Photos Courtesy of RANDI MAYS-KNAPP
As December and the Christmas season draw near, one remembers aromas, carols, gifts, traditions, the tree and decorating. If you are looking for a new motif of décor or inspiration for a different way to utilize the many holiday items you already own, plan to visit the fourth annual Tablescapes: Christmas on Carter Creek being held on Nov. 15 & 16. The fundraising event hosted by The Woman’s Club of Bryan-College Station showcases imaginative and magical creations by local designers, merchants and members of The Woman’s Club.
Returning for their fourth year as participants in Tablescapes: Christmas on Carter Creek are Woman’s Club member Lee Cargill and her daughter Diana Bayliss with a table themed Dining with Saint Nicholas.
“This year we chose an elegant almost life-size Saint Nicholas for the centerpiece,” the team says. St. Nick is a classic, having been purchased by Lee at The Curiosity Shop forty years ago, and has been enjoyed for decades in the Cargill and Bayliss homes.
“We enhanced St. Nicholas with a grapevine wreath, silk flowers, monochromatic dishes and decor,” Bayliss says. The small gold frames used for place cards were given to Diana by her mother-in-law, long-time Woman’s Club member Mary Evelyn Bayliss.
“We love the traditions of decorating Christmas trees, exchanging gifts as a symbol of love and affection, singing carols, enjoying festive meals with loved ones, and attending special church services to celebrate the birth of Jesus,” Lee says.
Another returning mother/ daughter team is Veronica Fly and Cheyenne Castilleja who were asked to decorate the large stage at The Woman’s Club. “We enjoyed being a part of Tablescapes last year and knew immediately we would be able to stage the area with a statement piece,” the team says.
The Reason for the Season utilizes a variety of nativity scenes that celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. “We believe Jesus is the son of God; sent to save the people of the earth and to give eternal life to people who trust and believe in him,” Fly who owns Dirt Road Rustics, a local décor and furniture shop says. Dirt Road Rustics recently moved into a new space, doubling their store size with over 20,000 square feet of showroom and warehouse, fulfilling a long-awaited promise from God “to one day own their very own building.” All items displayed by Dirt Road Rustics will be for sale after Tablescapes ends. “We can even order more of an item you like if the item has already been sold,” she says.
Woman’s Club members and first time Tablescapers Susan Jackson and Kay Hamilton are sisters who have been best friends all their lives. Together they are presenting Christmas in Blue and White. “We both love blue and white and have used those colors to decorate our homes for years. Unknowingly, one Christmas we gave each other the same navy plates,” they say. “So, it is natural to incorporate our favorite colors into our table.”
Peggy Samson and Debbie Brooks will be among the tablescape contributors this year with Ruth’s Table, a tribute to Peggy’s late mother and long-time Woman’s Club member, Ruth Samson. The table’s design will develop key elements of Ruth’s traditional Christmas collection toward an updated, refreshed, current look.
The inspirational core piece will feature a vintage “Woodland Santa” planter from a 1991 limited edition Fitz and Floyd Collector Series that was always the center piece for the Samson holiday table. Lenox Holiday china and Reed & Barton Golden Rosewell flatware were also annual table settings. Ruth’s vintage Waterford crystal in the exquisite diamond pattern Alana added to the elegance of the Samson Christmas tradition.
“We would feel the holiday spirit from the moment we entered our family home and found a beautifully decorated tree—a spirit carried throughout the house to the formal dining room and inviting smells of Christmas holiday fare,” Peggy says. “All of us loved going home for the holidays and being part of the festive atmosphere and gracious living my mother carried out so well. Those family gatherings are now treasured memories that are strengthened by the many beautiful pieces my mother left with us.”
As the tablescape co-designer, Debbie Brooks of Post Oak Florist will bring her well-established reputation as one of the community’s most creative talents to the table’s design and execution. “Anyone who knew Ruth Samson knew that she loved to decorate,” Debbie says. “Peggy and I have collaborated on a number of projects, and I’m thrilled to be part of this one paying tribute to her mom.”
Debbie expertise in floral design will also be on display as you enter the foyer of The Woman’s Club”.
Sandy Sebesta, The Woman’s Club Office Manager, is also an entrepreneur in the baking arena. She and sister Kathy Sebesta Court are the “K” and “S” behind K&S Sweets, who have themed their table The Grinch. Another sister, Pam Sebesta Jarrott, will travel from Marble Falls to create a Tablescape masterpiece using items from her shop, Pam’s Pearl-Home.
