Last weekend's blow out, full section Globe and Mail coverage of Glenn Pushelberg's 53rd birthday party hosted by Judith Tatar, edged the boundaries of conspicuous consumption. And why not? Cultural producers in Toronto have to work 16 hour days to get ahead so it was good to see people enjoy the benefits of a cultural life.

On the other hand, a few of Reading Toronto's viewers thought there was an alternative to the over-the-top, spare no expense hosting of a birthday party for someone in the design community. They believed they could host an event - in this case architect Lloyd Alter's birthday party - that would rival the Globe's spread but in a way that was less formal, more affordable, and without the need for a lot of external support.

Alter's family - his wife Kelly, daughter Emma, and son Hugh - brought the feast together in a way that was more Europe than Rosedale. People came to the family's warm home, talked, ate, drank, and had one hell of an evening.

Guests included a range of people from designers, architects, and academics, to an opera singer, lawyer, financial maven, and energy trader.

I will post a few photos of the night's offerings for now and later in the day and coming week will add details in keeping with the Globe's party coverage. Was last night's event the "sexiest soiree of the season" to quote the Globe? I don't think we need hyperbole to convey that the evening was a success and everyone left feeling happy and enriched. "Babbet's Feast" on a budget anyone?

We bring you Reading Toronto's coverage of, "The Dinner Party."


Design objects


The wine and spirits


The talk


The menu


The cheese plate


After dinner discussion