Tea Time and Period Pieces

The weekend is just about here, and it’s time to escape for an easy day of antique hunting to be interrupted only by lunch.

Choose Saturday or Sunday to browse the 44th Annual Darien Antiques Show at First Congregational Church. It’s a great way to celebrate things that get better with age, and you'll be supporting an event staffed soley by volunteers from the congregation to benefit St. Luke’s LifeWorks and other local non-profit organizations.

More than 30 dealers will display “fine 17th through 19th century antiques including English, American, and oriental furniture" among many other items. Maybe you’re on the hunt for the perfect end table, or some antique or estate jewelry to go with that recent addition to your wardrobe. The shimmer of silver pieces and antique glass may also catch your eye.

Consider bringing that family heirloom with you for a complimentary Roadshow-style appraisal by Christine Downing, owner of C. Downing Auctions in Norwalk, who was featured on HGTV's Cash in the Attic. Appraisals will be available both days; for specific hours, visit darienantiqueshow.org.

Need a respite to chat about your favorite finds? Enjoy conversation over a home-cooked lunch and tempting treats served in the tearoom from 11:30-2 p.m., or tea served 2-4.

From there, head to Stamford Museum & Nature Center to take in some of the 200 Shaker pieces on display as part of “Gather Up The Fragments: The Andrews Shaker Collection,” an exhibit in the Bendel Mansion Museum Galleries. Items on display are from the collection of Faith and Edward Deming Andrews, who were “among the first to recognize the unique contributions of the Shakers to American culture,” according to the museum.

Option: The , “An Evening Out to enefit St. Luke’s LifeWorks,” takes place Friday 7-9:30 p.m.  

Antique show hours are Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Exhibit hours are Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission for each show is $10 or $8 for seniors. Visit here for a $2 discount card for the antique show.