If you are looking for a unique way to celebrate a perfect spring evening under the stars and the spreading branches of ancient oaks, the Preservation Society of Ellicott Hill, in conjunction with the Natchez Garden Club, invites us all to do just this by attending the 10th annual Party for Preservation dinner and dance event, “A Beautiful Evening at Brandon Hall Plantation.”

Spring is Mother Nature’s season of renewal and rejuvenation. With the present instability seemingly everywhere in the world, spring will be even more enticing and refreshing this year with its fresh green grass and the brilliant profusion of flowers in bloom.

Ron and Kathy Garber and their daughter, Rachel, have graciously offered their exquisite home, Brandon Hall, to be the site for the 2011 Party for Preservation scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, April 16. Valet parking will be available. Brandon Hall is located at mile marker 8.5 on the Natchez Trace Parkway.

This antebellum home was built by Gerard Brandon, son of the first native-born governor of Mississippi in 1856. The Garbers have transformed Brandon Hall, formerly a large successful working cotton plantation, into an elegant and charming respite and one of the few homes that maintains the serenity of years gone by.

Besides bringing friends together for a fun-filled social evening, this annual party promotes a very good cause. The Party for Preservation is the primary event to benefit the restoration of the historic properties of the Natchez Garden Club.

Tickets are $45 per person with a cash bar. If you would like to do a sponsorship, those are available and include sponsor name in all publicity. A platinum sponsorship is $1,000 for 10 people. A gold sponsorship is $750 for six people. A silver sponsorship is $500 for four tickets. A bronze sponsorship is $250 for two tickets. Because the Preservation Society of Ellicott Hill is the nonprofit arm of the Natchez Garden Club, all tickets sales and contributions are tax deductible. Checks may be mailed to the Natchez Garden Club Office at 215 South Pearl St., Natchez, MS 39120. Tickets are available at the door and are cash or check only.

Guests will dine on an array of delectable entrees, hors d’oeuvres, dips and desserts selected by Loveta Byrne from her extensive and mouth-watering collection of recipes. The food will be prepared by garden club members who, as everyone knows, are the best cooks in the world.

Flower arrangements will be done using the creative talent of Connie Robinette. The music will be provided by Osgood & Blaque Duo-Band from Vicksburg which will provide a broad selection of tunes for your listening or dancing pleasure. In addition we will have some very interesting guests join us.

Where else can you get all this for $45 with a full-service cash bar, sumptuous food, a good time with friends, enjoyable and relaxing music and all the intoxicating amenities of spring?

For ticket information for “A Beautiful Evening at Brandon Hall Plantation,” call or stop by the Natchez Garden Club 601-443-9065 or Kimbrell Office Supply 601-442-1494.

E-mail address for the Natchez Garden Club is ntzgardenclub@bellsouth.net.

Janet Sullivan is chairperson of the Party for Preservation.