#16 Benefit
South African singer and songwriter Vusi Mahlasela—who sang at Nelson Mandela's presidential inauguration in 1994 and at Mandela's 90th birthday celebration—headlined the gala. The event raised $750,000 and was held at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel. Next: May 2, 2015
#19 Benefit
The fund-raising dinner has a distinctly Washington twist: The celebrity chefs preparing dishes are Washington notables including United States senators and representatives. They compete for several titles, such as Best Presentation, American Regional Cuisine, and People's Choice. In 2014, about 600 guests attended and helped raise $935,000. Next: April 15, 2015
#5 Food, Wine & Restaurant Industry Event (new to the list)
Organized by chefs José Andrés and Alice Waters and cookbook author Joan Nathan, the culinary benefit marked its sixth year in 2014. The two-night event begins with a cocktail-centric reception (dubbed "Sips") followed by intimate "Suppers" cooked by chefs and served in private homes across the city. Next: January 24-25, 2015
#2 Political & Press Event
Washington's "Nerd Prom," which celebrates reporters who cover the executive branch and awards scholarships, marked the organization's centennial celebration this year. Following remarks by President Obama, actor Joel McHale roasted New Jersey Governor Chris Christie in particular—but the two later posed for pictures at the Vanity Fair after-party. Media brands from the Washington Post to Google and BuzzFeed host events during one of the city's most visible and increasingly glamorous weekends. Next: April 25, 2015
Event producer Susanne Bartsch hosted her annual Halloween party at Buddakan in New York. The theme was inspired by Auntie Mame, with each room in the restaurant designed differently to mirror the film. The two-tiered grand staircase coiled down to the venue's signature room-length table, where a mass of fortune cookies served as a centerpiece.
For ExtraExtra
"For creative director and designer Alber Elbaz’s birthday, a fantasy of live and paper playful flowers and tabletops brought a typical French park picnic indoors with live performances by his favorite artists Lady Rizo (who popped out of a Confetti System-designed cake) and Justin Vivian Bond."
