PARTY LINE: Happy birthday, Chef Jim Shirley!

I took some time off last week and attempted to be done with dragging out my tree, Christmas decorations and wrapping. I mostly succeeded.

AND … I sat on Santa's knee at our Small-mart and had my picture taken with him last weekend.

On Wednesday, I ventured out to Destin Jewelers' Bubbly & Bling event, as did Demetrius Fuller, Michael Dobson, Kate Kelley, Demetria McNeese, Tim Krueger, Lisa Burwell, and Jennifer Howard.

Chef Jim Shirley celebrated his 50th birthday with a party at his home last Saturday night, which was amazing, said Debbie Weant. Dread Clampitt played while attendees enjoyed fabulous food and wine. Debbie and daughter Meg, David and Sally Smith, Michael and Laura Granberry, John Farmer and Garner Chandler, Kelli Castille, Kelly and Mike Rafferty were among the 100 or so people who attended. Debbie is now off to Austin for a week.

Unfortunately, the Tide was a-rolling during Jim's party, and I opted to stay in and help them roll. Sometimes the choices are tough ones.

I hear that Sinfonia's gospel brunch with D'Vine performing on Sunday was indeed divine.

Gulf Place homeowners enjoyed their monthly Mix and Mingle Monday night at Restaurant Fire, including Carol and Mike Stovski, Brad and Claudia Droy, Keith and Rose Ann Knight, Joe, Kathy, and Erin Perry, Ann and Tommy Melancom, and Lorene Gruzdis.

Robert and Marcia Rhinehart enjoyed a trip to Las Vegas with neighbors Bill and Mary Wysochansky during the NASCAR "Sprint Cup" Week Celebrations.

Grace and Hugh Marse enjoyed family visits from their son in saw and daughter Heather from Tucson. They toured DeFuniak Springs' holiday lights and highly recommend it. "Drive the Circle twice; once for the lake yard reflections and again for a full view of the homes in all their holiday splendor," said Grace.

Bill and Cheryl Freeze and their extended family have returned from a visit to the Kennedy Space Center and taking a cruise in the Caribbean to Nassau and the Bahamas.

Mike and Angela Ragsdale visited Secrets Capri Resort and Spa Riviera in Maya, Mexico.

Meg Nelson visited Charlotte.

Wendy Grantham went to Beau Rivage.

I recently tried out Fire's every-day breakfast. The cream cheese pancake was nice.

Wish a "happy birthday" today to Seaside's Marsha Dowler, Colleen Riddle, and Realtor Peggy Brown.

Monday to Deborah Orr, Joseph Cook, and Dottie Hidell.

Tuesday to Eastern Lake's Mary Bruns.

Wednesday to Seabreeze Radio's Mark Carter.

Thursday to Perfect Pig's Vickie Miller.

And Friday to Et Clark.

Deborah Wheeler is the arts and entertainment reporter for The Walton Sun. She may be reached at 654-8443, 687-1239, or email dwheeler@waltonsun.com. Follow her on Twitter @WaltonSunDeb. Party Line appears weekly in The Sun.