It was applause all around for Greenberg Taurig attorney Allan Van Fleet, when he was recognized Thursday for his work as past board chair of the public interest law center Texas Appleseed and for his long-term dedication to pro bono legal service. Carla Herron, group counsel-litigation for the Shell Group of Shell Oil, hosted the reception at her home where the turnout was heavy on lawyers and judges.

Texas Appleseed current board chair Mark Wawro, a partner with Susman Godfrey, praised Van Fleet for his commitment to the nonprofit's efforts to develop practical solutions to pressing social and economic justice problems.

Among the 60 equally altruistic-minded individuals attending were U.S. District Judge Keith Ellison, former judges Elizabeth Ray and Levi Benton, plus Carrin Patman, David Gerger, Mark Glasser, Roland Garcia, Sean Gorman, Doug Atnipp, Scott Fletcher, David Beck, Michele Hedges and Gib Walton.

A matter of design

Professional interior designers and amateurs alike are clearing their calendars on April 27 for the Decorative Center Houston's annual Spring Design Market — a day chock full of design-related programs and showroom happenings that open the doors to entities that are typically available only "to the trade." The day kicks off with a program on contemporary luxury moderated by Carolyn Englefield, editor-at-large of Veranda Magazine.

That evening, Houston-based winners of the Stars of Design Award will be recognized. Receiving honors are Aaron Parazette for Art, Danny Samuels and John Casbarian of Taft Architects for Architecture, Paula Savage Hansen of SAVAGE for Graphic Design, P. Joe Shaffer for Interior Design, Keiji Asakura of Asakura Robinson Co. for Landscape Design, Keith Carter for Photography, Melissa Borrell for Jewelry Design and Meredith Long of Meredith Long & Co. for Lifetime Achievement.

Shop 'til you drop

While today's Salvation Army Auxiliary's "Reflections on Style" luncheon, sale and fashion show at River Oaks Country Club is sold out (superb news for luncheon chairs Ann Bookout and Betty Hrncir), those who wish to take advantage of the fab sale of gently- and, in some cases, never-worn designer fashions will have three additional days to shop the racks.

After the high-ticket shoppers go through the merchandise from some of the best closets in the city (and there are loads of tony labels), the shopping action moves to UpTown Park where "After Sale" chairs Molly Brown and Debbie Rogers will oversee the boutique that runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. Word is that so many truly fab gowns, dresses, sportswear pieces, accessories and children's clothes have come in that the buys should be terrific.

An artful evening

After his successful opening at Texas Gallery on Friday night, artist Carl Palazzolo was feted at a swell dinner party in the River Oaks home of Susie and Sanford Criner with Franci and Jim Crane co-hosting.

Sitting down to a fab Indian-flavored feast from Jackson & Co. were Palazzolo's partner Vance Muse, playwright and art writer David Hay in from New York, Sissy and Denny Kempner, Marion Barthelme and Jeff Fort, Contemporary Arts Museum Houston curator Toby Kamps, Menil Collection deputy director Emily Todd, Lynn Wyatt, Texas Monthly editor Mimi Swartz, Slavka Glaser in from New York and Kathy and Glenn Cambor. And, of course, Texas Gallery owners Fredericka Hunter and Ian Glennie.

Sight 'ems

Ken Wise, Glen Miller and Howard Hoover lunching at Grotto at one table, Cheryl and Ernie Rapp at another . . .

The University of Houston's new head basketball coach, James Dickey, celebrating his arrival in town at Shula's Steak House where he was joined by honchos and staff from the UH athletic department . . .

Melinda Berkman and Diane Connally lunching at Hungry's in the Village.