Guests indulged in elegant holiday décor and some of the latest fashion trends at The Winnetka Board of Northwestern University Settlement House’s Nov. 12 fundraiser Style Under the Stars. The event raised more than $92,000 for NUSH, which provides Chicago’s West Town community members with educational and social services as well as art programs. NUSH has been making an impact on the Chicago community since it was established in 1891, and more than 40,000 individuals benefit from NUSH’s services each year.
Style Under the Stars marked the Winnetka Board of NUSH’s 88th annual fashion show. During the evening’s cocktail hour, over 300 guests were able to take in gorgeous holiday stylescape vingettes provided by Alexis Vintiques Design, Artistica Italian Gallery, Bedside Manor Ltd., Pagoda Red, Peachtree Place, Robert Bryan Home, and Sawbridge Studios.
Anne Mueller, longtime Winnetka Board member, says the idea for the stylescapes came to the board three years ago while brainstorming ideas to enhance the fundraiser’s event. One of the Winnetka Board members had just attended her sorority sister’s fundraiser in Texas, where she was impressed with the layout: tablescapes throughout the venue that were curated by various stores.
Mueller says the board members liked this idea and decided to reach out to local home decor stores to create vignettes. The board’s only requirements were that the stores kept their stylescapes within a 10-by-10-foot space and paid a $500 entrance fee to count as a store gift certificate for the event’s raffle.
“The creativity each year has been incredible,” Mueller says. “It is a lot of work for the stores but we have consistently received very positive feedback from the stylescape vendors.”
Vote for your favorite stylescape by commenting with the corresponding number in the comments below! The winning stylescape will be featured in our March/April print magazine!
1. Alexis Vintiques
“‘Blue Willow’ and Silver Vignette, in contrast is set with the classic English ‘Blue Willow’ pattern china. This pattern depicts two lovers turned to swallows, above a beautiful landscape. The ‘Raw Silk’ painted Mid-Century table is set with vintage Coalport ‘Willow’ china and a large English well and tree platter on the wall. An Asian cutwork lamp, assortment of fabulous silver, turkey and wild game domes, and white twigs in Flow Blue vessel compliment.” —Alexis Reynolds, Alexis Vintiques Design
2. Alexis Vintiques
“The ‘Fern’ and Gold Vignette is set with a ‘Raw Silk’ painted, French Draw Leaf table, and French Havilland Limoges gold trimmed china. Marie Antoinette mixed gold and white china patterns, as they all blended so nicely. A vintage Chapman lamp, Ironstone pitchers, colorful vintage Asian plates on wall and simple white twigs adorn.” —Alexis Reynolds, Alexis Vintiques Design
3. Artisca Italian Gallery
4. Bedside Manor Ltd.
“The inspiration for our stylescape was all about luxury and light. We selected some of our very favorite items beginning with the cozy upholstered bed. The headboard has wrapped side wings. The bed is flanked by white side tables and dressed in ultimate elegance including a silk duvet cover, sumptuous coverlet, embroidered sheets, genuine fox throw and pillows, and little sparkle thrown in too!” —Meg Carroll, Bedside Manor Ltd.
5. Peachtree Place
6. Robert Bryan Home
7. Sawbridge Studios
“Taking inspiration from Michigan Shores’ beautiful fireplace, we strove to create a warm and cozy atmosphere fitting of Mr. Clause himself. The Star Dining Table by Larry & Nancy of New Mexico packs a lot of punch in a small table and works beautifully with Washington artist Greg’s ultra comfortable Asian Chairs. Mr. & Mrs. Clause and Rudolph sit down to a table set with Simon Pearce stemware, dinnerware and Vermont Evergreen Trees. Adjacent to the dining area is Santa’s desk, made by Wisconsin craftsman Terry and recliner by Pearson Upholstery.” —Beth-Charlotte Kovacs, Sawbridge Studios
8. Pagoda Red
Photos 1-7 by Dave Ouano
Photo 8 by Bob Carl
