2017 Lilac Party at Willowwood Arboretum

HAPPENINGS IN THE HILLS: Lovely Lilacs • May 26, 2017 Bernardsville News

Celebrating the evening’s success are, from left, Willowwood Foundation trustee George Rochat of Bernardsville, trustees and event co-chairs Becky Terry of Peapack and Anne Peterson of Bernardsville, trustee Peter Williams of Peapack, President Brace Krag of Pottersville, and Betty Cass Schmidt of Pequannock, the president of the Morris County Parks Commission.

Guests to Willowwood Arboretum’s 22nd annual Lilac Party Sunday, May 21, were treated to much more than just gorgeous gardens and fragrant blooms. The Sunday afternoon tradition also featured a wine tasting hosted by Andrea Maranca of Tewksbury Fine Wine and Spirits in Oldwick and a silent plant auction so guests could take home a bit of the arboretum’s beauty to enhance their own home gardens. Additionally, each guest received a party favor of a lilac planting of their own. The Ten of Somerset Hills, a men’s a cappella chorus, serenaded the nearly 200 guests with two sets of songs in the Stone Barn. The Ten’s vocal harmony covers the best of all musical genres with powerful chords, smooth and luscious tones, organizers said. Inside the Lilac Party tent, composer, film scorer and pianist Amir Mortezai offered a wide range of musical selections, from classics to show tunes to his own interpretation of contemporary styles. The elegant cocktail party offered a variety of savory tidbits, appetizers, as well as a selection of artisanal cheeses and veggies, tastefully executed by fine caterers, Ross and Owren of Whitehouse Station.