A night to remember

Let it be known. Chairing the Swan Ball is a full-time job. It isn't simply signing your name on a letter and dressing up to go to a party. Just ask Frances Spradley and Kathy Thomas. After their yearlong stint leading one of the nation's most recognized and respected white-tie events, these ladies deserve one of those fabulous vacation packages from the Swan Ball Auction Party.

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It's difficult putting a fresh spin on an event—and even more so in a tough economy, but Frances and Kathy delivered the goods along with hundreds of volunteers who put in countless hours painting, building, lifting, writing, soliciting and brainstorming. All for the love of Cheekwood.

And what a beautiful night it was. In keeping with the premise that you can't improve upon nature, Joe Smith of Ilex and Kathy and Frances focused on showcasing that which defines Cheekwood—flowers. At every turn, the aroma of sweet botanicals perfumed the air and guests were greeted by stunning arrangements.

Drawing on inspiration from a 17th century formal garden setting merged with an interpretation of a classic 21st century art and gardens, Joe honed in on white. Perched on a garden urn with mirrored top, slender glass vases overflowed with white peonies, clematis, delphinium and phalaenopsis sprays.

Moving into the main tent, partygoers were delighted to find a new use of the space. Two long bars—or the Chinoisserie Bar, as it was named—flanked the sides of the tent, leading into the main ballroom. Volunteers had hand painted black Asian screens with clematis vines, butterflies, hummingbirds and vases. Sheer white draperies were pulled back to emphasize two black pedestals topped with white ginger jars and stems of hybrid white delphinium.

The stark black juxtaposed with the crisp white and highlighted by the glittering lights and chandeliers painted quite a picture in the dining area. Atop the white linen-draped dinner tables rested square lotus containers with boxwood lamps covered with white clematis vine and finished with pagoda shades with carved jade finial. Other tables featured square lotus containers covered with a mass of traditional white clematis vine.

There was no shortage of special surprise touches at this Ball. A favorite unexpected treat were the paintings of former chairmen and patrons by Sandy Ziegler that decorated the "Chicwood Bar." Jane, Peggy, Carole, Sigourney and eight other great citizens were memorialized above the bar in recognition of their service to Cheekwood. The Chicwood Bar provided fodder for much conversation with its wild zebra carpet and mirrors that made you feel like you'd had a drink before you even got to the bar. What a scream!

Another meaningful element—the handmade swans that decorated the dining room. In the entrance hall of the mansion, a magnificent, six-foot tall white swan with a 10-foot wing span surrounded at the base by white clematis vines greeted guests. There was certainly no mistaking which bird ruled this fête.

Dani and Charlie Kates created a dinner that some guests were overheard calling "the best meal they've ever had at the Swan Ball" while a few others questionned the selection of veal for the main course. Although controversial (well, as controversial as a meal can be), it was undeniably perfectly-cooked. And the jumbo lump crab with lemongrass aoli, jicama and orange salad and maiche served with chili lime vinaigrette was sublime. Many moaned with delight when they dug into their mocha crème brûlée and key lime pie with chocolate ganache and candied orange peel. Now Frances and Kathy are two girls after our own hearts. Who wants two entrees when you can have two desserts? Smart call!

After dinner, LeAnn Rimes hit the stage above the white polished dance floor. Her talent was certainly appreciated but it was actually the tunes of Big Swing and the Ballroom Blasters that got the party started. Damn. That is one hell of a band. Frances and Kathy discovered them in Atlanta, and they rocked the house. From Beyonce's "Crazy in Love" with an amazing horn section accompaniment to "Midnight Train to Georgia," the energy didn't stop. Throw in Pat Patrick and his crew and you've got a late night (or early morning) bash. The dance floor was surrounded by Asian-inspired benches covered with white cushions for seating, but who needs seating when the music won't let you stop shaking it? Nice touch, nonetheless.

Guests from the Late Party, chaired by Jodi Banks and Betsy Wilt, certainly added another jolt of energy to the main tent when the posse of 300 piled in from the Frist Learning Center after enjoying a divine dinner from John Howard of Sargent's Fine Catering. Tuna tartar, fig jam and brie and asparagus vichyssoise shooters warmed them up before the main course of boneless braised short ribs, seared halibut and roasted tomato risotto.

Back to Frances and Kathy. This was very much their Ball, reflective of their chic, smart, elegant personalities, and they put their heart and soul into every element. Before the Ball, the pair stood together in the main tent, listening to the band warm-up. A calm yet excited aura enveloped them, and they looked truly happy about the night that was to unfold. Just as they should have.

—photographs by eric england and susan adcock