Bredenbeck’s Strawberry Shortcake

A delicious day—every day. Bredenbeck’s Bakery has been a Philadelphia and Main Line tradition since 1889. This year Bredenbeck’s will be part of our AroundMainLine.com holiday memories with their delicious petit fours, strawberry shortcake, a Jewish apple loaf cake and a fancy miniatures platter!

Check out their delectable Easter and Passover menus below. If you need to order for your holiday celebrations, be sure to call the bakery today: 215.247.7374 or email: sales@bredenbecks.com

Have a blessed holiday week, friends.

Sarah Lockard
AroundMainLine.com CEO

Easter Menu

Gourmet Cupcakes

Chickadees $3.95/each
Vanilla layer cake iced in yellow fondant, sweetly decorated to look like a chickadee.

Easter Basket Cupcakes $2.75/each
Vanilla or chocolate layer cake topped with with jelly beans. Pipecleaners and green coconut “grass” make this look like an adorable Easter basket.

Cakes

Easter Egg Cake $16.95
Butter pound cake covered in pink, yellow or chocolate fondant and festively decorated.

Strawberry Shortcake 7” $19.95 9” $25.95
Layer cake with real whipped cream and giant fresh strawberries

Easter Bunny Cake $16.95
Vanilla or chocolate layer cake with fresh shredded coconut, adorably decorated like a bunny

NEW! Triple Shot Cake 7” $29.95 9” $35.95
Moist chocolate cake soaked in coffee liqueur, filled with rich chocolate ganache, with coffee chocolate icing

Carrot Cake 7” $21.95 9” $29.95
Moist carrot cake with cream cheese icing

NEW! Tres de Leche Torte 4” $21.95 7” 29.95
Vanilla layer cake soaked with tres wash and iced in whipped cream, topped with assorted fruit

Snickers Bar $14.95
Butter pound cake tiered with dulce de leche, caramel and salted nuts. Coated in rich chocolate

NEW! Orange Peach Cake 9” $29.95
Fresh orange peach pound cake filled with hazelnut praline, iced with peach cream cheese

Petits Fours $17.95/pound
Vanilla or chocolate, iced in pastel colors with Easter decorations
Approx. 16/pound

Passover Menu

Loaf Cakes $8.95/ea
Chocolate Chip, Jewish Apple, Honey

Chocolate Flourless Cake
7” $24.95 9” $32.95
Rich chocolate cake with a mirror-like chocolate glaze

Macaroons $13.95/pound (Approx. 16/pound)
Coconut, Chocolate Coconut, Almond, Chocolate Almond

Matzoh Cheesecake
7” $23.95 9” $29.95
Creamy cheesecake with matzoh crust, topped with fresh fruit

Be Social with Bredenbeck’s Bakery

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About Bredenback’s Bakery

Bredenbeck’s Bakery is located at 8126 Germantown Avenue in Chestnut Hill. To place your order for Easter or Passover call 215.247.7374 or email sales@bredenbecks.com.

Upcoming Mica tasting menus courtesy of Chef Roman focus on suckling pig and beef.

Mica, Chip Roman’s newest restaurant located in the heart of historic Chestnut Hill, has rolled out a special summer four-course tasting menu. Mica’s Wednesday tastings, $45 per person not including tax or gratuity, will focus around one ingredient. As far as we’re concerned, there’s no better way to celebrate mid-week than by indulging in Mica’s Wednesday Tastings and the fine talents of Chef Roman and staff!

Upcoming Mica Tasting Menus

Suckling Pig (Weds. June 13, 2011)

First Course:
Tete de Cochon
Pickles and Mustard

Second Course:
“Scrapple”
Coddled Egg, Arugula, Charred Onion

Third Course:
Roast
Baby Vegetables, Natural Jus

Fourth Course:
Watermelon Jello
Lime, Vanilla

Beef (Weds. June 22, 2011)

First Course:
Tartar
Potato Skins, Barbeque Sauce,

Second Course:
Beef and Broccoli Hearts
Dr. Pepper, Cippolini Onions

Third Course:
Hanger
Heart of Palm, Grapes, Chimi Curi

Fourth Course:
Peach Cobbler

Related News and Notes

Congrats to Mica Chef Jason Chichonski who will be spearheading a new restaurant at 3rd and Bainbridge-the former Ansill space. The 26-year-old former Lacroix chef will be focusing on a progressive American menu. No word on the restaurant’s name or targeted opening date.

Mica is located at 8609 Germantown Ave in Philadelphia, PA 19118. Visit their website at www.micarestaurant.com. For reservations, call 267-335-3912.

Want to win a $200 Gift Certificate to O’Doodles? Comment below to qualify for our December 5th drawing!

This giveaway is now closed. Thank you everyone who participated! Congratulations to Lauren W. for winning the $200 gift certificate to O’Doodles Toy Store in Chestnut Hill!

