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Lifestyle Columns

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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: ...

Bohemian glass artists excel in quality, variety

There are numerous ways to decorate glassware, and 19th-century Bohemian glass artists excelled in all of them. They often used multiple types of decoration on the same piece. For example, a small glass beaker or tumbler that sold for $75 at an auction by Jeffrey S. Evans & Associates fits ...