Saturday, September 11, 2010

it's official


Where on the screen I am invariably a sonofabitch,
in life I am a dear, dear boy.
George Sanders


George Sanders rang me up from the other side, and in that gorgeous velvety voice, graciously agreed to be my date for the Third Annual Willow Manor Ball. I sent invitations to several wonderful men, including Trevor Howard, Charles Simic, and Robert Osborne, but sorry guys, Mr. Sanders, ever the perfect gentleman, was the first to reply.

Did you know that Sanders was actually born in St. Petersburg, Russia, of English parents, and lived there until he and his family were forced to flee to England after the revolution of 1917? Since he is, in fact, a dear, dear boy, maybe he'll bring me a new Zhivago hat, since the season is almost upon us? I hope it's nice and chilly the evening of the ball, so I can wear my favorite woolly socks beneath my gown. Maybe a little fur trimmed number would be nice, in honor of George's birthplace. I'm still undecided on exactly what I'm going to wear, but I've noticed many of you are already busily cyber shopping for that perfect gown and accessories. This week, I met with the same fabulous caterers as last year, and all is set for tons of wonderful food and exotic drinks.



Just in case you haven't heard about the biggest cyber event of the year, make sure you mark your calendars. There will be a Mr. Linky widget provided for all who wish to share their dates and what they're wearing to the ball. And there will be door prizes chosen from everyone who attends (leaves a comment) here at Willow Manor on


One of the most fun things about a cyber ball is that we all dance like gods and goddesses. Make sure you have your dance cards ready, because we are rolling up the carpets at Willow Manor! Just to give you a taste of the festivities, here's a clip of one my favorite tangos.

74 comments:

  1. nice date willow...looking forward to a dance...

    ReplyDelete
  2. I'm sure that George Sanders will prove to be the most perfect partner. Both Lady M and myself have now chosen (and confirmed) our partners; I shall reveal all bientot.

    Can I send a case or two of our local wine? It travels rather well.

    Bisou, Cro.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Cro, yes, by all means, please do send some cases of your wonderful local wine! Thank you! xx

    ReplyDelete
  4. I've been shopping for over a week, and my date has already accepted my invite. How could he refuse?

    ReplyDelete
  5. Love that photo of Sanders. The expression on his face is so appealing...the perfect choice for your date : )

    ReplyDelete
  6. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I am so sad I cannot attend this much anticipated ball. I will be on a cruise ship somewhere on the Atlantic. Poor Cary Grant is going to be heartbroken and I have all this fabulous jewelry at my disposal too. Drat!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Dear Willow, My acceptance letter is already in the post [Smythson stationery of course] but I do so hope that this does not make me look too eager. I shall be travelling from London and so will send luggage in advance. I trust that this will not prove an inconvenience?!!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Dear Willow, My acceptance letter is already in the post [Smythson stationery of course] but I do so hope that this does not make me look too eager. I shall be travelling from London and so will send luggage in advance. I trust that this will not prove an inconvenience?!!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Oh, Everton T, that is indeed sad. Cary Grant has been to every Manor Ball since it's inception. I'll be sure to mention how sorry I am, as I take a steamy whirl with him on the dance floor. ;^)

    ReplyDelete
  11. Edith, yes, by all means, do send your travel trunks on ahead. We wouldn't want anything amiss to happen to that fabulous gown you've chosen!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Oh I can't wait! I've been practicing my dance steps and decided what I will wear.

    ReplyDelete
  13. I would love to accept your most gracious invitation. I look forward to another magical evening. But I might need a new date this year, since last year's date showed up late with a black eye. Horrors!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Loved him in, "All About Eve". He should make a splendid date to help you host the magnificent, "Willow Ball".
    If I could be there, I would and I would bring Louis Jourdan this time.

    Kat

    ReplyDelete
  15. Mmmm...that tango was delicious.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Wonderful... I am still awaiting a reply for my "special" date.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Well, lucky Mr Sanders! I've always loved his voice and especially as Shere Khan the tiger in Disney's Jungle Book!

    ReplyDelete
  18. George Sanders will be a wonderful addition!

    Might it be okay if I bring Tyrone Power? He executes the tango beautifully, and he looks smashing in a tux.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Hi Nice date! I'm bringing robert mitchum, he says he'll be good!

    ReplyDelete
  20. ok - that tango video made me send out invitations to 3 of my favorite intellectual crushes - richard feynmann, james joyce and john fowles. I will be happy with whomever responds and plan to wear white silk.

    let's round up some campari and use those little swizzle sticks........

    p.s. great date willow!!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Nice to know George Sanders thinks of himself as a dear, dear boy. He could talk me into believing just about anything about him, and if there is going to be any dancing, I want to dance. Gene Kelly would like to be my date so I have graciously accepted.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Oh how I wish I had thought of George Sanders first!! He was my pin-up for years when I was in my teens and twenties - may I borrow him for just one dance? I am thinking carefully now about what I shall wear - he always liked the ultra-sophisticate didn't he?

