This article was written by the editors of The Salonniere.
It’s time to pop the Champagne! After six months of querying more than 1,000 in-the-know social authorities, including journalists, philanthropists, not-for-profit fundraisers, social luminaries, event planners, and cultural and business leaders from coast to coast, we are proud to announce the 2018 Salonniere 100, our annual list honoring America’s 100 best party hosts. The 2018 Salonniere 100 spotlights honorees from 34 cities and 28 states in the United States and represents a diverse and brilliantly creative group of men and women who share one common trait: an exceptional ability to leverage the power of parties to enhance the lives of others.
Honorees Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber of Los Angeles at their 2017 Halloween party
“From prehistoric times to the era of the French salonnieres—the social influencers of their time—to today, parties have always played a pivotal role in human civilization,” said Carla McDonald, The Salonniere‘s founder and editor in chief. “The Salonniere 100 is our way of honoring those who are continuing the tradition of hosting parties with a purpose. Whether they’re welcoming guests to support causes, advance ideas, unite people, or simply bring joy to others, the Salonniere 100 honorees are America’s most gifted and influential cultural connectors.”
Honorees Amy Virginia Buchanan and Patrick Janelle of New York
Among those making the Salonniere 100 for the first time this year are: • Artist Amy Virginia Buchanan and entrepreneur Patrick Janelle, who host wildly imaginative dinner parties in unusual places with the goal of building America’s creative culture (New York, NY) • Kiyomi Buker, social secretary to the Ambassador of Japan, who relies on the Japanese idea of “ichigo, ichie,” meaning “one time, one meeting,” to inspire her parties (Washington, DC) • Heidi Klum (New York, NY) and Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber (Los Angeles, CA), whose annual Halloween celebrations have become two of the country’s most coveted party invitations • Solange Knowles, Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, model, and actor, who is known for throwing “sexy parties with a super-cool vibe” (New Orleans, LA) • Reese Witherspoon, actor, producer, and entrepreneur, who infuses all her parties with southern charm and has become known as one of the nation’s most gracious hostesses (Los Angeles, CA)
Honoree Solange Knowles of New Orleans and her husband, Alan Ferguson Honorees are listed alphabetically according to the most frequently cited nominees from each city. Only cities with a sufficient number of nominees are included. The nominees most frequently mentioned were reviewed by The Salonniere team to compile the final list. A special focus was placed on those who entertain with enthusiasm, creativity, passion, and flair. Party planners and other event professionals were not eligible. Aspen, CO Melissa and Marc Ganzi* Amy Phelan* Atlanta, GA James Farmer Annette Joseph* Danielle Rollins* Austin, TX Mónica Peraza Nina Seely Boston, MA Alli Achtmeyer* Jean and Christopher Egan
Honoree Carolyne Roehm of Charleston toasting guest of honor Julian Fellowes
Chicago honoree Ikram Goldman
Detroit honorees Ed Welburn and Jessie Elliott
Houston honoree Paige Fertitta and her husband Tilman at their 2017 Mardi Gras party
Los Angeles honoree Christine Chiu at her 2017 S.E.X. party
Nashville honorees Fletcher Foster and Daniel Johnson