The late Carroll Sterling Masterson and Harris Masterson III would have applauded Tuesday night's Rienzi Society dinner held at the antiques-filled home that they bequeathed to the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston in 1991.

All aspects of the black-tie evening, from the violin trio to the scrumptious dinner, echoed the Mastersons' rich appreciation of living well. Classical music played. Champagne flowed.

The Mastersons entertained in style at Rienzi for more than three decades. For the last 10 years, the Rienzi Society has continued that tradition with its annual dinner along with raising funds for the acquisition of antiques to compliment the collection. The group has raised more than $2 million to date for art and antique purchases.

Tuesday night, the shopping budget was $330,000 and four objects, selected from a Rienzi wish list, were on display for society members to choose their favorite. Perusing the various pieces was a mostly old guard coterie including Julia and Russell Frankel, Carroll Goodman, Christiana McConn, Carol and Les Ballard, Rose and Harry Cullen, Ann Trammell, Nancy Allen and more. Voting took place before dinner with museum director Katherine Howe providing a review of the objects just prior to the vote.

First choice by the 70 guests was the $200,000 sterling silver epergne (1754-55). That left almost enough for the purchase of two 18th century English side chairs. Rienzi founding members Cornelia and Meredith Long instantly ponied up the additional $9,000 to make that possible. In an unexpected move of generosity that garnered rounds of applause and cheers, Jackson Hicks purchased the 1764 sterling silver and ivory tea urn for the museum.

The widely-respected catering maestro said the gift was made in honor of the 10 years of service that he has provided the Rienzi Society and the 25 years that he has worked with the Masterson and Reckling families.

Tommy and Isla Reckling, Carroll Masterson's daughter, are life members of the Rienzi Society and they join each year in co-chairing the dinner, this year, with Meg Goodman and Mike Bonini.

Among the sophisticated group sitting down for one of Jackson & Co.'s most stellar dinners were MFAH associate director Gwen Goffe and Ed Eubanks, Jeanie Kilroy, Mindy Hildebrand, Eddie Allen, Jas Gundry, Cindy and Jim Thorp, Pat Breen and Michelle and Frank Hevrdejs.