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decorating

A Table to be Thankful For

October 24, 2018 by Shauna Levy

PHOTO COURTESY Georgia Frasch

The art of arranging stunning tablescapes has risen to new levels with the advent of social media. It’s only natural that America’s most celebrated holiday, Thanksgiving, raises the bar in the table setting game. This holiday stands apart as the tales of each family are woven within the artful arrangements of flowers, candles, found objects and china. Customs and nostalgia become infused within the beauty of the decor, serving up family traditions as the centerpiece.

A Flavorful Welcome

Notoriously the busiest travel time of the year, Thanksgiving officially commences with the arrival of road-weary travelers. Georgia Frasch of Chappaqua hosts approximately 25-30 people who journey from New England each year for what the family affectionately refers to as “Frasch-giving.” Though dinner is not served until the evening, Frasch’s home is decorated by noon with the fireplaces lit and the football game on. Champagne, shrimp cocktail and a three-foot custom-built charcuterie board awaits guests. Sharing her welcome strategy she says, “I put a lot of thought into the charcuterie board, which features a very well-curated selection of fresh, hand-cut vegetables, cheese and crackers, dips and more. The provisions are displayed in a very architectural, symmetrical way and have offerings for each of my guests’ unique palates.”

Amy Krafft / Smith Noble
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For Smeeta Khetarpaul of Armonk, hospitality is also a major focus. “My husband and I grew up in India,” she says, “so Thanksgiving was very new to us, yet similar to Diwali, a festival that takes place in India at a similar time of year and also focuses on celebrating thankfulness. Thanksgiving quickly became important to us and each year it becomes bigger and more special.” The family and friends that sit around Khetarpaul’s holiday table represents a melting pot of cultures as she explains, “My guest list is very diverse, so my Thanksgiving table represents a diversity of flavors. I do make traditional turkey and sides, but I add my own special twist to each dish and depending on who’s joining us, I try to prepare meals with a nod to their preferences. Everything is fresh, flavorful and personally made in my home.”

Thanksgiving isn’t necessarily glamorous. It’s more about being together. My kids are now older, but we still use the turkey hands they made in preschool as seating cards, which prompts conversation. We share old family traditions and make new ones. – Leslie Gustafson

An Organic Approach to Decorating

The typical Thanksgiving scene, which evokes images of Pilgrims and Native Americans sharing their bounty amidst a forest, inspires the décor scheme of many. Chappaqua resident, Leslie Gustafson, explains, “Thanksgiving just feels more earthy and nature-inspired than any other holiday. We love to bring nature inside to take the place of the typical centerpiece. My kids collect the greenery, which we intersperse with pumpkins, gourds and fresh flowers.” Frasch has a similar sensibility, adding, “Here in Chappaqua, we have no shortage of trees. My tablescapes are always very natural and organic incorporating the beauty of the greenery from outside, which I wash thoroughly, like boxwood, pine tree boughs and red berries. Tucked within those branches are leaves and acorns that my children gather.” Khetarpaul also looks to her own backyard for inspiration, gathering leaves and acorns to create handmaid wreaths that adorn her door and staircase. Of her creations, she says, “I may stain the acorns with food coloring or pick leaves from the garden and tie them together for placement on the tables.”

Each of these hosts passionately agree that Thanksgiving décor should set a blank canvas to accentuate the intoxicating smells and colors of the meal. Frasch emphatically describes her strategy, “I use a lot of white from the serving ware and napkins to the white candles of varying sizes that dot the tables. I believe in a monochromatic color scheme.” Gustafson shares that philosophy saying, “I use a white tablecloth so that everything on the table pops and white unscented candles that don’t take overpower the delicious smells of the food.” Khetarpaul sensibly adds, “White will always match everything and I’ll never have to stress about whether I have the right colors.”

