Dallas' most over-the-top spring luncheon, Mad Hatter's 2024, brought out more sorority sisters, goddesses, and Olympic dreamers than a Panhellenic party during Rush Week at SMU. (Well, almost.)
With the theme "Gardens of Greece," event chair Allison Brodnax hoped to transport guests from the already-beautiful Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden to the absolutely stunning Greek isles.
"When I think of Greece, I think of gorgeous flowers, delicious food, friendly people, and a lively spirit," she wrote in the event program.
Check, check, check, and check.
More than 520 guests at the April 18 soiree mingled around the Ginsburg Plaza to take selfies and group portraits, pausing just long enough to fuel up with Greek Mojitos and Santorini Sunrise cocktails and nibble on passed spanakopita triangles.
Attendees took the theme very seriously: There were entire groups of toga-clad Grecian goddesses topped with gold crowns, lots of Olympic flag-adorned hats, laurel wreaths, and even a few full bridal veils as a nod to My Big Fat Greek Wedding.
Small crowds formed around the silent auction tables, featuring fabulous trips, local shopping experiences, jewelry, and more. A photo booth sponsored by longtime event supporters Lisa Meyer and Venise Stuart was a popular stop, too.
When it was time to gather inside Rosine Hall, elegant emcee Cleo Greene,WFAA/Channel 8 anchor-reporter, opened the festivities and championed the work of the Women's Council of the Dallas Arboretum, this year led by president Karen Sargent. Sargent, Brodnax, and Mad Hatter's honorary chair Barbara Bigham encouraged attendees to visit the event's beneficiary, A Woman's Garden.
In a surprise announcement, Sargent revealed that the Women's Council this summer will embark on a major project in A Woman's Garden: restructuring and redeveloping the 25-year-old Pecan Parterre.
"We're going to be adding all-new accessible walkways, beautiful new trees, and a variety of plantings," she said, adding that a reopening celebration would take place in the fall.
Following remarks, a fashion presentation produced by Jan Strimple showcased looks from NorthPark Center that gave serious summer-yacht vacation vibes. Guests could follow along on the handy printed "fashion menu" and circle the looks they loved (shown on statuesque female models and a couple male models who proved very popular with the giddy crowd). Fashions were from NorthPark retailers Etro, Scanlan Theodore, Ted Baker London, St. John, and Nordstrom, with beauty by Byredo.
The highlight of Mad Hatter's each year is the hat competition, adjudicated by celebrity judges who pick winners in several cleverly named categories:
Kristen Gibbins, general manager of NorthPark Center, presented the "Greek Mythology" prize to Elizabeth Smith. Smith's Mount Olympus "12 Greek Gods in the Clouds" hat featured real smoke.
Kameron Westcott, television personality, influencer and entrepreneur, presented the "Greek Life" (Sorority) award to mother-daughter team (and Chi Omega legacies) Mackenzie Oman and Cindy Williams.
Nathan Johnson, creative director and owner of Gro Designs, presented the award for "Best Botanical Using Fresh Flowers" to Dr. Linda Burk.
Sabina Carr, CEO of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, presented the "Olympic Games" prize to Kristen Scott, Sarah Fletcher, and Karen Schaffer. (Of course, the "Olympic fanfare" played as they walked on stage to accept their prize ribbons.)
Esé Azenabor-Grembowski, owner and creative director/head designer for namesake brand Esé Azenabor, presented the award for "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" to Tammany Stern. Not only did Stern's hat showcase key elements of the film - including a real Bundt cake that she baked herself - but she carried around a bottle of Windex as an accessory.
Patti Flowers, owner and chief designer of the Patti Flowers Design Studio, presented "Greek Goddesses" prizes to Deborah McKeever’s group of Sea Goddesses and Reagan Pace’s group of My Greek College Life. While McKeever's group stuck closely to the theme, Pace's friends topped hats with beer pong cups.
Clouds blotted out the bright, sunny skies, but rain held off as attendees sat down to lunch under tents and around the patio surrounding Rosine Hall.
At tables set with dainty blue and white damask table clothes topped with gorgeous pink florals compliments of Gro Designs and Central Market, guests dined on a Mediterranean-inspired feast of Greek veggies, couscous, and tabooli; lemon chicken with fresh herbs and artichoke sauce; mini tarts for dessert; and plenty of hummus and pita for the table. Wine stewards kept glasses filled with crisp white wine and Mumm Sparkling brut and rose.
Attendees adjusted their hats for some final photos, scooped up adorable J. Rae's cookies in the shapes of lemons and olive branches, and picked up their swag bags filled with goodies from Eataly and even a tiny bottle of limoncello.
Celebrating its 36th year, Mad Hatter's Luncheon has been an ongoing fundraising event sponsored by the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. Money raised assist with the development, growth and maintenance of A Woman’s Garden, a major garden at the Arboretum.
Photo by Thomas Garza and Rob Wythe
Greek Goddesses descended for the annual Mad Hatter's bacchanal.
Cattle Baron's Ball chairs Lora Farris and Marjon Henderson with some special four-legged guests at the entrance.Photo by Haynsworth Photography
A getaway to Mexico was one of several fabulous trips auctioned off for thousands.Photo by Haynsworth Photography
The crowd gathers inside the concert tent for the Carrie Underwood show.Photo by Haynsworth Photography