Inaugural Kips Bay Decorator Show House Dallas

For 47 years, Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club has celebrated the best of interior design by transforming a luxury Manhattan home into an elegant exhibition of fine furnishings, art, and technology. In 2017, Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club expanded the brand to Palm Beach, and this Fall, Kips Bay is expanding here to Dallas.

The inaugural Kips Bay Decorator Show House Dallas opened its doors last week and is open to the public through Sunday, October 25.  Twenty-seven of the country's most celebrated designers and architects have transformed the Dallas mansion located at 5828 Woodland Drive in Old Preston Hollow. 

Proceeds from the Dallas Show House will benefit the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club in the Bronx, NY, as well as local charities Dwell with Dignity and The Crystal Charity Ball.

Entry designed by Rottet Studio
Photo Credit: Stephen Karlisch

The garden-themed entry foyer, designed by Lauren Rottet of Rottet Studio, is ultra welcoming.  According to Rottet, the entry symbolizes the heart of the home. With a nod to Southern gardens, Kyle Bunting custom hide rugs are accentuated with magnolia petals, while a tiered chandelier from Jean de Merry Showroom hangs above. Topiary dogs (River Oaks Plant House in Houston) greet you in the entry. Brooklyn-based wallpaper brand Trove created a forest of magnolias that evolve as one passes through the light at the edge of the forest arriving into a dense patch of green.

"In today's world, the beautiful outdoors is our safe haven. Bringing in the verdant hues and textures from Dallas's botanical gardens, my entry foyer will become a welcoming respite, cleansing and refreshing as a garden within the home," says Rottet.

Design Committee Co-Chair Jan Showers took on the home's inviting study.  The dining room was designed by Cathy Kincaid, and the kitchen was brought to life by Design Committee Vice chair Chad Dorsey.

Study designed by Jan Showers
Photo Credit: Stephen Karlisch

The central back stairs and hall are designed by Melissa Morgan of M Interiors.  Named "The Emerald Garden" honoring Gracie Studios' exquisite custom wallcovering, the space features an area for seating and relaxation along with a place for writing. Melissa's aim was to make the room a destination rather than a pass-through area. 

Back stairs and hall designed by Melissa Morgan
Photo Credit: Stephen Karlisch

Masks are required, and attendance is limited. Reserve your tickets today. Virtual tours are also available.

Head over to Founder Kimberly Schlegel Whitman's blog post about the show house for more photos and design ideas!

 

2013 Crystal Charity Ball

An evening in "The Magnificent Manhattan" was created to celebrate the 61st Annual Crystal Charity Ball! Guests braved freezing temperatures to descend on the Hilton Anatole. The always-lavish affair  transformed the Chantilly Ballroom to a pre-war era New York City, complete with hot dog stands and Broadway character actors. Since 1952 The Crystal Charity Ball has raised millions in funding for DFW-based Children's Charities. 

The Style Scribe's Merritt Beck - What to Wear Where - The Crystal Charity Ball

Hey ladies, it's Merritt from The Style Scribe taking over Kim's blog today. Growing up, I participated in a number of debutante balls, charity galas, etc, so sharing my style suggestions for Saturday's Crystal Charity Ball was a no-brainer! When it comes to ball gowns, I'm a fan of classic, elegant looks. This dress immediately caught my eye and would make the perfect winter evening ensemble. The gorgeous green shade and feminine, fitted silhouette are just what I had in mind. Did I mention it's under $600? No need to break the bank. These strappy gold sandals by DVF would be comfortable and complement the look. Top the outfit off with a pretty pair of crystal earrings with emerald stones and a fancy clutch to match. If you are going to the ball, you'll definitely be prepared to dress the part!

Texas Discovery Gardens - 2013 Flora Award Recipient Announced

Jan Pickens, Carolyn Lupton, Robert Grackvill, Caroline Rose Hunt, Dee Wyly

Texas Discovery Gardens has announced that Jan Pickens will be the 2013 recipient of the prestigious Flora Award. On November 7, 2013 at 7PM, Pickens will be honored at the annual black-tie gala in Fair Park for her devotion to helping the community and long-time support of the Gardens. The Award serves to recognize outstanding citizens who have demonstrated a commitment to beautification, education and the advancement of the environment and quality of life. 

