With the Mad Hatter’s Tea’s “The Art of Nature” this Thursday, the patrons gathered at Connie and Denny Carrekers’ mini-palace last Thursday. Luckily, the grounds within the mansion are so perfect, one isn’t even bothered that their formerly perfect view of Turtle Creek is no more, due to the 20,000+-square-foot mega-mansion under construction across the street.
By the time guests started pulling up to the Carreker driveway, the construction workers’ pickups and trucks had skedaddled for the day, making the valet’s task of parking cars a lot easier.
Among the first to arrive were Linda and Steve Ivy. Reminding some of Sis Carr, Linda was a confection with bright yellow highlights thanks to her Oscar heels, canary diamond necklace, Judith Leiber purse and the big flower on her sling. What’s that? A sling? Yup, the girl’s been recovering from surgery on her rotator cuff. The flower was to dress up the black, non-fashionable sling. Linda giggled that designer Nicolas Villalba, who had created her “Technicolor dream coat” for the past Dallas Opera’s “First Night,” offered to bling the sling up, but since it’s being retired on April 26, she thought she would just stay with tried and true black.
Upon hearing Ivy and Leiber mentioned, Don Daseke chuckled. Seems that years ago he won a slew of Leiber purses at one of Steve’s Heritage auctions for wife Barbara. When asked if he was addicted to Leiber, Steve beat Don to the punch saying: “I don’t think it’s him that’s addicted.”
Steve reported that Heritage has got a number of auctions coming up. While the Ivys can’t resist eyeballing the art items, Steve tries to direct Linda to other parts when the jewelry is up for bid.
Patron Party Co-chair Doris Jacobs was already wearing a hat in preparation for the Mad Hatter’s, but it wasn’t the one that she’ll be wearing Thursday. She wore it a couple of years ago and resurrected it for the night. Not to be outdone by Doris’ very colorful look, husband Jack wore a shirt that would have been a perfect look for an Easter egg.
Fellow Co-Chair Jocelyn White greeted fiancé Kim Seal. The two should be tying the knot sometime between right now and the end of May. They won’t reveal an exact date.
Carreker next-door neighbors Diane and Hal Brierley strolled on over for the festivities. Hal smiled that the walk over saved him “$20 for the valet.” An offer from a nearby guest came, “Heck, I’ll park your car in the future.”
Checking out the delicious food from Lombardi’s were Allyson Aynesworth and Dena Miller. When asked about the week-that-was including a lawsuit filed against Dena by Big Rich Texas‘ Pamela Martin-Duarte, Dena shuddered with eyes closed saying, “I’m not talking about it.” To which a bystander added, “But you’re thinking about it.”
With the weather so perfect for the gathering, organizers found themselves having to coax guests into the breezeway from the grounds with their fabulous fountains and ponds to learn about the upcoming chapeau fest. Just as Mad Hatter’s co-chair Barbara Daseke and Carmaleta Whiteley started to tell about plans, last year’s Judges Co-chair Yvonne Crum arrived.
According to the ladies in charge, WFAA’s Ron Corning will serve as emcee this year and for the first time there will be a live auction with Steve Kemble as auctioneer. Then they reeled off the seven items that will be on the block:
- FLOATING DIAMONDS IN A SHINING STAR (Value: $2,000) — Shining Star floating diamond ring by Royal Asscher Diamonds. Like snowflakes in a snow globe, this one of a kind half carat of round cut diamonds float in a sapphire crystal globe.
- DALLAS RELAXATION WEEKEND (Value: $1,100) — The Anatole Hilton Hotel Weekend Stay (Friday and Saturday) for two in a deluxe room with suite upgrade if available (room, tax and parking included). Complimentary bottle of chilled champagne upon arrival, two complimentary passes to the 80,000-square-foot Verandah Health Club & Spa and two 50-minute classic massage treatments at the VSpa (gratuities are included). Also includes breakfast for two at the Terrace restaurant each day (tax & gratuity is included).
- TEA ON THE MANSION TERRACE FOR 20 (Value: $,2500) — Continue the spirit of the Mad Hatter’s Tea with an exclusive afternoon on The Mansion Restaurant Terrace. The package includes afternoon tea for 20 guests alfresco on the Mansion’s beautiful and breezy terrace. Enjoy cocktails, canapés and conversation with your closest companions!
- BETTY REITER PRESENTS PARIS (Value: $2,800) — Luncheon and Fashion Show for Ten. Enjoy the newest collections as Jan Strimple and Betty Reiter guide you through the latest fashions from Europe. Includes a $250 Better Reiter gift certificate.
- RARE JEWELS BY INTERNATIONAL JEWELRY DESIGNER TIANA WAGES (Value: $4,900) — A 33-inch Labradorite Necklace with hand-carved rare wood accent hand crafted by jewelry designer Tiana Wages.
- DREAM GET AWAY TO CABO SAN LUCUS (Value: $3,300) — Featured on the cover of Conde Nast 2011 Reader Choice “Best in the World” Issue and voted as one of the top five resorts in all of Mexico, Capella Pedregal redefines ultra-luxury in the Baja. Located at the base of Pedregal Mountain on the Pacific Ocean, the resort offers its guest the best of both worlds. Exclusion and privacy in the resort and direct the access into the town of Cabo within minutes. This amazing packages includes three nights in a spectacular Capella Room featuring a sitting area that leads into the guest room. The Capella Room is 1475 square feet and has its own private outdoor terrace with an private infinity-edge plunge pool and a beautiful ocean view.
- DALLAS DINING AND SHOP TIL YOU DROP (VALUE $7,500) – Dinner or lunch at Fearing’s, The T Room at FortyFiveTen, Stephan Pyles, Abacus, Scardellos and Winston’s Super Club Plus a $500 gift card to Brooks Brothers and a $5,000 Gift certificate from J. Pacetti Precious Jewels. (In honor of Honorary Chair Nancy Rogers)
yvonne crum says
this is one mad hatter’s that you should not miss.. it’s going to be amazing and best of all (besides the fun) our beautiful ARBORETUM ‘s A Woman’s Garden. It’s amazing what the Women’s Council has done in the years since Carole Ann Brown first chaired the MHTP… 23 yrs ago.. kudos to all.
Carmaleta Whiteley says
It was truly one of the nicest parties I have been too. Connie and Denny were such gracious hosts and the weather was perfect for a lovely garden party. And it is always special when My Sweet Charity attends. Thank you all.
See you at The Mad Hatter Tea on Thursday. Hunter Sullivan will entertain, Shane Walker has beautiful decor, Steve Kembel has a live auction and Ron Corning will shower you with charm. It is going to be a great tea party!!!!
Carmaleta Whiteley
Jocelyn White says
Jeanne…Thanks again for stellar coverage leading up to the most fun luncheon
in Dallas! Hope to see you Thursday for that Main Event!