Party Girl 12.22.10

Leave it to Crystall and Richard Young and the creative crew at Event Rental to throw an over-the-top holiday party with a sexy goth theme. Searchlights led guests deep within River Ranch to the Youngs' coven, which was covered in dark draperies with strategic spotlighting to complete the spooky theme. Partygoers decked out in black frocks and fangs, with a few vamps in red, to dance the night away over the plexiglass-covered pool. Rocking '80s cover band The Molly Ringwalds belted out party faves from the decade of decadence to the packed house. From behind red backlit bars, fetchingly-clad bartenders poured libations to the thirsty crowd. It was truly a "bewitching" evening!

Julie and Barry Bleichner's River Ranch abode was the locale of their lively annual ornament exchange party. Julie outdid herself with the décor this year, decking the halls, doorways, balconies and mantels with gorgeous gold garlands, sparkling white lights and glittery delights. Ginger Doucet cooked up a delicious garlicky pork tenderloin, a scrumptious brie baked in puffed pastry topped with homemade praline sauce, and a spicy shrimp dip, while Stacy Lee whipped up an exquisite white chocolate bread pudding dessert. Once the exchange began, there was plenty of good-natured (and heated) swapping and stealing. The most oft-exchanged ornament was the realistic mini armadillo acquired by Tom Swett at a specialty shop in Texas.

Beautiful music and festively decorated homes put patrons in the holiday mood at Music and Merriment, benefitting UL Lafayette School of Music scholarships. As guests toured Kent Byron's elegant River Ranch home, tastefully decorated by Jeffrey McCullough, they were treated to the soothing sounds of a jazz ensemble. At Dr. Maria and Nicholas Doucet's stately-columned residence, the resounding voices of UL's chorale echoed from the staircase and upstairs loft. Further down at Babette and Fred Werner's spectacular riverside estate, decked out for the season by Jody's of Lafayette, an intimate group of singers belted out traditional Christmas carols.

Coldwell Banker Pelican Real Estate held an elegant Christmas party at Abacus for owners, agents, business contacts and guests. The festive gathering filled the entire facility from the boisterous bar to white table-clothed dining room to the dance floor. Abacus served up plenty of delicious dishes, including spinach and artichoke dip served with garlic butter croutons and crawfish and corn pasta. Assorted desserts consisted of Christmas petit fours, lemon squares and bread pudding bites.

Party On!