38th Annual Mad Hatter’s Tea

 Mad Hatter’s Tea chairs Reagan Pace and Sheridan Reeder gave two clues about the upcoming tea’s theme in the invitation’s design featuring Andy Warhol’s pop art and location of the Reveal Party: The Meadows Museum at Southern Methodist University. Art!

Chaired by Kristen Kocis and Rosie Shahkarami, the event began as partygoers filled the room and enjoyed wine, champagne and hors d’oeuvres while discovering who was working on which committee and exchanging stories about past Mad Hatter’s events and speculating on the theme of the 2026 event.

When the time came for the big reveals, Reagan and Sheridan first thanked Kristen and Rosie for chairing this evening’s event and sponsors Vestals Catering, The T Shop Lakewood for the florals, Susie Kwiatkowski, Susie HK Fine Art for the original artwork and Beth Dunham, Dunham Designs for the logo design.  As a big surprise, they revealed that Jan Strimple will be returning to produce the fashion show, as she has done for the past many years.

Then came the big reveal!  The theme is The Art of the Garden. 

The chairs then had a final surprise to reveal, Anne Stodghill, a former Mad Hatter’s Tea co-chair and longtime Women’s Council supporter, was announced as honorary chair. Paige Elliott is president of the Women’s Council.

The 38th Annual Mad Hatter’s Tea happens on Friday, April 24, 2026 at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden.

Secure your reservations and learn more about the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, membership benefits, trips, parties in private homes, garden tours and more at www.wcdabg.org

Mad Hatter’s Tea Out of Africa Into the Garden Celebrates its 33rd Year

Mark your calendars now to join Kay Weeks, president of the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, along with Jolie Humphrey, Mad Hatter’s Tea chair and Carole Ann Brown, honorary chair, on Thursday, April 15, 2021 for Mad Hatter’s Tea Out of Africa Into the Garden celebrating its 33^rd year benefiting A Woman’s Garden.

“This year is unlike any other year,” Jolie said, “and we’ve created a wonderfully unique experience for our guests which follows all of the CDC guidelines and has some new surprises.”

The fanciful fun begins at 1:00 p.m. with a champagne reception at Dallas Arboretum’s Scott K. Ginsburg Family Plaza. This is the best time to view the wild and wonderful over-the-top hats and outfits along with the very chic, sleek and sophisticated fashions. Hats are judged in different categories by celebrity judges and guests have an opportunity to purchase Safari Surprise Boxes and a very special opportunity to purchase the event’s themed silk scarf designed by Barbara Elam.

Jolie Humphrey, Chair, Mad Hatter's Tea; Kay Weeks, President, Women's Council; Carole Ann Brown, Honorary Chair. Standing: Bart Humphrey.

After the reception, the program begins and Hat Prizes will be awarded at A Tasteful Place Gardens, which includes a seated tea in the gardens and features a fashion promenade throughout the garden’s walkways presented by TOOTSIES. The event concludes at 4:00 p.m. which allows perfect timing to get together with friends amongst the glorious springtime azalea displays and flowers that grace the Dallas Arboretum

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Single tickets start at $350 with limited availability. Patron ticket for one is $500 and has special benefits. Underwriting and sponsorships available beginning at $2,000 table for 4 guests; $5,000 table up to 8 guests; $10,000 table up to 10 guests and $15,000 table up to 10 guests. 

Visit the website at www.womenscouncildallasarboretum.org for underwriting, sponsorships, ticket purchase and details.

14th Annual A Writer’s Garden Literary Symposium and Luncheon

 

The Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden announced the 14th Annual A Writer’s Garden Literary Symposium and Luncheon themed “Near or Far…There Is No Place Like Home” is scheduled for November 17, 2020 and features two internationally renowned speakers: Southern Lifestyle Author and Interior Designer James Farmer and acclaimed Textile Designer Lisa Fine.  The event benefits the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden and the development and maintenance of A Woman's Garden.

Suzanne Millet, Symposium and Luncheon Chair

Diane Sealy, Honorary Chair

Kay Weeks, President of the Women’s Council

Suzanne Millet, Symposium and Luncheon Chair; Diane Sealy, Honorary Chair; Kay Weeks, President, WCDABG. 

Photo Credit: Danny Campbell

Totally virtual, the symposium’s speaker presentations will stream from the magnificent DeGolyer House Library to the homes and businesses of Women’s Council members and supporters and participants. Luncheon will be delivered to the host’s home or business that morning. Limited to 10 guests, each home will provide the perfect setting to enjoy the program with the company of good friends, family and neighbors. 

Underwriting starts at $2,500 up to $25,000 and includes lunch delivered to the host’s home or business up to 10 guests, autographed book for the host and each guest, membership in The Lisianthus Society for the host, recognition in printed materials and more. Individual Patron Tickets are $250 and $500, including lunch, autographed copy of a symposium book and other benefits. Individual tickets for the Virtual Symposium Only are $75 and include a one-year subscription to FLOWER Magazine.  Check the website for more details, benefits and tickets: www.womenscouncildallasarboretum.org