Preservation Society Holiday Gala: Stormy Outside, Glamorous Inside

Genevieve Begy, in a dress by Aidan Mattox

The Preservation Society’s annual Holiday Dinner Dance at The Breakers is always a gorgeous, classic affair, but 2009 attendees were provided with an unexpected dash of drama. As they entered the mansion, the night was clear and dry - albeit crisp. But hours later, departing guests were given an unexpected ‘party favor’: a fresh, thick blanket of snow covering everything, thanks to a massive blizzard that pummeled New England all night and well into the following day. Nevertheless, partygoers sported their black tie best, designer high heels, and floor-length gowns, and danced up a storm to compete with the one raging outside.

The Newport Mansions, decorated for Christmas, are the quintessentially elegant holiday setting; The Breakers the ultimate, with its enormous, twinkling tree, giant hanging balls of poinsettias, antique sleigh, and tables

David & Linda Gordon

trimmed in white bouquets and shimmering gold tablecloths. Though the weather outside was frightful, 2009’s gala was well-attended, and included such Newport notables as Gladys Szapary and Paul Szapary, along with Sarah Gewirz, Linda and David Gordon, Lisa Goddard, Barbara Bohan, Mohamad Farzan, David Ford, Michael Murray, Nicholas and Diane Brown, Rod O'Hanley and many others. Actor/comedian Mario Cantone, of Boston and "Sex and the City" fame, was also in attendance. Gladys Szapary and Kathy Irving served as co-Chairs for the event.

Diane & Capt. John Nicholas Brown (her dress is vintage Pierre Cardin, necklace by David Webb)

Following light hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, including a Grey Goose flavored martini bar, Pierre Irving, Chairman of the Preservation Society, thanked his friends and supporters for a year of continued patronage of the organization. With him was Trudy Coxe, Executive Director for the Preservation Society.

The four-course dinner featured butternut and chestnut bisque, followed by filet of beef with truffled mashed potatoes and haricots vert, a plate of handcrafted cheeses, ending with chocolate gateau concord – each course paired with a glass of wine, port, or champagne. Afterwards, guests were attracted by the irresistibly upbeat tempos of the Mac Chrupcala Orchestra, which played rock, disco, and Motown classics and inspired enough dancing to help warm the huge mansion, in spite of the cold outside.

-- Amanda M. Grosvenor