The Swan Ball Auction Party Sets the Stage for the Main Event

Some evenings are purely magical, and Swan Ball Auction Party — supporting the 61st annual Swan Ball — would certainly fit that description. As guests arrived at Belle Meade Country Club, the air was electric; an infectious energy coursed through the rooms as partygoers mingled in the evening’s effervescent sunlight. Co-chairs Elizabeth Dingess and Ashley Rosen moved throughout the Club to visit and to promote the auction lots. Auction Chairs Natalie Clements, Delia Darst and Amy Keith had worked exceptionally hard to find just the right lots worthy of Swan Ball, and the trio was on hand to ensure important funds were raised to support the operation of Cheekwood Estate & Gardens.

Auction Party Chairs Barbara Burns and Julie Haley used sage green and white decor to transform the historic space into a garden-like setting featuring spectacular arrays of floral compositions in peachy salmon, pale pink, white and ivory hues, adding the finishing touch to the serene environment — fitting for an event celebrating and supporting the important work of Cheekwood. The patio was set with beautiful tables covered in green-and-white latticework linens that enhanced the garden party feeling, while the room’s centerpiece was a round bar — complete with a live tree dotted by twinkling lights.

This year’s auction featured an incredible 23 domestic trips, 19 international trips, 21 unique experiences and 21 fabulous treasures. After guests enjoyed cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and plenty of Champagne, they made their way into their seats for the live auction. A particularly interesting lot invited the winner to experience the ultimate in style and sophistication: “bring a friend who appreciates the finer things in life and travel to New York City for an afternoon tea and tour of legendary jeweler, Verdura.” The two travelers would have the once-in-a-lifetime chance to explore the Verdura archives, home to heritage designs and legendary artifacts like Coco Chanel’s Maltese Cross Cuffs, Greta Garbo’s Curb-Link bracelet, the “Feather Headdress” tiara and a treasure trove of pieces made famous by 20th-century style-setters. Bidding was fierce, and everyone left the evening with light hearts and lighter pocketbooks.