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Gilded Age Sensibility at Preservation Society's Christmas Gala

Jae French & Richard Crisson

"The Gilded Age" in Newport, Rhode Island was redolent with such parties: glamorous settings in Bellevue Avenue mansions, tables of friends, beautiful clothes and an air of opulent abundance. And arrivals at the mansion's magnificent porte-cochere sensed the elegance awaiting them within.

The 2011 Christmas Ball of the Preservation Society at The Breakers was just such a party of friends, bonhomie, and celebration, as guests walked through the billiards room, the magnificent dining room, the back terrace (covered against the December night air), and the music room, which rang with dance music.

Event Co-chairs Gladys V. Szápáry & Elizabeth Letterman

Co-chairs Miss Gladys V. Szápáry a descendant of Cornelius Vanderbilt, builder of The Breakers, and Mrs. William L. Leatherman greeted arriving guests in the foyer, while Co-chair Mrs. Pierre duPont Irving went about with her camera, and Co-chair Mrs. Donald O. Ross talked with guests.

Decorated for the Christmas holidays, The Breakers was resplendent. Guests seated at round tables tucked into the atrium were crowded but convivial.Donald O. Ross. Chairman of the Board of Directors, wore his kilt, by now a tradition, and friends David Thalmann, Betty Lou Sheerin, Allison and Steve Walk, Pauline Metcalf, Jana and Don Jagoe, Gayle and Bruce di Pietro, greeted one another warmly.

Donald & Susan Ross & guests

Dining on Noveau Lamb Wellington, Truffled Foie Gras Mushroom Duxelle, Carrot Ginger Cheesecake with Spiced Honey, a trio of fine cheeses, and a classic Bouche de Noel for dessert, the guests sipped
on fine wines Ferrari-Carano Fume Blanc Sauvignon Blanc 2010, Decoy Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Taylor Fladgate LBV Porto 2005, finishing with Taittinger Brut Cuvee Prestige.

The post-dinner dance floor was packed with happy guests, who danced to the Mac Chrupcala Orchestra until well past midnight in a perfect celebration of the season.

--L.P.