Corporate holiday parties have come a long way. Once upon a time, they were grand, flashy affairs, meant to impress, indulge, and sometimes shock. Over the years, they’ve evolved into something far more intentional: celebrations rooted in gratitude, connection, and culture.

And when I look at our own holiday parties over the last three decades, that evolution mirrors our journey perfectly.

We started our company in 1995. I joined full-time in 1997, leaving behind a corporate career at Fetzer Vineyards, where holiday parties were nothing short of legendary. They were extravagant, family-oriented, full of dancing, incredible food, flowing wine, and even horse-and-buggy carriage rides. Those events left a lasting impression on me. They made people feel valued, seen, celebrated.

So when I joined my husband in building our small real estate company, I knew one thing for sure...we would always have a holiday party.

In the early years, that meant an upscale dinner for our five agents and their spouses. Small, intimate, and heartfelt. It wasn’t about scale- it was about appreciation.

As the ’90s rolled into the 2000s, our company grew to about 25 - 50 agents, and our holiday parties grew along with it. We hosted celebrations throughout Wine Country and San Francisco, often including hotel rooms so everyone could truly let loose and enjoy the night. There was always some form of mayhem, never anything serious, just laughter, stories, and moments that would be talked about for weeks afterward (and sometimes years). Those nights weren’t about business metrics or goals. They were about joy, connection, and celebrating the people behind the success.

Then came 2020, a year that changed everything. We rebranded to Luxe Places International Realty, reset, and recommitted to who we wanted to be as a company. Since then, our growth has been extraordinary. This year alone, we’ve grown to over 208 agents! 

With that growth came a shift in how we celebrate:

Today, our holiday parties are held locally here in Healdsburg at the beautiful Villa Chanticleer. They’re less about spectacle and more about intention. Less about extravagance and more about honoring the incredible real estate professionals who work tirelessly all year long, and the spouses and partners who support them in this demanding business.

Weeks before the event, the excitement starts building. The ladies especially, begin asking each other “What are you wearing?”
This year’s theme is Winter Wonderland, and on Wednesday, my amazing marketing director, Sela Brenner and I, spent the day creating the centerpieces by hand. It was one of those quiet, joyful moments behind the scenes, reminding me that the best events are built with care, creativity, and heart.

December 12th we gathered not just to celebrate another year in business, but to honor the journey, where we started, how far we’ve come, and the people who make it all possible.

It was a fun event. It is a fun event.
Happy Holidays, in a Winter Wonderland spirit.