Swifty’s Palm Beach Putting on the Glitz
DECEMBER 30, 2022
GUEST DIARY• BY: KAREN KLOPP AND HILARY DICK
Swifty’s at the Colony New Year’s Eve has become the hottest ticket in Palm Beach, especially this year when the celebration is coupled with the rich history of the hotel. Swifty’s Palm Beach’s Robert Caravaggi explains, “The Colony 75 Ball is owner Sarah’s concept. It is to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Colony in conjunction with our New Years celebration. I’m proud that it will be held in Swifty’s. A splendid time is guaranteed for all!”
According to Sarah Wetenhall, “New Year’s Eve at The Colony Hotel will be a culmination of 75 years of glamour, fun, and indulgence. We are feting the hotel’s most memorable moments, blending new and old by harkening back to Palm Beach’s mid century heyday in a modern way.”
Since 2016, Sarah and her husband Andrew have imparted their own grace and style, creating the “Pink Paradise” interiors in partnership with Mimi McMakin and Celerie Kemble of Kemble Interiors. Approaching various ways to improve the experience, Aerin Lauder was brought in to update Villa Jasmine with her flair for timeless, welcoming style.
In 2019, another perfect pairing was created when Robert reopened Swifty’s, New York City’s legendary society canteen, to its elegant new home at the Colony Palm Beach. Dining inside or out, the fun and flow of both familiar and recent faces has continued apace. In addition, the back bar has become the mainstay of the younger generation, known as the best place in town to meet, greet, see and be seen!
Hilary and I can attest to the fabulous festivities that await the revelers on New Year’s Eve. We were fortunate to snag some seats last year at a very festive table on the pool deck, surrounded by glorious plantings and a vibrantly staged setting. Hilary’s parents Nicole and Derek Limbocker added a festive touch and a bit of history about The Colony.
From the archives: “The Colony Hotel dates to 1947, when it debuted during Palm Beach’s post war construction boom. This glimmering destination has received praise for its fashionable dining, live music, and gorgeous interior decoration. It’s the reason that discerning guests — including Judy Garland, Lena Horne, John Lennon, Sophia Loren, and Frank Sinatra — have continued to check in for decades.”
And for What to Wear to this marvelous phantasmagoric soiree we are pulling out all the stops, strapping on the stilettos, and shopping for sequins for a celebratory sheen. How much is too much. We reference TIP #7 from Packing for Travel, our handy guide to packing.
In the mood for something short and sassy?
Or long and elegant?
Or something in the midi?
Why sequins? Lest you think they were conjured in the ’60s for the disco scene, sequins have existed as early as 2500 BC, when coins were sewn into garments to suggest wealth and status. When they were found inside of the tomb of Tutankhamum in the 1920s they became the rage of the flapper set. Today they say “Let’s Party” in the most expedient way!
Hilary is also into stunning sparkles, “I like to wear sequins all year round! They add a bit of fun to any look. As here in my collage, you can mix with solids or add as accessories. Spice it up with a sparkle and you will stand out in the crowd as you count down to the New Year.”
Following the festive cocktails, a sumptuous seated dinner was served.
The dancing commenced before midnight and continued beyond the Time’s Square Ball Drop on the big screen and well into the wee hours.
Wishing everyone a 2023 New Year bursting with understanding and achievement!
Photos courtesy of Annie Watt
