Photo: Gail Wheelus and Vickie Roan, The Menagerie tablesetting
At the Austin Country Club, the 16th anniversary of Austin Kappa Settings was celebrated in grand style with a cocktail preview party and table viewing party. Kappa Settings is always fun and each time it deepens experiences for friends and guests to find inspirations for elegant entertaining. Hostesses know at any barbeque, shower, or fine dining party, the table is the center of attraction. At Settings 2019, the Kappa Kappa Gamma event offered surprises of colors and décor, while the tabletops offered awe-inspiring ideas.
The speaker for the event was Lela Rose, the New York City-based American fashion designer widely regarded for her eponymous collections. Passionate for style, design, and décor, Rose released her first book, Pret-a-Party, focusing on her love of entertaining. As a principled female business owner, wife and mother, Rose is committed to giving back to the community. For more than 17 years, Rose has supported a proven network of artisans, sewers, pattern-makers, manufacturers, and small business owners in New York City.
The Platinum Honoree at the gathering was Lanette Smith, who, twenty-two years ago, conceived the first Kappa Settings. With a talent for fundraising and a heart for giving back to our community, she established the Austin KKG Philanthropy Fund. Beyond her dedication to this signature event, Smith has served on the House Board and in 1992 was President of the Alumnae Association.
Some of the other highlights included a Garrison Brothers Bourbon tasting, rose nosegays gifted to each guest by The Pearl Collection and designed by guest speaker Lela Rose, and tortoise shell earrings gifted to each guest by Elizabeth Gibson of Eliza Page. Plus, there were specialty favors at the designers’ tables.
This event showcases the Best of Austin Designers. Ultimately, the total proceeds of $51,000 helps to meet critical needs in our community and beyond.
The 2019 Beneficiaries were The Refuge, CASA of Travis County, LifeWorks, Beyond Batten Foundation, Meadows Mental Health Institute, Austin Community Foundation, and Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation. Regarding the KKG Scholars, the Beta Xi Kappa Kappa Gammas at the University of Texas were recognized for last year achievement as the Number One Chapter with a Grade Point Average of 3.569.
Chairs & Key Committee Members for the event were:
Tri-Chairs: Amy Sutton, Patty Loose, Beth Voorhees
Underwriting Chairs: Kerri Ann Chambless & Ann Bauer
Visual Designs & Program: Kelsey Stephenson
Key Honoree Chair: Carol Crowley
Preview Cocktail Party Tri-Chairs: Laurel Hooper, Acia Moody, Evelyn Weideman
Luncheon & Logistics Chair: Andrea Calvert
Luncheon Reservations Coordinator: Susan Standard
The participating designers were:
Adelante Boutique
Bay Hill Design
Charlotte Benson
Blair Burton Interiors
Breed & Co.
Diva, The Ultimate Design Studio
Fabian Salcedo
Feather Your Nest
The Garden Room
Grace Charles Design Studio
Hearth and Soul
House of Margo Blair
Kendra Scott
Love Ding Home Staging and Interiors
Lucinda Hutson Lifestyle Author
Maggie Louise Confections
Melody’s Joy
The Menagerie
Olivia Shoppe
Page Home Design
Personally Yours
Premiere Select
Carter Jackson
Sparrow Interiors & Gifts
Suzy M. Fields Interior Designs
Tina Hambly Creative
Westbank Flower Market
Austin Country Club
Floral Renaissance
Malleret Designs
Wildflower Organics