If my busy schedule allows, I always try to attend the "Hat Luncheon".
Last week was the 40th annual Frederick Law Olmsted Awards Luncheon hosted by the Women’s Committee of the Central Park Conservancy. More than 1300 attendees filled the park’s Conservatory Garden for what is popularly known as the “Hat Luncheon” - a festive affair where guests don their most extravagant chapeaus. Frederick Law Olmsted was an American landscape designer and widely considered the father of American landscape architecture. Olmsted was made famous for co-designing many well-known urban areas including New York City's famous Central Park. This yearly gathering is among the Conservancy’s most important philanthropic events supporting its mission to preserve, maintain, and enhance the iconic public green space.
Enjoy these photos.
Here I am in my “hat luncheon” ensemble. I always embellish one of my own hats for the affair. This year, I decorated my hat with many fresh daffodils from my gardens.
It was a cloudy, rather gloomy day, but hundreds of guests wearing their fanciful toppers came out for the well-known gathering at Central Park’s Conservatory Garden located at Fifth Avenue and 105th Street.
Waiters in white dinner jackets escorted all the ladies down the steps leading toward the awards ceremony venue. (Photo by BFA/Darian DiCianno)
The event was held under this giant white tent. It was so fun to see others walk down in their creatively designed hats.
Inside, cheerful tables decorated in bright spring colors. (Photo by BFA/Deonte Lee)
Here I am with my longtime publicist and dear friend, Susan Magrino. (Photo by BFA/Darian DiCianno)
Everyone wore hats of all sizes and shapes adorned with all kinds of embellishments. Here is one that caught my eye – a basket of spring flowers.
Here is another creative hat decorated with yellow roses.
I stopped for this quick photo with Lu-Shawn Thompson, philanthropist and wife of the late District Attorney Ken Thompson.
This is philanthropist and Central Park Conservancy Trustee Gillian Miniter in her spring purple headpiece.
Miss New York, Sydney Park, chose royal blue for her outfit.
Here’s a fun photo of Susan and Katherine Zeller Gage, the beautiful wife of Chef Daniel Boulud.
There were so many unique and interesting hats like this one on actress, author, and producer, Ali Wentworth.
Hard to miss this hat and cape worn by television personality Suzy Buckley Woodward.
Here’s another charming hat adorned in pretty orchids.
So many of the attendees, including we three – “got the memo” to wear floral designs.
This is designer Shannon McLean in a fanciful butterfly hat. (Photo by BFA/Darian DiCianno)
The lunch was catered by Abigail Kirsch Catering Relationships. It included these fresh grilled chicken salads. The floral décor was designed by Andrew Pascoe. (Photo by BFA/Deonte Lee)
And for dessert, a trio of strawberry delights – a mini strawberry shortcake, a fresh strawberry and a strawberry dipped in chocolate.
The annual “hat luncheon” in New York City was another huge success. I am already looking forward to next year’s event. (Photo by BFA/Deonte Lee)