The best parties of 2010

By: Ellen Nelson

Published On: January 27, 2011

We are party professionals. Plain and simple. It’s what we do for a living.

Flip through the pages of Nfocus and you just might come to the conclusion that half the city parties for a living. And that’s a good thing. Mix a skoch of philanthropy with a smidgen of partying, and you’ve got yourself a win-win.

We called on you, our favorite party pros, to share your thoughts on the 2010 social scene. After tallying the votes and adding a few of our own twisted thoughts, we have—drum roll, please—for your reading and viewing pleasure—The Best Parties of 2010.

Hottest Party of 2010:

The Land Trust for Tennessee’s Once in a Blue Moon—We concede, it’s a tough one to beat. The Land Trust for Tennessee’s Once in a Blue Moon event keeps reeling in the votes for hottest party. And for good reason. There’s a bonfire. Okay, even better than that, this fall event is basically like a giant family reunion hoedown of sorts, and it benefits a great cause. This year, with Amy Grant as entertainment, the lovely Glen Leven as venue, blue jeans for attire and some crazy-wacko dancing, Blue Moon was ‘nothing but a howling good time.

Best First-Time Event:

Two-way tie—The Parthenon’s Conservancy Gala and the Belcourt nD Festival

Runner Up: Safe Haven’s Dancing with the Stars—It takes guts to create a philanthropic event out of thin air, but it takes even more serious cajones to launch one in the midst of an economic slump. That’s why both the Parthenon’s Conservancy Gala and the Belcourt nD Festival deserve big shout outs for developing two of the coolest events Nashville has ever seen. And very different events at that.

The Conservancy Gala, a black-tie event (actually, it was really all black and white as guests were instructed not to wear color), pulled out all the stops. Every sense was engaged at each turn throughout the majestic replica of the Greek monument. Aerialists, water walls, food as art, film, photography—we were dazzled. Co-chairs Emme Baxter and Demetria Kalodimos built quite the dream team for this fundraiser and it certainly showed.

On a more casual level, the Belcourt nD Festival created something similar (yet completely different) with a week celebrating independent film, fashion and art. Watch out Sundance—you’ve got competition. Pulled together by Haylee Waddey Hall, Holly Hoffman Bryant and Libby Callaway, this five-day celebration left everyone who attended feeling smarter, hipper and culturally savvy.

Our runner up, Safe Haven’s Dancing with the Stars, was simply awesome. Who knew Ted Welch could probably get a starring role in Riverdance? Buy your ticket to this event now. It’s HI-LAR-IOUS. And you’ll see some surprisingly gifted amateur (and professional) Nashville dancers while you help a wonderful nonprofit.

Best Revamped Party:

Three-way tie—Harpeth River Watershed Association’s River Swing—previously known as the Hootenanny; Eve of Janus (we’ll explain); the Symphony Ball. The River Swing, hosted by Mary and Hank Brockman at their lovely estate bordering the mighty Harpeth River, was bedecked by decorations “donated” by the river (a.k.a.—stuff that washed up on the shore). The Brockmans are such generous, fun hosts and supporters of this nonprofit are unbelievably passionate about keeping the Harpeth and its banks in tip-top shape—you can’t help but have fun and feel good about attending this shindig.

The Symphony Ball deserves a big shout-out for successfully moving to Loews Vanderbilt Hotel after Nashville’s flood of 2010. The façade of the Schermerhorn that was built in the lobby of the hotel reminded everyone that the magnificent Symphony Hall would reopen soon.

We adored how the Eve of Janus crew played with the presentation location for this revered coming-out party. The sunset behind the couples as they marched down the steps and across Legislative Plaza was a magnificent God-given touch of lighting. And, when the torrential downpour commenced in the middle of the presentation, Big Events and the crew deftly moved into Plan B mode, quietly ushering guests inside War Memorial. And the presentation went on. Wow.

