THE CROWD:

The Symphony 100 gathered for an annual membership event at the elegant home of Pat Podlich, known as Casa La Cuesta.

A gourmet luncheon was served as models paraded the lush grounds displaying holiday gowns by the House of Escada and fabulous gems from Tiffany & Co. Symphony 100 president Darrellyn Melilli greeted the crowd of some 75 active symphony donors including Catherine Emmi, Ruth Ann Evans, Reta Fishman, Barbara Glabman, Ellie Gordon, Nadine Hall, Liz Merage, Patricia Steinman, Judith Threshie and Dawn Washer. Also spotted at the luncheon were Julie Wiseman, Hope Miller, Nora Lehman, Teri Kennady, Marlene Hammontree, always best-dressed and very chic Adrienne Brennan and Lana Chandler.

Lorie Clark, sales manager for Tiffany & Co. at South Coast Plaza, narrated a video on the history of the Tiffany diamond and the brand’s influence on not only the jewelry trade, but also on fashion, interior design, photography and graphics. Appropriately, the party was billed as “Symphony 100 Diamonds in Fashion: A Tiffany Legacy.”

The crowd enjoyed a catered feast from Meyerhofs & Cuisine, which began with an heirloom tomato salad and ahi filet dressed with wasabi cream. If this were not enough, a filet of wild salmon with dill caper sauce followed, paired with blanched asparagus and fingerling potatoes.

The gals table-hopped in the beautiful garden setting around the Podlich fountain, comparing notes on the Escada fashions and Tiffany jewels.

Pacific Symphony executive John Forsyte was on hand to spin a little magic. Also supporting the PSO were classy Joan Williams, activist Elizabeth Stahr, Alison Moriarty, Mary Beth Molnar, Ann Keller, Cindy Fry and Elizabeth Hargraeve.

THE CROWD runs Thursdays and Saturdays.