15th Annual Evening on Antique Row Brings Record Crowd

Though temperatures dipped into the mid 40s, a record number of young friends and supporters the Historical Society of Palm Beach County flocked to the 15th annual Evening on Antique Row. Shop owners along South Dixie Highway opened their stores to more than 2,200 guests, highlighting West Palm Beach's world-renowned antique and design district.

Co-chaired by Aime Dunstan, Jen Groden, Melissa Lee and Laura Wissa, in conjunction with district association president Tracy Coffey, Evening on Antique Row is the primary fund-raiser for the Young Friends of the Society. Making an appearance for the second year at event was a selection of classic cars from Chariots of Palm Beach, and a garden lounge complete with cigars, music and adult beverages designed by Dunstan Designs and sponsored by Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens and Gentlemen of the Garden.

The evening continued for members of the Young Friends Host Committee with the exclusive After Party on the chic rooftop pool deck of CityPlace South Tower, where guests enjoyed a live drag performance by “Maxine,” “Mitzi” and “Ricky.” A spread of hors d’oeuvres prepared by Sandy James Fine Food Productions, made-to-order hot mini Ruben sandwiches prepared on site by Grease Burger Bar, and an array of desserts graciously donated by Café Chardonnay were complemented by a Ketel One Vodka ice bar.

Proceeds from the Evening on Antique Row support the educational programs of the Historical Society of Palm Beach County and the Richard and Pat Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum. For more information about the Young Friends’ Host Committee, sponsorship opportunities for the 2011 Evening on Antique Row, or general information regarding the Historical Society of Palm Beach County and Johnson History Museum, please call (561) 832-4164 or visit www.historicalsocietypbc.org.

Join It! Girl Blair Griffin at Saks on 3/12

Chaired by Aime Dunstan, the Red Cross Designers' Show House Preview Party kicks off the Palm Beach new year in style

W. PALM BEACH, Fla. (January 25, 2010) — Nearly 300 highly acclaimed interior and landscape designers, philanthropists and community and social leaders attended the private Preview Party for the 2010 Red Cross Designers' Show House on January 20 at CityPlace South Tower. Opening night was the first opportunity for design aficionados to preview nearly 20 inspired interior and exterior spaces in the luxury residential tower, artfully transformed by the 15 participating designers of this year's Show House that runs through
Feb. 20.


After touring the inspired rooms in four models on the middle penthouse level, guests were welcomed to the ninth-floor pool deck for canapés prepared by two-time James Beard Foundation Award nominee Chef Zach Bell and music by DJ Nick Flash. Guests enjoyed signature cocktails courtesy of Blue Martini and Bacardi USA, Inc., which showcased its GREY GOOSE La Poire vodka paired with fresh fruit juices. Preview Party chairman Aime Dunstan added some sultry sizzle to the poolside event with a live fashion presentation featuring Spring 2010 swimwear by tibi and Palm Beach's own Jordann Jewelry, as well as a trunk show from which 15 percent of Jordann Jewelry sales was donated to the Red Cross. Sponsors included Lamborghini Palm Beach and Miami-based Bacardi USA, Inc., which has supported the preview event for the past five years.


"The preview event is always high energy and sets a glamorous stage for the rest of the four-week duration of the Show House," said Bill Kopp, general chairman of the 2010 Red Cross Designers' Show House. "The caliber of this year�s designers, coupled with the high-profile location, positions the 2010 Show House to break all previous attendance records."


Notable guests included Honorary Chairman Michael Smith, who recently added the First Family to his long list of celebrity clients; Mario Nievera; Cristina and Desmond Keogh; Palm Beach County Commissioner Jeff Koons; Mark Foley; Dr. Layne Nisenbaum; Steven Stolman; Ann Beha; Wally and Betsy Turner; Annie Falk; Ross Meltzer; Terri Mersentes; Chad Renfro; Chip and M.A. Quinn; Brandie and Todd Herbst; Nancy and Jeff Smith; Tom and Carol Kirchhoff; and Melanie and Chris Hill.


Students of The Dreyfoos School of the Arts played music upstairs, while Show House designers welcomed guests into their own spaces and had fun describing their design approach. These included Bill Kopp, Design Chairman Stephen Mooney, Boutique Chairman Frank J. Maguire, Jennifer Garrigues, Joseph Pubillones, Lon Morris, Joseph Cortes and Kevin Marnell of HomeLife Interiors, Virginia Courtenay, Christopher Dunstan, Scotty Rawley and Melissa Ziober of RZ Design Group, Keith Williams, Veronica Volani Inza, Rachel Sawyer Clements, Michael Powers, and Mimi Masri.


Now in its 34th season, the 2010 Red Cross Designers' Show House features more than 15 interior and exterior spaces on the middle penthouse level of CityPlace South Tower, the 20-story luxury residential tower on Okeechobee Boulevard in Downtown West Palm Beach. The Show House is open to the public through February 20 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon-4 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets are $30 per person. For more information, please contact Maura Nelson at 561.650.9131, nelsonm@redcross-pbc.org or visit www.redcrossshowhouse.org.


