NATCHEZ — The Miss-Lou has a lunch date Thursday.

The Natchez Garden Club is hosting its annual Victorian Luncheon and, as in years past, expects large crowds to enjoy food and fellowship at what club members call the kick-off of the Christmas season.

The Victorian Luncheon, a come and go meal of filling finger foods will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Magnolia Hall. Tickets are $10. Group tickets of 10 or more can be purchased at a reduced rate.

Tickets are available at the Natchez Garden Club office or at the door the day of the lunch.

Luncheon co-chairman Kristin Jordan said the event has become a tradition for the community.

“It really helps you get ready for Christmas,” Jordan said. “It is festive and fun and really puts people in a the Christmas spirit.”

Food is being prepared by Natchez Garden Club members and will be an array of sandwiches, salads and desserts including popular Magnolia Hall cocoons.

“Some of the best cooks in town are preparing food for us,” said Gwen Massey, luncheon co-chairman. “All of the food is prepared by (Natchez Garden Club) members so it is all good.”

To-go plates are available for pick-up, but those who are able to stay will be treated to holiday musical entertainment and will be able to see Magnolia Hall decked out for Christmas.

“The house really is beautiful at Christmas,” Jordan said.

More than 200 guests are expected at this year’s event.

“It gets bigger every year,” Jordan said. “It is one of our most popular events in the community because it really does involve everyone. As a club we get to see other members we don’t see as often and as a community, it is a good get together.”

The Magnolia Hall gift shop will be open for shoppers and door prizes will be given away during the lunch.

“Really this is a time when people can see the house, eat lunch and do some holiday shopping all at once,” Massey said.

Also taking place during the Victorian Luncheon is the annual NGC casserole and soup sale. Sale chairman Richie Walcott said the sale is the best way to prepare the kitchen for expected and unexpected holiday guests.

“Pick up a casserole here and you’ll have it in your freezer when someone drops by,” she said. “This time of year, you can’t have too much food on hand and ready if a guests drops by or for your regular holiday cooking.”

Like the luncheon, club members have prepared all the soups and casseroles for the sale. Prices will vary depending on the type and size of the casserole.

“We have the best cooks around,” Walcott said.

The soup and casserole sale will be located on the back gallery of Magnolia Hall.

A new addition of this year’s luncheon will be Karry Hosford’s silhouette art.

Hosford will display examples of her work. She will be taking pictures for the silhouettes during the Children’s Shopping Day from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 pm. to 2 p.m. on Dec. 12 at the House on Ellicott Hill.

Hosford said she will take appointments to take the pictures for the silhouettes, but they are not required.

“It only takes about 30 seconds to take the picture,” Hosford said. “It is a quick thing. The time consuming work is done later with me and my computer.”

Hosford plans to have silhouettes completed and ready for pick up by Dec. 15.

Silhouettes are available in 4-inch by 6-inch sizes with one person per picture. Prices will be available at the luncheon.

“I have my children’s silhouettes and they are a great, beautiful keepsake,” Hosford said.

A portion of the proceeds will be donated the Preservation Society of Ellicot Hill, the non-profit organization of the Natchez Garden Club to preserve the clubs properties and further their mission of education.