An Ornamental Experience

Over a decade ago, two dear friends,

photographer Abby Jiu and event designer Lauryn.
Prattes, dreamed of a grand plan to celebrate the holidays with a flourish, inviting other powerhouse creatives and colleagues in the wedding industry to join them for a festive afternoon of camaraderie and an ornament exchange to mark the season.

It's now become an annual event at Salamander Middleburg, infused with their unique blend of glamour, imagination and polish, where guests are invited to come with a tree ornament that speaks to them, exchanging it for another that calls their name. The ornaments are left under a beautifully decorated tree and guests mingle, basking in the spirit of the day.

This past year, Salamander Middleburg again set the stage for enchantment on December 5. "I would say most of the ornaments were more playful and whimsical," says Prattes. "Last year I gave a beautiful bird ornament from Anthropologie. I personally collect bird ornaments, so I thought it would be nice to give one to someone else. The ornament I received was a little cake on a cake stand. Charming!"

Event designer Lauryn Prattes (left) and photographer Abby Jiu (right)

at Salamander Middleburg’s Ornament Exchange

The Ornament Exchange is no ordinary holiday event. Past gatherings have featured Christmas carolers greeting guests, "a rush of snow as guests walked into our Après Ski event, and even an outdoor holiday pajama party in 2020 to ensure safety during the pandemic," says Prattes, whose professional hallmarks are flawless service, and meticulous attention to detail to create an ambiance of effortless luxury for the events she designs. "This year, we were thrilled to present a 16-piece orchestra led by Jordan Khan from Dallas with many more fun surprises."