“We are all creative and talented in our own ways. If we had an event business together, we would be able to cover it all — Martha Stewart wouldn’t have anything on us,” Sandy says. “Kathy and I have been creating sweets for years. We enjoy decorating, we work well together, and we love sharing our visions and sweets with others.”
Jennifer Satterfield introduces her inaugural Tablescape design, Christmas with Laura Ashley. “Tablescapes are the foundation to sparking conversations and having meaningful connections with the ones you love. I hope my design inspires people to connect with one another this holiday season,” Jennifer says. “Christmas is very special to me and my family. Growing up, Christmas was a part of our everyday life as my mother owned a hand-painted needlepoint company, which she ran out of our home. Her designs were bright and colorful and consisted of jolly Santa Claus ornaments and stockings. As an adult, I now hang her beautiful needlepoint stockings on our mantel and Christmas ornaments on our tree every year.” Satterwhite is the Founder and Editor of GrowingUpTexas.com, a Southern lifestyle digital magazine, featuring hospitality, entertaining and travel advice.
Another newcomer to Tablescapes is Korey Brewer, who along with her husband, Ross is the new owner of Holley’s Home Interiors, purchasing the store from her mother. Prancing into the "HolleyDay" will feature lifesize deer to oversee the festivities at the table, along with gold antler pedestals, garland draped with holly, Platinum china, heirloom flatware and individualized Scriptures handembroidered onto linen napkins at each place setting. “My vision is that family members coming together for a meal will share their specific verse and how the verse applies to our daily lives.” Brewer believes Christmas is a time to serve, share time with family and most importantly, worship our Savior. “It’s important to us that we grasp the attention to detail along with sharing our love for Christ.”
So,
Get ready to trim the trees and deck the halls
With holly and ivy and glittery balls.
Mangers, Santas and Nutcracker delights,
Peppermint, clove and cinnamon spice.
On Nov. 15 and 16, find inspiration you need — and discover what you didn’t know you needed— for the holiday season at Tablescapes: Christmas on Carter Creek.
FIRST LOOK PREVIEW PARTY
Brazos Valley residents who simply cannot wait to view the exquisite tablescapes are invited to a First Look Preview Party on Tuesday evening, Nov. 14 from 7 to 9 p.m.. Enjoy light bites, adult beverages, and holiday music while socializing with the designers and other guests, many of whom are eager to wear a festive holiday outfit. Tickets are $100 per person. Make your reservation online until Nov. 7 by going to the Tablescapes Facebook page.
GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS
Tablescapes Event, Preview Party and Raffle Tickets can be purchased online via links on Facebook. Click on the QR code provided. Tickets will also be sold at the door. Tickets for General Admission are $20 and can be used either of the two days. During the two day event, guests will also be able to participate in an auction for a variety of holiday themed baskets. Tickets will be sold during Tablescapes.
$10,000 SHOPPING SPREE RAFFLE
To support The Woman’s Club philanthropic efforts, Montelongo’s Fine Jewelry will provide a $10,000 shopping spree. Raffle tickets will be available for $50 per ticket and can be purchased prior to or at the Preview Party. The winner does not have to be present at the Preview Party to win. Purchase your tickets through a link on The Woman’s Club Facebook page or at the event.
For more information on Tablescapes: Christmas on Carter Creek, visit the Woman’s Club Facebook page.
ABOUT THE WOMAN’S CLUB OF BRYAN/COLLEGE STATION
The Woman’s Club of Bryan/College Station was organized in 1895 with 20 members seeking to improve their minds, serve the community and fight for the rights of women. The purposes were and still are civic, literary, and philanthropic. Women who are interested in membership should contact Marti Marberry, Membership Chair, at thewomansclubbcs@gmail. com.
“For 128 years the Woman’s Club has been an active participant in the Bryan-College Station community,” Ann Busch, president of The Woman’s Club says. “Over the years this club has awarded scholarships to selected public school graduating senior women, helped in the annual Christmas lighting of Downtown Bryan, and contributed funds and service hours to a wide range of local non-profits. A portion of the funds raised through Tablescapes: Christmas on Carter Creek help fund these important activities.
