Out to Dinner

The social season is in full swing, with a number of high-profile dinners — both intimate and grandiose — highlighting the calendar. Hostess extraordinaire Becca Cason Thrash was at it again, welcoming Krug Champagne for an evening of bubbly, food — courtesy of acclaimed chef Tyson Cole — and music at her Memorial home. Co-hosted by designer Naeem Khan, the event also featured a performance by jazz artist Gregory Porter. ... Ahead of its grand opening, Yauatcha hosted a special five-course meal for Lynn Wyatt and 15 guests, in honor of the Rothko Chapel’s 45th anniversary. ... At the Ballroom at Bayou Place, woman-about-town Alicia Smith celebrated her birthday with a “Fifty and Fabulous” dinner, with aerial artists and a '50 Shades of Gray'-themed cocktail hour. ... The Houston Symphony’s annual wine dinner and auction was held on the stage of Jones Hall, which was transformed into a wine “cave” for the evening. ... Italian designer Stefano Ricci made a special appearance for an intimate dinner at Neiman Marcus.



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Leadership in Action: John Kuykendall Traded Newcaster Dream for Success in Luxury Retail

John Kuykendall, Showroom Manager, Sub-Zero, Wolf and Cove

How did you get to where you are today? Growing up I had envisioned myself as a news anchor, living in NY and enthusiastically saying into the camera “Good Morning America!”. To this day, I am still a news/political junkie. My mother owned fur salons so specialty retail, luxury retail was in my blood through the family business. Eventually, mom shuttered the stores and I was recruited to a large specialty retailer. Over the next 30 years, I was in commissioned sales on the sales floor, became a department manager, worked my way up to buyer and store manager. Although I never became a newscaster, I did live in NYC for a few years. But Texas is home and with aging grandparents, I felt the pull to come back to my roots. A headhunter approached me. I never envisioned myself in the high-end appliance market, but there are so many similarities. Clients want a memorable experience; whether shopping for diamonds and fur or remodeling their kitchen.

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Jessica and Ryan Getz, Grace Ward

HOUSTON NONPROFIT Dec My Room threw a country-music-filled bash at House of Blues, where supporters two-stepped the night away and raised record-breaking proceeds, which will be used to decorate and customize hospital rooms of pediatric and young-adult patients all over the country. To date, the organization has improved the attitudes and healing process of 18,000 patients in nearly 200 hospitals.

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Parties

THE STANDARD BEARER FOR LUXURY

We built The Village communities to exemplify sophisticated retirement living in Houston, surrounded by the heritage neighborhood of River Oaks, Tanglewood and Southampton. Each offers impeccable designer finishes and Aspenwood service detail with dining and resortstyle amenities making them premier locations for discerning Houstonians and their families. Impressive, spacious residential floor plans, generous natural light, and expansive terraces allow a new level of indoor-outdoor living. Beautiful spaces are designed for entertaining, fitness, and relaxation with a dedicated team to provide a secure lock and leave lifestyle for our members.

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