Social Scene

Mary Bird • February 14, 2013

There was no lull in conversation as Meridian International Center and THIS for Diplomats honored embassy social secretaries at White-Meyer House on Feb. 5 for their valuable role in promoting cultural diplomacy. MIC president and CEO Stuart Holliday thanked “the people who make Washington work.” THIS president Phyllis Kaplan said social secretaries have provided the best link in welcoming incoming diplomats. Meridan board chair James Blanchard reported the representation of 61 embassies at the early evening reception. Chief of Protocol Capricia Penavic Marshall acknowledged Diane Brown, representing Tiffany, as “fellow soldiers in the event battlefield.” White House Social Secretary Jeremy Bernard hailed “a gathering or peers and friends.” [gallery ids="101161,141675,141647,141671,141654,141665,141660" nav="thumbs"]

Robert Devaney •

The Nationals’ Young Benefactors Off- season on Ice fundraiser skated around Washington Harbour’s ice rink and Nick’s Riverside Grill Feb. 7, thanks for mascots Teddy Roosevelt and Screech. Amid the donors and influencers at Nick’s was Mike Rizzo, general manager of the Nationals, being thanked for last season and getting ready for spring training. The night raised funds for the Nationals Dream Foundation, which benefits the Neighborhood Initiative and two new non-profits: the Washington Nationals Youth Baseball Academy and the Washington Nationals Pediatric Diabetes Care Complex at Children’s National Medical Center. [gallery ids="102583,119737,119743" nav="thumbs"]

Robert Devaney • February 12, 2013

The fourth annual Georgetown art show opened at the House of Sweden with a festive Feb. 7 reception which once again packed the gallery with admirers and artists. The show, put on by the Citizens Association of Georgetown, ran through Feb. 10 and exhibited visual artists who live or work in Georgetown. Most works were on sale; a few were on loan from private collections. The show was designed by Jennie Buhler and chaired by Laura-Anne Tiscornia. [gallery ids="101155,141535,141512,141530,141519,141526" nav="thumbs"]

Nico Dodd • February 7, 2013

Last Thursday, Jan. 24, the Greenbrier’s Upper Lobby hosted Cocktails with Carleton, a private cocktail reception at the Greenbrier’s D.C. concierge at 1427 H St., NW. At the event were hotel curator Carleton Varney, president of Dorothy Draper & Co., Greenbrier president Jeff Kmiec and the staff of the Upper Lobby. The Upper Lobby, which opened in November 2012, is a new concept by the hotel designed to attract travelers to the Greenbrier resort. The staff of the Upper Lobby can work with guests to book Greenbrier vacations, rounds of golf and other attractions. Guests of the Greenbrier can even book door-to-door transportation from the Upper Lobby to the Greenbrier Resort. The hotel is looking into opening offices like this one in New York, Chicago and Atlanta.

The Upper Lobby is decorated in the Greenbrier’s signature style in vibrant colors and bold contrasts. On the walls are photos of many of the resort’s distinguished guests over the years.

Hotel owner Jim Justice could not be at the event because was he was coaching high school basketball. Justice coaches both the men’s and women’s basketball teams at Greenbrier East High School.
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Nico Dodd • February 1, 2013

On Saturday, Jan. 19, Members of Congress, Californians and fashionistas gathered at the Ritz Carlton on 22nd Street for the California State Society’s Inaugural Luncheon and Fashion Show, presented by the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. After a reception, attendees ate lunch and heard speeches from people such as Sen. Dianne Feinstein and the Very Rev. Gary Hall, of the Washington National Cathedral. A fashion show featuring the work of FIDM students dazzled attendees. [gallery ids="101141,140681,140675,140668,140694,140662,140699,140703,140654,140709,140688" nav="thumbs"]

