By Susan Shinn
sshinn@salisburypost.com
Highlights from the 13th annual Table Tops event benefitting Historic Salisbury Foundation:
– Perhaps taking a cue from the current economy, this year’s 18 tables were a bit more understated.
“They’re not as over-the-top as they have been,” said Linda Errante, event co-chair.
Tables were decorated by individuals, businesses, non-profit agencies and other groups.
– A back-to-nature theme prevailed at several tables.
Critters’ table was named “Back to Nature,” with chirping songbirds providing dashes of color to bare branches, as if to say spring is still a ways away.
The Stitchin’ Post also took a natural theme with “Lazy Days of Summer.” Its table was decorated with shells, natural sea grass ó even a bit of sand.
Carved animals graced the tables of “African” by Carolyn and Anna Glasgow.
– As is often the case, a lot of decorators used what they had.
Alice Ketchum used two peacocks she bought from the hospital foundation’s annual fundraiser as the basis for her table, “Proud as a Peacock.”
– Some groups decorated tables to raise their profiles.
Lorna Brown and Anne Cave used “Polkas on the Dot” to tout the Polka Dots polka band.
Faithful Friends had a table filled with doggie bowls and stuffed animals to promote their no-kill animal shelter.
“Around the World with Dolls” featured a table full of special dolls which belong to members of the Rowan Doll Society.
The ARC set up a table ó complete with a small Christmas tree ó to promote its annual Festival of Trees.
– Other businesses which participated included the “Party Animal” from Queen’s with a large monkey, in full clown garb, standing in the center of a table with bowls and dishes filled with bright gumballs and jelly beans; “Winter Solstice,” a table set in icy silver, white and Tiffany blue by a Step in Time; and an “Omigosh, Bridal Luncheon!” by L.A. Murph’s in golds and mauves, with a wedding cake at the center.
– Other tables were just for fun: the golf-themed “Tee Time” by Barb Sorel and Mary Padavick; “Fondue,” a table set for a cook-your-own feast by Ann Hall; “Blue Willow,” a classic china pattern used by Glenda Kluttz; “In The Abstract,” featuring accessories with abstract art by Chad Morgan and Hilda Morgan.
Art was also the focus “Origami” by Pat Leazer and Kelly McCarthy, set with delicate examples of the Japanese handiwork.
Red roses were plentiful at the “Run for the Roses” table, an homage to the Kentucky Derby. Set by Tracy McMillin, Lori Burke and Kristen Colwell, the table featured two large rose-covered horseshoes ó and plenty of Maker’s Mark and silver julep cups.
Getting lots of attention was the table by Alisa Palmer and Gail Williams, “Who’s the Fairest of Them All?” Its centerpiece was a beautiful, curvaceous dress in pale pink velour.
The table was filled with accessories, makeup, jewelry and lots of mirrors, even mirrored chargers.
“We were thinking about a Snow White theme with the mirrors and then about women and beauty and the great lengths that we go to for beauty,” Palmer said.
Williams said of the unique centerpiece, “It’s an inspiration piece for my new diet. She’s going in front of my refrigerator.”
– Nancy Clement, who co-chaired the event with Errante, said the Thursday night preview party was “very successful.”
Clement acknowledged that attendance at the luncheon was down. Some tables had no chairs ó allowing easy access to the displays ó while others had six seats instead of eight.
“Last night pulled a lot of people who would have come today,” Clement said Friday.
– Table Tops is open to the public today from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Depot. Suggested donation is $5.
– Clement and Errante are already planning for future Table Tops events.
“Next year, the men are decorating,” Clement said. Bob Bailey will chair the event.
Clement carried a clipboard with sign-ups for 2011.
“I’m serious,” she said. “People love to do this.”