Now Hear This — The Best Dallas Parties of All

First off, I must say that I am not so jaded as to not get surprised and excited when I receive an invite for an event. Dallas seems to have something every moment, whether it’s a store opening in tony Highland Park Village or NorthPark Center or the launch of a new fragrance at a scent-sational boutique.

We also have too many charity functions to count from black-tie galas, to 1,000-seater lunches at the Anatole, to our famed couture country extravaganza Cattle Baron’s Ball.

Last year, once again, had too many to count. With that in mind, it’s taken a couple of months to put enough distance from 2018 and remember our favorites. For this week’s Now Hear This PaperCity Dallas office question, I decided to ask: What was your favorite party from 2018?

BTW: There have already been so many fabulous parties in 2019 and it’s only March. Always check back on PaperCityMag.com to find pics of those swellegant soirees.

Christina Geyer, Dallas Editor in Chief

My favorite party of the year was the dinner Neiman Marcus hosted in celebration of PaperCity’s 20th Anniversary. Neiman Marcus has supported PaperCity from the very beginning, so to celebrate the magazine’s 20th with 40 of our dearest friends at the Zodiac was special in many, many ways. 

Everyone who attended played some vital role in the PaperCity family. But for me, it was personal. To be surrounded by the editors who have mentored me and continue to teach me today — PC co-owner Holly Moore and former PC Dallas editors Brooke Hortenstine and Rob Brinkley — was a humbling moment. 

In many ways, the dinner felt like a giant Thanksgiving. It was a moment of gratitude in honor of those who helped build the magazine… and for me it was a moment of reflection, one that reminded me of all the beautiful friendships I’ve cultivated because of this magazine.

Rebecca Sherman, Home Design Editor

My favorite event was, of course, the PaperCity Dallas Design Awards. The cocktail party before the awards ceremony at Forty Five Ten was packed with a fun cross section of young and established designers, architects and tastemakers.

And the awards ceremony itself, held at The Joule Hotel, brimmed with people and anticipation. I’m always impressed at the level of talent Dallas produces.

Hutton Wilkinson of Tony Duquette Studios flew in from LA to host the awards, and I told him afterward that if he ever gave up interior design, he should think about stand-up comedy. He had everyone rolling in the aisles. Hutton’s coming back again to host this year’s event, so I’ve heard. Can’t wait.

Hutton invited me to a dinner he hosted at Le Bilboquet afterward, which was such a treat. We all sat at one long table on the tented patio, and I eavesdropped on so many fascinating conversations: Todd Fiscus and Sarah Perot sharing opposing views of Trump; Bill Hutchinson entertaining Billy Fong and Holly Moore with his wicked sense of humor; Paul Tripplehorn’s memories of living next door to the late, great Martha Hyder in Fort Worth.

I thought I had successfully kept secret that it was also my birthday — but my cover was blown when at the end of the meal a chocolate mousse arrived topped with a very large sparkler. What a great way to end an exhilarating day.

Billy Fong, Culture and Style Editor

Too many to count and with that in mind, I will provide a few of my favorites instead of playing favorites. One was obviously the “1980s Prom That I Wish I Had,” celebrating the birthdays of Brian Bolke, Lael Brodsky, Gonzalo Bueno, Suzanne Droese, Piper Wyatt and Lucy Wrubel. I wrote an ode to that epic evening both online and for the PaperCity September print issue.

Next, I knew I had made the right decision to do a mid-life career shift and take my editorial job when I walked into the July Welcome Party that PaperCity threw for me and my amazing colleague, Hillery Stack.

As I was getting ready for that event, the electricity was flickering in my loft due to the heavens opening up for a torrential storm. It was like a Wizard of Oz twister was a coming. The many friends of mine and the magazine’s who braved that storm — on a school night, no less — made it the greatest welcome to a new chapter that I could have ever hoped for.

