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Scaling back on holiday socializing, Part 2

By Michael Barnes | Tuesday, December 9, 2008, 05:13 PM

See earlier post for Part 1

A long line of party-givers and party-goers up and down the economic ladder are cutting back this holiday season because of tough times. Nobody says socializing will stop — or even slow down that much — but costs will be cut and expectations trimmed.

The economizing starts at the top of the social/political food chain. Gov. Rick Perry and first lady Anita Perry traditionally throw holiday bashes for backers, politicos and press at the Governor’s Mansion, or, more recently, their temporary Estates Above Lost Creek residence. This year, one official party was held at funky Betsy’s Bar in the Warehouse District with modest servings of sliders, kabobs, mini corndogs and tartlets.

Rather than postponing until 2009, several nonprofit groups known for over-the-top parties decided just to tone down the grandeur. Backers of Arthouse, the contemporary art promoters, having staged high-profile festivities at the Driskill Hotel and elsewhere, held a low-key dinner for 100 guests at a private home. “We decided to create an event that specifically spoke to Arthouse as a family,” executive director director Sue Graze said.

Company holiday parties have been slimmed as well.

“The general economic instability caused me to cancel whatever holiday company event I was planning and to focus instead on building up our Christmas show that benefits Blue Santa,” said Stephen Tatton of Sure Fire Media + Promotion.

And size — reduced — matters.

“I’m noticing more small dinners given in our friend’s homes instead of the big blow-out holiday parties,” said activist and philanthropist Julie Thornton. “That’s my favorite way to get together with people so I’m actually hoping it’s a trend here to stay.”