The Dallas Social Event of All Seasons

Spring. Summer. Fall. Winter. The Crystal Charity Ball delivered a glittery fête to top all, making us think that perhaps the month leading up to the Gala should get its own season.

The highly anticipated black-tie event, which marks the end of the year’s social calendar, is the culmination of a jam-packed agenda — from early spring when the theme is first revealed to the bewitching hour when the last glass of champagne is poured at the Hilton Anatole during the December Ball.

When chairman Christie Carter unveiled the 2016 theme, To Everything There is a Season, at a private gathering at the Cooley manse in May, CCB members wasted no time getting to work. After all, it takes many a season to tailor an event that raises $5.8 million for seven children’s charities throughout Dallas.

And when Carolina Herrera was chosen as the featured designer for the Crystal Charity Ten Best Dressed Fashion Show and Luncheon held in September, it was no surprise several ladies’ Gala gowns would be designed by Ms. Herrera.

On the night of the Ball, luminaries poured into the Hilton Anatole, greeted by ethereal figures representing the four seasons and flanking the foyer. What appeared to be marble statues were in fact live models. The doors to the Chantilly Ballroom opened, revealing a wonderland of flowers dreamed up by Tom Addis and The Garden Gate’s Junior Villanueva, and The James Davis Orchestra began its serenade.

Post dinner, Simply Irresistible from Atlanta delivered an infectious performance of hits including “My Girl,” “Superstition,” and “Baby I Need Your Loving,” and in true Lionel Richie style, guests danced all … night … long. But all good things must end — guests paused on their way to valet for a bagful of the Ball’s legendary beignets, bidding adieu to the evening’s festivities — and to our city’s bustling social season.

On the Scene: Dee Wyly, John Clutts, Sami Arslanlar, Linda and Les Secrest, Anne Reeder, Muffin and John Lemak, Hadley and Travis Galt, Mary Martha Pickens, Debby Robinson, Lisa Luby Ryan, Shelby Wagner, Niven Morgan, Joanna Clarke, Isabell Novakov, Linda Bomar, DeeDee and Jim Lee, Barbara Stuart, Pam and Vin Perella, Katie Layton, Tucker Bomar, Ola Fojtasek, Katy and Lawrence Bock, and Susan and Gene Palma.