New York City - Beloved American home furnishings company MacKenzie-Childs, famed worldwide for its whimsical handcrafted Majolica pottery and artisanal furniture, held a by-invitation-only unveiling of their enchanted Holiday Extravaganza display at the company's flagship store on the elegant shopping strip of 57th Street on November 11. A very special guest of honor Sarah, Duchess of York attended to lend support for the VIP shopping event's beneficiary Best Buddies.

Artists create a New York mural during the party.

Guests eager to get into the holiday spirit were greeted by heralds in top hats and tailcoats who trumpeted the entrance of each of the holiday shoppers who were not surprisingly awed by the ultimate holiday tablescapes and luxury entertainment environment that showcased the company's magical creations to delightful effect.

Attendees were invited to join The Duchess in signing a specially created chair that would go up for auction to benefit the work of Best Buddies which is dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Founded in 1989 by Anthony Kennedy Shriver, Best Buddies is a vibrant, international organization that has grown from one original chapter to more than 1,400 college, high school and middle school campuses across the country and internationally. Best Buddies programs engage participants in each of the 50 United States. They have accredited international programs on six continents with additional country programs under active development.

The Duchess, who in addition to her commercial career as author and spokesperson, is deeply involved in charity and humanitarian works through her two charity foundations, London-based Children in Crisis and New York-based Chances for Children, both of whom were thrilled to have been invited for the evening. "Best Buddies does extraordinary work in leadership development." she commented in between signing pieces of pottery and playing with the children of the guests. Indeed, the mother of two was right at home and even joined the children sitting on the floor in playing word games and creating fanciful names.

Father Christmas made an early appearance on behalf of Best Buddies.

Accompanying The Duchess was long-time friend and literary agent Jan Miller who divides her time between New York and Dallas. The rightly called "Queen of the Self-Help Tomes" was positively tickled that Sarah had come to the event but was not surprised as "she adores the fanciful creations of MacKenzie-Childs as they have such a wonderfully English sense to them - the rustic cottages hand painted on plates and tea pots - the trees and animals, all very English", she noted. Miller who not only has an appreciative eye for design also has one of the sharpest eyes for authors and has guided the careers of some of America's best selling writers including Maria Shriver, Dr. Phil McGraw, Tony Robbins, Joel Osteen, Catherine Crier and more.

At Miller's suggestion, we visited the upstairs of this holiday delight, where the shop's second floor has been transformed into a breathtaking Holiday Wonderland. Visitors to the enormous emporium were greeted with the sight of eight-foot tall birch trees transported from Aurora in upstate New York where the company is headquartered and decorated in the most unimaginable and festive ways.

It was there Father Christmas made a special early appearance to officially kick-off the holiday season. Attended by helpers clad in Medieval garb, Father Christmas sitting in his ornate sleigh listened to the dreams and wishes of the young ones who were absolutely agog at the sight. Even "Real Housewives" star Alex McCord - there with husband Simon Van Kempen and their children - hopped on board to have a word with the white bearded gent in the red coat. Across the room a team of artists worked feverishly on a fantasy mural of New York bedecked for the Holidays which would also be auctioned for Best Buddies.

Famed literary agent and Queen of the self help tomes Jan Miller.

From a Christmas tree comprised of MacKenzie-Childs signature hand-made products, to holiday mantles and colorful ornaments to glass tea kettles, pink fish chairs, tartan bells, nutcrackers, gorgeous tabletop items, whimsical stockings, tree toppers and spectacular tree skirts - there is an abundance of items to see and buy. Additionally, MacKenzie-Childs have on display a variety of Judaic items including menorahs and mezuzahs benefiting United Jewish Appeal (UJA). Unveiled especially for the occasion was a giant moose head in the company's signature Courtly Check black and white pattern which is also available for custom order. In all it was a holiday fan's vision of heaven with just so many possibilities for that special on-of-a-kind, hand crafted in America gift.

Admiring the workmanship of the MacKenzie-Childs artisans - produced by over 100 talented artists in design studios located on a 65-acre former dairy farm overlooking Cayuga Lake in the heart of the Finger Lakes - were Russian television producer Raisa Chernina, musical theater director DJ Salisbury, Charity Happenings Steven Beltrani with Dina Shar and scores more.

While sampling terrific hors d'oeuvres chef David Hart of Hart of the Apple Catering and sipping the evening's signature cocktail "The Pear-fest Tree" a lively concoction of Citadelle Gin, Pear Liqueur, fresh lemon juice and mint, guests marveled at the time-honored crafts that continue to thrive in the 21st century on a small farm in rural, central New York. From plates to planters, teapots to tureens, MacKenzie-Childs designs are truly alive with individuality. Unlike so much of what we see in stores, everything is proudly made in America.

Sarah, The Duchess of York signs a commemorative piece for the children.