Sue Monk Kidd, Author of the Secret Life of Bees, gave a party with three friends to celebrate the completion of her newest novel, The Mermaid Chair. Asked to design a black tie event in the Spring for 200 guests, JMC Charleston choose the grand ballroom of the historic Francis Marion Hotel. Playing from the cover of the book, the decor elements featured elements from the sea. These elements were apparent in the linens, the candle holders, the net covered Mermaid Chair as well as the sugar sand dunes covered in chocolate shells.