It is the MOST wonderful time of the year! And, to celebrate the holiday season, AroundMainLine.com is launching a full series of fabulous holiday giveaways. We have awesome gifts for you to qualify to win that will make fantastic presents to fulfill your holiday list.

First up is an exciting $200 gift certificate to O’Doodles Toy Store in Chestnut Hill! Comment below between now and 9pm, Sunday, December 5th, 2010 for a chance to win!

In business for over a decade, O’Doodles is a family toy store where you can find the perfect gift for children up to twelve years, plus some goofy gifts parents and grandparents want to own for themselves.

O’Doodles lives by the philosophy that the best toys are ‘Toys Unplugged.’ Their toys are powered by imagination! This award winning, specialty toy shop features tons of unique and creative craft kits along with puzzles and the largest selection of board games in the area.

Website: www.odoodles.com
Location: 8335 Germantown Avenue, Chestnut Hill, 19118
Telephone: 215.247.7405; Fax Number: 215.247.9022
Store Hours: Monday- Friday 10am-6pm, Saturdays 10:00am-6pm, Sundays 11am-5pm. Customer Service Hours are 10:00am to 5:00pm EST. Weekdays

1. PROMOTION PERIOD. Promotion begins on announced time EST (“Promotion Period”). All entries must be received by the announced time (EST) to be eligible for that day’s drawing.
2. ELIGIBILITY. This giveaway is only open to legal residents of the 50 United States and District of Columbia who are at least 18 years old as of the date of entry, except officers, directors, members, and employees of the Sponsor, the judging organization (if applicable), or any other party associated with the development or administration of this Promotion, and the immediate family (i.e., parents, children, siblings, spouse), and persons residing in the same household, as such individuals. This Promotion is void outside the 50 United States and the District of Columbia, and where prohibited.
3. WINNER SELECTION AND NOTIFICATION. The sole winner will be drawn from all entries received during the announced Promotional Period using a randomized computer numerical system, random.org.
4. TAXES. All federal, state and/or local income and other taxes, if any, are the winner’s sole responsibility.
5. ODDS OF WINNING. The odds of winning this Promotion depend on the number of eligible entries received.
6. Winner will be announced on aroundmainline.com, Facebook (www.facebook.com/aroundmainline) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/aroundmainline).

All Aboard!
Ride the rails with Santa and Mrs. Claus this holiday season!

West Chester Railroad
The Santa Express
Every weekend through December 20th
Train Departs at 11am, 1 and 3pm
West Chester, PA
www.westchesterrr.com
Adults $15, Children 2+ $10

A ride on the West Chester Railroad’s Santa Express this holiday season offers kids young and old a trip back to a simple time along the beautiful Chester Creek in Chester County. The route is part of the old Pennsylvania Railroad central division on the West Chester and Phoenixville branch.

Christmas Tree Train – New for 2010!
Sundays December 12th & 19th
8:00 AM to 10:00 AM

West Chester Railroad is hosting its first Christmas Tree train this holiday season! For the first time, we have partnered with Wiggins Tree Farm in West Chester, PA. The train will board at the intersection of Adams St. and Nields St. There is a gravel parking lot at the intersection. Visit www.wigginschristmastrees.com for additional information about the tree farm. All trees have the special price of $40 for all Tree Train ticket holders.

Strasburg Railroad
Santa’s Paradise Express
November 26th-28th, December 4th, 5th, 11th, 12th, 18th and 19th
Strasburg, PA
www.strasburgrailroad.com

Just in time for the holidays, Santa’s Paradise Express is pulling in to Strasburg Rail Road Thanksgiving weekend, starting November 26, 2010. Join Santa on his journey to spread the magic of the season to thousands of families who believe. Trains start running at 11:00 am each weekend. Tickets are priced at $17 for adults, $10 for children ages 3-11, and $3 for kids 3 and under. For a complete listing of dates and times, or to purchase tickets go to www.StrasburgRailRoad.com or call (717) 687-7522. Click here to read a full feature on this season’s Strasburg Railroad on AroundMainLine.com.

The New Hope Railroad & Ivyland Railroad
The North Pole Express
November 20th-December 23rd on select days
New Hope, PA
www.newhoperailroad.com

The New Hope & Ivyland Railroad once again welcomes Santa and Mrs. Claus along with a whole host of holiday revelers. The North Pole’s most famous resident will be parking his sleigh and riding aboard the New Hope & Ivyland Railroad’s steam powered “North Pole Express.” Santa will be visiting onboard with children, while posing for photographs and offering them a small gift and holiday wishes!

Wayne Hotel’s Old Fashioned Christmas is Friday, December 3rd and Saturday, December 4th.

