Come to My Garden: The Swan Ball Patrons Party Wows Before the Main Event

The Swan Ball Patrons Party is an annual tradition that heralds the coming of the Swan Ball. The patrons party and the ball itself help raise crucial funds to support Cheekwood Estate & Gardens. The stunning home of Kathryn and David Brown was again the setting for the highly anticipated event. As guests arrived, they met with treasured icon Bill Forrester, who welcomed each as a friend. Just through the threshold, servers waited with trays of the evening’s signature cocktail — limoncello. The refreshing drinks coordinated perfectly with the yellow tone carried through the design of the evening. 

In the Browns’ dining room, charming brother-sister duo Carrie and Matthew Imberman of Kentshire — the official 2024 Swan Ball jeweler — assisted guests as they perused a stunning collection of jewelry. On the terrace, guests took in the glorious evening, enjoying hors d’oeuvres by Kristen Winston Catering as the sun began its slow descent behind the magnolia trees. Swan Ball co-chairs Sally Nesbitt and Carolyn Taylor visited with guests throughout the reception.

On the Magnolia lawn sat the dinner tent, adorned with stunning décor nodding to the Swan Ball’s theme, The Enchanted Forest. Patrons Party hosts worked with event planner Jenny Corts of Jenny Richter Events to create a unique look for the evening. Linens covered in white and yellow floral appliqués dressed the tables, and grass-green chairs beckoned guests to sit. The talk of the evening centered around both the beautifully designed green menu cards (which also featured floral appliqués) and the floral designs by The Tulip Tree. Each table featured white flower centerpieces, while lucite boxes filled with white orchids floated overhead.

Once seated, guests enjoyed a masterfully prepared dinner of jumbo lump crab cake atop a bed of greens, followed by pan-roasted Joyce Farms chicken with herb soubise. The dessert — a perfect finale for the evening — was a dark chocolate creamsicle. As supporters of Cheekwood lingered after dinner, it was clear that the evening set the tone for the beautiful Swan Ball.