THE CROWD:

The Decorative Arts Society launched its 13th series of programs in Newport Beach this week.

Designer to the stars Michael Smith, who grew up in Newport Beach, returned to address the society at a sold-out confab. It was the first in the series of receptions and lectures that will include Jay Thomas Savage on Nov. 13 from the Winterthur Museum followed by Derek Ostergard on Feb. 12.

Ostergard is a well-known antique curator and art historian. Then on March 11 Lisa Hubbard, chairman of Sotheby’s International Jewelry department, will address the crowd on the opulent jewelry of the 1950s.

Finally on April 15 Emmanuel Ducamp will speak on the Russian Imperial palaces and gardens in St. Petersburg, Russia. Each of the events begins with a buffet breakfast followed by the speaker. All are presented at the Newport Stadium Theaters in Fashion Island.

The Decorative Arts Society is a nonprofit group supporting three local charities: Girls Inc., Laura’s House and New Directions.

Chaired by Sharon Henwood, with a committee that includes local gals Sandra Ayres, MaryAnna Jeppe, Maureen Madigan, Mary Manno, Cecilia Knott, Carole Steele, Joan Sammis and Marion Palley. Also supporting the Decorative Arts campaign are Diane Cannon, Ann Dennis, Elana Donovan, Brenda Eastman, Kay Evans, Carolyn Garrett, Margie Jager, Bonnie McClennan, Peggy Strong and Lois Tingler.

The Decorative Arts gals and their husbands gathered for a lively reception welcoming Michael Smith back to Newport Beach and taking him away from his celebrity clients among the “who’s who” of the Hollywood elite.

The 60th anniversary celebration of the Newport Harbor Auxiliary of Children’s Home Society takes place this Sunday as members gather for an elegant afternoon tea at the Corona del Mar residence of Dr. and Mrs. Andrew Cies.

The tea will honor past presidents of the society and its legacy of assisting children at-risk in Southern California.

More than 175 guests are expected to attend the party, which will showcase a collection of exquisite debutant gowns spanning more than 40 years of presentations in the Newport Beach community.

Honored guests will include Betty Schock, president of Children’s Home Society in 1953; Betty Clark, president in 1964; Pat Peyton, 1966; June Adams-Rawlins, 1968; Cecile Woodman, 1969; Sandy Sewell, 1970; and Nora Jorgenson Johnson, 1973. The lovely Leslie Cies is chairing the 60th anniversary celebration.

The yearlong events will be coordinated by Children’s Home Society members including chapter President Dorene Wade, Kathy Smith, Mary Pennington, Susan Riddles, Elaine Byers and the beautiful Carolyn Holder, among others.

Olive Crest will host an art, food and wine exhibition next weekend at The Balboa Bay Club & Resort, Newport Beach.

Saturday Oct. 20 the crowd will descend upon the Bay Club to help raise money for abused and neglected children in Orange County. Organizers are calling the party “Harvesting Hope for the Olive Crest Kids.”

Since 1973 Olive Crest has served the needs of more than 45,000 children and families in this community. There will be a wine tasting in the Grand Ballroom along with an art exhibition and auction.

It’s time for Christmas Company 2007. The Junior League of Orange County will once again produce its fabulously popular Christmas Company exhibition Nov. 16-19 at the Orange County Fair and Exposition Center.

This year’s theme is “The Spirit of Christmas” and will feature more than 100 creative retailers from both Orange County and across America bringing holiday gifts and merchandise to the Newport-Mesa community.

Opening day will feature a preferred shopping breakfast, and then that night an evening of food and wine featuring fare from generous restaurants such as Five Crowns, The Cannery, Villa Nova, Bluewater Grill and more, offering a taste of Newport. This year is the 32nd anniversary of The Christmas Company, which has raised more than $6.5 million for the Junior League’s charitable programs. For tickets and information please call (949) 261-0823 or visit www.jlocc.org.

THE CROWD runs Thursdays and Saturdays.