Partying at Nobu Brings Sparkling Centerpieces Worth Swooning Over: Jewels Wow Houston’s Power Ladies

“If you’re not playing with the jewelry, you’re not having fun,” suggested Neiman Marcus’ newly-minted GM Stephen Brunelle as he encouraged the ladies at his luncheon table in Nobu to amuse themselves with the to-die-for pieces from Bucheron and Margot McKinney.

In fact, every table at “The Festive Fall Luncheon,” hosted by Simon and PaperCity, was adorned with spectacular centerpieces from top retailers in The Galleria. The fashionable clutch of more than 60 invitees swooned over the table presentations from Chanel, DeBeers, Hublot and more.

With reservations at Nobu practically a coup to obtain, the ladies were already in a festive mood as they ascended to the second floor citadel of  four-star sushi and sake. Lynn Wyatt, departing that afternoon for London to attend Princess Eugenie’s wedding, was among those in high spirits, admiring the burgeoning banks of white orchids that Simon had added to the restaurant’s modern decor. Even Estela Cockrell, despite the serious brace on her leg (the result of a recent accident), contributed her signature warmth to the event. And Becca Cason Thrash, of course, provided her unlimited vitality.

As luncheon guests entered the dining room, out came the smart phones for selfies with friends and photos of the remarkable centerpieces, in particular the Tiffany & Co. sterling silver miniature greenhouse from the Everyday Objects collection. Designed by Reed Krakoff, the piece, priced at $275,000, was filled with white orchids and jewels. Oh, my.

The Nobu kitchen beguiled the fashionable flock with platters of salmon with wasabi salsa, sashimi salad with Matsushia dressing, black cod with miso, chef’s selection of sushi and cappuccino miso cup dessert.

In addition to the stunning tabletop decor and the Nobu fare, Neiman Marcus added to the entertainment with a fashion presentation. Men’s and women’s looks from Valentino, Akris, Brunello Cucinelli and more had the throng planning a waltz through the Galleria for a Neiman’s shopping excursion. Dancie Ware was particularly taken with the Alice + Olivia sequined ankle booties while Diane Lokey Farb had her eye on the black cocktail dress from Valentino. (The latter headed straight to Neiman’s after the lunch.)

Icing on the cake of this confection of a day, as party favors, the Galleria presented guests with personalized VIP cards that provide free parking for a year. Oh my, indeed!

Lunching ladies: Blakely Griggs, Nicole Katz, Francine Ballard, Lindley Arnold, Lily Morris, Katie Brass, Christine Falgout, Luba Bigman, Marita Fairbanks, Jo Lynn Falgout, Duyen Nguyen, Carrie Brandsberg-Dahl, Susan Hansen, Gina Bhatia, Isabel David, Valerie Dieterich, PaperCity’s Holly Moore and Monica Bickers and among the Simon/Galleria contingent Jenny Harris, Chris Lane, Nancy Hedrick, Kurt Webb and Deanna Dancy in from her base in Dallas.