A Fun-Filled Afternoon at the Orlando Home Show at the Orange County Convention Center

The Orlando Home Show at the Orange County Convention Center, (www.occc.net), is about way more than simply home improvements, as we discovered during a three hour visit. From antique furniture restoration to flower arranging, from lawn tractors to the Batmobile, from patio furniture to granite countertops, the variety of vendors at the show was astounding.

Every aisle at the show held a vivid mixture of exhibitors displaying both practical items, like solar panels or kitchen knives, and more decorative wares, like art glass or Christmas decorations. Tucked in between the traditional remodeling booths were unique and unexpected exhibits, making the experience a bit like a treasure hunt.

Antique Restoration , French Linens, and Unique Picnic Tables

One of these hidden gems was the booth for Guerri's Antique Restoration. Eugenio and Maria Guerri are Italian artists and master crafts people with thirty years of experience in restoring antique furniture and paintings. Their booth highlighted some of the beautiful work they do, as well as gave visitors a chance to meet them in person. In this age of mass production, it was a pleasure to see their custom craftsmanship. Their studio is located at 1501 Tivoli Dr, Deltona, FL 32725. Phone: 407.405.8158

In the next aisle, the exhibit of Chez-Gautier held a wonderful selection of brightly colored tablecloths, aprons, and other linens from the region of Provence in southeastern France. Many of the linens were in the traditional colors and patterns of Provence, lavender, sunflower yellow, bright blue, poppy red, making the booth seem like a flower garden. Owner Eliana Gautier demonstrated that the cotton tablecloths are water and wine repellant. She does not have a storefront or website, but can be reached at 407.970.5554 or elianita5@aol.com

Another fun find was the brushed aluminum picnic tables in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, including a butterfly shaped table, a dog-bone shaped table, and one with handicapped seating. The centerpiece of the display was two football shaped tables, one in the colors and logo of the Florida Gators, and the other representing the FSU Seminoles. The colors were rich, beautiful, and eye-catching. They came with either traditional picnic benches or individual pedestal seats. According to sales manager David Luongo, (dluongo@ofab.net) other sports teams are available. The large tables sell for approximately $1,600-2,200. The tables can be viewed at www.ofab.net/themedtables.

Wreath Demonstration

After meandering up and down a few aisles, I was ready to sit for a while and take in whatever show was next on the stage in the center of the hall. It turned out to be a demonstration by a local business, In Bloom Florist, of how to decorate a grapevine wreath for fall or Christmas display. As a long-time crafter, this sort of project is right up my alley, and the demonstration was enjoyable and informative. They even taught some new techniques for using hot glue, rather than a glue gun, with silk flowers. The owner of In Bloom Florist, John Kobylinski, mentioned that his two stores offer classes in floral design, including one called "Wine and Design", and they also host birthday parties. He announced that anyone stopping by their booth could get a free bud vase with fresh flowers. www.inbloomflorist.com. 407.649.7771.

Wine Tasting and Landscaping Tips

Immediately behind the seating area was a bright purple beach cabana display by Barefoot wines, offering free wine tasting and crackers. Visitors could choose from about ten different varieties of wine, with a knowledgeable woman explaining the differences. In exchange for filling out their information card, she handed out a reusable grocery bag, which will be a welcome addition to our collection.

The next presentation was by Ask Andy, the Landscape Renovator, from A&R Landscaping and Lighting, on tips for preparing your landscape for the holidays. It was quite humorous, and helpful even for an upper-level condo dweller with no landscaping and just a small lanai. Tip #2 Personalize, and Tip #7 The Unexpected, can apply to small areas as well as large. Ask Andy can be found at www.AskTheLandscapeRenovator.com.

Wandering down a few more aisles brought us past some miniature water fountains, a pool table inside a replica 1965 Ford Mustang, outdoor kitchens, and the staging area for cooking demonstrations. If only there were more hours in the afternoon, a cooking presentation would have been high on the list of things to see. As it was, the last stop for the day was the florist booth, where we picked up a gorgeous miniature vase of flowers. It was quite an unexpected, and pleasurable, end to our three hours at the Orlando Home Show.