Shelby's Social Diary
Summer trend among the social set: Hostesses open swank homes for intimate charity events
Entertaining at home has become such a rare bird in tony social circles that we are wont to take note when a mini-trend seems to be taking place. Within recent weeks, two H-Town swans have opened the doors to their residences in the name of philanthropy and CultureMap takes a look.
Entertaining at home has become such a rare bird in tony social circles that we are wont to take note when a mini-trend seems to be taking place.
When interior designerLinda Eyles co-chaired the Houston Heights Association's annual benefit Candlelight Dinner with Danae Stephenson, she contributed an eight-course dinner at her home to the live auction. While not actually in her home, the dinner took place in her design office space (a 1,500 square foot replica of her main house) neatly tucked into in her Heights backyard.
High bidder on the dinner for 14 prepared by Clark Cooper Concepts chef Brandi Key were Dawnia and Darryl Willis, the man familiar to those beyond the Heights as the spokesman for BP following the Horizon oil spill crisis.
Their guests included Ginger Baldwin, Anne and Ken Cullotta, Mary Lou Erbland and Robert Woods. The Italian-themed feast included truffled agnolotti, saddle of rabbit and explorateur crepes. Each course was paired with Italian wines. While guests dined, Deep Cuts performed gentle jazz tunes.
Across I-10 in River Oaks, Carolyn Farb opened her art-filled domain for an Arthritis Foundation fundraiser that featured the creations of jewelry designer Jeannette Korab, who donated a percentage of sales to the non-profit. For the gathering, the hostess's dining room was transformed into an elegant jewel box of sparklies and dreamy baubles and beads.
Joining Farb in spreading the message about the debilitating effects of arthritis were foundation board members Toni Moore and Rita Beckett and the foundation’s Houston director Fiona Cunningham.