Why Launch of Mercury Baroque’s Gala “Party Like It’s 1699!”

Where Up Restaurant in Highland Village

When January 18

Over 120 guests joined Mercury Baroque at Up Restaurant for an evening of food, drinks and fun to celebrate the kick-off for Mercury Baroque’s 2012 Gala “Party Like It’s 1699.” The event was hosted by gala chairs Sharin and Larry Norman, Up Restaurant’s Haidar Barbouti and Mercury Baroque’s Maestro, Antoine Plante. All were treated to delicious hors d’ouvres, wine, champagne and desserts while enjoying the open-air deck of the Highland Village restaurant. The evening was capped off by a fabulous and intimate performance of a Mozart piece by members of Mercury Baroque’s orchestra.

Photography by Priscilla Dickson

WHY To benefit Houston Wilderness

WHERE  The Galleria

WHEN December 20

Houston Wilderness and their Annual Luncheon Co-chairs, Elizabeth and Alan Stein, hosted a shopping fundraiser to celebrate the store opening of British luxe fashion brand, L.K.Bennett, at The Galleria. The shopping and cocktail event kicked off Houston Wilderness’s fundraising efforts for their annual luncheon this spring. The evening began with cocktails and appetizers while guests strolled and shopped through the new boutique, the fourth U.S. freestanding store and first Southwest location for the luxury brand.

Photography by Kim Coffman

Why Houston Symphony Ball Kick-Off

Where JP Morgan Chase

When January 22

Houston Symphony lovers attended a rockin’ evening of cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and music. A Fare Extraordinaire provided delectable bites and sparkling elixirs served by young waiters decked out in all-black attire and 18^th-century powdered wigs. Models paraded throughout the crowd, courtesy of Tootsies, wearing women’s spring eveningwear by Monique Lhuillier, Naeem Khan and Elie Saab.

Photography by Jenny Antill

Why 4th Annual Ice Sculpting Competition
Where Discovery Green
When January 7

Thousands watch the carvers battle it out for the grand prize at this year’s Dirty Dozen. One dozen acclaimed ice artists from around the country including Illinois, California and Alaska competed for a cash prize, people’s choice award and ice game clout. Ice sculptors use chainsaws, blowtorches, razor sharp chisels and talent to transform blocks of ice into amazing works of art in five hours. This year the competition featured ice blocks harvested using more than 1500 gallons of recycled rainwater, in keeping with Discovery Green’s mission. Following the competition the ice was used to water the park’s landscaping.

Why 2012 New Year’s Eve Party
Where The Wortham Center
When December 31

More than 2,000 celebrators took a walk on the wild side during the New Year’s Eve spectacular celebration. Guests arrived in paparazzi perfect cosmopolitan attire ready to party and strolled around four party areas including the Grand Foyer, two Bentley lounges and the Ciroc VIP room. Partygoers enjoyed a “Rock the Runway” fashion show featuring enticing fashions, a light show and a “Casino Royal” for those souls feeling lucky. DJs Good Grief, Senega and Bizz kept the pulse of the party pumping and had the crowd jammin’ well into the New Year.

Photography by Omar Mejia for lastnightpics.com

Why Private Client & Guest End- of-Year Celebration
Where La Colombe d’Or Mansion & Hotel, Restaurant Cinq
When December 2

Clients, guests and friends of Houston’s Kurka, Vanover & Associates | a Platinum Financial Advisory Practice at Ameriprise Financial gathered to celebrate the 5th Annual Client Holiday Party. Senior Partners George J. Kurka, III and Jeffrey N. Vanover welcomed the partygoers with hand rolled cigars from Hoya de Cuba. The grand affair was beautifully hosted, yet again, by the wonderful La Colombe d’Or Mansion & Hotel staff, along with owners Dan, Marc and Steve Zimmerman. Gourmet hors d’oeuvres and dinner were provided by La Colombe d’Or’s own Restaurant Cinq and acclaimed in-house Chef Jeramie Robison.

Photography by Claire Learned for lastnightpics.com

Why Benefiting The Houston Cinema Arts Society & MFAH
Where Bayou Place Downtown
When November 21

The grand opening for Sundance Cinemas was a successful and stylish production. Over two nights, more than 1,400 guests gathered for the spectacle. Both nights began with cocktails and bites from Sundance Bar and Bistro, cookies from Michael’s Cookie Jar and other purveyors who will regularly be featured at the snack bar. Local craft beer, wine and special cocktails where poured, designed to complement the films on screen. Robert Redford, who was filming on location during opening, appeared on screen to welcome Houstonians and promises a trip to H-town very soon and announced that Houston will be the site for one of the screenings during the 2012 Sundance Film Festival USA.
Photography by Omar Mejia

Why Grand opening celebration
Where Midtown
When November 10

Guests on the first evening were given rein of the entire 11,000sf restaurant, with a progressive dinner that took guests through each room to sample menu items and cocktails. Benefiting The Ronald McDonald House, the philanthropic crowd later convened in the dining room for a seated four-course dinner, while admiring the vibrant photography which celebrates the people and places of Houston, as well as the  motorized statue of an oil derrick which provided a unique focal point.  Following dinner, guests were invited into the heart-thumping Saloon, where a myriad of delectable dessert favorites were served and the bar was fully stocked and fully open to all. The party continued until midnight when the last BlackFinn Greyhound was served. 
Photography by Omar Mejia

Why Grand opening celebration
Where 1005 Waugh Dr.
When November 10

Houstonians are foodies at heart, and when news spread that Fuel Kitchen and Health Bar was opening they flocked to show their support for all things great. Guests noshed on light bites from their revolutionary menu and mingled with other fellow foodies over complimentary drinks.
Photographer Sergio Santos

Why To benefit Family Services of Greater Houston
Where Omni Houston Hotel
When November 4

One of the year’s most anticipated events once again rocked the house. The affair was a fun-filled evening benefiting Family Services of Greater Houston. The all-male “celebrity” runway revue showcased some of the most uomini splendidi (gorgeous men) in Houston who glided down the catwalk with undeniable swagger dressed in the finest Festari for Men fashions. The show was followed by a lively auction, which included fabulous trips to Italy, Aspen and South Africa! The crowd then danced the night away to DJ Gino and enjoyed a popular late night bar featuring specialty tequilas by Riazul.

Photography by Daniel Ortiz