Wayne Hotel’s Old Fashioned Christmas
Friday, December 3rd and Saturday, December 4th
Wayne, PA
www.waynechristmas.com

Wayne Hotel Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Friday December 3, 2010

• Winter Carriage rides – 5:30pm – 8:30pm
• Ornament decorating – 5:30pm – 7:30pm
• Tree lighting – 7:30pm with Christmas carols led by VFMA beforehand

Face painting and tree ornament crafts at the Radnor Fire Co. Carolers stroll the streets of Wayne. The Valley Forge Military Academy & College Choir sings Christmas carols at the Wayne Train Station. Then the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and countdown.

Wayne Hotel Santa Parade
Saturday December 4, 2010

• Santa Parade starts from Acme – 10:00am
• Santa greets children on the porch of the Wayne Hotel – 10:30am-12:00noon

Santa rides into Wayne with the Radnor Fire Company and meets with children on the porch of the Wayne Hotel.

Malvern’s Victorian Christmas
Friday evening, December 3rd 6-8:30p.m.
Saturday, December 4th 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Malvern, PA
www.malvernsvictorianchristmas.org

Celebrate the lighting of the town Christmas tree (approximately at 6:15 p.m.) with special host Harry Hairston of NBC10. The tree lighting will be followed by musical performances throughout town, strolling street performers, children’s shows, horse and carriage rides, a hay ride and more. Special events throughout town on Saturday, December 4th.

West Chester’s 31st Annual Old-Fashioned Christmas Celebration
2nd Annual Jingle Elf Run
Friday, December 3rd Run 6:30p.m; Parade 7:30 p.m.
www.gwcc.org/chamber-events/old-fashioned-christmas-sponsored-by-flavia

Get ready to ring in the season with the MARS drinks Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade in Downtown West Chester set to kick-off at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 3. The parade, presented annually since 1980 by the Chamber of Commerce of Greater West Chester (GWCC), is the highlight of the four day Old Fashioned Christmas celebration held Thurs., Dec. 2. through Sun., Dec. 5 featuring over forty events including theatrical and musical performances, guided walking tours, a holiday craft bazaar and breakfast with Santa.

Prior to the parade, many businesses and organizations throughout the downtown will host Holiday Open Houses featuring refreshments and seasonal entertainment. At 6:30 p.m., the Second Annual Jingle Elf Run, sponsored by First Niagara Bank, kicks off at Market and High Streets with a 2-mile run and a 1-mile walk. Proceeds from the Jingle Elf Run benefit Family Service of Chester County.

25th Annual Candelight Christmas in Chadds Ford
Saturday, December 4th
1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Chadds Ford, PA
www.chaddsfordhistory.org

Make the self-drive Candlelight Christmas tour your first weekend date in December!
Read about all the houses on this year’s tour on chaddsfordhistory.org!

Chestnut Hill’s Stag and Doe Nights return Wednesdays December 8th, 15th, 22nd 6-9 p.m. Photo courtesy of Vida Carson Photography

Chestnut Hill’s Stag and Doe Nights
Wednesdays December 8th, 15th, 22nd 6p.m. to 9 p.m.
Chestnut Hill, PA
www.chestnuthill.com

Chestnut Hill will truly shine on our special Wednesdays nights in December as our one-of-a-kind shops open their doors and welcome you with wonderful gift ideas, refreshments and personalized, friendly service. Stroll the Avenue and savor the beauty of the holiday season in Chestnut Hill where white lights twinkle in the trees, carolers sing on the street, fresh pine boughs decorate the shops and the crisp winter air reminds you of what the holiday season should be.

The Narberth Dickens Festival
Saturday December 11th Noon-4pm
Narberth, PA
www.narberthonline.com

The Narberth Dickens Festival draws thousands to Narberth every year, and is the fastest-growing holiday event in Montgomery County. It’s a free family event held each December on the streets of downtown Narberth. In this Dickens-themed event, the town of Narberth is transformed into 1840′s London, as Ebeneezer Scrooge and all the characters from A Christmas Carol roam the streets for an afternoon.

While attending “A Christmas Carol,” guests are welcome to explore the Byers’ Choice Visitor Center, which pays homage to Dickensian England!

Byers Choice Ltd.
Gerald Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol”
Saturday December 11th and Sunday December 12th
Chalfont, PA
www.byerschoice.com/Page-Dickens-Returns_47.aspx

It will be a Dickens of a weekend at Byers’ Choice Ltd. when Gerald Charles Dickens, the great-great grandson of famed author Charles Dickens, captures audiences as he performs his one-man show of “A Christmas Carol” from December 11th and 12th.

While attending “A Christmas Carol,” guests are welcome to explore the Byers’ Choice Visitor Center, which pays homage to Dickensian England as gas lanterns and cobblestone streets pave the way through a life-size recreation of an olde London street scene.

Show times at Byers’ Choice are 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 11 and 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 12. Tickets are $18 each and can be purchased online at www.byerschoice.com or by calling 215-822-6700. Seating is limited and previous performances have sold out. Interested guests are encouraged to reserve seats early.

