Looking as dapper as ever, David Patrick Columbia embodies the essence of New York society with his clever wit and positive attitude.
Who is the mastermind behind THE New York Social Diary?
I found out firsthand that David P. Columbia is a genius at storytelling. Imagine that! Our interview lasted two hours, but it felt like two minutes!
The nature of social journalism is people interested in other people! In 2000, David Patrick Columbia (DPC) created his legendary weekly online newsletter, the New York Social Diary (NYSD), where he cleverly chronicles NYC's social, historical, and cultural life, because people have aspirations and want to be inspired! There is a fine line between having a gossip publication and a socially informative one, the latter of which is the essence of NYSD. David’s writing is like fine wine. It tastes like velvet with subtle but complex nuances, with just the right touch of intrigue. With one sip, you’ll only want more!
Holly: I admire how you do not disparage people in NYSD.
There is a fine line between a gossip publication and a socially informative one. The latter is the reputation of NYSD.
David: If it is an interview, I ask questions… anything I want to ask. But if I am invited as a guest to your table, and I really don’t know you, I do not intrude on your privacy with any questions.
This is the team that created the New York Social Diary, Jeff Hirsch and David P. Columbia. They have been working together for over twenty-four years!
Holly: Given all the brilliant parties you have attended in your life, does one sparkle in your memory bank more than any of the others?
David: One of the greatest dinner parties that I have ever attended in my life was hosted by Edie Goetz in LA. Why? Because it was perfect in every way! Edith “Edie” Mayer Goetz hosted legendary dinners at her ‘Holmby Hills’ mansion, which was the epicenter of Hollywood for over twenty years. She was the “Queen of Hollywood!” The saying was, “What Edie wants, Edie gets!” Her father, Louis B. Mayer, built MGM into the most prestigious studio during Hollywood's golden age. Her sister, Irene, married Gone With the Wind producer and studio executive, David O. Selznick. And Edie's husband, Bill, ran 20th Century Fox and then Universal-International.
Holly: I read that Edie had over sixty Impressionist paintings, which echoed the smooth elegance of her persona.
David: Edie had a beautiful house. I don’t know how many there were numbers-wise, but they filled the walls of her library, Living Room, Dining Room and entrance gallery, and bedroom. Over the fireplace was a van Gogh self-portrait. Actor-turned-decorator William Haines designed the pastel interiors. She never discussed the interiors of the house, ever. They were intended to look like her natural choices and collections. She created a very proper social atmosphere with staff and chefs, which complemented the elegant decor of her house. It was a beautiful environment; it was very, very special.
Holly: In your eyes, what did Edie do that made her such an exceptional hostess?
David: When you went to her house, no matter who you were, if you were invited to be her guest, everyone was treated the same, with the same respect and the same welcome. At her house, everyone was treated well, comfortably, and equally. No one got more attention than anyone else, even the movie stars. Everyone was equal. Quite simply, everyone at Edie’s table was a guest of Edie before they were anything else. And everybody treated each other that way too! Cary Grant was just like David P. Columbia at the table because we were Madam’s guests.
Holly: How did the evening evolve?
David: Guests arrived promptly at 7:30 in the evening… you arrived on time! The food was perfect, the service was perfect, the timing was perfect, and it felt very easy... she entertained you. Drinks were served in the library. After drinks, one crossed the Living Room to the Dining Room. Dinner was presented superbly in a candlelit Dining Room that glowed all over, the food had the reputation of being the best in LA and was impeccably served. Her butler came from the Royal Household. They were not called Butlers in England but Footmen and served in all the royal households — Clarence House, Buck House, Windsor, Balmoral, etc. Edie’s staff were local except for the butler and the chef — those two were top of the market.
Afterward, the evening concluded with a screening in the Living Room. The screen was concealed in the ceiling until the process of screening began. It was surreal. Watching a film and sitting amongst the actors in the movie. And then, she said good night. Her sister, Irene, once wrote, “Entertaining became her career.”
Holly: As a thoughtful hostess, ‘charm’ to me is an essential factor, as charm contributes to making your guests feel comfortable. How do you describe real charm?
David: I learned early on in life that real charm is when people feel comfortable around you. You make people feel comfortable around you by being polite, paying attention, and being kind, even under circumstances where kindness is not the first choice! Because I am “nice,” I have had many opportunities to see, hear, and experience. Maybe not opportunities to make a lot of money, but opportunities to move around and make the most of whatever I have!
David hit upon the notes that I believe contribute to creating a meaningful life, including treating one another equally and understanding the essence of real charm… traits we admire and crave these days.
Thank you, David, for this interview back in 2020 and for writing your clever chronicle about the social, historical, and cultural life of NYC. And, thank goodness, apres Covid, society is back in full swing! It would be lovely to you at the Salvation Army’s centennial “Paradise Ball” in December in Palm Beach!
Xx
Holly