Black Tie: Five in the house for 2013

Dressing up for this former social editor has had to do a lot more with Power Rangers, Batman, cowboys and Army guys as of late, thanks to a cute little 2-year-old that I know.

However, there are five events in 2013 that this party-girl-at-heart will most definitely dig into the old dress closet for … or maybe even spring for a new fancy number. You never know … I may even bring my camera.

SMOA Inaugural Bash
The Sarasota Museum of Art
6 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 20, at Sarasota High School
Tickets $125. Call 309-0118

If getting a chance to see artist Patrick Dougherty’s “stickwork” sculpture isn’t enough, getting to explore the historic Sarasota High School building and imagining its transformation into an art museum — with cocktail in hand — definitely does it. But that’s not all … this “lawn-party casual” affair chaired by Dottie Baer Garner and Brooke Callanen also offers food and drink from the Sarasota Originals and dancing on the Sarasota High lawn to Ace Factor.

The Inaugural Ball Honoring Dr. Donal O’Shea
New College Foundation 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, at New College Bayfront Tickets $350. Call 487-4800

Hmm … Looks like we’re doing a lot of inaugural partying on lawns this year, but why not? This time, don your best Black Tie attire for the Don — Donal O’Shea, that is, New College’s new president. This is only the second time in its history that New College has hosted an official inauguration so don’t miss this affair chaired by BJ Creighton, Renee Hamad, Kathy Coffey and Pat Johnson.

An Evening at the Avant-Garde: 'A Novel Idea'
Ringling College of Art and Design 6 p.m. Saturday, March 23, at Ringling College Call 359-7589

A party girl can be nerdy too, so anything that has to do with books always piques my interest. Plus, doesn’t everybody love dressing up? So getting to dress up like your favorite literary characters sounds like a perfect combination. Add to that some cocktails, good food, music and dancing, and you’ll be sure to have volumes of fun at this event chaired by Larry and Ann Garberding.

Orchid Ball ‘Midnight at the Oasis’
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens 6 p.m. Saturday, April 6, at Selby Gardens Tickets $300. Call 366-5731, Ext. 229

Think “Sex in the City 2,” when Carrie and crew are wearing ball gowns and heels in the souk in Abu Dhabi … that’s what this year’s Orchid Ball is aiming to be — a sultry and sophisticated desert experience. Chairs Wayne and Mindy Rollins promise to rock the casbah with their creative and downright cool charisma at this year’s event. Expect Middle Eastern influences from the food and drink to the décor and from the music and entertainment to the attire.

Florida Wine & Balloon Festival
Florida Winefest & Auction April 4 to 7, at various locations Call 952-1109

Picture this: Taking off in a hot air balloon at 6 a.m. on a cool April day, floating over East Sarasota and landing only to enjoy an elegant champagne brunch. Um, yes, please! The festival also includes winemaker dinners around town; wine tasting on the bay at the Van Wezel; a Balloon Glow Dinner (where the balloons are lit up and floating overhead); Grand Brunch & Charity Auction; Cigar Dinner; and “Sip & Soar” all Premier Sports Complex, in Lakewood Ranch.

Backup Dates
You know, sometimes you just need a backup date. If our five party picks don’t work with your social calendar, here are a couple of other options:

Cooking for Wishes
Make-A-Wish Foundation of the Suncoast
11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 22, at Michael’s On East
Call 952-9474.
An interactive lunch with lots of wine. Need we say more?

Sarasota Exotic Car Fest
United Cerebral Palsy
Feb. 22 to Feb. 24, at various Locations
Call 201-1480.
This year’s events celebrate 50 years of James Bond.

Cattle Barons Ball ‘Let’s Give Cancer the Boot’
American Cancer Society
6 p.m. April 13, at Gettel Automotive
Call 328-3760.
Besties Kelly Gettel and Anne Weintraub head up this event.