All proceeds from the design event will benefit the array of programs and services offered by the Greater Palm Beach Area Chapter of the American Red Cross, including providing relief to victims of disasters and helping residents prevent and prepare for emergencies. For more than 90 years, the chapter has been serving residents in Glades, Hendry, Okeechobee and Palm Beach counties.



About the American Red Cross
For more than 90 years, the American Red Cross Greater Palm Beach Area Chapter, which includes Glades, Hendry, Okeechobee and Palm Beach counties, has provided relief to victims of disasters at home and abroad, taught life-saving skills, and supported military members and their families. The American Red Cross, a charity and not a government agency, depends on voluntary contributions of time and money to perform its humanitarian mission. To learn more about the work of the Red Cross or to make a donation, please call 561-833-7711 or visit
www.redcross-pbc.org.

Monique Lhuillier, celebrity fashion designer, launches her new line of exclusive, signature wedding invitations and fine stationery.

“The Monique Lhuillier Fine Paper Collection will be for the bride who wants classic, elegant wedding invitations with a modern twist,” says Lhuillier.

Each invitation was inspired by Lhuillier’s bridal fashions and her home collections. Just as she uses the most beautiful fabrics, laces and accents in her gowns, her invitations are crafted with the finest papers, ribbons and printing processes.

The Monique Lhuillier Fine Paper Collection will feature the richest and heaviest invitation papers, many enhanced by detailed embossing and foil processes. Also included in the line will be pocket invitations, styles with unique folds and designs incorporating Lhuillier’s signature — beautiful satin ribbon “sashes” and bows. The invitations will be available with classic letterpress printing, genuine engraving and fine thermography.

“The invitations are luxurious and modern, feminine and chic,” says Lhuillier. “Each one uses traditional elements in fresh ways that are true to my aesthetic.”

Click here to shop the collection.

Shore Chic!

Throwing a beach wedding? Trying to finalize those perfect beach touches? Have we found the perfect website for you! www.ShoreChic.com features unique nautilus gifts and accessories, touching on every inch of your ceremony and reception.

The chocolate seashells are perfect to adorn your wedding cake or custom create take away gifts for each of your wedding guests. Don’t forget to personalize your gift tags!

Place cards are a place where a bride and groom can get extremely creative. Why not try incorporating natural sand dollars. You may have a calligrapher hand write your guests names directly on the shell or the Florida keyhole sand dollar is ideal for threading and trying ribbon through. If you really want to be original, customize your ribbon with a clever expression!

Martha Stewart Weddings Editorial Director Darcy Miller dishes on wedding survival

Celebrating its 15th anniversary this month — now that's an office party we wouldn't miss! — Martha Stewart Weddings is one of the most celebrated magazines among wedding and event aficionados. On Jan. 17, Editorial Director Darcy Miller was on hand at The Palm Beach Wedding Party, hosted by New York's Wedding Library and The Breakers hotel.

Here, Darcy's tips for a sublime soiree:

"Try to personalize it as much as you can. A lot of venues come with an ice sculpture, but instead of a swan, get it in the shape of a wedding cake."

Focus on details that are personal for you.

"The greatest compliment is when guests leave your wedding and say that it felt like you, not your planner or your mother." Set up a folding screen with childhood photos, or have your photos printed on confetti for your guests to toss. Write personalized notes on paper chargers.

"It is important that all the vendors are nice," Miller says, "but there are some where chemistry is more important, such as with your planner or photographer. If they're kind of annoying and you're a little bit stressed, it's not a good combination."

Photographer Donna Newman echoed Miller's sentiment, touting quality over quantity. "I would rather have a photographer stay for fewer hours and capture beautiful moments."

Another tip: Never ask a photographer to emulate the style of another photographer, Newman says. It won't work out in the end.

"At the end of the day, it's a party. It's who you're spending your life with that matters," says Miller. "The most important thing is to find the right person to marry."

THE WEDDING PARTY comes to The Breakers, Palm Beach, on Jan. 17

Staged in one of The Breakers’ magnificent ballrooms, The Wedding Party will spotlight over 50 coveted wedding vendors in the premium category… bridal/bridesmaids’ gowns, accessories, stationery, entertainment, jewelry, floral designers/décor, photographers, gourmet wedding cakes/dessert specialists, retail and more. Each vendor will be spotlighted in interactive “wedding vignettes” to provide an experiential display of their prized services and products.

Artfully designed table tops and centerpieces, lounge seating and food presentations will enliven the senses, as will savory dessert tastings, live music, hors d’oeuvres, spa treatments and more. Live mannequins create highly fashionable “stills,” while master sommeliers explain their food & wine pairings.

Event producer and Wedding Library partner Claudia Hanlin explains the appeal of The Wedding Party. “Brides and couples are more knowledgeable and savvy than ever, with a heightened appreciation of styles, service levels and resources available in the marketplace. In that vein, we’ve brought together the finest collection of talents in the industry under one roof, to wow the luxury, destination and Florida bride.” Hanlin noted. “In the fashion of a destination wedding showcase, our event enables guests to enjoy exclusive access to the industry’s pre-eminent planning services and resources, while savoring an unforgettable mini-vacation.

For more information or to purchase tickets to The Wedding Party / Palm Beach, call 212.327.0100, visit www.theweddinglibrary.com or email ido@theweddinglibrary.com