In Need of Some Social Detox

AT THE HILLWOOD GALA

The so-called spring social season is about to come to a close. It's been an active few months, which is good news if you view it as a measure of the Great Recession inching toward its end, and I do view it that way. On the other hand, a lot of parties can be wearying if for you, like me, parties are work. I think I have one more black tie gala on my calendar before July 4 -- and that's the National Geographic gala this week -- and then I will be ready for some social detox. That's the theme of my New York Social Diary column today, in which I reprise some recent interesting fetes. Parties can be fun, but none compares to a laid back dinner with a friend.