November 2017 Events for the Design Minded

New England Design Hall of Fame

Christmas at the Newport Mansions

Christmas at The Fells

Rooms with a View

American Artisan Show in Wilton

ABX

Set to Celebrate
November 2–4
This annual event sponsored by the Connecticut Valley Garden Club features more than 30 beautiful tablescapes designed by businesses, organizations, and individuals. Visitors can be inspired by the beautiful table settings then purchase items for their own homes at the on-site boutique or the popular tabletop tag sale selling donated items. Proceeds from the event support the Heritage Rose Garden at Elizabeth Park. The event kicks off with a gala on November 2, and is open for viewing on November 3 and 4. Gala 6 p.m.–8:30 p.m., $125; regular admission 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $25 in advance and $30 at the door. The Town and County Club, Hartford, CT, ctvalleygardenclub.org

American Artisan Show in Wilton
November 3–5
This nationally recognized show is held on the grounds of the Wilton Historical Society, and draws artisans from across the country. Unique handmade rugs, furniture, textiles, baskets, and more will be on display. Preview party Friday, 6 p.m.–9 p.m., $100; Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sunday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., $10. Reservations required for preview party. Wilton Historical Society, Wilton, CT, (203) 762-7257,
wiltonhistorical.org

Fine Furnishings Show
November 3–5
Expect great things at the 22nd Annual Fine Furnishings Show–New England Region, where 80-plus well-respected regional and national craftspeople will fill every inch of the historic Pawtucket Armory Arts Center. I Friday 4 p.m.–8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.–5 p.m., $10, Pawtucket Armory Arts Center, Pawtucket, R.I., (401) 816-0963, finefurnishingsshows.com/Pawtucket

31st Annual Boston Christmas Festival
November 3–5
The show features more than 300 craftspeople selling a wide variety of items perfect for holiday gift-giving or decorating. A highlight of the annual event is the chef-created gingerbread houses that are sold to benefit Housing Families, a charity dedicated to ending family homelessness. Friday noon–7 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.–5 p.m., $15, children under 14 free, Seaport World Trade Center, Boston, (617) 742-3973, bostonchristmasfestival.com

CraftWestport
November 4–5
For 42 years, this fine crafts show has been considered one of the best in the country. The weekend-long event features more than 175 craftspeople. Enjoy this Fairfield County tradition and get a head start on your holiday shopping. The event is sponsored by the Westport Young Women’s League, and all proceeds are given to local charity organizations. Saturday 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; $10 for adults, $9 for seniors. Westport, CT Staples High School, (845) 331-7900, artrider.com

NH Open Doors
November 4–5
NH Open Doors is a statewide shopping and sight-seeing event designed to appeal to all ages. Visit and shop the open studios of New Hampshire artisans and craftspeople, tour farms, orchards, and wineries, and peruse the many galleries and retail shops. nhopendoors.com

Deck the Walls
November 10–January 5, 2018
Forget the mall and give the gift of art. The Lyme Art Association’s annual holiday show and sale features the works of more than 200 artists. The show includes a wide range of types and sizes of artwork specially designed for holiday gift-giving. Lyme, CT, (860) 434-7802, lymeartassociation.org

Christmas at the Fells
November 4–12
Professional interior designers, floral artists, and volunteers transform the historic main house of
The Fells for the holiday season. A highlight of the event is a charming boutique offering unique holiday gift ideas. The festivities kick off with a gala on November 3 to get you in the spirit of the season. I Gala $100; boutique open weekends 10 a.m.–3 p.m. with tour ticket, weekdays 10 a.m.–4 p.m. with no tour ticket required. $23, $5 children. Newbury, N.H., (603) 763-4789, thefells.org

ABX 2017
November 8–10
ArchitectureBoston Expo (ABX) is one of the largest architecture, design, and construction events in the United States. Fortunately for us, it’s located right here in New England. The three-day event features exhibitors and a wide variety of educational programs. Take the opportunity to learn and connect with others in the industry. Visit website for conference and expo hours which vary daily. Boston Convention Center, abexpo.com

The New England Design Hall of Fame Awards
November 9
This annual gala, hosted by New England Home, honors residential architects, interior designers, and landscape architects across New England whose work, influence, and community involvement set them at the pinnacle of their profession. Attendees at this invariably sold-out event enjoy stellar views of Boston, signature cocktails, fine cuisine, and plenty of partying with industry insiders. 6:30 p.m. cocktails, 7:45 p.m. dinner and awards. The State Room, Boston. Call (617) 938-3991, ext. 713, to order tickets, or purchase them online at nehomemag.com

Rooms with a View
November 10–12
Local in spirit but nationally renowned, the annual Rooms with a View was the innovation of legendary designer Albert Hadley. Twelve interior designers display their creativity through small room vignettes. The festivities launch with a gala on Friday, November 10, with other events held throughout the weekend. Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sunday, noon–5 p.m., $25. Southport Congregational Church, Southport, CT, (203) 255-4538, southportucc.org

25th Annual HOBI Awards
November 15
The Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Connecticut’s HOBI Awards celebrate the best in residential and commercial construction, remodeling, and more. The event kicks off with a cocktail hour followed by a presentation of winning entries and dinner. 5:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m. Aqua Turf Club, Plantsville, CT, hbact.org

SMFA Art Sale
November 16–19
This annual art sale benefiting the School of the Museum of Fine Arts is a great opportunity to start an art collection or add to your existing one. Students, alumni, faculty, and affiliated artists donate their works to support the school. Come ready to purchase, or simply enjoy the work of the artists. The art rotates so there is something new every day. 11 a.m.–9 p.m., School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, (617) 369-3626, smfa.edu

Christmas at the Newport Mansions
November 18–January 1, 2018
Indulge in the splendor of the holiday season by touring three of Newport’s historic mansions bedecked for Christmas. The Breakers, the Elms, and Marble House will be decorated for the holidays. Highlights of the tour include gingerbread replicas of the mansions, Christmas trees, and a display of the Vanderbilt family’s New York Central Railroad model train. The Breakers opens daily at 9 a.m., the Elms and Marble House open at 10 a.m. The last tour admission at all three houses is at 4 p.m., and the houses and grounds close at 5 p.m. Admission to all three houses, $30 for adults, $10 for children 6–17; closed Thanksgiving and Christmas with a 3 p.m. closing on December 24. The Preservation Society of Newport County, (401) 847-1000, newportmansions.org

Portland’s Victoria Mansion
November 24–January 7, 2018
Portland’s Victoria Mansion will open its doors so visitors can enjoy the historic home in its holiday splendor. This year, the mansion will be decorated from top to bottom by area designers in the theme Christmas in the City by the Sea. The annual event includes a gala on November 29. Gala $60. Open daily 11:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Portland, Maine, (207) 772 4841, victoriamansion.org

All events are subject to change. Please confirm event details with the organizer prior to your visit.