Giving Thanks: The Rich Are Indeed Different

Before one piece of tinsel gets strung, a quick review of the wondrous things that the rich-and-famous of Tinseltown were very thankful for this holiday:

--that both Italian cuisine and exercise coaches became popular simultaneously.

--that anyone can become a blonde.

--that restaurateurs don’t have to put up a sign designating which table is really No. 1.

--that studio heads don’t have to view their bombs over and over. Instead they sell flops to cable TV--and everyone in America is subjected to that punishment.

--that there is no limit to what is spent on parties--invites, flowers, food, music, etc. Especially when it’s done to raise money for a charity.

--that fears of disease haven’t stopped social kissy-kissy. It’s just that now people turn the other cheek.

--that after a month’s vacation, a youthful-looking hostess isn’t asked by her guests, “Come on. Who’s the doctor?”

--that in L.A., fur coats get worn through all the winter months. Despite the temperature.

--that hairdressers never repeat things they overhear.

--that restaurant groupies never ask what they ate before the invasion of shiitake mushrooms and Greek cheese.

--that paparazzi can’t shoot certain male stars getting their pedicures.

--that stories on “happy couples” usually don’t mention the difference in their ages or who they used to be “happy” with.

--that good taste can be purchased with the hiring of a decorator, a social secretary, a vice president for community relations or a reliable wine merchant.

--that public relations was invented.

--that jewelry was invented, so that people can show their thanks.

--that money still talks turkey.

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS--Constance Towers Gavin and the Bel Age Hotel host a Snowflake Holiday Gala Dec. 9 for the American Red Cross. The “Snowflake” campaign is aimed at folks in the L.A. area and will focus attention on disaster relief and health education programs. Look for singer Lainie Kazan, the Lettermen and actress Linda Purl to be among those trimming the tree. . . . Comision Femenil de Los Angeles holds its annual Christmas brunch Dec. 14 at the Wattles Mansion in Hollywood. The Comision is a nonprofit organization promoting the advancement of Latinas.

GOOD NEWS--Scratch the rumors that Vidal Sassoon might follow his company to Cincinnati. No way. He is staying firmly planted in the L.A. scene. Last week, Sassoon and bride Jeanette hosted an evening at Chasen’s for big rollers who might want to contribute in a big way to People for the American Way.

ONLY IN L.A. DEPARTMENT--Love this communication, inviting us next Saturday to join Robert Wagner, Billy Crystal, comedian Jay Leno, Cheryl Ladd, Henry Mancini, producer Aaron Spelling, Neil Diamond, Mike the Dog, Ted Danson and Danny DeVito celebrating the reopening of that Hollywood landmark, the Tail o’ the Pup hot dog stand.

CHARITIES AND CAUSES--The Vista Del Mar Associates bring on Marvin Hamlisch in Concert, Dec. 14 at the Beverly Hilton. And, if that’s not enough music for the soul, Ron Rubin will provide the dancing at this black-tie event. . . . The Betty Clooney Foundation will benefit from a special auction of vintage wines Thursday at Dodger Stadium. It all takes place at a reception kicking off the three-day antique car show put on by James C. Leake--and those high-rolling car lovers will be sure to bid up the prices of those fine wines. . . . The Starlight Foundation is the beneficiary when the Hyatt Regency holds “L.A.’s World’s Largest Office Party” Tuesday night. Starlight aims at granting the wishes of critically and terminally ill children, and, for the $3 entrance fee to the shindig, party-goers get to help Starlight and perhaps chat with celeb bartenders such as Emma Samms, Ken Berry, Marcus Allen or one of the Raiderettes.

TIME FLIES--Supervisor Pete Schabarum and his wife Gerry host their friends at the Musuem of Natural History Monday night, celebrating the start of his 15th year in office.