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“Give people a decent drink and a good meal.”
Merrily Jackson shared down-to-earth anecdotes and confessions of entertaining as the featured speaker for Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals’ fifth annual Dish & Bloom Luncheon on May 1. The seasoned hostess and longtime IN Kansas City Magazine columnist shared “Ten Things I Wish I’d Known About Entertaining as a Younger Woman.”
Dish & Bloom guests enjoyed Jackson’s reminder to consider how deeply people appreciate being invited to your home. She interjected humorous and practical tips for planning and setting the tone of your event, and an assertion that a good party is not about the food (so let go of any pressure to make it all yourself!).
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Her last tip was met with peals of laughter, as she shared that every couple squabbles on the day of an event, but the planning and preparation are worth the fun of the party.
Stroke survivor Lainie Linafelter, her husband and family were special guests at the luncheon. A video presentation highlighted Lainie’s rehabilitation journey after a rare complication of childbirth resulted in two strokes. Her choice to come home to Lincoln for world-class rehabilitation, and Madonna’s specialized stroke program, enabled her to return to her family and career as a pediatric pharmacist in Kansas City.
The Country Club of Lincoln hosted the sold-out spring event with beautiful centerpieces by Lee Douglas Interiors providing a subtle nod to May Day. Guests also enjoyed signature lavender lemonade mocktails and strolled the pop-up shop by The LOFT by Lee Douglas Interiors.
Madonna is grateful for the sponsors and volunteers who made Dish & Bloom possible: Dr. Paul and Marilyn Dongilli, speaker sponsor; The LOFT by Lee Douglas Interiors, décor and pop-up shop sponsor; and the annual HOPE appeal corporate sponsors. Dish & Bloom committee members include Marilyn Dongilli, AnnaMarie Griffiths, Kris Love, Britta Muhleisen, Michael Murphy, Brenda Nore, Lauren Pugliese, Polly ReQua, Alison Ritter and Julie Smith.