Christopher Radko Brunch in Tarrytown, NY

LYNDHURST TO HOST “BRUNCH WITH SANTA” WITH SPECIAL GUEST

CHRISTOPHER RADKO

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14TH IN TARRYTOWN, NY

The Public Is Invited to This Charming and Fun Family Event

TARRYTOWN, NY (November 17, 2008) –Lyndhurst, a museum property of the National Trust for Historic Preservation is pleased to present “Brunch with Santa,” a delightful event for families, to be held on Sunday, December 14th in the Carriage House of this magnificent Hudson River estate.  Christopher Radko, considered a holiday icon by ornament collectors around the world will be the special guest at brunch and will also meet and greet visitors during the Fairy Tale Holiday evening hours on the 14th.

Mr. Radko will join Mr. Claus in welcoming guests of all ages for a delicious holiday brunch in the carriage house, a chance to see the magic of the fairy tales in the mansion and a special opportunity to have a photo taken with Santa.  This event is a wonderful addition to the continuing tradition of Lyndhurst’s fantasy holiday spectacular with eighteen of the period rooms of the stunning Gothic Revival mansion decorated in a different fairy tale theme.

“There is no other historic home in the entire country that celebrates Christmas with such lavish yet whimsical joy as Lyndhurst,” said Mr. Radko, designer of brilliantly colored hand-made ornaments and decorations that are prized by collectors and are part of the holiday festivities throughout Lyndhurst and a tradition in homes throughout the world. Mr. Radko sold his ornament design company in 2005 and remains a best-selling author and top consultant on home décor and style.  He is the author of Christopher Radko’s Ornaments (Clarkson Potter), Christopher Radko’s Heart of Christmas (Random House) and several other books.

“Brunch with Santa” will be served in the Carriage House at 11 AM.  Mr. Radko will be on hand all afternoon as well as for the Fairy Tale Holiday evening hours of 3-6pm.  Tickets to the brunch event are $45 for adults and $35 for children age 4-14 and are available by advance reservation.  The children’s ticket price includes one 5” x 7” color photo with Santa taken by a professional photographer.

Built in 1838, Lyndhurst was once the country estate of financier and tycoon Jay Gould, as well as New York City mayor William Paulding and entrepreneur George Merritt.  Situated on 67 acres overlooking the Hudson River, the estate was privately owned for more than 120 years until Mr. Gould’s youngest daughter gave it to the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 1961.

Lyndhurst is located 1/2 mile south of the Tappan Zee Bridge on Route 9 (Broadway) in Tarrytown, NY.   Open for Fairy Tale evenings in December; Saturdays, 4-7 PM and Sundays 3-6 PM.  Admission is $15 adults, $6 children 3-12, children under 3 are free.  Historic guided tours are available on weekends and Holiday Mondays Nov.1 – mid-April 10 AM-3 PM. Admission is $12 adults, $11 seniors, $6 children 6-16, children under 5 are free with a paying adult.  For more information, visit www.lyndhurst.org or call (914) 631-4481.

Patricia Breen Event

We enjoyed a day with friends at the Historical Christmas Barn for this fall’s Patricia Breen ornament event. It’s always a joy to see collecting friends and subscribers once again. Today met all of our expectations!

I’ll post just one image this evening since I need to go to bed early. (The plane for Cancun departs at 6 AM tomorrow!)

Here’s one of today’s ornaments …
Beguiling Orb, $140, Mistletoe (fully glittered)
White w/ central oval in light green w/ mistletoe topiary, green jewel band border
Mistletoe sprays embellish the ball on both sides

Artistry of Poland Announces Contest Winner!


Artistry of Poland owners, Sue Myal and Sue Sprunk, along with last year’s contest winner David Blair, have selected a winner in the 2008 Design Like a Star ornament contest. The judges have selected “Victorian Valentine” as this year’s winner.

Kelly Ryan, a Celebrate365 subscriber from Minnesota, submitted the design concept. “I’m embarrassed to say my inspiration was a paper party napkin! I bought them years ago and just loved the little cherub so I saved one,” Ryan explained. “I liked the rich colors and the elegant style so when the contest came about I dug out my box of stuff and found the napkin. I think it makes a beautiful Christmas ornament.”

Artistry of Poland agreed! Myal and Sprunk based their selection upon their overall business plan. “Since we are always searching for the ultimate design to include in our collection it should have general appeal without giving in to the ordinary,” Myal explained. “We also think about marketing,” she continued. “Who will buy it? Where will we sell it? Has anyone ever inquired about a design like this”

Clay model of Ryan’s design.
The clay model creates the 3-dimensional detail for the mold maker.