What a quixotic party theme for the holidays —"Haute or Naughty."

That was the direction taken Wednesday night when the Neal Hamil Agency (Jeff Shell) and Studio Communications (Stuart Rosenberg) threw a rocking fest at the Midtown Japanese eatery Sushi Raku. Fulfilling the theme, a dozen or so models wearing swimsuits and lacy undergarments from La Mode Lingerie sashayed through the restaurant while diners worked their camera phones into overtime.

The "runway" show featuring spicy dishes of one kind competed heavily with the artfully-prepared sushi and other dishes on the dinner menu. While the leggy femmes sauntered between tables, the sushi chefs kept right on slicing, dicing and rolling.

Restaurateur Patrick Chiu took over the private dining area for his family and friends while the city's trendsetters filled every nook and cranny of the chic new eatery. Gallery owner Wade Wilson, interior designer Fred Smith, publicist Kristen Cannon and Momentum Audi's Jared Lang were among those reserving tables.

Rosenberg noted that the stylish crowd (more than 300) "made this night feel more midtown Manhattan on a Friday than midtown Houston on a Wednesday." Spirits ran high, due in no small part to the introduction of Hudson Ferus Vodka, served chilled tableside from Japanese teapots.

Among those giving a thumbs up to the seductive theme were Evin Thayer, Carla and Alex Martinez, Libby Cagle, Tim Moloney, Shannon Hall, Tammy Dowe, Nick Espinosa, Suzy Simons, David Thomas, Marcy de Luna, Courtney Zubowskiand on and on.

She's game

Who were the fans that Mayor-elect Annise Parker joined at the Rockets/Pistons game on Tuesday? Cheering the team on from front-row seats were Parker's host Will Perry, Worldwide Power Products president, plus Lynne Humphries, partner with Allen, Boone, Humphries & Robinson LLP, and Sanjay Gupta, Parker campaign supporter.

Even in the middle of a basketball game, Parker and friends talked business — back-up power for utility districts and businesses, quality-of-life issues and the Center for Houston's Future.

The mayor-elect received a warm welcome from the Toyota Center crowd, including the Rockets' mascot Clutch who blew her a kiss.

Invitation only

Sheridan and John Eddie Williams were among the Democratic stalwarts invited to party with Vice President Joe Biden and his wife, Jill, at the official residence in D.C. this week. The Williamses, who attended their fair share of White House Christmas parties during the Clinton administration, flew up Monday night for the cocktail buffet in the elaborately decorated mansion located on the grounds of the U.S. Naval Observatory.

The couple reports that the security and guest check-in protocols were extra intense. No party crashers at this high-level soirée.

Sight 'ems

Former President George H.W. Bush lunching at Mockingbird Bistro on Tuesday with two staff members. He dined on the Mediterranean mussels and the trout entree. Bonus for chef John Sheely — 41 gifted him with a set of cufflinks bearing the Presidential seal. Merry, merry, indeed! . . .

Bethany Hughes, Millette Sherman, Jill Faucetta, Christie Sullivan, Jennifer Stern and Laurel Blando adding glamour notes to the scene at RDG + Bar Annie while Leigh Williams, Greggory Burk and Alex Knight supped genteelly at one of the RDG booths . . .

Janet Gurwitch hosting a group of friends for a holiday dinner in the bar at Tony's. Sitting down for the festive four-course meal were Linda Gale and Mark White, Barbara and Charles Hurwitz, Fredell and Bobby Deutser, Sally Salners, Suzie and Larry Johnson and Ron Franklin . . .

Winter Ball chair Connie Cooke and Clayton Cooke dining at Ciao Bello on Tuesday night with Susan Krohn and Pat Gehm, at another table in the packed house Philamena and Arthur Baird had dinner with Ellie and Michael Francisco.