Tuesday, June 30, 2009

My 'Hot' Booksigning party at Ma(i)sonry


Last Sunday, June 28, we celebrated the publication of my new book, 'Orlando Diaz-Azcuy' (Rizzoli) with a glamorous garden party at Ma(i)sonry, Michael Polenske's superb new design gallery and wine-tasting salon in Yountville in the Napa Valley (just near the French Laundry).

The afternoon was New Delhi hot--and friends who arrived in white linen all reported, 'My car says it is 105 degrees' or 'My car says the exterior temperature is 103 degrees.'

Fortunately, Orlando and I and guests were sitting in the shade--on chairs and at a long table designed by Ron Mann. We signed dozens of books. Friends sipped Blackbird Vineyards wines.

Among hundreds of friends who celebrated with us were Michael Polenske and Kim Miller, Kimberly Bakker with her new baby, Quinn making her society debut, Ron and Louise Mann, Michael Vanderbyl, Greg Stewart, Suzanna Allen, Dorit Egli, Philip and Carol Norfleet, Chiara Mondavi, Grant Gibson, John Capo, Roche + Roche the landscape designers, Robert Whitworth, Adrienne Arieff, Myra Hoefer, Scott Cazet, Dorka Keehn, Joe Rixon, Jean Larette, Marcy Carmack, Jacqueline Probert, Gene Ogden, Wayne David Hand, Andrew Batey, Markus and Bella Miretsky, and many divine and accomplished colleagues who graced the simmering day. Brilliant.

A highlight: As I was leaving with Orlando to have dinner at Ubuntu, the fabulous new vegetarian restaurant in Napa, Michael said, "Thomas Keller left a gift for you" and he gave me Thomas's thoughtful hand-written note and gift, in a royal blue French Laundry carry bag.

Inside was a ribbonned box with Krug Grande Cuvee, gold embossed. Michael had thoughtfully chilled it. Thank you, Thomas. Cheers!

Photo of the garden at Ma(is)sonry courtesy of Scott Cazet.

7 comments:

J Randall said...

Dearest Dianne,
Congrats, on yet another, brillant book!
Wish I could have been there to help you celebrate.
All the best, RP

Jenn @ Dear Heart said...

So happy to discover your blog! I've been so excited to pick up the new book and the book signing party sounded fabulous. Best wishes in all your new endeavors (online and offline). I'll be reading!

katiedid said...

Wonderful party and so good to see you again. But it was HOT, HOT, HOT! So much fun though.

Diane Dorrans Saeks said...

HI JENN-

Welcome to my blog. Your blog is among my favorites.

Living in Washington DC you now something about heat! The temp of 105 deg F was dramatic here in Northern California, however.

Stay tuned. Delights in progress.

Diane Dorrans Saeks said...

Hi Katie-

Thank you so much for coming from Sacramento to Yountville to join our celebrations.You are right, the Ron Mann furniture is brilliant.
I especially appreciated your smiling presence on such a fiercely hot afternoon. (I am English. Perhaps because I was sitting in the shade, I did not seem to be so affected. You know what they say, 'Mad dogs and Englishmen...".)
I look forward to seeing you in San Francisco. It is always a great pleasure to catch up.

GRAYSONFAVOUR said...

Diane,
You and Orlando were cool even though the day was hot...thanks for introducing us to a new place. Happy 4th!

Adrienne Arieff said...

Diane,
Lovely day. Gorgeous book! I have it on my coffee table so I can think about the hot (but beautiful) Napa afternoon. Lunch soon to discuss our "to be continued" chat.