They came bearing gifts ... the floral designers and Phipps Garden Center elves to bedeck and beribbon to a fabulous Christmas fare-thee-well the century-old, Federal Revival-style manse of Chatham University's president, Dr. Esther Barazzone. An object of great real estate desire, the campus abode was once the family homestead of Pittsburgh retailing magnate John Gregg, who gifted it to the school lock, stock and sofas. And, since 1945, five CU presidents have called Gregg House a home.
Because tomorrow is Christmas (and because fantasizing is fun), my little tree topper, behold these breathtaking season's greenings that were created for Phipps' recent holiday house tour de force. Where the ho, ho, ho and mistletoe that began at the front door merely hinted at what lay in store throughout this home that's heavy on patina and the kind of architectural detailing that all but vanished with the silent butler.

Gracious rooms, each warmed by a fireplace and Dr. Barazzone's important collection of 19th-century Asian prints and art, brimmed with the joys of Christmas past. But it was the spectacular front hall, designed with theatrical flair by Sewickley's Jim Price of Cuttings, that caused the greatest stir. Garlands of boxwood, seeded eucalyptus and ribbons draped twin Art Deco chandeliers, and the motif continued past an antique French sideboard, with its extravagant bouquet, to the lavishly swagged and twinkling staircase whose newel post was topped with a miniature tannenbaum.

We also fell under the spell of the:

• Victorian parlor's Christmas tree trimmed with family keepsakes and the stunning exotic bouquets of the period from Michael Jacobs of Blooms.
• Golden Buddha nestled atop a vivid assortment of tiny tree balls in the mantel evergreens that were spun in gold ribbons by Carol Papas and Barbara Mullen in the deeply comfortable living room.

• Matte blue tree globes adorning branches that Korkey Kibbey floated across windows in the formal dining room, while hand-blown glass ornaments were delightfully suspended from centerpiece branches.

• Pomegranates that studded the mantel display as well as the flowering kale and green cymbidium orchids in the knockout breakfast room centerpiece by Georgeanna Spinello and Carol Aguglia.

• Surprise of a telephone booth festooned with flowers and presents.

• Fragrant bay leaf wreath in the kitchen.

A festive Fanfare to the volunteers who worked on the three-day Holiday Splendor that bused such guests to and fro the Garden Center for season's eatings, greetings, shopping and sitting in on the holiday entertaining demo by big Burrito star chef Bill Fuller: Phipps director Richard Piacentini; Michele Grygo; Chari Levy; Bernita Buncher; Toto Fisher; Julie Langley; Rebecca Greenleaf; Margie Oliver; Sue Colaizzi; Paul Spencer; Sandy Ross; Jennifer Muse; Katherine Clarkson; Paul Kovach; Margo Naus; Ellen Ahmad; Camille Bondi; Denise Lindberg; Virginia DiPucci; Gloria Cadwallader; Donna Patterson; Helen Orringer; Lois Philpot; Bette King Norris; Sarah Haddad; and Dorothy Baggley.

On Donner and Blitzen.

Cultured Pearls Deb Ball 

They are scholars, musicians, athletes, volunteers, high achievers and, on Saturday, these 10 young women whose good deeds certainly equal their accomplishments were presented at the elegant Precious to Cultured Pearls Ball at the Churchill Valley Country Club.

Sponsored by the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, America's oldest sorority for black women with such members as astronaut Dr. Mae Jemison, poet Maya Angelou, actress Jada Pinkett Smith and the eve's honorary chair Kiya Tomlin (Steelers coach Mike Tomlin's beautiful bride), this is the Pittsburgh chapter's first cotillion since 1952.

Bowing alphabetically, we applauded Zakera Barnes, Janessa Benn, Chelsea Brentley, Adrianna Cleveland, Ashley Edwards, Paris Long (in from Texas), Tamerisk Scott, Asia Tillman, Morgan Watkins and Tasia Weems. Ball proceeds were earmarked for On Track and the Center for Victims of Violence and Crime.

All eyes were on the lovelies as they floated through the intricately choreographed waltz and promenade with their proud parents and handsome escorts to the spins of DJ James McFadden in the smartly appointed black-and-white ballroom.

Well-wishers among the 320 black-ties included co-chairs Glenda Mayo and Jackie Blakey-Tate; emcee Lynn Hayes-Freeland; Dr. Johnnie Monroe and Geraldine; Lee Nicklos; ever-grand Thelma Lovett with Thelma and Greg Morris; Allison Lee-Mann; Michelle and Mark Lewis; Peggy Harris; Valerie and Ted Roberts; Alta Rae Jones; Marva Scott-Starks; Gloria and Louis Kendrick; Jake Wheatley; Mavis and Alexander Nichols; Gayle Moss and Donald Singleton; Dr. Bernard Taylor; Mabel and Dr. James Paige; and Dr. Jacqueline Lindsey.

Yuletidings 

Silent night? Not when the music majors of the Pittsburgh Opera Association take charge. With Party Central in full swing, they threw a gala at the Duquesne Club for ladies twinkling in their best bib and Christmas tucker and gents in black-tie with soprano Anna Singer as the drawing card. Accompanied by pianist Ray Blackwell, Anna breathed new life into Christmas carols, to everyone's delight. Look for her in the company's 2008 production of "The Grapes of Wrath."

Friday's Candlelight Musicale radiated the joy of noel with caroling through cocktails, compliments, as always, of Dr. Lesley Losacco (with Ray) on the eighty-eights. Followed by superb wining, dining and, most especially, dancing to Rick Purcell's terrific band for such as benefit chair Barbara Norris with hubby Rod (co-chair Ellie Murphy was under the weather); POA prexy Dr. Saundra Stout with Bill; Loretta and Ed Crum; Gloria Ley; Paul Gitnik; Nadine Bognar; Connie and Benno Bernt; and Rose and Dr. Joe Roarty.

Let's not forget Dolores and Dr. John Barber; David Savard; Michel and Dr. John Franklin with mom Cicely Monsour; Pearl and Dave Figgins; Carole and Stan Russell; Bonnie and Dr. John Kristofic; Rose and Dr. Mike Kutsenkow; Bill Graner; Chris Nunes; Marsetta and Dick Schweiger; Sandy Bettor; Virginia and Jack Kerr; and Marian and Steve Mosites.

A joyful sound.

This article was provided by: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Written by: Jean Horne