Unique Downtown Mansion Hosts the Best Museum Party Ever

When a dancing dragon and a drum line greet you outside a party, you know it’s going to be a good night. In the case of the Crow Collection of Asian Art’s inaugural Jade Ball, this was just a sneak peek at the surprises in store. The first annual event, named after the museum’s collection of Qing Dynasty Jades, was a sparkling success at the Belo Mansion in Downtown Dallas.

The Crow Collection transformed the urban mansion with a bounty of Asian-inspired florals — bamboo stalks served as candle holders along the entrance path, and inside, tall gold vases held tropical blooms and branches strung with Chinese lanterns. The Dallas HuaYan Chinese Orchestra set up in the foyer and provided cocktail hour tunes.

However, the artisan “marketplace” stole the pre-dinner show. Guests roamed through the halls, enjoying custom Chinese calligraphy from Carle Shi, Chinese brush paintings from Danqing Caldwell, formal tea tastings with tea sommelier Phillip Chen – and a look into the future courtesy of fortune teller Iris Quach.

As cocktail hour came to a close, the aforementioned dragon paraded through the halls to steer attendees into the dining room. Event chair Robert Weatherly of Allie Beth Allman & Associates said opening remarks, along with honorary chair Lynn McBee.

Before dinner was served, Beijing opera singer Lucy Xu gave a stirring performance accompanied by the Dallas HuaYan Chinese Orchestra.

A three-course meal followed with a trio of Chinese dumplings, tangy short ribs, green tea and raspberry cake, mooncakes, and plenty of wine.

After finishing the hearty meal, guests readied their paddles for the live auction. Enviable items on the block included a trip to China, a David Yurman bracelet, a dinner for 20 with chef Kent Rathbun at the museum, a dinner for 10 with Rathbun at his home, and a trip to San Francisco.

It was a remarkable evening from whimsical start to luxe finish. Seeing as it was the museum’s inaugural celebration, we can’t wait to see what next year’s Jade Ball holds.