Finally, my dear friend, David Farwell, wed his wonderful partner-in-life Adam Lenehan in a beautiful ceremony last summer in Cork, Ireland at the famed Ballymaloe House. It was a three-day affair filled with incredible food and cocktails.

The most special moments for me, however, were first helping my dearest friend David with his bow tie — borrowed from me —and then when he recited his vows that were so poignant and heartfelt that it left not a dry eye for those assembled in a secluded garden of the estate’s grounds.

Lisa Collins Shaddock, Senior Editor

I don’t keep diaries, but I do track my entire world in my planner, which I am borderline obsessive about keeping up to date. I have saved the last 10 or so years’ worth and enjoy flipping through them to spark memories and remember important dates.

My 2018 planner — much like 2019— is filled with a dizzying number of social events, and I had the privilege of attending a number of truly memorable ones, many of which raised impressive sums for worthy causes.

Last year’s Cattle Baron’s Ball, hearing Zac Brown Band perform their version of Van Morrison’s “Into the Mystic,” and Crystal Charity Ball, wearing a Valentino gown in a Nouvelle-Orleans dreamworld, both stand out for me as unforgettable occasions.

However, my favorite event of 2018 has no competition: my sister Stephanie’s September wedding, which was in Austin. She was the most beautiful bride, and everything about her day was simply perfect. 

Hillery Stack, Dallas Publisher

This is a tough question. With well over 100 events in 2018, our social calendar was packed with so many incredible evenings.

One that stands out, in particular, was the Perot Museum of Nature and Science’s annual gala, Night at the Museum. Having full, behind-the-scenes access to every floor and exhibition was quite the experience. Not to mention the delicious food provided by Wolfgang Puck — and with a rocking band, my feet hurt for days!  

Samantha Olguin, Sales Account Director and Director of Business Development, Dallas

My top two favorite parties of 2018 would have to be the Kendra Scott Shopping Event benefitting Genesis Women’s Shelter and PaperCity 20th Anniversary, obviously.

The Kendra Scott party had delicious drinks and yummy bites and there is no better way to justify shopping than doing it for a cause! I also just love the Kendra Scott team as they make event planning such a seamless process. I also ended up purchasing some super fun earrings that are still one of my favorite pairs today.

Then, I mean, no party can top PC 20th in my opinion. All the love from all our friends, families, clients and colleagues was enough in itself to make for a memorable night, but then it was almost rained out and nearly everyone still showed up with bells on ready to eat, drink and celebrate 20 years of PaperCity – no better feeling! 

On top of it all, the Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek is the most dreamy location for any party — but especially a PC party. We ended the night in the bar reminiscing about some amazing PC memories with a large cheeseburger, plenty of bubbles, the best company and some great music – my kind of night.

Linda Kenney, Account Executive

It began with a furious storm that toppled flower arrangements and glasses. In many ways, this prelusive event appealed to the thrill-seekers as they dashed to the Rosewood Mansion’s vestibule and ballroom for the 20th Anniversary of PaperCity Dallas on September 20.   

Having worked at PaperCity for two years, I was nonplussed by PaperCity alumni interacting with Holly and Jim and the PC staff. There was a great feeling of amity in the room between PC and partners and clients. It was this palpable bond that elevated this event to the top of my party list.

Caroline Lidl, Dallas Intern

My favorite event of 2018 was taking part in Bastille Day festivities on a trip to Paris. Watching fireworks lighting up the sky behind a glimmering Eiffel tower, glass of champagne and baguette in hand, was truly unbeatable. Take me back, s’il vous plait!

If you ever have something you want our team to address, shoot us your thoughts via social media or email (@papercitydallas on Instagram; facebook.com/papercitymagdallas on Facebook; or yours truly, billy@papercitymag.com). Or, better yet send a message to the office, handwritten on the Smythson stationery of your choice — and feel free to include a bottle of Veuve. Champagne really helps get the ideas flowing.

Look for the next installment of Now Hear This from Billy Fong next week.