Among today's topics: things that make sales managers "feel weird"

Morning snapshot of PP: I walk in through American Theater, which is right near our catering kitchen. As I walk, the unmistakable, comforting smell of baked deliciousness (thank you, Susie) washes over me. Later, I walk over to The William Aiken House. They're re-sodding the lawn, so the air is heady with the smell of fresh earth and grass. On the ground next to the door is a rumpled, bright green tablecloth, a leftover from one of the weekend's events. It's always fascinating to glimpse the "morning after" scenes. (Note to self: photographs of mornings after would make a fabulous coffee table book.)

This weekend kicked off the season for the Charleston Farmer's Market. Friends, local growers and artisans hang up their shingles for a few hours in Marion Square every Saturday from now until just after Thanksgiving. Tool around to see an incredible array of produce, herbs, cut flowers, jewelry, art and crafts. And call me crazy, but everyone who's there is just in the best mood. Folks are walking with dogs, babies in strollers and everyone just seems happy.

In other news, you know that I've been transfixed by Starbucks lately as they struggle to reinvigorate their brand and well, boost their stock. And to those of you who think branding and graphic design decisions don't matter, get this. Today, I got a call from one of our Sales Managers (Charlotte), who had purchased a cup created in their "new" design. "You have to come and see this," she said. Needless to say, I dropped what I was doing.

Upon entering her office, she mentioned that the new design, "made me feel weird." The logo brouhaha is best summarized here. What you'll see is, that in their attempt to get back to basics, Starbucks has, also, gone back to its logo basics. Here begins the "weird feelings." The star of the logo is a siren: she of the two tails and bare, yet tastefully "draped" breasts. Now, after doing some background reading, I saw that in some market testing they did years ago, Starbucks found that female customers were rather "uncomfortable" with the siren, in her um, entirety. So I find it super-interesting they're bringing her back. But, maybe a little controversy is what they're looking for...it certainly keeps the conversation going.

Had breakfast yesterday at one of my favorite local haunts, Alex's on Coleman Boulevard in Mt. Pleasant. Talk about the perfect place to people watch. I started frequenting Alex's when I lived on Shem Creek. I got to know many of the waitresses and staff. (They all call me honey or baby, which I just love. P.S. That doesn't mean you should.)

Sitting at the "bar," you will see the most astounding things. You cannot believe the sheer volume of food and people that move through that establishment on any given weekend morning. It sincerely boggles the mind. What I enjoy most is watching the interactions. How a waitress who's completely overwhelmed will take time out for one of her regular customers. How the more "experienced" waitresses will help/haze a newbie waitress as she sinks into the oblivion of a Saturday breakfast rush. How Miss Debbie, who I've seen expediting orders in the kitchen, cooking, serving, shaking hands with customers and in a photo with Fred Thompson near the restroom (I'm serious), totally runs the place. How refilling a cup of coffee or placing a steaming plate of eggs in front of someone can change their world view, if only for a moment.

Roadtrips, military vehicles, weddings, photography & other pursuits

Back from Columbia and a great interview with Mike Switzer at ETV radio. Managing Partner Randall Goldman and I did NOT break the sound barrier on the roadtrip as planned but hey, you do what you can. Will let you know when the piece on us airs. Should be sometime in the next two weeks.

What we did see on our roadtrip was a rather somber reminder that we are five years deep into a war. The Anteater, as it's called, is a super-resilient military vehicle made by company called Force Protection. I hate that there is still a need in the world to build them.

In OTHER news, The photo of the gorgeous Lowndes Grove staircase above is courtesy of Arthur Howe, a location scout for film, TV and photography based here in town. Thanks, Arthur!

And, check out these lovely photos from a recent wedding at The William Aiken House on photographer Evan Laettner's blog.

Take Me To The William Aiken House or Lose Me Forever

Charlotte, who handles our corporate events, forwarded me this email she received from a group who recently had their company holiday party chez William Aiken.

"Charlotte, we all had a blast! Best turn out we've ever had for a holiday party! The house was gorgeous, and the food was perfect! Everyone insists we have the party there again next year."

How cool is that, when people INSIST on having their party with us? Like they wouldn't go to the party if were elsewhere?! I love it. It's so darn DECISIVE.

Now. On a completely different note, here's the quote of the day sent to me by a dear friend: "Oh yay - my Moravian love feast buns have arrived."

If you need some back story (because I sure did), here it is. Personally, I find what my mind dreamed up wayyy more interesting than the back story, but what can I say, we're dream makers here, we think big.

Nothing Says Halloween Like...

Gold lame? Platform boots? Red sequins? Or D: all of the above? I think D. Please enjoy this behind the scenes shot of "Right On,"who truly brought the funk Saturday night at The William Aiken House. Now, you kids be safe out there tonight!

Some Parties Need No Headline, Honey

There are parties at The William Aiken House and then there are PARTIES at The William Aiken House. Know what I'm saying? Was perusing Harper's Bazaar latest issue and came upon the lavish spread on Mimi van Wyck and Ham Morrison III's Charleston wedding extravaganza that took place back in April.

Quick history on the bride first. Mimi (Mary Ann) van Wyck is the daughter of Mary Ann and Bronson van Wyck of Tuckerman, Arkansas. That makes Mimi a descendant of Cornelius Barentse Van Wyck, one of the original Dutch settlers in the New Amsterdam colony (before New York was New York); Richard T. Van Wyck, in the Revolutionary War; Charles H. Van Wyck, governor of South Carolina during Reconstruction and later a congressman from New York and senator from Nebraska; Robert A. Van Wyck, the first mayor of greater New York City; and Augustus Van Wyck, a New York Supreme Court Justice.

And before you ask, the Van Wyck Expressway? Yes. I KNOW. Also, Mimi's brother Bronson and their mother own Van Wyck & Van Wyck, an event planning company known for its party prowess, extravagant props and impeccable style. They've planned shindigs for the likes of P. Diddy, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush to name a few.

By the by, bridgegroom Ray "Ham" Hamilton Morrison III is just as fab. Currently, he restores historic Charleston properties and races a pretty mean stock car in his free time.

Anywho, The William Aiken House played host to the couple's stunning rehearsal dinner where an array of VIP guests dined on sole and corn pudding (true to the Arkansas-born bride's roots) in the rooms and on the piazzas dressed in true Van Wyck & Van Wyck style. For you fashionistas, Mimi wore an Alexander McQueen white sheath dress and jewelry by Kara Ross. And to wind this up, it's been confirmed that at the reception, the bride brought down the house with her own personal cover of Madonna's "Lucky Star." (That's after her brother warmed up the crowd with Madonna's "Hung Up" accompanied by Madonna's actual dancers.) For real. Gosh, I love Charleston.

Mutual Inspiration

Earlier this week, the folks from Baker Furniture and the Historic Charleston Foundation came by The William Aiken House for some inspiration as they begin designing their new line. Managing Partner Randall Goldman and longtime Patrick Properties interior designer Paula Adams led an informal tour of the main house and the carriage house regaling our guests with a variety of tales: from the meticulous renovation to the "Where did you get that fabulous piece?"

FYI: Answers ranged from an estate sale in Virginia, a Cabbage Row "junk store" and Nat King Cole's estate. And the inspiration was certainly mutual: the Baker Furniture team is passionate, energetic and loves what they do.

Where Upper King & Fifth Avenue Meet

What's fun about having historic properties? They make amazing backdrops for photography. A few weeks ago, Charleston photographer Michael Petry approached us about using The William Aiken House for a photo shoot for Saks Fifth Avenue. And let's just say when high fashion and history come together, the results are...wow! Look for the photos in the Saks windows on King Street for the next month.