    ReplyDelete
  23. So, are you going to kiss and tell?

    ReplyDelete
  24. OMG! Tyrone Power, Richard Feynmann, James Joyce, John Fowles, Robert Mitchum, and Gene Kelly?! I am going to be dancing all night long! Yes, Weaver, I'll share a dance with George, but just one.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Fragrant, only Americans are silly enough to kiss and tell. Mr. Sanders has much more class. ;^)

    ReplyDelete
  26. Willow, here is a link to my favorite tango scene.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6VvR3hkePI&feature=related

    ReplyDelete
  27. What a wonderful man to accompany you to the Ball, Willow - which, I am sure, will be utterly marvellous! The tango clip was great too, thanks for sharing it.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Mon Dieu, Willow et Amanda!
    I, too, have invited John Fowles..... but he has not yet replied....perhaps we can "share"?
    I have, had confirmations from Franz Liszt and King Ludwig II...(I know, now that I am single, I am a "shameless hussy"..)

    Still shopping for gown, shoes and bag.... just had five inches cut off my hair....so I will have a shorter "do"!

    Loved that tango.... but I am really a waltz girl....

    Counting the days!

    ♥ Robin ♥

    ReplyDelete
  29. Oh, I so love George Sanders...his voice, his amazing attitude...you two will make a marvelous couple! Thank you for the Tango...when Larroca places his right hand in the small of ones back...well, your are his for the tango...I will place him on my dance card for a special reunion! smiling

    ReplyDelete
  30. hey--i'll be on vacation the 30th, maybe i'll have a chance to crash after all! I'm sure George is dreamy, but i hope you'll save a dance for me.

    ReplyDelete
  31. That George....what a rogue.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Regrettably, my age prevents me from attending. But never fear - I am sending the BRD in my place and she is bringing Ricardo Montalban with her.

    ReplyDelete
  33. OMG, it's a Done-Deal.
    Carrie-Anne Moss is my date for
    the Willow Ball! She grew up not
    far from here in Vancouver, BC.
    Her husband, Stephen Roy, has
    given his consent, and will stay
    home and babysit their three
    children, two sons and a daughter.
    Carrie-Anne is a fabulous dancer,
    so save a tango for us. Oh, by
    the by, she is a vegan, so hopefully
    there will be plenty of veggies
    there for her.

    ReplyDelete
  34. I just heard this delicious rumor that
    you will have certain celebrities doing
    their famous tangos from films they
    were in--led off by Robert Duvall
    and Luciana Padraza doing their scene
    from ASSASSINATION TANGO (2002)
    giving us the Argentine flair. Did you
    know they married in 2004, and she
    is 41 years younger than him?
    Of course it will also be a Willow
    highlight to include Al Pacino dancing
    with Gabrielle Anwar, doing their
    scene from SCENT OF A WOMAN (1992).
    You might have a flat screen somewhere
    where guests can view the tango dancing
    in THE MAN WHO CAPTURED EICHMANN
    (1966), BLIND DATE (2007), BELLAMY (2009),
    ROGUE OF THE RIO GRANDE (1930),
    and RHYTHM CAFE (1938).

    ReplyDelete
  35. I have to say, that quote kicks ass.
    Nice date Willow!
    Woolly socks under your gown would be neat (especially if you had those kind where there was a place for all of your toes!)
    Your blog is always a feast,
    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  36. Great date! I hope I make it this year.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Gosh, I hope you'll let him dance a dance with me.!

    ReplyDelete
  38. I can see I will have to brush up on my tango skills.

    ReplyDelete
  39. Oh George Sanders! Somewhere I have a signed photo from my teen years!
    Loved that wicked look.
    What a date!
    Sorry but I cant make it to the ball but will be thinking of you all and may raise a glass of champers to those who make it.

    ReplyDelete
  40. I am still looking for a date. *sigh* But, I do have a couple of dresses in mind....

    ReplyDelete
  41. Oh George Sanders I hope to dance with him while you are dancing with Clive. Wait until you see what I got him. (Hint) It is from Van Cleef and it is gorgeous.

    ReplyDelete
  42. Charming! You two will be quite the couple! Hahaaaa!

    ReplyDelete
  43. Glenn, Al Pacino has done his "Scent of a Woman" tango every year at the WM Ball. I'm sure he won't let us down this year. We're expecting him!

