It's the age-old holiday question: naughty or nice? DIFFA/Dallas answered it by declaring "why decide?" and guests of the 24th annual Wreath Collection were more than happy to let their sweet and spicy sides out for the evening.
This year's soiree was held at the Dallas Trade Mart, a much larger venue than years past that easily accommodated the more than 100 one-of-a-kind wreaths and curated accessories on display and up for auction.
Traditional, futuristic, and tongue-in-cheek wreaths were designed by Brian Chaffin, James David Britt, JoJo Herda, Leah Fisher, Tattoos by Char, Lucky Dog Barkery, Molly DeVoss, Grange Hall, Vintaglio Jewelry, Allan Knight and Associates, IndoChino Made to Measure, Paul Merrill Architects, Ambella Home, Feizy Rugs, Frontgate, and many more.
Aston Martin — the official auto sponsor of Wreath — not only created a designer chrome wreath topped with an authentic Aston Martin Wings badge, but the winning bidder also received an Aston Martin to drive for the weekend.
Co-hosts Zachary Ripp and Andy Kivilaan mingled with festively dressed guests that included Carol Quist, Parker Williams, Darin Kunz, LB Rosser, Jenny Anchondo, Amy Vanderoef, Rhonda Sargent Chambers, Josh Mayer, Steve Weir, Zach Hess, Greg Haynes Johnson, Char McGaughy, Shayne Robinson, Lana Constantine, Preston Watson, Jason Oleniczak, David Putnam, Clint Thomson, and Courtney Rider.
In addition to the wreaths displayed on lacquered black doors throughout the venue, guests could bid on extraordinary auction packages and claim first dibs on the most valuable tables for House of DIFFA Extravaganza, which is set for May 16, 2020, at the Omni Dallas Hotel.
Hearty hors d' oeuvres and cocktails by Diagio and Impeccable Brut were served, and guests also enjoyed desserts from Nothing Bundt Cakes, Norma's Cafe, Sugar Daddy's Cakery, La Madeleine, and Starbucks while DJEllz spun contemporary Christmas tunes.
Formed in 1984, the Dallas chapter of DIFFA (Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS) is one of the largest HIV/AIDS organizations in Texas and has since granted more than $8 million to 25 frontline HIV/AIDS service organizations in North Texas. For more information about the organization or to get involved, visit www.DIFFADallas.org.
Adrian Mercado, Quenton McClure
