What better way to launch the 2013 Houston Symphony ball, based on a Russian theme, than to pop the cork on a selection of specialty vodkas from Russia? Ball chairs Phoebe and Bobby Tudor invited a select group to Tudor Pickering & Holt's 49th floor headquarters in Heritage Plaza to do just that.

With vodkas from Spec's flowing from an ice sculpture, Russian-inspired hors d'oeuvres (caviar included) from Jackson and Co. and music from the Houston Balalaika Society, the mood was set to appropriately celebrate the upcoming "Russian Rhapsody: A White Night Salute to Hans and Margarita Graf."

Among those taking in the spectacular views from the offices designed by Mayfield and Ragni Studio were Anne and Dr. John Mendelsohn, Margaret Alkek Williams and Jim Daniel, Cary and Clarease Yates, Robert Sakowitz, Sam and Omana Abraham, Audrey Cochran, Katie Flaherty, Carlos and Karina Barbieri, Mark and Christina Hanson, Ed and Susan Osterberg and Barbara and Ulyesse LeGrange.

Designing women

International designer renowned Georges Chakra charmed his way through lunch at 51fifteen in Saks Fith Avenue on Tuesday when he took a break between his Fashion Houston presentation and a personal appearance at Saks. Hostesses Dr. Yvonne Cormier and Claire Cormier Thielke invited several handfuls of fashionable femmes to break bread with the Beirut-based designer.

Between chilling his white wine with beaucoup ice and taking one business call at the table, Chakra visited with Sheridan Williams, Diane Lokey Farb, Lora Clemmons, Isabel David, Roz Pactor, Faith Majors and more.

The clothes were such a hit at the luncheon that several guests headed back to the Fifth Avenue Club to place orders and take a look-see at the couture pieces that he brought along. All in all it was a very good day for Chakra, Saks and GM Terry Zmyslo.

A power birthday

Cindy Clifford, head of the Clifford Group, celebrated her birthday in style at El Real Tex-Mex, the party hosted by her best friend Jason Fuller, assisted by the Clifford Group's Alex Griffin.

The duo whipped up a lively evening of dancing, supping on Tex-Mex and sipping on margaritas for more than 90 friends. They took over the second level of the Montrose eatery for the party.

The heavy-hitter guest list included Port Commissioner Janiece Longoria and husband Steve Lasher, State Rep. Carol Alvarado, City Council members Ellen Cohen and Oliver Pennington, Mayor Annise Parker's senior staffers Janice Evans and Jenn Char, Judge Zinetta Burney, Realtor Gerald Womack, Houston Arts Alliance honcho Jonathon Glus and Alton LaDay, U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, photographer David Bray, engineering guru Wayne Klotz and Joyce and Arthur Schechter.

Sight 'ems

Houston Texans' Owen Daniels celebrating his 30th birthday at Katsuya, where he was accompanied by family, friends and teammates Matt Schaub, Duane Brown, T.J. Yates, Shaun Cody and Kevin Walter. Katsuya chef David Coffman prepared a special feast for the players including off-the-menu items such as filet with foie gras, creamy rock shrimp and an assortment of desserts . . .

Diana Vreeland documentarian Lisa Immordino Vreeland, in town for the Houston Cinema Arts Festival, was the center of attention at a little cocktail fete in Hotel ZaZa's 11th floor "Room With a View." Holly Moore hosted the gathering for two dozen or so guests that included Lynn Wyatt, Trish Rigdon, Richard Herskowitz, William Middleton, Saba Jawda and Barbara Davis . . .

Soccer team DC United — 35 players and staff — carbing up in Damian’s banquet room on Saturday night prior to their 3-1 loss to the Houston Dynamo in the first leg of the Eastern Conference Finals of the MLS playoffs . . .

Oscar winning actor/producer/director/writer Fisher Stevens, Emmy winning actor/animator/production and set designer Wayne Wight and Oscar- and Emmy-winning producer/director Liz Garbus bunking at Hotel Icon, host hotel for the Houston Cinema Arts Festival.