    ReplyDelete
  44. Willow, I'm worried. Looks like an awful lot of 'luvies' are going to be in the same place at the same time. This could be a recipe for eye-scratching one-up-manships. Is no-one bringing the girl/boy from next-door?

    ReplyDelete
  45. Oh dear is it that time of the year already ? I don't know how I'm going to slim into my dress in time . Perhaps I should book a week in Champney's to help me ?

    ReplyDelete
  46. Looking forward to my first Willow Manor Ball. Patrick Jane is my date. Not Simon Baker. He is a married actor who portrays Jane in the Mentalist. I know Mr. Jane will be a fascinating conversationalist with so many interesting insights about all the guests. I hope he can dance, but he is so cute -- who cares?

    ReplyDelete
  47. Cro, the beauty of this annual cyber event, is that anything goes. The sky's the limit. If you fancy the girl/boy next door, that's grand. Whatever pleases. It's one time each year when we all can experience a bit of magical fun in pure Cinderella style!

    ReplyDelete
  48. I am looking forward to this year's gala!

    funfunfun!

    ReplyDelete
  49. George Sanders,...how dreamy.

    I've picked out my dress, shoes and jewelry. Now for the date, sigh.

    ReplyDelete
  50. wooly socks and George Sanders?
    How lucky can a girl get?!

    Rene

    ReplyDelete
  51. curiouser and curiouser...

    ReplyDelete
  52. willow -- certainly an interesting concept -- the willow ball. I will be unable to attend however, I will be watching the process unfold.-- barbara

    ReplyDelete
  53. the elegance of George Sanders, images of the tango (The Tango Lesson? -- great movie) -- anything from a bygone era that knew what elegance and style truly was. Hope to find a date -- I think Mrs. Dalloway's mermaid dress will be just the thing -- and a roadster, too!

    ReplyDelete
  54. (clapping hands excitedly!!!)
    lovely, looking forward to the ball!
    Do you remember all the trouble between Skip Simpson and Silver Fox last year?
    Is it ok to take your button and put it on my blog?

    ReplyDelete
  55. Mimi, yes-yes, please do! (seems like I do remember something going on with the Skipster and the Fox.

    ReplyDelete
  56. You know, if I can bring anyone my date will be Linda Ronstadt. Perhaps I can get her to sing.

    ReplyDelete
  57. Gary, Linda Ronstadt?! Great! Yes, please do get her to sing for us!

    ReplyDelete
  58. Willow said,"Did you know that Sanders was actually born in St. Petersburg, Russia, of English parents, and lived there until he and his family were forced to flee to England after the revolution of 1917?

    Hi! Willow,
    Oh! No, I wasn't aware of that fact,about actor George Sanders, but this I know is true...
    ...I enjoyed his performances in..."All About Eve," "The Saint Series," "Lured," and my most favorite of all...Hitchcock's "Rebecca."

    Therefore, Shall you dance?

    DeeDee ;-D

    ReplyDelete
  59. my date has accepted and I will post tomorrow his gracious acceptance...bkm

    ReplyDelete
  60. Not strictly but definitely dancing.
    Would that I could.

    ReplyDelete
  61. Ah, truly my favorite dance! Whom shall I invite? What shall I wear? So many decisions to make!

    ReplyDelete
  62. Dear Willow: So we may choose a "dance partner" of any time, space, place, age or demeanor? Really? I know who I am going to invite and I hope you have lots of hot salsa! Antonio Banderas is taken so is Jimmy Smits, ok, Zorro!

    ReplyDelete
  63. Dear Willow: The original Zorro I meant; since I sense that it is dead guys that are the eternal dance stars at this soiree! The original Zorro, according to my hub is Guy Williams. I will have to see if he can schedule me in between his heavenly hot tomales!

    ReplyDelete
  64. Er...what happens if two people choose the same date? Share? Not bloody likely for this girl! You'll have a murder mystery at your party if someone brings my same date!

    ReplyDelete
  65. Well, I shall be there my dear. As usual. :-)

    Greetings from London.

    ReplyDelete
  66. Vivo en Buenos Aires la maca del tango y tomo clases es una danza muy difícil pero pongo todo mi empeño para bailar.
    que buen blog!
    me divierte.

    ReplyDelete
  67. Henry Miller and Jose Ferrer have both asked me to the ball! Jose said he'll dress as Cyrano! And Henry promises to prove Anais' journals were restrained in her descriptions and tame compared to the reality of being with him. Oh my! Oh my.

    ReplyDelete
  68. Zorro, Henry Miller and Jose Ferrer! This is getting really exciting....!!!

    ReplyDelete
  69. willow
    i put a link on my sidebar
    it looks fab

    xx

    ReplyDelete

Inject a few raisins of conversation into the tasteless dough of existence.
― O. Henry (and me)