W3 Book Club-“Valley of the Dolls”

by Teri E. Popp & Laura Chin, Tastemakers in Residence—“Valley of the Dolls” written by Jacqueline Susann

If you’ve read any of my previous articles on W3 Book Club, then you already know that we celebrate milestone birthdays for our members in a major way! And what better way to do that than with Jacqueline Susann’s scorching novel “Valley of the Dolls” featuring drugs, sex, the allure of the theater and Hollywood! Our birthday girl, Stacy, really wanted a 1960’s vibe ala the designer Pucci, and we made sure she got what she wanted.

Wearing big, bleached blond, bouffant hairstyles, caftans, and lots of Pucci prints, our host, Wendy, and book club members feted Stacy in true “Valley of the Dolls” style. The novel, a sordid-but gripping read-follows the lives of three women from various walks of life who meet and become fast friends while working in various parts of the entertainment industry. As the women work there way up the ladder of success in their fields, they come to see that true friendship is sometimes very hard to find, and even harder to keep once stardom enters the picture.

Enjoy the original cast from Valley of the Dolls…and by their side are the W3 Book Club ladies re-enactment.

The 60’s inspired appetizers included:
Frozen Fruit Iced Jello Mold, featuring strawberries, blackberries & melons (anything in a Jello mold screamed 60’s fashionable hostessing);
Deviled Eggs;
BBQ Meatballs (with a meatless variety for those who don’t eat meat); Jello Shots (I guess you had to “be there in the 60s” to understand this one!);
Stuffed Mushrooms (variety assortment);
Fruit on a Skewer;
1960’s style charcuterie board, with dried salmon, lox, Brie cheese, deviled ham, blackberries & grapes (if you’re picking up the fruit themed vibe on this party, you got the memo);
Walnut Covered Philadelphia Cream Cheese Ball with Ritz Crackers; Ruffled Potato Chips;
Bacon and Scallop Skewers with BBQ Sauce;
Waldorf Salad, with shredded coconut on top;
Pigs in a Blanket;
Shrimp Skewers; and
Bistro Meringue Covered, Pucci Purse Inspired Birthday Cake & Stacy-tini’s in Honor of the Birthday Girl!!

So, cheers to all of you in the New Year as we toast 2022 into being, with a 1960’s vibe!!