THE ANNUAL HOLIDAY bash at the Festari for Men shop in the Galleria area was even more special than usual, as the celebration also marked the store’s 30th anniversary in business in Houston.

“The VIP guest list consisted of longtime friends and clients who enjoyed delectable bites provided by close friend and neighbor Ben Berg's The Annie Cafe & Bar,” said a rep for store owners Debbie and Rudy Festari. Bites included house favorites such as quail bites, bacon fritters, crab tostadas and beef skewers — all washed with Champagne and tequila, naturally.

Since the party was held in a boutique, guest couldn’t help but use the occasion for some holiday gift shopping. A collection of leather, velvet and cashmere jackets, beautiful suits and blazers, and great accessories were on offer, the Festaris noted. Custom women’s jewelry fro Kym Jackson's Urban Rocks was also available.

Faces in the crowd included star athletes Carl Lewis, Brian Ching and Jeff Bagwell. Also making the scene were Rachel Bagwell, Michael and Michael Mithoff, Courtney Hopson, Ceron, Don and Laura Sanders, James and Nicole Lassiter, Marc and Duyen Duyen, Roland Maldonado, Melissa Juneau and Travis Torrence.

Iraida Brown, Mason Clark, Michelle Reyna Wymes and Ally Shell

Tarek El-Bjeirmi and Ceron

Jared Nash and Nadia Nichole

Susan Sanders, Don Mafrige, Jr., Cathy Echols and Tony Gibson

Tammie and Dr. Andy Johnson

Jessica Meyer and Laurel Weinstein

Hugo and Esther Guerrero

Christine and Steve Johnson and Marla Hurley

Michael Roa

Marni and Griffin Greenwood

Marc and Duyen Huynh and Irma Brindis with Patrick Ashiofu

Dallas and Ashton Garrison

Cicely Reid and Travis Torrence

James and Nicole Lassiter and Courtney Hopson

Tiffany Wong, Melissa Mithoff, Melissa Juneau

Debbie and Rudy Festari