Balls glitter club scene
12/15/2003Long gowns in black, red, gold, white, green, and blue accented by glittering jewels were the popular attire for ladies attending holiday balls at the country clubs. Men added extra sparkle to their tuxedos with colorful holiday cummerbunds and bow ties.
THE CLUB to always kick off the holiday season is Stone Oak, which held its holiday ball “A Snowflake Fantasy,” Nov. 22. Snowflakes whirled above 220 ladies and gentlemen in their formal finest. Favorite cocktails were sipped and appetites were whetted with oodles of fresh prawns and other delectable hors d oeuvres. A candlelight dinner fit for royalty followed with black linen-covered tables set with silver charger plates and centered with vases of white roses. The white-gloved service was impeccable for the gourmet delight. Tomato supreme soup started the filet mignon and king crab meal while triple chocolate Grand Marnier truffle trees ended the feast. Well, sort of: There were more decadent and sinfully delicious handmade treats at the coffee bar. Dancing was a necessary delight before, during, and after such a feast. But the night was not complete until all gathered to see the holiday lights illuminating several golf course trees and a breathtaking fireworks display.
Host and hostess were Dorothy and Frank Sheehan, assisted by hosts-elect Pam and Mike Hill.
LADIES and gentlemen, many in furs on the cold night, were serenaded by the Ottawa Hills choir Saturday as they entered Sylvania Country Club for the Holiday Formal. Cheer bubbled as the elegant crowd of all ages sipped spirited beverages in the living room and posed for “prom” pictures. The place was so packed, one may not have noticed the sea of red and white poinsettias throughout the club until they sat down for dinner, an elegant scene with white-linen covered tables centered with poinsettias and accented with silver and green.
Smoked seafood and shrimp whetted their appetites for a 30-day dry aged center cut New York strip steak dinner topped with vanilla and chocolate pots de creme.
Chairmen Susan and David Strup and Ann and Larry Moon were assisted by Chris and Mike Britsch, Barb and Tom Devers, Katie and Dave Lankard, Ann and Craig Mancinotti, Cathy and John Nelson, Sandy and Frank Viviano, and Lynne and David Wolf.
“ TIS the Season of Giving” was the theme for Heather Downs Country Club Christmas Party Dec. 6. In conjunction with the theme, members were asked to bring an unwrapped toy to be given to Toys for Tots. Members in their formal finest ascended the steps of the stately club decorated with greens, red ribbons, and clear lights into a scene of merriment. Champagne was served as wait staff offered canapes on silver trays, followed by a tasty tenderloin and salmon or chicken with scallops dinner. Shining outside through the window overlooking the golf course was a lighted tree, in fond memory of deceased members. The night continued as the revelers of all ages packed the dance floor. Chairmen Laura and Norm White were assisted by chairmen-elect Julie and Huck Hayes and Larry and Dyan Tomczak, Pati and Michael Andray, and Cindy and Joe Licata.
TOLEDO Country Club s “Holly Ball” is always a smashing success. The club, nestled among the trees along the river, glittered with a forest of lighted trees and luminaries lined the walkway. Inside by the fireplace on Dec. 6 in the living room, members gathered for canapes and cocktails. The bar offered every martini from mistletoe to chocolate kiss. The rotunda dining room glowed with gold and white and a touch of moss green complemented the towering vases of red roses. There, appetites were sated with a lamb chop and lobster cake dinner beginning with cheddar cheese soup in a bread bowl, and ending with a pyramid of chocolate. It was a beautiful scene for dancing too. Chairmen of the affair, which was labeled by several members as the best ball yet, were Bob and Renee Huebner and John and Amy Spengler.
LORDS and ladies paraded into Castle Belmont Dec. 6 for the Highland Holiday Ball where red tartan-covered tables with green underskirts held towering silver vases of red roses and red napkins. Ancient scotches, spirits, and ales were offered before a bagpipe player marched the guests to their seats for the candlelight feast. The new red walls of the dining room added an extra regal feeling. Halibut was the first course, followed by salad, sorbet, beef tenderloin, lobster cake, and eggnog ice cream in a praline shell with berries. Satisfied from a delightful repast, knights squired their damsels to the dance floor. In their family tartan kilts, Fritz Wolfe was there with Mary, Scott Parry with Frances, Bill Hummer with Claudia, and Dean Kasperzak there with Becky, did a jig or two. Also seen were Chris and Darla Clark, Bob and Shelley Julius, John and Julie Bearss, Ned Lakshmipathy and Anisha Dayal, Clinton and Pat Mauk, Jane and Mike Hartman, and Gretchen and Tom Ziems.
Afternoon teas are always delightful. Tea and scones, petite sandwiches, and sinfully delicious sweets tempt even the strictest dieter. Silver, china, doilies, and flowers add to the charming soirees.
A CHARITY High Tea “Hats Optional” was presented by The Exchange Club for the Prevention of Child Abuse Friday afternoon at the Toledo Club. Chairman Sandra Braun was assisted by husband-emcee Doug Braun, and executive director Margaret Toadvin. Her daughter Phyllis Cresswell played piano. Morgan Weatherspoon performed Acappella solos. A silent auction was fun too. Board president Jeff Thieman reported a $5,000 net. Among the 100 there were Steve Wegner, Bill and Marlene Garbe, Tom and Gloria Weidner, and long-time volunteer Gloria VJ Block Fits: Block Depth: 5.18i Expansion .07i (D7) Johnston. Long-time supporter Robert Williams, dapper in a hat, said, “few men wear hats anymore -only the Neanderthals. People are too casual these days, especially at airports.” He could have been in the Hats by Celeste style show, but preferred to watch the women.
HOLIDAY Tea Time was in the Stone Oak home of Phyllis Cauffiel for the Toledo Opera Guild. All was grand, especially the tree that towered to the second story. Music on the baby grand by Tom Szor and holiday songs sung by Joan Eckermann Hile were treats. Sarah Bertram greeted guests and Barbara Baker assisted as Sandra Honnemann poured tea and coffee. Past president and current vice president Jean Smith introduced all, including association director Renay Conlin. Seen were Marianne Payne, Mary Pat Anderson, Equilla Roach, VJ Block Fits: Block Depth: 5.18i Expansion .07i (D7) Druscilla Griffin, Phyllis Lovett, Ann Galloway, Diane Rusk, Ruth Bagley, and Peggy Crooks.
IT was High Time for High Tea in the 156-year old Maumee home Pine Hall of Judy Maurer. The afternoon affair on Dec. 9 is the first of “Parties of Note” to support the Toledo Symphony Orchestra. Darlene Carpenter assisted.