From the moment guests step across the red-carpeted steps and up onto the longest front porch in the world, the Grand Hotel at Mackinac Island emanates classic elegance – and Carleton Varney’s Antique and Design Fall Festival, held from September 5-7 at the Hotel, proved to be no exception. flower was on the scene not [...]
From the moment guests step across the red-carpeted steps and up onto the longest front porch in the world, the Grand Hotel at Mackinac Island emanates classic elegance – and Carleton Varney’s Antique and Design Fall Festival, held from September 5-7 at the Hotel, proved to be no exception.
flower was on the scene not only to be immersed in the blooming dahlias and ever-present geraniums, but also to take part in the antique and design festivities. The weekend began with a Gala Preview Party, which allowed guests a sneak peek of the festival’s elaborate Antique Showcase. It was followed by a lovely floral dinner hosted by Carleton Varney and given in honor of our own editor-in-chief Margot Shaw. The seven-course meal featured Carleton’s exclusively commissioned flower tablecloth and the magazine’s signature pink and green color scheme.
On Saturday, flower‘s founder and editor enlivened the weekend’s attendees with her flower testimony. The day was crowned with Mr.Varney speaking to an overflow crowd, sharing his own artistic and decorating tenets as well as a few amusing anecdotes, in the preview presentation of his upcoming book, Houses in My Heart.
As the weekend came to a close, guests and flower attendees were transported via horse and carriage to the ferry docks, each with memories of stellar antiques, dazzling flowers, and new friends.
