Rumor Has It - February 2026

Be a bridesmaid. Why read quietly when you can accessorize? The Wedding People by Alison Espach inspired a book review like no other when host Susan Ganz transformed her home into a full-on wedding reception and encouraged readers to dress as bridesmaids. The true gasp came when reviewer Susan Rosenbaum swept in as the bride herself, sporting a veil with a 15-foot train that required both choreography and patience. Once the laughter subsided, the book took center stage, delivered with wit and sparkle. Guests left with “diamond” hair pins and thank-you hand cream. Doesn’t every good wedding (and book review) deserve favors? Among the amused bridesmaids: Jan Arrington, Amelia Adler, and Sandy Pospisil.

SURREAL IT WAS! Pictured (from left) are Ben Barrett, Chloe Leonard, and Kyle Dutton, ringing in the new year with a Surrealist black-tie fête inspired by the infamous 1972 Rothschild party    

Two parties, two moods, one very patient homeowner. After 18 months of dust, debris, and wall-gutting drama, Kyle Dutton’s 1939 house finally emerged – restored, reborn, and nearly doubled in size. The big reveal in December was casual chic, but the real spectacle followed. Dutton and Ben Barrett rang in the New Year with a Surrealist black-tie fête inspired by the infamous 1972 Rothschild party, where invitations were typed backward and required a mirror to decode. Here, guests found their names written in reverse on mirrored chargers. Antler horns, papier-mâché eyeballs, and a wink to Salvador Dalí ensured the house – and the party – was anything but ordinary.

RAIN OR SHINE The Tangle Lane holiday party was popular, rain or not. Pictured (from left) are David Eastlake, Sharon Cordes, Michele Hosko, Scott Drysdale, Liz Andrews, and Miguel Lozano.    

The Tangle Lane party sleighed expectations. Blinking reindeer sculptures flashed away while Mr. Moose perched on the entry bench, standing guard like a very festive bouncer. Michele Hosko and Scott Drysdale transformed Michele’s home into a glowing winter-white wonderland and welcomed a record-breaking 65 guests. Co-hosts Sharon Cordes, Miguel Lozano, David Eastlake, and Liz Andrews were thrilled (and slightly stunned) by the turnout. As rain threatened, Michele smartly provided a tent to expand covered seating. One guest made a dramatic dash home in the rain, shedding his leather jacket – and shirt – to save his shoes. Meanwhile, Michele’s neighbor Mo Cordes played chauffeur, giving rides home to neighbors.

MERRY MARTINIS Winter White Cosmos were served at the Houston Junior Forum’s Merry Merry Martini Party, hosted by Rob and Linda West and Laurie and John Wasmuth at the Wests’ festively decorated home.    

Martinis, everyone? The Houston Junior Forum’s Merry Merry Martini holiday fundraiser positively shimmered at the home of Linda and Rob West, with co-hosts Laurie and John Wasmuth stirring up the cheer. Guests were handed blinking martini pins – because nothing says holiday elegance like tasteful twinkle. The bar served crowd-pleasers including a Winter White Cosmo, while a scrumptious buffet of salmon and pork tenderloin kept spirits (and appetites) high. Marian Catechis wore a perfectly on-theme “merry” shirt, setting the mood. Spotted clinking glasses were Juliana and Guy Vachon, Susan Rosenbaum and Eric Schoen, and Cat Holste with Tom Bankert. Proof that festive fun pairs beautifully with a good martini. 

SPARKLY SOIREE “Golden Girls” on New Year’s Eve at Patsy Flowers’ house included (front, sitting) Amy McClurd; (second row, from left) Emma Carruth, Patsy Flowers, Mary Eleanor Holloway, Kay Henderson, Pat Jones; (third row, from left) Libby Power, Donna Stapper, Barbara Perrigin, Amy Comparet, and Jodie Henderson.

Golden girls. Forget velvet ropes and loud clubs; this New Year’s Eve glittered with friendship, laughter, and a little competitive bingo. About five years ago, Patsy Flowers launched a New Year’s Eve tradition for widowed or single gal pals, mostly neighbors, proving that chosen family sparkles brightest at midnight. After an overflowing potluck and plenty of champagne toasts, the fabulous 11 got down to serious business: bingo, prizes, and bragging rights. Julie Di Fonzo raided her grandmother’s legendary gift closet, wrapping surprise treasures as prizes and party favors. (Yes, everyone went home with two favors and two bingo cards – because why not?) The newest Golden Girl in attendance? Emma Carruth, who fit right in before the ball even dropped.

HAMMERSMITH HOLIDAY MAGIC Neighbors celebrated the season with an open house of three homes. Pictured (from left) are Libby Power, Stacee and Michael Martinka, Anne and Irby Rozelle, and Christian and Marci Pendley.

Three magical homes. The Hammersmith Holiday Magic Dinner was pure yuletide mischief, orchestrated by Libby Power, Cheer Coordinator. First stop: Mistletoe & Monet at Stacee and Michael Martinka’s, where jazz musicians serenaded guests in the front yard. A “Holiday Bourbon Blitz” provided instant cheer and charcuterie worthy of Santa’s sleigh fueled the fun, while revelers cozied up by the patio fireplace. Next came Winter Wonderland at Marci and Christian Pendley’s, complete with a merry band of Santa’s helpers. The grand finale? Holly Jolly at Irby and Anne Rozelle’s, where a feast and decadent desserts proved the sweetest way to wrap up a night of progressive holiday magic.

Nutcrackers, anyone? The Tanglewood Garden Club holiday lunch marched straight into merriment at the home of Jackie Richey, whose collection of 100 fabulous nutcrackers stood proudly at attention. Lining the fireplace mantel and bookcases, they brought good luck, protected the house, and may have silently judged outfits. The festive catered luncheon, beautifully chaired by Kiara Rankin and Christine Trammell, was fueled by flowing Prosecco for a bubbly good time. Between clinking glasses and admiring the cracker corps, guests toasted the season, swapped garden tips, and agreed that when it comes to holiday décor, Jackie clearly cracks the code. 

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