Feeling inspired by the work of professional interior designers is a win in and of itself, but scooping up a treasure to take home makes things that much better. So at the 23rd Annual Rooms with a View (RWAV; southportucc.org) event, both those with an eye for design and treasure-hunters mix, mingle and shop. The event is held November 10-12 at Southport Congregational Church. Visitors can walk through the twelve designer vignettes for home inspiration, then wander through the Marketplace, with its thirty-one vendors, for some serious shopping.
Twenty-one of the Marketplace vendors are local. Here’s a sneak peek at a few of the long-time favorites and fresh-faced newcomers—just in time for the holiday season.
Fig Linens
From hostess gifts to personal gifts, Fig Linens is emphasizing variety this holiday season. Indulge in scented candles, baby alpaca scarves and plenty of luxe finds for the home, including throws, decorative pillows, faux fur home accents, guest towels, powder room extras and decorative flower arrangements. “With additional accessories for home, including lamps and decorative mirrors, along with lovely gifts, loungewear, and apothecary, Fig Linens can turn your house into a home,” says owner Carlin Van Noppen. “Creating a beautiful, luxurious yet comfortable environment in your home is what we love best about our business!” This year will be the boutique’s encore visit to RWAV.
Find Fig after the event at: 66 Post Rd. E., Westport; figlinens.com
Gruelbritannia
Going on her second year with Gruelbritannia, UK native Karen Hubrich will offer the comfort of edible gifts, including marmalade, plum jam, bread and butter pickles, ginger molasses cookies, cranberry ginger loaves, Christmas puddings and mince tarts. “As a start-up business, I wanted to present my goods to an audience that knew me. I had been the chef at both the Pequot Yacht Club and also the Fairfield County Hunt Club,” says Hubrich, adding that the “hardest thing about being a small business is doing most everything oneself, and step by step adding key people to the business.” But if anyone knows patience and preparation, it’s a chef. Her mouthwatering popovers, a favorite from last year’s RWAV, will be available again. “They are a great gift to bring to the Thanksgiving table, and they freeze beautifully.”
Find Gruelbritannia after the event at: gruelbritannia.com
Lattice House
The launch of Lattice House at RWAV in 2015 was successful enough to prompt a brick-and-mortar store, which opened last spring in Southport. Returning to the event, Lattice House will offer its stylish and unique items for home and garden, barware, finds for pampered dogs and men’s accessories. “I love our line of men’s shaving products from Florence, Italy,” says owner Christopher Philip. “We are the only store in Connecticut carrying this line. It’s a luxurious and affordable gift that the man in your life will enjoy every morning.”
He adds that Lattice House has always had its own room at RWAV, “but this year we want to go one step further and enhance the shopping experience and appeal to a broader audience.” Lattice House will share a store at the Marketplace with Southport Galleries and India Hicks. “I want shoppers to feel like they entered a cool and hip environment, with great artwork covering the walls and gifts for both men and women.”
Find Lattice House after the event at: 411 Pequot Ave., Southport, 203-292-3683
Le Rouge Handmade Chocolates & Cakes by Aarti
At RWAV treat your sweet tooth and discerning global palate to Aarti Khosla’s artisan chocolate. Choose from an eclectic collection of handmade and hand-decorated Le Rouge chocolates. “With flavors like Peach Bellini, Saffron Pistachio, Apple Pie, Green Tea Honey, we have you covered from Paris and beyond,” says Khosla.
The Signature Box and gift baskets, which include an assortment of chocolates, are sure to be a hit for the holidays. For a unique gift, consider a Chocolate Portrait, hand-painted from a picture you provide. Otherwise, go for a can’t-miss freshly made cake.
This year will be Aarti’s first time participating in RWAV. Not only will this one-woman operation—handling creation, marketing, and sales—sell her treats at the Marketplace, she will also provide the desserts for both the luncheon and dinner at this event. She says sharing her love for chocolate, and making others happy, makes the work worthwhile.
Find Le Rouge after the event at: 190 Main St., Westport; lerougebyaarti.com
Severed Ties Antiques
Located in the heart of the design district of New Canaan, Severed Ties Antiques carries treasures from a range of periods and styles, including mid-century modern, traditional, transitional, Asian and contemporary. At Rooms with a View, shoppers will be able to peruse not only a few of the store’s choice home furnishings, but also a selection of estate jewelry. “Visitors can expect to see a range of items in our booth,” says proprietor Ginger Craft, “anything from furniture to table accessories to lighting.”
Find Severed Ties Antiques after the event at: 111 Cherry St., New Canaan; severedtiesantiques.com
Southport Galleries
Established in 2009, Southport Galleries features contemporary art in a range of styles, appealing to both new buyers and experienced collectors. Nestled in a historic space in the center of Southport Village, the gallery routinely brings in fresh works and hosts crowd-pleasing events. Heading into Rooms With a View this year, Southport Galleries will be sure to spend part of its time meeting the designers and getting insights on their philosophy. The gallery is teaming up with Lattice House and India Hicks, so its art offerings will complement Lattice House’s home furnishings.
Find Southport Galleries after the event at: 330 Pequot Ave., Southport; southportgalleries.com
Find these additional local vendors at Rooms With a View:
Quelques Choses
Dates: Nov 10th-12, 2017
Location: Southport Congregational Church
Hours: Friday and Saturday: 10:00am-5:00pm, Sunday: 12:00pm-5:00pm
Admission: $25 at the door
southportucc.org