Patti Stivers stands with her table designed for the Ruby M. Sisson Memorial Library Foundation’s The Library Affair, set for April 9. The tables, based on “Under the Tuscan Sun,” is one of 17 literary-inspired tablescapes that will be up for auction at the event.
By Sally Neel | Ruby M. Sisson Memorial Library Foundation
Have you ever considered hosting an evening of entertainment in your home based on a book theme? The Library Affair, scheduled for Saturday evening, April 9, from 6 to 8:30 p.m., will offer its guests the opportunity to see some of their favorite books brought to life through exotic and delightful dining table decorations, all available for purchase to the highest bidders.
Seventeen tables, lavishly adorned with beautiful china or pottery, silverware, napkins, table runners, tablecloths, placemats, glassware and the most amazing centerpieces imaginable, will be on display and open for auction to the lucky winners. Each table will be based on themes from some of your favorite books.
Patti Stivers, a relative newcomer to Pagosa Springs, has based her table on “Under the Tuscan Sun” by Frances Mayes.
“Having had my interior design business for 30 years, I’m always happy for an opportunity to give back to my community and I am honored to be a part of the Mountains of Opportunity campaign through The Library Affair. I have always been madly in love with Italy and its beauty, food, wine, architecture and culture, especially the region of Tuscany,” said Stivers. “My goal was to capture the ambiance of the Tuscan countryside and for the tablecloth, runner and napkins to give a shout out to this style. The handmade plates and bowls (eight place settings) are reminiscent of the wonderful crafts people of the region. Vintage cherub candelabras and vintage style flatware lend a sense of sophistication to the table. To bring in a rustic touch, I chose Italian Bormioli Rocco glassware and cheeseboard chargers. The arbor as well as crocks filled with sunflowers reflect the beautiful Tuscan countryside.”
To get a glimpse of this and the other tables, go to https://pagosalibrary.org/library-foundation/the-library-affair/ and vote for your favorite tables. Votes are only $1 each and the proceeds benefit the Mountains of Opportunity library expansion fund.
The evening will take place at the Pagosa Lakes Property Owners Association clubhouse, located at 230 Port Ave. Tickets are $50 each and can be purchased at the above online address or at the Ruby Sisson Memorial Library (cash or check only). The evening has been underwritten by generous sponsors, so ticket purchases, auction proceeds, beer and wine purchases, and donations will all go to assist our exciting upcoming library expansion.
As we enjoy delectable culinary delights provided by the Pagosa Springs High School culinary class, we will be serenaded by the music of classical guitarist Steve Blechschmidt. The table design that receives the most online votes will receive the coveted Pagosa Pulizer Prize and the table with the highest auction bid will win the beautiful Ruby Award.
Come and be a part of this exciting evening of literary enchantment and support our efforts to help make our wonderful library a bigger and better resource for our community.
