Come for dinner, stay for drama – 225’s guide to hosting a “Real Housewives” party

Editor’s note: McNeil serves as the special events coordinator for 225 and inRegister.

On a cold, dreary night or after a long day at work, a Real Housewives rerun can offer a certain amount of comfort; drama-filled comfort, but still.

While watching an episode of the Beverly Hills version a few months ago, I had an idea: Throw a dinner party better than theirs. One with more fun and less fighting.

Twenty-four hours later I had invited six lovely “housewives” of Baton Rouge for a party that would include diamonds and gowns, flawless makeup, a limo, a gourmet feast and a photographer to document it all.

Admittedly, it was an all-day affair just getting ready for the big event, but all of the planning, pampering and prepping was well worth it.

Here is 225‘s guide to throwing your own Housewives-themed party and a few favorite photos from our memorable night.

A step-by-step plan with our chosen vendors in italics.
1. Private Chef: Drew England, The Edible Event
2. Fine Wine: Provided by Blend
3. Formal Gowns: Provided by Femme Fatale Boutique
4. Hair Stylist: Hillary Connor, Mercer Studio
5. Makeup Artist: Rachel Bunch, JKL Salon
6. Limousine Service: Riverside Limousines
7. New Jewelry Provided by Cut Fine Jewelers
8. Florist: Lance Hayes Flowers
9. Hostess Favors: Brooke Bickly, Queen B
10. Photographer: Aaron Hogan, Eye Wander Photography

Passed Amuse
Smoked salmon blinis with creme fraiche and chive
1st Course
Vichyssoise soup with poached oysters
2nd Course
Smoked duck salad with frisee, shaved beets and buttermilk dressing
3rd Course
Garlic and parsley roasted leg of lamb with jus and carrot puree
Assorted Fromage
A selection of French cheese, fruit, sugared nuts and dark chocolate paired with Kir Royal

From left to right above (photo by Aaron Hogan)
Crystal Donovan
Our party host, Crystal is a devoted wife and mother of four who has grown her hobby into a successful tanning business, Geaux Bronze.

Claire Harvison
Known for her model figure and great sense of style, her friends envy her. Born and raised in Shreveport, this housewife and mother of two says “girl time” is like recharging her engine.

Lindsey Whittle
This housewife followed her dream of opening her own cupcake business, Cupcake Couture. Though busy being a mother and entrepreneur, she always manages to look like nothing less than a perfect 10.

Jeanne McNeil
Still in her newlywed phase, this housewife and new mom is managing her career planning events and being the party planner among friends.

Molly Israel
A driven investment specialist, Molly works hard and plays harder. Known for her amazing cooking skills and mad hospitality, she has been in a relationship for more than two years. Her baby is her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, who she calls her “Prince.”

Kate Venturi
Married to a Californian, this housewife recently moved back home after nine years on the West Coast. Her motto is to make sure you can stand on your own two feet without anyone helping you. She is also a first cousin with Jeanne.

Tonya Toups
This housewife takes pride in her charity work, such as planning the annual Cancer Ball. A single mother who is known for her professional social skill, this girl is always the life of the party and the last to leave.

Weddings, portraits and events photographer Aaron Hogan has more than a decade of experience making impacting images with a camera. In the past 12 months alone, the Baton Rouge native has worked in Brooklyn, Houston, Jamaica and Rosemary Beach, Fla., among other locales. In 2011, he survived an 18-foot-fall on a photo shoot and was back working in a matter of months. That’s how dedicated and invincible Hogan is. For more information, follow Hogan’s blog and see his portfolio at eyewanderphoto.com.