It’s possible there was a little wistful thinking on the part of Erin Rauf when she started organizing the first Noel in November event.
“It’s an opportunity to get away, without leaving St. Albert. It’s an opportunity to escape while you experience the wonder of the holidays, without going far away to the mountains,” she said, as she freely admitted that her inspiration came from the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge’s Christmas in November event.
Rauf labels herself as a “stay-at-home” mom with three boys aged 6, 2 and nine months. She’s also an event planner, without the professional ticket to go with it, but if this Noel in November event flies, it will be the third time she’s organized something of this calibre.
“This is the first time for this event and I’m flying by the seat of my pants, but right now I only have eight seats left,” she said.
The concept began last spring, when Rauf finished organizing the Red Affair on behalf of the Heart and Stroke Foundation. She raised $4,600 for charity. The year previous, her first event was organized on behalf of the Canadian Cancer Society.
“I was scouting for a place to host next year’s fundraiser, which will be for Win House and I saw Hole’s Enjoy Centre and just came up with this idea. I just did it,” she said.
She conceived the idea of a one-day get-away where her guests would be wined and dined as they learned crafts and heard about new Christmas decorating ideas.
“It’s really nothing to do with us. She just came to us and booked the space,” said Jim Hole of Hole’s Greenhouses and Gardens.
Rauf’s guests will begin with a gourmet breakfast before setting off to a workshop with designer Cory Christopher, who will speak on how to set a festive table.
“Cory won the best tree last year at Edmonton’s Festival of Trees. He’ll show people how to take the traditional table from drab to fab and he’ll also explain how to wow up your Christmas tree,” said Rauf.
Hole’s florists will conduct the next workshop and show the guests how to make a wreath, which they can take home with them.
But the event is not just about being crafty.
“Ian Hayward from the Water Garden will talk about finding positive energy during the Christmas season. He’ll talk about finding health and wellness and balance in the busy festive season.”
In all there will be a breakfast and lunch and a champagne sendoff to complete the day.
“I’m really excited to offer this to the people of St. Albert. This time it’s not for charity, except for a request for a food bank donation. It’s my own adventure but I am hopeful that the whole day will be relaxing and fun for everyone,” said Rauf.
For more information about Noel in November, scheduled to be held Nov. 26 at the Enjoy Centre, visit the website at www.noelinnovember.com