Jennifer Huff, Courtney Love

“In the Flora Award’s 31 years, we have enjoyed an exceptional list of honorees, and this year continues that incredible tradition,” said 2013 Flora Award co chair, Jennifer Huff.  Co chair Courtney Love added: “Jan Pickens is tireless in her quest to raise money and awareness for the causes she holds dear.  Her work with the Salvation Army is revered, and for Texas Discovery Gardens, it was Jan who took the Flora Award from a simple tea and turned it into the elegant event it is today.  She has grace, elegance and a deep faith -- there is no one more deserving of this award than she.”

Grant Rogan, Tiffany Divis

Pickens has been instrumental in Texas Discovery Gardens’ mission by serving as a volunteer, Board member and chair of the Flora Award.  Her extensive work in the community includes support for countless organizations, including the Salvation Army, for which she was recognized by their National Board with the “Others” Award, the Junior League of Dallas, the Crystal Charity Ball Committee, Women’s Guild of the Dallas Society for Crippled Children, United Way, the Dallas Woman’s Club, Dallas Historical Society, M.D. Anderson, United Cerebral Palsy of Metropolitan Dallas for which she received the 2003 “Distinguished Service Award”, Meals on Wheels and many more.  Most recently, the Dallas Alumnae Club of Pi Beta Phi honored her with the 2012 Founder’s Day Award for Community Service. 

Lynn McBee, Jan Pickens

Funds raised through the Flora Award help Texas Discovery Gardens’ staff achieve their mission to teach effective ways to restore, conserve and preserve nature in an urban setting, with a focus on gardening organically and sustainably.  Past winners have included Ellen and John McStay, Ebby Halliday Acers, Peggy and Carl Sewell, Dee and Charles Wyly, Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison and last year’s recipient, Barbara Hunt Crow.

  

The 2013 Flora Award will be held at Texas Discovery Gardens November 7, 2013. Tickets start at $300 and tables start at $3,000.  Those who purchase tables or tickets $500 and above will be invited to a Patron Party which will be held at the house of Mrs. Charles Wyly on September 18, 2013. For ticket information, call Sarah Gardner, Marketing Manager, at 214-428-7476, ext. 230, or e-mail SGardner@TexasDiscoveryGardens.org. 

Crystal Charity Luncheon and Fashion Show

and Neiman Marcus Downtown
invite you to the
Annual Luncheon and Fashion Show
Thursday, September 8, 2011

The luncheon will honor the Ten Best Dressed Women of Dallas, as selected by members of the Crystal Charity Ball Committee.

The 2011 Best Dressed Women of Dallas are Tricia Besing, Nancy Carter, Robyn Conlon, Claire Emanuelson, Kim Miller, Pat McEvoy, Pam Perella, Nancy Rogers, Lee Ann White and Ellen Winspear.

Elaine Agather will be the 2011 Best Dressed Hall of Fame Honoree. Longtime Crystal Charity benefactor Annette Simmons will serve as Honorary Chairman of this year’s luncheon.

The 2011 Crystal Charity Ball will benefit eight beneficiaries with a collective need of $4,265,030: Communities in Schools, Contact Crisis Line, Dallas Mission for Life, Los Barrios Unidos Community Clinic, Methodist Health System Foundation,
Nexus Recovery Center, Trinity River Mission and Vickery Meadow Learning Center.

Prizes include: a fabulous Paris vacation with 2 nights at Mandarin Oriental, 2 tickets to Valentino Fall 2012 show in March 2012, and 2 business class round trips on American Airlines; NM Downtown shopping spree; and Canyon Ranch 7-night spa getaway for two.

Tickets for the luncheon may be purchased by calling 214-526-5868 x25.

The Crystal Charity Ball 2009

This year's Crystal Charity Ball is to be held on December 5th in the Chantilly Ballroom at the Hilton Anatole Hotel. The Crystal Charity Ball is a non-profit founded in 1952. Today, thanks to outstanding growth, support, and volunteers, the Crystal Charity Ball supports a number of local charities and organizations. The 2009 Crystal Charity Ball will benefit: the Baylor Health Care System Foundation, Community Partners of Dallas, Interfaith Housing Coalition, Network of Community Ministries, Phoenix House of Texas, Reconciliation Outreach, Texas A&M Health and Science Center/ Baylor College of Dentistry, and the Crystal Charity Ball Signature Project.


Underwriting opportunities are available, as well as the ability to purchase contribution tickets into the raffle for some fantastic items while supporting a truly amazing organization.

What: The 2009 Crystal Charity Ball
Where: Chantilly Ballroom of the Hilton Anatole Hotel
When: December 5th, 2009
R.S.V.P.: The Crystal Charity Ball