Engaged couple Ashley Branan and Brad Sheffield of Athens were honored at a dessert party Saturday evening, March 3, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Barry Thompson. Cohosts with the Thompsons were Mrs. Jim Barry, Mr. and Mrs. Martin Burgess, Mr. and Mrs. Jim Burton and Dr. and Mrs. Dave Toburen.

For the occasion Miss Branan wore a white sweater and black skirt fashioned with a floral print in shades of coral. She was presented a corsage of Alstroemeria lilies as was her mother, Mrs. W. C. Branan.

Wrought iron lanterns lined the walkway and pots of pansies with candles were placed on the steps and porch.

Guests were greeted in the foyer decorated with a lovely spring arrangement of forsythia and Japanese magnolia.

The dining table was overlaid with a silver damask cloth and was centered with a beautiful arrangement of pink peonies, lavender pincushion flowers, Japanese magnolia, white genestra, plumroses and leptospermum.

From the table, guests were served Irish Bailey cream cake, raspberry cream cake, fudge, cheese straws, toasted pecans and punch. A chocolate fountain with strawberries and pretzels was placed on the buffet.

The hosts presented the couple a rectangular tray in the Butler's Pantry by Lenox and the couple presented travel coffee mugs and banana bread to their hosts.

Sixty guests were invited. Special guests included the bride-elect's parents, Dr. and Mrs. Bill Branan, and her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Cobb of Athens.