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French table embodies art nouveau design

Art nouveau designs were based on nature. A close look at this table, which sold for $2,750 at Fontaine’s Auction Gallery, shows that the side supports literally branch out at the top, where they meet the panels of carved flowers adorning the ends of the tabletop. The carvings at the base suggest twining roots. It is as if a pair of blossoming trees supports the table between them. The table is the work of French artist and cabinetmaker Louis Majorelle (1859-1926), one of the great designers of the Art nouveau movement. Along with other artists and industrialists in France, Majorelle ...

Time Turning Like a Page

In his early play, Love’s Labour’s Lost, William Shakespeare gave us this thought on time. In the opening act, Lord Berowne speaking to King Navarre declares, “At Christmas, I no more desire a rose, than wish a snow in May’s new-fangled mirth; but like of each thing that in season grows.” Such is one of only three references to Christmas in all of Shakespeare’s works. It is interesting that he chooses to tie Christmas to time. Centuries after Shakespeare but almost two centuries before today, Charles Dickens also connected Christmas with time by haunting Ebenezer Scrooge with ...

The evolution of the artificial Christmas tree

Artificial Christmas trees have been around since the 19th century, if not earlier. Trees made of dyed feathers originated in Germany and were introduced to the U.S. by the early 20th century. The mid- to late-20th century saw trees made from several new materials. There were some made of brush bristles. The famous aluminum Christmas trees, sparkling in silver before any lights or ornaments were added, were first made in the 1950s. New types of plastic that gained widespread use after World War II proved to be perfect for making durable, realistic-looking synthetic pine needles. But one ...

Recent and upcoming movie adaptations

Are you a reader that likes to read the book before you see the movie? If so, check out this list of books that are being adapted for the screen. “The Housemaid” by Freida McFadden. Many McFadden readers will say the “The Housemaid” is the book that hooked them and it seems that filmmakers agree. The movie is set to be released in the U.S. December 19, 2025. “People We Meet on Vacation” by Emily Henry. The Netflix adaptation is set to be released early 2026. “Regretting You” by Colleen Hoover. The DVD will be out in February 2026. “Verity” also by Colleen ...

Menorahs can reflect contemporary artistic styles

Most families put their own unique spins on holiday traditions and see them evolve over time. Similarly, modern artists bring their own artistic styles and contemporary trends to traditional holiday decorations. Hanukkah menorahs are fantastic examples. Throughout the 20th century, many prominent sculptors and designers created menorahs that fit with popular art movements, such as brutalism or mid-century modern design, or that reflected their personal styles. This enormous wrought-iron menorah, which stands more than 42 inches tall, was designed by Judith Brown in 1979 and recently ...

Off the Shelf

My family and I baked the annual Christmas lefse recently, so I was thinking about Scandinavian traditions and wondering if we have books at the library on that subject. Yes, we do have Scandinavian books! I’m starting with holiday books because, after all, it’s that time of year. Jul: Swedish American Holiday Traditions by Minnesotan Patrice M. Johnson (641.5686 Johnson) is a beautiful book highlighting Swedish traditions. Lutfisk anyone? The Swedish Meatballs are more to my liking. There are many traditional recipes for your julbord (Christmas table), but I especially enjoyed the ...