If you love the spectacular, you would've loved Keith Mosing's 60th birthday bash that had at least one block in River Oaks pulsating Saturday night with sound and light. Alice Mosing orchestrated a fantastical evening for 200 of her husband's nearest and dearest, most of whom were getting their first glimpse of the couple's spanking new swankienda.

Lighted like the palace in Monte Carlo, the expansive home (built in only 18 months by the Kickerillo Companies) easily accommodated the party that included Vegas show girls, a four-course feast by Jackson & Co., a dance orchestra from Dallas and a juggling act from LA (imagine men in tutus and lavender tights tossing live chain saws back and forth). Adding to the drama of the evening was a threatening display of thunder and lightening and a bit of rain. But the tented party space, surrounding the vast swimming pool, provided ample coverage for the glorious soirée themed after the Moulin Rouge in Paris.

Proud custom home builder and developer Vincent Kickerillo and wife Mary and Kelli Kickerillo and Tod Forrester were among those exploring the vast residence. Getting a look-see were John Poindexter and Claudia Craft, Debbie and John Daugherty, Celia and Cornelius Dupré and Margaret Williams.

The chairman and CEO of Frank's International received birthday wishes from a well-heeled coterie of guests that included Kay and Ned Holmes, Elyse and Bob Lanier, Lucian and Nancy Morrison, Lilly and Thurmon Andress, Jan Duncan, Melinda and Dr. Norman Berkman, Karen and Mike Mayell, Alex and Brady Knight and Laura and Dr. Mike Sweeney.

Following dinner, guests moved on to an adjacent party tent where some grazed over the dessert buffet and others lighted up fine cigars to go with their whiskies and cognac.

Just because

There was really no good explanation for the bash at the new Americas on West Gray other than the fact that all of the 125 guests were fans/friends of Harris County Judge Ed Emmett. When Fulbright & Jaworski's Adrian Patterson and marketing specialist Cindy Clifford put the fete together it was for no other reason than to honor Emmett's performance in the job.

Guests sipped sangria, sampled Americas' tasty fare and talked city and county politics well past the official end time. Among those on board were Gwen Emmett, attorney Felix Chevalier, Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison's regional director Jason Fuller, DiverseWorks co-director Diane Barber, Clear Channel Outdoor's Sonia Soto, Comcast's Ray Purser, health care consultant David Arpin, Access Data Supplies' Reneé Logans and artist Lillian Warren.

Celebrating with Sylvia Garcia

It was a belated but nonetheless festive birthday celebration/fundraiser for Harris County Commissioner Sylvia Garcia on Saturday when Bill Baldwin and Joe Gonzalez opened the doors of their historic Woodland Heights home for 100 or so ardent supporters.

Guests were totally taken with the circa 1910 dwelling that the duo completely refurbished and enhanced making the large dwelling a showplace for the neighborhood and garnering a City of Houston historic designation. Among those swaying to the sounds of the Los Latinos trio, Garcia's favorite, and sampling sumptuous party fare were Dorothy Caram, Rep. Gene Green, Claudette and David Milner, Lloyd Grove, Reneé Logans, Tom Logans and Eric Andell.

In the mood for love

That would be Karen Pulaski and Steve Tyrell who officially became engaged over dinner at Arturo's recently. While no wedding date has been set as yet, Pulaski is sporting a sparkling ruby engagement ring. (Becca Cason Thrash fixed them up last fall at a UNICEF dinner in her home and they've practically been inseparable ever since. )

Even though he now calls Houston home, Tyrell is on the road for his music. He is headed to San Diego for the Club M opening in the Grand Del Mar resort. He'll be performing there this weekend and back there again Oct. 21-23. He's also putting the finishing touches on another album, this one titled I'll Take Romance.

"It's a good title. That's the mood I'm in," he said.

Sight 'ems

Jesse Marion celebrating his birthday at Tony's with his wife Cathy, his brother and sister-in-law Matthew and Tasha Marion and pals Karen and Byron Hood. At a neighboring table, Ileana and Michael Trevino hosted a dozen or more teens in celebration of their son Miguel's 18th birthday.