Hostess With the Mostest
3 stylish Austinites land on luxe list of best party hosts in the U.S.
The art of throwing the perfect party is practiced by a golden few. The latest list from The Salonniere shines light on the top 100 hosts across the nation who are masters at crafting the ultimate party experience.
Founded by Austin's Carla McDonald in 2014, The Salonniere is your one-stop shop for all things party-related. The online magazine serves as a resource for hostess tips and festivity how-tos.
The Salonniere 100 is determined by nominations from society reporters, philanthropists, dignitaries, and more. As The Salonniere puts it, those who make the top 100 "are the fete-fabulous folks who bend over backwards to entertain with such flair that you'd be wise to move a mountain or two to attend one of their soirees ... that is, if you're fortunate enough to be invited."
On the list are three entertaining Austinites: Julie Blakeslee, Dr. John Hogg, and David Garza.
Blakeslee is the head of the local branch of Big Red Sun, a top-notch landscape design firm that has serviced the likes of Hotel San Jose, Cheer Up Charlies, Jeffrey's, and the W Hotel. A garden designer by trade, Blakeslee has also been named a pinnacle of style by Southern Living. With a focus on outdoor spaces and funky flair, it's no wonder that Blakeslee's fetes are beloved by all attendees.
Hogg and Garza are a style savvy couple who regularly host fundraisers and soirees in their modern yet inviting Westlake Hills home. The radiologist-builder duo is very active in the nonprofit scene, having worked with the Mexic-Arte Museum, the Human Rights Campaign, the Hispanic Scholarship Consortium, and more.
When not throwing parties themselves, all three of these elite Austinites can be spotted around town at the city's hottest openings and galas. Visit The Salonniere to see the rest of the top 100 list.