More than 400 people gathered at the Washington Club on Thursday to fete the 250 under-40 notables in politics, society, arts, and business who were recognized in Washington Life’s Young and the Guest List issue.
André Wells of Events by André Wells turned last year’s industrial theme on its head, focusing instead of on an elegant look with navy, ivory, and marigold fabrics to enrich the historic club’s decor. “Everyone needs a little glamour as we’re trying to come out of the recession,” Wells said.
The venue was a return to the five-year-old party’s roots after last year’s raw industrial space near Union Station. The magazine has hosted the soiree at historical venues Dumbarton House (2006), Meridian House (2007), and Halcyon House (2008).
“We wanted to recapture that very classic Washington salon feel, that turn-of-the-century time when thinkers, politicians, and media got together in these grand homes and estates in Dupont, but inject a 2010 vibe into it,” said Michael M. Clement, the magazine’s executive editor. “Last year the event was a lot more influenced by the zeitgeist of the administration. I felt this year it was much more about the history of Washington.”
The historic home catered to intimate conversations, and Wells decorated the smaller rooms with a series of square plush couches. The two large ballrooms were anchored with bars running the length of the rooms. Several seating arrangements ranged from glass tables and metal chairs to white couches. Guests were treated to three specialty cocktails—the Young and the Bold, the Young and the Passionate, and the Young and the Smart.
Janet Flowers put large flowerpots filled with blossoming branches, hydrangeas, and lilacs on the bars and small glass vases with apricot-colored roses on the tables. Guests noshed on sushi and bite-size pulled-pork sandwiches by Design Cuisine. For a more substantial meal, there was an Asian noodle bar in a side room. Women dressed as cigarette girls also offered individually boxed cupcakes from Georgetown Cupcake.
Shortly after the party wrapped up, guests walked the few blocks to an after-party at Darlington House, where—thanks to D.C.'s Emancipation Day—they were able to enjoy an extra hour of imbibing, until 3 a.m.
