Posts in category Events

Antique Confit Pot ~ Giveaway of the Month

Antique Letter EngravingI came across this Country French antique confit pot on one of my buying trips to Europe. I wanted to share it with you all by offering this confit pot as the item for our January giveaway. We are delighted to offer this iconic symbol of Country French style as our first giveaway through our blog for 2012.  We also wanted to mention that we merged our two blogs into one, so it will be easier to follow.  We love hearing your comments and questions and are delighted with the feedback we have been getting.

Antique confit pot

Of course, I have to impart a little history behind our selection for this month’s giveaway.  One of the most recognized symbols of classic Country French gourmet décor didn’t start out to be an element of aesthetic design.  For centuries the French used the brightly colored earthenware pots for daily storage of duck or goose confits.  “Confit de canard”, for instance, is a recipe utilizing the dark meat of the duck (leftover after making terrines de foie gras) by slowly cooking it until it is rendered tender, after which it was stored in cellars by burying the bottom part of the pot in the ground to keep it cold.  Duck confit was used in a variety of Country French cuisine, such as cassoulet (a hearty dish of confit and beans) and was the method of storing meat before the advent of refrigeration.

Antique Confit Pot Detail

This beautiful earthenware confit pot shows the rich patina of natural aging and is glazed in a traditional warm mustard gold-colored glaze.  A century of use is evident in the crazing of the honey-hued pot.  Today, antique confit pots are used primarily in decorating, displayed on buffets, on the tops of armoires, as centerpieces for a kitchen counter or anywhere you want to add Country French charm and character to you décor.  This confit pot is truly an iconic antique symbol of Country French style.  Circa 1860. Retail Value: $375

Antique Confit Pot Detail 2

 Giveaway Instructions:

To enter you must be a follower of this blog.   First enter your email address in the subscription box (pictured below) on the right hand side of our blog.  Then simply comment on this blog post and let as know how you would use an antique confit pot to decorate your home.

Inessa Stewart's Antiques

You can also visit our Facebook page and “ like us” for an additional entry.  The contest ends a week from today.

Good luck and thanks for entering!

Inessa Stewart's Antiques

 

Antique Engraving

Tablescapes 2011~ An Evening of Candlelight, Antiques & Style!

I-1It has been amazing to be involved for the past seven years with Kappa Kappa Gamma’s now-famous Tablescapes charity event that has been a Dallas tradition since 1995. Each year we select an exciting antique theme to represent our table setting. As many as 40 other designers, florists and notable retailers such as Nieman Marcus, Horchow, and others participate as well.Antique Polychrome Saint Peter
In years past our table settings have revolved around themes such as~ Country French, Italian Renaissance, Noelle Francaise, Black Forest, French Gothic and more. This year we decided to do a mix of Italian and French ~ the Arte Povera style.
The Arte Povera style emerged as a movement popular in Italy during the 60’s. It has recently experienced a renaissance throughout Europe, enjoying a new popularity that has spilled over the Atlantic into homes of American cognoscenti. The style is somewhat similar to the British and American “shabby chic” style, but more oriented towards classic and rustic antiques. Finishes are typically painted, stripped or distressed by age.
Arte Povera Buffet One
For our Tablescapes display this year we combined etched and mercury glass with linen runners and napkins for a supple, natural texture. The centerpiece of the display was an antique 18th century polychrome statue of Saint Paul we found in Italy.  A pair of grand cast iron Napoleon III period jardinieres held lush arrangements of hydrangeas, kale, natural greenery and lilies of the Nile.
Arte Povera Buffet TwoThe Dallas Alumnae Association of Kappa Kappa Gamma organizes this unique event each October. The Tablescapes event consists of both a festive evening gala and the following day, an elegant luncheon for a fun-filled and visually inspiring two-day event.
Local designers, retail & antique stores (like Inessa Stewart’s Antiques & Interiors), and florists create incredibly unique tables for displaying their interpretations of the latest trends. It’s easy to pick up interesting entertainment tips, and always a pleasure to enjoy the presentations from exciting featured speakers such as eminent designer Charles Faudree.
Arte Povera Collage
This year’s venue was the Brook Hollow Golf Club and the featured speaker, Bettie Bearden Pardee, who graciously autographed copies of her latest book, “Elegance on the Atlantic: Newport, Rhode Island”. Her unique perspective as one of its most gracious hostesses enables her to describe Newport’s high style and exceptional entertaining throughout its long and storied history. Surrounded by breathtaking ocean views, Newport is renowned for its colonial heritage, the Vanderbilts and Gilded Age decadence, the romance of Jack and Jackie Kennedy, the spirited tales of heiress Doris Duke, and its polished yacht fleets. She produced the “Entertaining With Style” feature as a contributing editor to Bon Appetit for 11 years. Well-versed in television work, Bettie was the creative producer and host of the series “Presidential Palate: Entertaining at the White House” on PBS and additionally, she has produced and appeared on many morning television programs including Good Morning America.
Arte Povera Dining Table

We hope you can attend next year’s event!  Stay in touch with our Dallas showroom or just checkout Kappa’s website for details.  We’ll see you then!
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Design on Dragon ~ Antiques, Art and Fun

W-1What an enchanting evening it was!  Design on Dragon, an annual event for antique showrooms, design showrooms and art galleries along Dallas’ storied Design District Mecca ~ Dragon Street ~ where the doors are open for a captivating night of antiques, art, food and wine, took place on October First.  The street was closed to traffic for the night so guests could enjoy a leisurely stroll while partaking in culinary delights, wine, and visual feasts inside galleries and showrooms all down the street.

Antique Accessories Fall Table Spread

We were blessed with perfect weather after a cool front moved in the day before.  The event is always open to the public so it was great to see old friends, and welcome new antique and art enthusiasts as they stroll down Dragon Street, mesmerized by enthralling surroundings and unequalled ambiance.  The wine flowed, the music played and everyone had a great time!

 

Inessa Stewart's Antiques Open House Design on Dragon

If you haven’t visited our Dragon Street showroom lately, Texas General Manager Don Nolan has been working tirelessly, first receiving a new shipment from Europe, then totally redesigning, arranging and decorating our Dallas Design District showroom for the event.

 

John Stewart and Guests Enjoying Inessa Stewart's Antiques Open House

The response from the attendees?  It looks amazing!  Of course I had fun with flower arrangements and the food; decorating and catering to my heart’s content.  We took these photos of the event along with some of the showroom vignettes to give our out-of-town friends (who could not attend) a peek at the festivities.  More photos are available on Facebook.

 

Antique Showroom Design on Dragon

We wish to thank all of you that attended for all of your kind comments, and we truly look forward to next year’s event!  Mark your calendar for next year and I hope to see you there!
SignatureInessa

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 Inessa Stewart

Antiques in Style is a source of joy for me to create, and hopefully will be a source of inspiration for you! The variety, artistry and history of the antiques and vintage pieces that surround us every day provide pleasure, beauty and sometimes even intrigue.

The classics never go out of style, and each era, country, and even artisan's interpretations create an environment that is always full of surprises.

It is truly a pleasure to bring such timeless style together for every client and follower of my blog. And of course, your input is always welcome!

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