Platinum perfection

Symphony patrons party gets the season glowing

Published On: April 13, 2009



White paper globes floated in the Symphony Ball patrons party tent at the home of Steve and Judy Turner. “I think I’ll keep the tent,” said Steve, “and be the Sheik of Belle Meade.” He and Judy ruled over an A-list crowd of Symphony supporters who explored the house asking about various sculptures and works of art—one of the most notable being the glass heaven-and-hell elevator, in which passengers view a half dozen Myles Maillie wall-size paintings as the glass box rises.  The renovated house is a great showcase for the Turners’ eclectic art and sculpture collection. They had moved in about 15 minutes before the party started.

The dinner tent was all crystal and platinum, with breathtaking tables designed by Ilex’s Joe Smith—substantial narrow-necked, square vases sprouting varieties of orchids on mirrored plateaus that also held sparkling crystal rocks and hundreds of votives, some floating in glass cylinders. (Joe, your genius is showing.) Silver-trimmed china topped with Kitty Hobbs-calligraphed place cards awaited each guest. Silver candlesticks atop the bars had shades of silver leaves. Everything glowed.

Judy wore a long, hunter green silk two-piece dress, long-sleeved and elegant, with a subtle Victorian overtone. Ball chair Sandra Lipman chose a eucalyptus-green silk by Monique Lhuillier with antique jewels, paired with Roger Vivier four-inch stilettos with scarlet silk toe and a black satin ribbon that tied smartly under the arch of the sole. Co-chair Hope Stringer wore a sumptuous gold evening suit. Most women, however, wore black. A handful went for a fur trim or fur wrap—Betty Dickens, Michelle McWhorter, Jamie Stream, Gigi Lazenby. Gigi Grimstad accessorized her black satin dress with a slender black satin glove (sans the fingers and hand) pulled over the cast on her right arm.

Passed hors d’oeuvres were top-flight comfort nibbles—shrimp on spoons, red potatoes with caviar and Caesar salad bits on cukes.While guests chatted,  strains of music from the Symphony’s string quartet gave life to the cause.  They enjoyed visiting so much that Steve took the mic and said, “If y’all don’t sit down, I’m gonna sing.” We’re not sure at all that’s why they took their seats; Steve at the mic is always a good thing. “Today is Judy’s and my 38th anniversary,” he continued. “Y’all think this is a patrons party for the Symphony, but really it’s my anniversary party! Thank you for coming!”

After accepting thanks from Symphony board chair Martha Ingram, Steve closed out the remarks with, “We’ve got a hundred lamb chops for 300 people. So…good luck!”

Let’s just say that Dani Kates and Co. provided plenty for the crowd—mushroom soup in cappuccino cups, then a quiche sliver with bibb lettuces and pomegranate seeds lightly tossed with vinaigrette, a pair of baby lamb chops over cheese grits with steamed asparagus, carrots and yeast rolls. The dessert was chocolate, and that’s all you need to know. BCA

—photographs by eric england

See all the photos from the Symphony Ball patrons party in the January print issue