The Crowd:

It was an evening of lively conversation shared by good friends who enjoyed the gracious hospitality of Newport hostess Margaret Larkin and her husband, Tom Larkin. The Decorative Arts Society gathered at the Larkins’ waterfront estate to meet Bret Parsons, architectural historian and author of a 2008 book on the late Gerald Colcord, who was known as the society architect of Los Angeles in the mid-20th century.

Colcord died in 1984 leaving a legacy of some 400 residential projects, primarily on the Westside of Los Angeles. Parsons completed an exhaustive research project that documented Colcord’s career and reviewed some of 10,000 original renderings. Colcord did his own drawing and was credited with a remarkable drafting ability.

What made the reception special was that one of the Larkin residences (a complex of two exquisite side-by-side homes on the Newport Main Channel) is an original Colcord colonial. Built in the 1950s, the home retains its original architectural character, enhanced by Margaret Larkin’s keen eye for design. Parsons was enchanted by the pristine character of the Colcord, holding court among many admirers who had come to meet him.

Wandering between the Colcord home and a stately French chateau next door, the crowd mingled on the brick-paved waterfront terrace connecting the two estates. Oversized iron furniture upholstered in chic wide-striped black and white canvas welcomed evening visitors who shared conversation, Chardonnay and superb hors d’oeuvres catered by Sally Crispin.

The crowd was delighted with the mini Reuben sandwiches, open-faced grilled-cheese toasts and the tiny BLT bites.

Margaret Larkin has become an admired addition to the Newport social roster because she is genuinely gracious. Moving to O.C. several years ago with Tom Larkin, leaving behind life in the Hancock Park section of Los Angeles, the Larkins have endeared themselves through the sheer warmth of their personalities and a genuine desire to connect and participate in activities and organizations that benefit the greater public at large. They are the “real deal”; their participation is not about social climbing but rather about belonging to the community.

Sharing their good vibes and great spirit were Elana Donovan, Carolyn Garrett, Kitty Canada, Bonnie McClellan, Cecelia and Bruce Nott, Marion and Roger Palley, and Arlene and Leonard Spielman. Also front and center were Lois and Dave Tingler, Hyla Bertea, Marion Hartwich, Sharon Henwood, Ida Middlesworth, Mary Anna Jeppe, Janet Curci, Sandra Ayres, Linda Giannini, Carole Steele, and event chairwoman Kay Evans.

The following day Parsons addressed a large assemblage at the Big Edwards Fashion Island Theatre delighting the crowd with Colcord history and images of his respected work.

The final guest on the 2010 Decorative Arts Society roster will be Susan Sully, author and photographer, coming the Newport Beach on April 13. Her subject will be “The Southern Cosmopolitan.” Funds raised by the society benefit local nonprofits including Casa Teresa, Girls Inc., Laura’s House, Mariposa and Women Helping Women. Call (949) 718-0171.

THE CROWD runs Thursdays and Saturdays.