By JACKIE PUGLISI Special to The Winchester Star
Apr 5, 2018
WINCHESTER — Decorating creative place settings and centerpieces can be one of the most challenging things about entertaining guests at home. But the fourth Tablescapes event will offer inspiration this weekend.
Tablescapes is set for 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Millwood Station banquet hall, located at 252 Costello Drive. Tickets are $25 each. Proceeds benefit Faith in Action Northern Shenandoah Valley — a nonprofit organization that provides non-emergency medical transportation for elderly and disabled individuals who have no other means of getting to a doctor’s appointment. This is the organization’s largest fundraiser of the year and has become its signature event. “Tablescapes has become one of those things I look forward to all year round,” said Faith in Action Executive Director Traci Toth. “It’s a nice, elegant afternoon.” The event is designed to show off the talents of local decorators, as well as give guests ideas for their own tables. In year’s past, tables have featured patriotic themes, soft pastels, antique treasures and even chickens. This year creative place settings will top 25 tables, an increase from last year’s 16. “It’s grown every year,” Toth said. Five additional children’s tables will be on display as well. Past tables have included Disney themes and other children’s characters. New for this year, Tablescapes will feature what Toth called “same plate, different take.” A set of eight plates will be handed out to local decorators who will then create a place setting based on their own interpretation of the dish. A banquet table will showcase each decorators’ work. Glass collectors The Valley Glasshoppers will also have a table displaying the members’ collections of antique punch bowls.
But Tablescapes is more than beautifully decorated tables. Demonstration stations will show guests how to make no-bake desserts, the art of napkin folding, how to create different floral arrangements, and ways to transform your own tables at home.
The day will also feature refreshments, raffle drawings, door prizes, music by a local harpist and a live auction. Auction items will include jewelry, floral arrangements, and a football signed by four NFL players who were inducted into Virginia Sports Hall of Fame. Toth is hoping to see an increase in funds raised this year for the non-profit.
“Our goal [last year] was $10,000 and we made just under $12,000,” she said. Faith in Action depends on financial support through grants and fundraising. The organization was receiving a portion of a grant through Shenandoah Area Agency on Aging and the Department of Rail and Public Transportation, until this year.
“Our portion was cut,” Toth said. “Because of funding cuts, we lost a $25,000 grant. We’re trying to make up those funds.”
Tickets to Tablescapes can be purchased in advance at Kimberly’s, Piccadilly Printing and the Faith in Action office at 329 N. Cameron St. #200. For more information on Faith in Action visit www.faithinaction-nsv.org.