Trees, wreaths make music
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Anette Madsen Yazidi, co-owner of Anette’s Chocolates begins work on a tree which will be featured in the Napa Valley Symphony League's Festival of Trees. Below, a detail of the decorations and lights Yazidi is using to decorate Annette’s tree J.L. Sousa/Register photos |
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Symphony League’s Festival of Trees begins Nov. 30
By LOUISA HUFSTADER
Register Correspondent
One-of-a-kind holiday trees and wreaths, sparkling with light and colorful ornaments, will once again provide year-round support for the Napa Valley Symphony when they are raffled off in the Symphony League’s fifteenth annual Festival of Trees.
Pre-decked with flair by some of the valley’s foremost designers, including florist Michael Holmes, 11 tabletop trees and 11 sumptuous wreaths will be presented during the league’s fashion show and luncheon at Meritage Resort and Spa on Dec. 1.
“It gets very exciting” when the raffle tickets are drawn, according to Anette Madsen, a veteran Festival of Trees designer.
The lucky family that wins Madsen’s tree will be able to munch treats from her First Street shop, Anette’s Chocolate Factory, throughout the holidays.
“We are just filling it plumb full of edibles and a few little gift items,” all tied into the branches, Madsen said. The offerings will include beer brittle, chocolate wine sauce, truffles, pecan rolls and chocolate ornaments, as well as some non-edible decorations.
“It’s a nice gift that will last for a while,” she said.
In Yountville, Ronda Schaer of RASgalleries engaged Napa designer Maia Plakk to decorate her wreath for the Symphony League.
Plakk chose natural themes and Tuscan-inspired colors for a wreath bursting with birds, butterflies, leaves and fruit.
“It is absolutely stunning,” Schaer said. “We were given a 30-inch wreath, and with all the adornments it’s got to be at least 36 inches.”
Schaer hopes her tree will raise thousands of dollars for the league, which uses all the festival proceeds to maintain the Napa Valley Symphony.
“The symphony provides a wonderful gift for the Napa Valley,” she said.
Three events
benefit symphony
The Festival of Trees kicks off Nov. 30 with a gala dinner and auction at Meritage, followed by a cabaret performance with Broadway singer and actress Jeri Sager.
Next morning, the 22 trees and wreaths will go on display at Meritage, where a reception begins at 10:45 a.m. At noon, the league’s annual luncheon and fashion show will again feature fashions from Helen Lyall, known for her lively productions.
“She’s fabulous,” Schaer said. “It’s wonderfully entertaining.”
Finally, the league presents a holiday concert Dec. 2 at the Lincoln Theater in Yountville, where the acclaimed New York Voices will perform at 3 p.m. Three people can attend this concert for the price of one ticket. For information, contact the Napa Valley Symphony at 226-6872 or visit www.napavalleysymphony.org.
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