Face-Framing Fancy

 COLUMBINE GARDEN CLUB MEMBERS AND GUESTS DON HATS FOR BRUNCH

The committee who put together the Columbine Garden Club brunch at El Chorro on April 9 set the fashion statement for the day with their picture-perfect springtime hats. Happily, a very large majority of the 383 guests who attended also bedecked themselves in colorful and fanciful hats. Planning to attend a Derby party? Take a cue from these ladies.

Before brunch was enjoyed on the El Chorro patios, guests had an opportunity to shop an array of vendors, brought in from across the nation, from California to New York. The displays featured from botanical items and nature-oriented paintings to fine costume jewelry and candles.

Following brunch, which featured Eggs Benedict, the women made their way to a tented structure on the lawn for the van Vliet presentation, where they saw photos of some of his most celebrated work and then watched as he created several centerpieces using various techniques.

Then it was back to shopping. The vendor displays remained up and open through Thurs., April 10, with proceeds benefiting the largest forest reforestation effort in the history of The Nature Conservancy.

The brunch was orchestrated Jacquie Dorrance, Carrie Hulburd, Patti Lau, Tracey McKee and Kathy Van Arsdale.

At top, Patti Lau, Carrie Hulburd, Jacquie Dorrance, Kathy Van Arsdale and Tracey McKee

PHOTOS BY MARK SKALNY