boxing glove keychain!,) which is especially geared towards women who had gone through difficult divorces. (Maybe I should start a business where I don’t let them marry bad guys to begin with! I can’t tell you how many ladies, and men, too, have told me, “I should have listened to you!” To which I always have to answer, “Well, duh.”) www.coachnikkibruno.com

Precious Vodka—This go-round, this alcohol company was gifting mini versions of their famous diamond-shaped bottles containing their vodka. A more adorable tiny vessel you will not find anywhere! www.preciousvodka.com