Focusing on Family

A lens into each window on Thanksgiving will reveal variations in rituals, décor and menu, but the commonality is a focus on family. As Gustafson says, “Thanksgiving isn’t necessarily glamorous. It’s more about being together. My kids are now older, but we still use the turkey hands they made in preschool as seating cards, which prompts conversation. We share old family traditions and make new ones.” The Fraschs traditionally play the card game, “Hearts,” a ritual begun by the family’s matriarch who recently passed away at the age of 96. Frasch laughingly explains, “They play two ways–Hearts or ‘Hearts with Cheating.’ More often than not they choose with cheating!” For Khetarpaul, it’s about beginning new traditions for a holiday they are learning to love. She says, “I’ve made a conscious effort to write handwritten notes to people telling them why I’m thankful for them. It’s a tradition I’ll begin doing with my children as well.”

Filed Under: Armonk Cover Stories Tagged With: decorating, decorations, holiday decor, table decor, thanksgiving, Thanksgiving decor, Thanksgiving Table

Design and Style for the Home with International Flair:

October 23, 2012 by The Inside Press

The 45th Chappaqua Antiques Show

By Ronni Diamondstein • Photo by Bill Bramswig

antiquesshowYou never know what you’re going to find when you go to an antique show, but one thing is certain, you are sure to have a great time at the 45th annual Chappaqua Antiques Show the first weekend in November.  Sponsored by the New Castle Historical Society, “There is something for everyone,” says Betsy Guardenier NCHS President. “It’s a wonderful community event that benefits the New Castle Historical Society.” This year’s Honorary Chair is Dr. Kenneth Jackson, longtime Chappaqua resident, historian, author and ultimate New York-ologist.

“No matter what kind of décor you have, you’ll find something,” says Guardenier who has chaired the show three times. With more than 50 quality dealers there is a wide variety of merchandise including decorative posters, home furnishings, fine jewelry, silver, maps and books, folk art and unique collectibles. Don’t miss “Gold in Your Attic” which started as a little table 20 years ago and has grown to a booth.  Filled with eclectic donations from members of the NCHS and others, it is chocked full of treasures. Items include George Jensen silver, Orrefors glassware and vintage handbags. “A big find this year was the donation of 3-foot Green Philadelphia glass vases,” says Fran Osborne who is coordinating the collection this year. Items have been donated to the NCHS or are there on consignment. “You just never know what you’ll discover,” says Osborne, “last year we sold a Louis Vuitton music box and a 35-carat aquamarine and diamond ring.”

You’ll find more much more than Americana.   “From tiny teaspoons and jewelry to large armoires and rugs there is quite a variety from around the world,” say Buffy Haas, who along with Tess Cerra chairs this year’s show. There are Asian Art imports, English Silver, Oriental rugs, French prints, and Japanese jade carvings. “ This fall, a new dealer from Chappaqua, Dan Levitz and his ‘Things Japanese’ will have a spot specializing in wood block prints and Japanese art and antiques,” says Haas.

A big draw is the gourmet café and homemade dessert table with delectable treats.  Other highlights are consultations with certified appraiser, Jon Felz and free advice from interior designer Cami Weinstein. There are door prizes and a raffle. “The Raffle has a wide array of fabulous donations from businesses, restaurants and groups in town,” says Guardenier.

The event is the NCHS’s biggest fundraiser and the proceeds support the society’s programs and outreach to the local schools. Guardenier offers this advice: “Go with an open mind and you’re going to have a fun day—and bring the kids!” The 45th Chappaqua Antique Show takes place on Saturday, November 3 and Sunday, November 4 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Westorchard School, 25 Granite Road, off Route 133 in Chappaqua.  For more information and for a discount admission coupon, go to www.newcastlehs.org/chappaqua-antique-show

Ronni Diamondstein, owner of Maggie Mae Pup Reporter is a Chappaqua based freelance writer, PR consultant, award-winning photographer and a School Library Media Specialist and teacher who has worked in the US and abroad.

Filed Under: In and Around Town Tagged With: antiques, Asian Art imports, decorating, English Silver, Oriental rugs

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