Best Just-Plain-Fun Party:

TPAC’s Fest de Ville—Okay, we admit it. We love TPAC. They work their theme to death, leaving no detail untouched. This year’s fête celebrated the opening of 9 to 5: The Musical. Naturally, our beloved Dolly Parton was guest of honor, and the time for the event was 5-9 p.m. Each guest received an actual lipstick with their table assignments on the tube; drinks were named the Boss and the Secretary (the Secretary was WAY better, naturally); and, the coup de grace—five Dolly impersonators (two men, two women and one “in transition,” arrived separately in a hot pink stretch Caddy before mingling with the baffled guests. Believe me, these Dollys were really dead-on look-a likes. Well, most of them.)

Most Inspired Co-Chair Team:

Four-way tie—The Conservancy Gala’s Emme Baxter and Demetria Kalodimos: There was not one lull in the action the entire evening; The Frist Gala’s Julie Frist and Jennifer Frist: We just wish we looked like them, and everyone appreciated the sleek, simple design of the party that let the art shine; The Belcourt Theatre’s nD Festival’s Holly Bryant and Libby Callaway: The week was jam-packed with more art, culture, fun and food than we’ve seen in a lifetime; The Swan Ball’s Sissy Wilson and Collie Daily: It was fun to watch the girls morph into sisters over the year, finishing each other’s sentences and looking like ultra blonde bombshells.

Most Fabulous Invitation:

Conservancy Gala

Most Creative Invitation:

Once in a Blue Moon

Best Party Favors:

Artrageous’ heart-shaped condoms, Blue Moon’s Barking Spider mugs, The Library Gala’s Billy Collins books, Belcourt’s nD Festival Patrons swag bag

Coolest Decorations:

TPAC’s Fest de Ville (lots of live Dollys and the real deal!), Harpeth River Watershed Assocation’s Harpeth River Swing (repurposed “gifts” from the River)

Prettiest Decorations:

Swan Ball—okay, this is a gimme. First, you’re working with Cheekwood, which is breathtaking. Add the magical, mystical, ethereal (we’re going to keep going here) works of Chihuly, and honestly, you can’t lose. Then, hire Bronson Van Wyck and crew for simple and elegant yet chic décor that complements the exhibit and doesn’t overwhelm it

Best Overall Menu:

Two-way tie—Friends of Warner Park’s Sunday in the Park, 100th Anniversary of the Hermitage Hotel.

Most Irresistible Hors D’Oeuvres:

Brooks Fund Wanderlust Party, Kristin Winston’s Conservancy Gala Patrons Party (delicious tiny bites that the pretty caterer has become quite famous for making).

Yummiest Dessert:

Swan Ball—Dani Kates’ Southern Chess Pie with chocolate crust and fresh cream; Martha O’Bryan Center’s Miss Martha’s Ice Cream Crankin’ (Duh).

Best New Venue:

Public Square Park, The Parthenon (okay, The Parthenon obviously isn’t new, but we saw it used in a variety of new ways this year. Opa!)

Overlooked Potential Party Chairmen:

Nicole Kidman, Ashley Levi, Claire McCall, Sara Bovender (when she finishes getting her nursing degree), Rondal Richardson, Barry Caldwell, Kate Cain Hooper, Mary Helfrich, Emily Hardcastle

Best Entertainment:

Four-way tie—The Swan Ball’s Reverend Al Green; Cumberland Heights Concert’s John Hiatt and Lyle Lovett duo; Mandy Barnett at John Bridge’s 60th birthday, Belcourt nD Festival’s Pawnshop Kings

Best Young Event:

Cystic Fibrosis’ Top 30 under 30—clever, chic and an excellent way to encourage budding young philanthropists to keep on trucking.

Best Women’s Event:

MS Society’s Women Against MS Luncheon—Year after year, this female-powered crowd leaves inspired. Andrea Lindsley and Maureen Manley empowered every soul in the room with their talks.

Best Special Guest:

Three-way tie—Billy Collins at the Library Gala; Every writer at Authors in the Round; Dolly Parton at TPAC’s Fest de Ville.

