Holiday House 2013 NYC Gala

November 20th, 2013 - 6:18 PM  48 degrees .....

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Showhouse extravaganza - New York's finest designers, celebrities and design lovers attended the annual Holiday House Opening Gala.  It was a scene -a major scene.  The rooms were beautiful, the gowns and suits were extravagant and the energy was vibrant.  Only in New York and only Holiday House would attract the who's who of New York's "Design Society".  I've had the pleasure of attending a variety of Showhouse unveilings - this party may have been the Showhouse Gala of the year !!!!!

Ms. Dankner and Mr. Hyland have given New York the "Oscars" of Showhouses.  Upstairs - downstairs inside -outside, there was glamour everywhere!! Each of the rooms spawned a holiday theme and were designed/curated by a different design team.  Some Designers participated for the first time, like my twin brother, Patrick Hamilton.  While other design talents returned for a second or third time, like my spray tan partner, Ally Coulter. There were several open bars with limited options and tasty tray pass appetizers that made the crowded mansion  of more than 400 attendees the party event of the season.  Thank you Holiday House for the ultra chic event. This Showhouse gets better every year !!

My question for the evening: Who makes your most expensive piece of jewelry?

Iris Dankner double checking to see if someone is stepping on her
beautifully beaded Badgley Mischka gown.

Holiday House Maven Iris Dankner and the smartly connected Barbara Viteri

Ally Coulter with her man candy Eric Vincent

Well dressed crowd at Academy Mansion

Ladies and Gentleman - this is Ally Coulter

Kate Jerde Cole, Barbara Viteri and Samantha Snowden

Gorgeous Reeta, the lady in RED, her most expensive
jewelry is made by Chanel

Baccarat was well represented: Sherniqua told me that Chanel
makes her most expensive jewelery
and Marilisa said Bvlgari

Oh you didn't see the back of the emerald green Badgley Mischka gown?
Cartier made Allys' most expensive jewels 

It is probably already known that I am fond of Ally Coulter.  She's a talented designer, a well dressed New Yorker and loyal friend, but now she's a "scene stealer".  Her room had a clever NFL theme containing the Pittsburgh Steelers Superbowl Trophy and Joe Namath's vintage jersey along with a bevy of other memorabilia.  I'm not a big football enthusiast, but the room was spectacular with design details from Baccarat, Christopher Hyland, John Lyle, Niedermaier, Holland and Sherry, and a host of others.

Stephen Fanuka smiles with  Barbara Viteri

Co-chair of Holiday House Mr. Christopher Hyland says
his most expensive jewelry is his pair of ruby cufflinks from Tiffany & Co.

Who are you pointing at?

Handsome Sam Underwood told me he performs a play
on Tuesday and Thursday in the mansion.
Rumor  - it is a must see, short, entertaining comedy

"Mr. Friendly".......Mario Villamar says Cartier makes his
treasured watch 

Sherri says Tiffany & Co. makes her most expensive jewelry

The talented and delightful artist - Sylvie Michel Bilger 

Darrin, Melissa, Andrew and Michael

Inson Wood and Patrick Hamilton
enjoy the beautifully designed room by Patrick cleverly themed
"St. Patrick's Day"

As always . . .. Caroline Vaughn wore a gorgeous (custom)dress to the Gala.

squeezing with excitement .... Andrew and Kate

Luxury is in the details - this is Mr. Patrick Lonn
superbly dressed in his wonderfully appointed room

Truly the most glamorous room this year was designed by
Randy Kemper (silver fox) and Tony Ingrao (wearing Alexander McQueen)

Iris graciously thanks her attendees for their support in helping find
a cure for breast cancer.

Michael Scheoller says Cartier makes his most expensive watch ....