Mary Bird • January 17, 2013

The Russian New Year’s Eve Ball, under the patronage of the Ambassador of the Russian Federation and Mrs. Kislyak, was held on Jan. 11 in the Grand Ball Room of the spiffily updated Mayflower Hotel. Washington’s old guard gathers at this special event to honor tradition upheld by Princess Selene Obolensky, who expressed the hope that “the young people will continue the ball.” Elegantly attired guests of all ages were entertained by the Washington Balalaika Society, Sydney’s Orchestra and the Kalinka Dance Ensemble of Baltimore. The evening benefits the “Children of Berezichi” residing in two boarding schools for special children in the Russian Federation where the Obolensky-Saltykoff Fund, Inc. assists them in completing their high school educations.
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Georgetowner • January 16, 2013

?The Thrill of the Chase: Antiques of the Sporting Life? was the theme of this year?s Washington Winter Show held at the Katzen Art Center Jan. 10 to 13. The opening night reception was a joyous first peek at the Loan Exhibit Sporting Pastimes: Art & Objects of Leisure, drawn largely from the National Sporting Library and Museum in Middleburg, as well the treasures of 45 exhibitors. Mason Bavin and Anne Elmore served as WWS co-chairs with Ambassador of France Fran?ois Delattre and Mrs. Delattre as honorary diplomatic chairs and owner of Triple Crown winner Secretariat as honorary chair. At a Jan. 11 lecture and luncheon, Madame M?n?hould de Bazelaire, Director of Cultural Patrimony for Herm?s, presented Chic Le Sport, tracing Herm?s? sporting spirit showcased in the museum above the Faubourg St. Honor? landmark of elegance. On Jan. 12, David Frei, television co-host of ?Westminster: America?s Dog Show,? gave a spirited talk on the history of the Westminster Kennel Club. He presented a video of champions and shared how he and his wife Cherilyn have pioneered work with therapy dogs. These were only the highlights of several wonderful days of events that this year benefited the Bishop John T. Walker School for Boys, THEARC and the Founders Board of St. John?s Community Services.

Casey obrien • December 20, 2012

New Year’s Eve and 2013 is fast approaching. You could attend a boring party or ring in the New Year with style. Check out these fun events around the capital region.

Tony & Joe’s and Nick’s Riverside Grill New Year’s Eve on the Potomac
Located near the Potomac and the new ice skating rink, Tony & Joe’s and Nick’s Riverside Grill will be hosting their annual New Year’s Eve party, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. There will be live entertainment from two local DJs and the Josh Burgess Band; food and drink are included with a ticket. Guests must be over 21 years of age and should dress to impress. Tickets prices will increase when there are 1,000 tickets left. So, purchase yours today on either TonyAndJoes.com or NicksRiversideGrill.com.

First Night Alexandria
This family event will be held at historic venues throughout Old Town Alexandria, including 100 live performances, the Annual Fun Hunt, kid’s entertainment and games, finishing with fireworks over the Potomac at midnight. The Fun Hunt begins at 2 p.m. and continues to 5:30 p.m., and prizes will be awarded to first, second, and third place teams for both children and adults. For the full schedule and tickets, go to FirstNightAlexandria.org.

A Jazz New Year’s Eve: Freddy Cole & The Dizzy Gillespie All-Star Big Band
The Kennedy Center will host this Jazz New Year’s Eve event, in the Terrace Theater. Freddy Cole, pianist and vocalist, will return performing with the Dizzy Gillespie All-Star Big Band, lasting 75 minutes with no intermission. After the performance, enjoy dancing, a countdown to the New Year, and a balloon drop in the Grand Foyer; all included with the concert ticket. Tickets are $75 and still available at Kennedy-Center.org

The Act at Howard Theater
The Howard Theater will host their first New Year’s Eve party, “The Act,” a theatrical masquerade ball. The burlesque themed party will include dangling aerialists, pop violinists, fire breathers, and much more. Top 40, house, and hip hop tunes will be played by celebrity DJs DJ Biks & Spinser Tracey. The event will commence at 9:30 p.m., with a balloon drop and live feed to Times Square at midnight. Tickets can be purchased at NewYearsEveDC.com, and call 202-246-3362 for table reservations.