Most Unusual Sight/Thing/Activity at a Party:

Five-way tie—Aerialists at the Conservancy Gala dangling from the rafters of the Parthenon; Eric England on the cover of Nfocus; Mary Brockman dancing to soul/funk; Big Kenney of Big and Rich introducing Bill Frist; Models toting rifles down the aisle of the Belcourt at theBelcourt nD Festival Fashion Show.

Most Agreeable Weather:

Steeplechase! You couldn’t have asked for a prettier summer day. Plus, no horses were injured, and everyone looked fabulous and had fun. It was exactly what Nashville needed in the wake of The Flood.

Biggest Calendar Conflict:

Tie—Swan Ball’s date change shifted around dates for a multitude of parties; The Library Gala and Artrageous always seem to happen on the same night, but we actually like the idea of all this great art and culture being downtown simultaneously.

Biggest Valet Parking Snafu:

Tie—Cheekwood and The Downtown Hilton. Cheekwood is a challenge for any valet company, especially when all the guests arrive at the exact same time; The Downtown Hilton consistently has one of the longest waits for car retrieval. But what the heck—at least the events are well-attended.

What most needs to change about several of Nashville’s biggest bashes:

When the dinner bell rings, guests need to be seated. Sure, you’re at a party, but don’t forget there’s a run of show for the night, a specific schedule to follow. It’s a disservice to the people working the event, particularly the caterers. Just imagine having to prepare and plate a top-notch formal dinner for 600 guests. Now think of how that caterer must feel as dinner is delayed, delayed, delayed because guests won’t leave the bar. Many a divine meal was served cold this year for that very reason. Sit down people. They will bring wine to the table.

Most coveted invitation:

Dinner at Chef Johnny Haffner’s home. If you’re ever invited, go. The man is a genius. Strangers become best of friends as they watch Johnny and his sous-chef prepare a multi-course amazing meal. Our stomachs are growling just thinking about it.

Best One-Time Event:

Three-way tie—The Community Foundation’s Raising Nashville, Chair Event, John Bridges 60th Birthday

The Most Pet-Friendly Shindig:

Three-way tie—Any party at Richard and Robin Patton’s—from puppies to pythons (at the Frist Patrons Party), this family loves its critters; Nashville Humane Association’s Cause for Paws—this one is definitely for the dogs (cats, too!). The annual fundraiser and fashion show (put on by Gigi Grimstad of Jamie) is nationally recognized as one of the best fundraisers for animals, and the event brings in big bucks and spreads loads of fun for all the guests; Sunset Safari—between all the celebrity sightings, delicious taste treats and amazing creatures, this is a humdinger that’s hard to beat.

Best Dancing Guests:

Three-way tie—Amy and Owen Joyner, Marty and Betty Dickens, Ted Welch

The Most Consistently Best-Dressed Partygoer:

Elizabeth Nichols, Clare Armistead, Gloria Houghland, Laurie Eskind, The Churchwell Brothers, Leslie Churchwell, Martha Ingram, Agenia Clark, Steve Sirls, Richard Patton, Jack Bovender, Annette Eskind, Barbara Daane, Anne Davis, Hope Stringer (that fabulous red hair and those handsome, unique necklaces she wears make her stand out in any crowd).

The Most Outrageously Attired Party Guest:

Jason Bradshaw’s oh-so-snug velveteen disco pants at Entirely Entertaining, Eleanor Whitworth (in a pretty, refreshing way), Adam Dread (in general)

Best Silent Auction Item:

Shopping and/or golfing with Alice Cooper at Mad Hatter. Way cool.

Best place to misspell a name:

Any Predators party—those Eastern Europeans sure have lots of consonants and some oddly placed vowels in their names. But their ravishing good looks definitely make up for it

Most Missed Event:

Divas Nashvegas—We are in total Wynonna withdrawal. We have the shakes as we write this. Forgive any typos.