The Chester County Antiques Show is rapidly approaching, unfolding April 5, 6, and 7 this year at The Phelps School in Malvern. It’s always the classy Preview Party for this Chester County gem of a fundraiser that catches a lot of well-deserved attention from the public’s eye. Set for Friday, April 5 from 6 to 9 p.m., this swanky affair costs $130 per person to attend and $200 for those desiring early admission at 5 p.m., but guests always find the tickets are perfectly priced after taking in the extravagant designs, enjoying lavish cuisine, sipping well-crafted cocktails and mingling with marvelous company.
So who makes sure those components are present at the Chester County Antiques Show Preview Party? The lucky and very talented lady behind this year’s operations is Barbara Spellman. It’s not her first time running the show, as you’ll realize after diving into our Q&A with the Preview Party Chairperson. Hopefully, you’ll even have a chance to experience her hard work in person, while attending the Preview Party on April 5. See you there!
How long have you been the Preview Party Chairperson and what exactly does that position entail? What items do you get organized so the event is a huge success?
In the past 20 years I have chaired the Preview Party about 12 times. It is hard to remember exactly because I have also co-chaired the show twice and in those years I also handled the Preview Party aspect of the show.
What is your favorite aspect of the Preview Party?
I enjoy selecting the type of food and working with the caterer and the decorating committee to create a unified atmosphere for the “party” feel of the show on Friday night.
Besides previewing the Chester County Antiques Show items, what else can guests expect to find at the classy, annual event?
Besides previewing the dealers’ wares, guests will have a chance to enjoy delicious food and drinks. There will be objects from the Society’s collection on display to highlight our theme of how architectural elements have been used in antique furniture. Everyone gets to take home a copy of the handsome show catalogue containing articles written by experts in their field expounding the show theme.
Is there anything new at the 2013 Preview Party that returning and first time guests should keep their eyes on?
The most exciting new thing about this year’s show is the new venue. We have moved to the bucolic campus of Phelps School in Malvern where we will be using their stable. This will be our first chance to present the show in a stable setting. Could any place be more appropriate for a Chester County show? We are relishing all the new decorating opportunities this setting has provided and hope the guests at the show will enjoy the feel as well.
Doc Magrogan’s Oyster House and Jimmy Duffy’s are providing cuisine for the Preview Party. Why would you say they are the best for the job?
Having Doc Magrogan’s and Jimmy Duffy’s working in tandem on the food provides great synergy for the event. Doc Magrogan’s raw bar is a West Chester culinary treat and we are so fortunate to have it on the floor of our Preview Party. Jimmy Duffy’s has a reputation for premier catering with impeccable service and delicious food. They will be providing a delightful array of passed hors d’oeuvres as well as our show signature baby lamb chops with tarragon fingerling potatoes and Asian slaw. The evening will be topped off with mini desserts and coffee.
Being a food website and all, we’re partial to the antique kitchen items such as tables, hutches and china sets. What are some of your favorite antique items? Do you have a personal collection or maybe just a few prized possessions?
Having worked as a museum guide at Winterthur Museum for 17 years to say that I love antiques is an understatement. Stories of who owned the pieces and how and where they were used intrigue me. In my own life I enjoy using all types of tableware that once belonged to my parents and grandparents. I also collect salt dishes and spoons and get a kick out of filling the little dishes with colored salt when I entertain.
When you’re not busy planning the Chester County Antiques Show Preview Party, what food-focused activity are you getting into? Baking or cooking at home? Visiting your favorite restaurant? Attending a cooking class?
Food in all its permutations is a passion of mine. I have an undergraduate degree in home economics, a master’s degree in nutrition education and am a registered dietitian. I cook, take cooking classes, read cookbooks and magazines. Scouting farmers markets and specialty food stores is heaven to me.
Purchase Preview Party tickets and find more Chester County Antiques Show details HERE.