Capitale
Capitale, which opened this past September, will be hosting a New Year’s Eve countdown party at its “Hogwarts-meets-Hollywood” venue. The event, starting at 9 p.m. with open bar, will feature DJ EPX spinning mash-ups of Top 40, dance, and house music. For more information, visit CapitaleOfDC.com, or call 202-962-3933.

Big Night D.C.
Tickets for Big Night DC are already on sale. Last year, more than 7,000 guests attended ringing in 2012. Located at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Md., the event will include several open bars, 15 themed dance areas, five dance floors, party favors, food, world-class DJ lineup, and more. The event begins at 9 p.m. and lasts until 3:00 a.m. Purchase your tickets and book a room today at BigNightDC.com.

007 Licensed to Thrill Thunderball
D.C.’s only James Bond themed New Years Eve Gala will be hosted at the Washington Plaza Hotel. Celebrate the 50th anniversary of Bond and 2013 in style — with martinis, a mock casino, a live band, DJ, open bars, and buffets and desserts. The event includes a “007 Alter-Ego” Singles Mixer. Purchase tickets and get more information at EuroNetInternational.com.

Bourbon Steak New Year’s Eve Diner
Bourbon Steak, located in the Four Seasons Hotel in Georgetown, will be hosting two seatings on New Year’s Eve. The first seating will be a four course menu, 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. The second seating is six courses, and the table is yours for the night, 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. which includes a champagne toast. Reserve your table on the website at BourbonSteakDC.com, or call the restaurant at 202-944-2026

Peacock Café 4-course Dinner
The Peacock Café, located on Prospect Street, NW, will be serving two set dinners with a prix-fixed, four-course dinner menu on New Year’s Eve. The first dinner set will begin serving dinner at 5 p.m. at $50 per guest. The second dinner set will begin at 8 p.m. and is priced at $65 per guest. Both dinner sets will offer special pricing on champagne. For reservations, please call 202-625-2740. For more information, visit Peacockcafe.com

Keswick Hall New Year’s Eve Celebration
Keswick Hall will have several things to do on New Year’s Eve. The Palmer Room will serve a four-course tasting menu, 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., sparkling wine toast, and live music. The cost is $65 for adults and $20 for children, ages four to twelve. Fossett’s will serve a six course menu, with sparkling wine toast, at $89 per guest, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Reservations are required for both seatings and can be made at 434-923-4363.

Robert Devaney • December 19, 2012

The Georgetown Public Library on R Street had about a hundred extra readers past its regular hours Dec. 5 as supporters of the D.C. Public Library Foundation and Friends of the Georgetown Library waited in line to greet author Kitty Kelley and have her sign her latest book, “Capturing Camelot: Stanley Tretick’s Iconic Images of the Kennedys.”

Along with other local businesses, major sponsors for the event were Ilo Salon and Terry Bell and TTR Sotheby’s and Julia Diaz-Asper.

Kelley, who lives six blocks from the library and is a longtime supporter herself, donated an outside bench in honor of her late husband Jonathan Zucker, M.D. Recalling her years growing up in “a noisy Irish-Catholic family,” the biographer said she always thinks of a library “as a haven of quiet.” Kelley added that her mother would punish her by taking away her library card. She also thanked those at the reception who received a copy of the new book for their $100 donation to the foundation and also enjoyed food and refreshments from Martin’s Tavern, Clyde’s, Paolo’s, Manny & Olga’s, Macaron Bee, Patisserie Poupon, Sprinkles Cupcake and Cafe Bonaparte.

Mary Bird • December 14, 2012

Members of the Women’s Committee of the National Museum of Women in the Arts were privileged to enjoy a holiday toast and open house hosted by international Hungarian-born designer Anna Weatherley at her Arlington studio on Dec. 6. In time for holiday gifting, they had a firsthand look at her special collection of Hungarian porcelain and signature jewelry. The designer trained talented painters in Budapest to create her collection of hand-painted porcelain sold in 400 stores including Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman. First lady Laura Bush commissioned magnolia-patterned china for the private quarters of the White House. [gallery ids="101097,137989,137984,137972,137979" nav="thumbs"]