THE EMMY AWARDS

HBO’s Emmy parties have become the stuff of legend, and Sunday’s over-the-top affair was no exception. A huge tent was set up at the Pacific Design Center, and there were rows of elevated stages above several dance floors where gregarious bands played upbeat music. An enormous red-hued chandelier hung above the room, and everywhere you looked there was someone to recognize.

Although Chevy Chase arrived late, some of the stars of the network’s hit vampire series “True Blood,” including Stephen Moyer, Sam Trammell and Ryan Kwanten, were more punctual and roamed the room together, as did Jemaine Clement and Bret McKenzie of “Flight of the Conchords.” Kathy Griffin joked with friends, and “Gossip Girl’s” Blake Lively and Leighton Meester turned heads.

Also enjoying the big night’s afterglow were winners Toni Collette and Jessica Lange, both with their Emmys in hand. “Big Love’s” Chloe Sevigny and Ginnifer Goodwin kept low profiles, while Patricia Arquette looked gorgeous in a floor-length, off-the-shoulder black dress.

Toward the front of the room, looking exhausted but content, if not somewhat stunned, was a handsome Jon Hamm, taking pictures with his girlfriend, writer-actress Jennifer Westfeldt. When asked how he’d feel in the morning after his show’s big win, he shook his head and said, “I can’t even think about waking up.”

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Funny folk, but the biggies were MIA

Comedy Central’s post-Emmy party at Falcon featured a lavish buffet and a very funny crowd, but by 11 p.m. the network’s biggest stars, Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert and Sarah Silverman, had failed to show -- although their visages towered above the back patio on a Comedy Central billboard. Demetri Martin of “Important Things With Demetri Martin,” and Steve Agee and Brian Posehn of “The Sarah Silverman Program,” were on hand, as was Jay Johnston, who plays Officer Jay McPherson on the show.

Johnston’s mustache, which looks like a small, furry animal, was a thing of beauty in person. It’s also the source of many of his jokes. “I was combing it the other day, and the comb slipped and almost pierced my lip,” he said, thoughtfully stroking it.

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At this soiree, it’s Showtime

“Dexter” stars (and recently married couple) Michael C. Hall and Jennifer Carpenter celebrated Emmy nominations for Hall and the series at Showtime’s elegant soiree at Craft on Saturday night. Although Hall would ultimately lose the lead actor in a drama trophy to “Breaking Bad’s” Bryan Cranston, he said Saturday that he felt privileged to have gone from starring in one critically acclaimed series, Alan Ball’s “Six Feet Under,” to another.

“I feel really lucky to have the chance to ride another wave that is equally compelling,” he said. “I don’t remember signing a deal with the devil, but sometimes I wonder.”

Nearby, “Weeds’ ” Mary-Louise Parker, looking slender in a tight black shirt, chatted with friends, while the show’s Kevin Nealon and his wife began making their exit. Nealon said he wasn’t sure that “Weeds,” which was nominated for comedy series, exactly belonged in that category. “I don’t really see it as a comedy. I think they should find another category for it to be in -- maybe dramedy-psychedelic-erotica.”

Showtime President Bob Greenblatt was just proud of the network. “Every one of our shows has a nomination. For our little slate, it’s quite an accomplishment.”

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jessica.gelt@latimes.com

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latimes.com/TheEnvelope

Still craving more on the Emmys? We’ve got additional party coverage, a photo gallery from the red carpet, a recap of the show’s highs and lows, and much more.