DAR goes vintage

The home of Judy Hill, local antique dealer, was the site of the April meeting of the Samuel Paul Dinkins Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution.

Mrs. Sylvia Nelson, regent, opened the business session by giving out Certificates of Merit for Special Service to DAR, awarded at the State Conference to a number of our officers. Following the ritual, Chaplain Martha Smith accompanied the members on Mrs. Hill's antique upright piano as they sang the Star Spangled Banner.

The program was given by Mrs. Judy Hill, whose home is filled with vintage furniture and accessories. She is particularly fond of using white as the main color throughout her home. Frequently Mrs. Hill travels the countryside searching for items for her business and most recently, she participated in the popular antique festival at Round Top which attracts a huge number of sellers and collectors.

Growing up in Mansfield, LA, Mrs. Hill credits her Mother with creating her early interest decorating. As a child, she would observe her mother "making do" with what they had to create a loving home. Mrs. Hill often uses various items for purposes other than what they were intended. For example, a very large children's Sunday School table is now used as a coffee table. Displayed

on this table are several decorator books by the British designer/ decorator Rachel Ashwell. Ms. Ashwell gave her way of decorating the name of "Shabby Chic" in the 1980's. Prominent ideas for this style of decorating include the use of pastel colors, vintage linens, furniture and accessories with a timeworn look.

After Mrs. Hill's presentation of some of her decorating ideas. members toured each room of the home to observe the many interesting pieces of furniture, unique arrangement of picture on the walls, and the display of accessories. Mrs. Hill then served refreshments in three areas of the house. In the living room a small table held a fruit salad in a beautiful glass bowl, banana pudding was served from a large, decorative brandy snifter and petit fours iced in white chocolate were displayed on three serving plates of graduated heights. The dining table held pitcher of lemonade garnished with fresh strawberries, and a small breakfast table in the kitchen area was used for coffee with an array of cups and saucers. The chapter thanked Mrs. Hill for a very enjoyable DAR meeting.

Members present were Dell Birdsong, Dorothy Brooks, Nancy Bullock, Eloise Duncan, Mary Jean Fleming, Frankie Florey, Margaret Griffin, Sylvia Nelson, Joan Still Smith, Martha T. Smith, Billie Southwell, and Marguerite Lessley.