Marietta has its list of grand dames - that breed of fascinating women who dazzle with their charms and personality, dress with their own sense of style, and who take their community work quite seriously. I'm sure you can name a few.

Pat Chilton is one such woman who comes to mind. She and her late husband Warren "Red" Chilton were blessed with the gift of entertaining. They made it look easy. And though the energetic couple was quite known for their lively parties, they devoted themselves to the arts being actively involved with the Georgia Ballet. They recently received a special Ovation Award for their unselfish love and support of the arts from the Cobb Arts Board and Friends of the Arts.

It's hard to believe that on Nov. 1 Mrs. Chilton turned 80. More than 150 friends and family honored her at a birthday party at the Marietta home of her daughter and son-in-law, Julianne and Boozer McClure. Her other daughters and their husbands, Claire and Sam Brogdon and Laurie and Roger Phillips, as well as her son, Warren Chilton, also hosted the affair on Nov. 14.

With most of her guests in black-tie, Mrs. Chilton was attired in beautiful ensemble with ethereal layers of shimmering textures and color. She was dressed in a copper-colored taffeta skirt with a black beaded strapless top. Over this she wore a sheer black jacket trimmed with a smathering of dramatic black feathers. In line with the party theme of Masquerade, a beautiful black feather mask topped off her elegant look.

Her daughters, as well as her granddaughter, Julia, all wore something belonging to Mrs. Chilton. Special toasts were offered by family friend Hylton Dupree and her grandson, Warren McClure.

Among the well-wishers: Susan and Michael Byars, Lillian and Buddy Darden, Michelle and Zachary DeVos, Sarah and Ralph Farrar, Kim and George Gresh, Susan and Doug Haynie, Harriet and Larry Hinds, Sylvia and Conley Ingram, Kitty and C.W. Marlow, Gina and Janusz Mazon, Nancy Ryle and Elaine and Jack Swift.

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Linda Flournoy and Livvy Lipson are Out of Africa, recently returning from a 12-day trip. Organized by Abercrombie & Kent, the ladies visited Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Olduvai Gorge and Serengeti in Tanzania and Nairobi and the Masai Mara in Kenya.

They sighted a large variety and number of animals including lion, rhino, hippo, cheetah, leopard, elephant, giraffe, zebra and the tale end of the wildebeest migration in Serengeti.

They made a brief visit outside Nairobi to see Karen Blixen's home, the heroine from "Out of Africa." Unfortunately, Robert Redford was nowhere to be found, just a few artifacts from the film - his slacks and Meryl Streep's boots!

The third trip to Africa for both ladies, they previously enjoyed southern Africa and Egypt.

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Fashion spotlight of the week: Red jumper and a yellow pair of cowboy boots with red accents - Robyn Johnson - steppin' out in style!



Sally Litchfield is a longtime Marietta resident. She formerly practiced law in Marietta and now stays home to raise her two children. Send Sally news at sallylit@bellsouth.net. Call Sally at (770) 425-7122.