An Elegant Evening at the Legion of Honor

Photo Credit: Drew Altizer Photography

Last Wednesday night the who’s who of San Francisco society put on their holiday finest and headed to the Legion of Honor for one fabulous fete. The holiday dinner and dance was the fine arts museums of San Francisco’s annual fundraiser. As guests walked up to the stunning landmark, they couldn’t help but smile in awe: the outside of the museum was covered in light-up snowflake shapes. The Pacific Boy Choir Academy greeted patrons with renditions of festive Christmas carols—while wearing chic plaid sport coats.

Photo Credit: Drew Altizer Photography

The Court of Honor was transformed into a festive dining room by Lewis Sykes. It was a study in silver with silver wooden chairs, metallic and sequin silver tablecloths, and clear glass plates with silver rims. White floral arrangements (by Thierry Chantrel of La Follia) and cloisters of candles served as sophisticated centerpieces. Snow-and-twinkling-light-covered Christmas trees provided a pretty background for posed photographs. McCall’s plated an elegant four-course menu and Hess Vineyards poured a selection of fine wines. The lively Bob Hardwick Sound band played and guests spent the later half of the evening dancing the night away.

The evening was chaired by Kate Harbin Clammer, Marion Cope, and Kathryn Lasater with Dede Wilsey acting as honorary chair. Notable attendees included Jack Calhoun, Sobia and Nadir Shaikh, Gretchen Kimbal, David and Mary Beth Shimmon, Todd and Katie Traina, Allison Speer, Marion Cope, Adam Clammer, Karen Caldwell, and Riccardo Bennavides.