Mexican Fiesta Takes Over Houston’s European Estate: It’s a Sizzling Spring Fling

A Mexican fiesta took over Rienzi for its annual spring soiree. Donning festive seasonal attire, more than 300 guests flocked to the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston’s ornate house museum where the European decorative arts hub’s Mexican room was on full display.

Partygoers were greeted by Mexican decor and a mariachi band before being ushered to the museum’s picturesque pool for al fresco dining. Decorated by Swift + Company, the expansive space sported black and melon linens alongside vibrant floral centerpieces composed of everything from orange roses to blue hydrangeas.

The Swift catered menu was also inspired by the night’s Mexican fiesta theme with squash blossom quesadillas, southwestern salad, beef empanadas, roasted elote, jalapeño quail and pecan-smoked bacon en brochette, cheese enchiladas, and tacos. Also available were the night’s signature cocktails: palomas and margaritas.

The night raised $152,000, which supplements Rienzi’s operating budget.

Who: Chairmen Stacey and Jeff Henningsen, Rachel and Mark Lawrence, and Angie and John Reckling; Lynda Underwood, Pam and David Ott, Cathy and Joe Cleary, Eleni and Thad Fuller, Jerry Ann Woodfin Costa and Victor Costa, Catherine and Cenk Ozdogan, Isla and Tommy Reckling, Christiana McConn, Stacy and Michael Ellington