Mad Hatter’s Tea Party has become one of the most popular events in the city, driving the most elite women of Dallas MAD across town! This year Mad Hatter’s Tea theme is The Golden Age of Hollywood which will be benefiting the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum and A Woman’s Garden on Thursday, April 11, 2019 at the Dallas Arboretum.

This year’s event is hosted by co-chair Sharla Bush and Terry Irby with Kristina Bush Whitcomb as honorary chair and Linda Spina president of the Women’s Council. All financial support comes from fundraising efforts of the Women’s Council, a 501©(3) nonprofit corporation. Talk about some MAD girl bosses!

Mad Hatter’s Tea attracts over 450 guests from all over the nation who plan their trips to Dallas not only to take part in the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party – many in wild and wonderful over-the-top hats - but to view the glorious springtime azalea displays and flowers that grace the Dallas Arboretum. Just when you think this event couldn't get any better, this year Mad Hatter is inviting a very special guest to the Tea party. Steven Kokin a renowned New York Hat designer will be there, so be sure to show up and show out in your MADDEST hats!

The morning begins with a champagne reception followed by a professionally staged and choreographed fashion presentation sponsored by TOOTSIES and produced by the inimitable Jan Strimple, followed by a seated luncheon under elegantly draped tents.

Hat awards will be judged in the following hat categories to recognize excellence in grand Mad Hatter's Hat achievements as voted on by the hat judges and party attendees.  The chairs encourage everyone to be inspired by their favorite movie from "The Golden Age of Hollywood" 1917-1960s. Think Gone with the Wind, Breakfast at Tiffany's, Singing in the Rain, African Queen, How to Marry a Millionaire, Psycho, Casablanca, My Fair Lady, North by Northwest, An American in Paris, The Wizard of Oz, Show Boat, It's A Wonderful Life, Some Like It Hot, Love in the Afternoon, The Birds, Lawrence of Arabia, Roman Holiday, and so on.

Best Picture:  The Most "True to Theme.” The best of "The Golden Age of Hollywood."

Best Actress in a Leading Role:  People's Choice, as voted on by the attendees.

Best Art Direction:  The Best Botanical using Fresh Florals.

Best Short Film:  Most Beautiful Fascinator.

Best Foreign Language Film:  Most Dramatic.

Best Director:  Best Themed Group of Hats. (Men may be included.)

Best Costume Design:  Most Elegant.

Best Visual Effects:  Most Creative. (Men may participate in this category.)
Winners are announced at the fashion show and strut the runway.

Hosted by the Women’s Council of The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, the event serves as one of the biggest fundraisers for “A Women’s Garden.”  A Woman's Garden is the only public garden in the nation conceived by women, funded by the efforts of women, and dedicated to the universal spirit of women!

Individual patron tickets begin at $350 and are available for purchase via the website at www.womenscouncildallasarboretum.org  A limited quantity of regular admission tickets at $250 each will be available in Spring 2019. Make sure to wear your best hats to the MADDEST event of the city!

Image 1 courtesy of Sherry Daerr, Image 2 courtesy of Dana Driensky, Image 3 courtesy of Kokin New York.