The 26th Annual Garden Party at The President Woodrow Wilson House

The 26th Annual Garden Party Invitation.
The Woodrow Wilson House, Washington DC.

The 26^th Annual Garden Party at the President Woodrow Wilson House was a spectacular event this year. Live music, pink drinks, floral prints, and to “top” it all off—hats galore!

The home and gardens were designed by architect Waddy Butler Wood in 1915. President Wilson and his wife Edith often enjoyed the view of the garden from their bedroom balcony or from the solarium, where Wilson preferred to have most of his meals.

The layout of the garden is unique. It has an upper level and a lower level. Situated in the middle of the lower level of the garden is a circular pond with a statue of Pan, the Greek god of the wild, shepherds and flocks. The landscape is very simple and classical, reflecting the time period very well.

Set up for the 26th Annual Garden Party.
(Photo Credit: Rebecca McGovern)

For the Garden Party event, the Woodrow Wilson House transformed the garden into a chic outdoors area where guests could mingle among the flowers, lounge on the patio, or groove to the live music inside the tent. Inside the house, guests could explore Wilson’s library, the solarium, the drawing room, and the dining room.

(Photo Credit: Rebecca McGovern)

Occasions catering provided many delectable appetizers such as individual corn soufflés, pomegranate glazed chicken, bite-sized caprese salad, asparagus and gruyére beignets, and miniature grilled cheese and short rib sandwiches. Desserts were not lacking either; blueberry, coconut and lemon tartlets, carrot cake push pops parfaits, honey ganache beehives, and miniature chocolate éclairs! 

At the bar, two specialty cocktails made a splash at the event. A Watermelon Vodka Cooler sponsored by Maryland’s Own Betty Sloop Vodka and Mayan Ruins, a sweet and spicy Jalapeño cocktail sponsored by Vida Tequila. For those who prefer a nice glass of wine, Narmada Winery provided two signature white wines for the event. 

Top image: Chris Keller and Director Bob Enholm.
(Photo Credit: Colour Me Glam)
Bottom images (from left): Tisha Jepson, Charlotte Aukamp,
and Dr. Dianne McRae all with Director Bob Enholm.
(Photo Credit: Rebecca McGovern)

To celebrate President Wilson’s and Edith’s fancy for hats; guests were eligible to win prizes for the best hats. The winner of “best gentlemen’s hat” went to Chris Keller, who used fresh flowers from his home garden. Tisha Jepson captured the win for “best lady’s hat” sporting her great grandfather’s antique top hat. For “most creative,” Dr. Dianne McRae took the prize with her emerald green hat from the Middleburg Steeplechase. Honorable mention went to Charlotte Aukamp for her unique and stylish hair piece.

The 26^th Annual Garden Party proved to not only be a successful social event full of fun and fashion, but also an opportunity for guests to admire President Wilson’s historic home and gardens. While exploring the venue, guests couldn’t help but discover a little history here and there about President Wilson and Edith’s life. 

(Photo Credit: Rebecca McGovern)

- Rebecca McGovern