PSO Designers’ Show House special events feature tastings, demonstrations and more

PORTLAND, Maine  — The Portland Symphony Orchestra (PSO) 13^th Designers’ Show House opens to the public on September 10 and will remain open until October 2, with special events occurring at the House throughout its run. Guests can purchase tickets to tour the completely redecorated house, located at 149 Western Promenade, through PortTix.com. The day ticket also includes admission to special events at the Show House: lectures, tastings, meet-and-greets, book signings, demonstrations, workshops, an auction and appraisal and more. Admission to the Show House and these events is $25 per person or $20 if purchased by September 8. Tickets will also be available at the door for $25.

Show House Event Presenters include: Lynn Maxfield-Cole, one of the Show House Designers; floral design with James McBride and John McVeigh of Compositions; Maureen Heffernan, Director of the Maine Botanical Gardens; Mara Robinov-Moorhead of Flour Designs; Kaja Veilleux and John D. Bottero, owners of Thomaston Place Auction Galleries; David Richard of House of Lights, and Dorothea Johnson, founder of The Protocol School of Washington.

In addition to tours of the completed Show House and special events, separately-ticketed events include an Empty House Party & Lobster Bake on August 3 and a Great Gatsby-themed Gala Preview Party on September 9. Information about tickets, including the Patron ticket, which includes admission to the Preview Party and Empty House Party and all special events, is available from the PSO at 207-773-6128, extension 311.

The Show House will be open the following hours:

• Tuesday: 10 A.M. – 4 P.M.
• Wednesday: 10 A.M. – 8 P.M.
• Thursday, Friday, Saturday: 10 A.M. – 4 P.M.
• Sunday: 12 P.M. – 4 P.M.
• Monday: Closed.

The Show House is the major fundraiser for the PSO and is orchestrated biennially at historically and architecturally significant properties in the greater Portland area. Premier Show House sponsors are The House of Lights, Prime Motor Group, Whole Foods and the Media Sponsor is Down East, The Magazine of Maine.

Admission to the Show House is limited to adults and children over age ten.

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Special Events at the Show House, free with Show House Ticket

Lynne Maxfield-Cole will speak on Universal Design

Saturday, September 10^th at 1 P.M.

Lynne Maxfield-Cole established Decorating Plus in 1984.  Initially her work focused on basic interior decorating principles and techniques, but she quickly recognized that many of her clients had a need for more than just new colors, fabrics, and spatial layouts. To address the growing need for barrier-free living spaces, she opened a new division, Universal Designz in 2009.

Floral Design with James McBride and John McVeigh of Compositions

Sunday, September 11^th from 2 – 3 P.M.

Compositions is a warm and sophisticated design studio and gallery of fresh floral compositions, jewelry, gifts, and is a Portland showcase for these two experienced and knowledgeable designers.  They will demonstrate their talents in this workshop and show how you can create wonderful fresh floral arrangements to enhance your home.

Meet the Designers

Wednesday, September 14^th from 6 – 8 P.M.

This evening with the Show House interior designers is an opportunity to learn how they developed their design solutions and the work behind their final design installations.

Event Sponsor: The Hatcher Group/Keller Williams

A Special Thank You to: Whole Foods

Whole Foods Tasting: Cheese

Friday, September 16^th from 3 – 4 P.M.

Experience and learn from Whole Foods experts about the variety and flavors of their global cheese selections.

Maureen Heffernan, Executive Director of Maine Botanical Gardens

Saturday, September 17^th at 11 A.M. & 1 P.M.

Maureen is an engaging speaker and the author of ‘Native Plants for your Maine Garden.’ She will present two talks that will be followed by book signings:

• Showy Native Plants for your Home ‘Show’ Garden: An illustrated talk about a variety of exciting native plants, from groundcovers to vines to perennials, shrubs and trees, with outstanding ornamental value for your home garden. 11 A.M.
• ‘Fairy Houses of the Maine Coast,’ a whimsical look at making creative fairy houses out of natural materials and fairy lore. 1 P.M.

Dorothea Johnson presents ‘Table Talk’

Sunday, September 18^th at 3 P.M.

Dorothea Johnson is an etiquette and protocol authority and Founder of The Protocol School of Washington. Table Talk is filled with hints, tips and amusing stories about entertaining and dining in Washington, D.C. She will even tell us how Henry Kissinger taught her, “How to Make an Entrance and Work a Room.” She has authored five books and the column “Tea & Etiquette” for Tea Time Magazine. Her new book, “Modern Manners,” is written with her granddaughter, actress Liv Tyler. Rodale Books has acquired world rights to this lively and approachable guide, available in May 2012.

Thomaston Place Auction Galleries: Appraisal of Antiques

Wednesday, September 21^st from 4 – 8 P.M.

There will be a two-item limit per ticket holder and a $5 charge per item at the event.

Thomaston Place Owners Kaja Veilleux and John D. Bottero offer appraisals at the gallery, provide house call appraisal services, and conduct fundraiser events for civic and charitable organizations using their unique Mobile Appraisal Coach. Their expertise in researching and marketing antiques and fine art has earned them the respect of buyers, collectors and experts worldwide. Located on U.S. Route 1 in Thomaston, it is Maine’s premier auction and appraisal company and a leading source of fine art, antiques and stylish home furnishings. 

Mara Robinov-Moorhead: Cake Pops Cooking Demonstration

Thursday, September 22^nd from 10:30 A.M. – 12 P.M.

Mara Moorhead, owner of Flour Designs Baked Goods and frequent “207” guest will demonstrate how to make her award winning Cake Pops, the perfect combination of chocolate and cake! Flour Designs specializes in custom and unique pastries, including gluten free baked goods.

PORTopera performance

Saturday, September 24^th at 1 P.M.

PORTopera will present a program of popular arias.

Whole Foods demonstration: Fancy Cake Decorating

Sunday, September 25^th from 1 – 2 P.M.

Pastry chefs from Whole Foods will demonstrate cake decorating techniques.

David Richard of the House of Lights

Wednesday, September 28^th from 6 – 7 P.M.

David is a lighting designer with glowing references from his clients for his guidance in creating lighting schemes that enhance the home environment.  His ability to support fixture selection and placement and to seamlessly coordinate with the project electrician results in enhanced interiors and livability for clients with renovations or new projects.

Whole Foods tasting: Chocolate for the Connoisseur

Friday, September 30^th from 3 – 4 P.M.

Whole Foods will guide guests through a gourmet chocolate tasting.

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Tags: food, fun, special events