Kennett Square Borough Historical Commission
2010 Candlelight Holiday Home Tour
Sunday, December 12th 4p.m. to 7 pm.
Kennett Square, PA
www.kennettsquarehistory.org/candlelighthometour.html

Prepare to remember holidays past! Organized by the Kennett Square Borough Historical Commission, the committee has selected an array of homes which highlight the unique and varied history of the borough. The tour is self guided and the brochure will have a brief history of each home and what you can expect to see there. Visit the website for full details and to purchase tickets, which are $20 per person.

A Taste of Britain's Winter Wonderland Full Afternoon Tea is Sunday, December 12th. Photo courtesy of Courtney Apple Photography.

A Taste of Britain
Gingerbread Workshop
Saturday, December 11th
11am or 3pm seatings
www.easyelegance.net/events.html

Celebrate the spirit of the holidays by making a gingerbread house! This will be a special creation for your centerpiece at the dinner table, a unique gift for a friends and family and a lifelong memory.
You and your child will create a gingerbread house with gingerbread by using the creative & festive candy supplies we provide. Workshop will be led by one of our fabulous bakers!

Beverages and Snacks will be provided for all. $45.00 per gingerbread house-Call 610-971-0390 to reserve your seat! Limited space available.

A Taste of Britain
Winter Wonderland Full Afternoon Tea
Sunday, December 12th
10am to 6pm
Eagle Village Shops
Wayne, PA
www.easyelegance.net/events.html

Enjoy a full afternoon British tea throughout the day at Eagle Village Shops’ A Taste of Britain. Reservations will be accepted from 10am to 6pm.

A BYOB, A Taste of Britain is offering both an adult and children’s menu. The cost is $28 per person, $18 per child.

Eagle Village Shops is hosting a fun Ladies Night Out on Thursday, December 16th from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Photo courtesy of Courtney Apple Photography

Ladies Night Out at Eagle Village Shops
Thursday, December 16th , 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Wayne, PA
Click here to RSVP on the Facebook event page for Ladies Night Out

“Tuck in the Kids, Kiss the Spouse, Now it’s Time to Get Out of the House!”

Join the shop owners of Eagle Village Shops on Thursday December 16th from 4pm to 7pm at Eagle Village Shops and enjoy shopping, treats and fun with friends at all of your favorite stores and restaurants.

Participants include, Ellie, Vivi G Shoes, Gramercy Boutique, Skirtin Around, J. McLaughlin, Fresh Ayer, Interiors, Kat Bradley Accessories, Silverspoon Cafe, A Taste of Britain, Christas
and The Little House Shop.

O’Doodles owner Fran O’Donnell embraces an ‘unplugged’ philosophy when it comes to his toy store.

Since 1997, Chestnut Hill’s renowned toy store O’Doodles has prided itself on its motto: “Toys Unplugged!” Owner Fran O’Donnell believes in bringing back the good ole days of play with his style of inventory which is, for the past, not powered by any electronics. So, you won’t find any DVDs, PS3s or Wii anywhere ‘round these parts. Instead, O’Doodles aisles are filled with puzzles, board games, books, stuffed animals and more. “I think nowadays everyone is so plugged in with either organized sports, activities or electronics-and that to kids now is defined as ‘play’. We firmly believe here at O’Doodles in a back-to-the-basics philosophy and introducing the fun of playing and encouraging imagination. So, by embracing the idea of only having toys that are powered by a child’s creativity, we offer a unique and exciting selection for parents,” explained O’Donnell.

O’Doodles has a spacious second floor and due to customer demand, in Mid December, the store will start hosting kids’ birthday parties. And, in January, O’Doodles will offer a series of yoga classes for the little ones. For now and the next three weeks, O’Donnell and his staff will be concentrating on stocking his shelves with the best toys possible for his customers. Here are seven of our store favorites below to guide you for the gift-giving season and of course, suggest to Santa.

Wild Creations’ Eco Aquariums are a popular choice for families who want a low maintenance family ‘pet.’

1) EcoAquarium
www.wildcreations.com
Ages: 6 and up
$24.99

If your kids want a family pet but you do not want a mess or the cost, then the EcoAquarium by Wild Creations is ideal. It’s a complete aquatic ecosystem environment that requires no additional chemicals, filters, or aeration. The frogs only need water changed every five or six months using fresh, bottled spring water. In addition, the compact aquarium has “living gravel”, which acts as the natural filtration system for the aquarium so it never has to be cleaned. And, each EcoAquarium comes with two male frogs so there are no worries of the couple multiplying. O’Doodles received the aquariums in August and has already sold over a hundred, so they feel confident it will be a top seller for shoppers the next few weeks.

2) Perplexus!
www.perplexus.net
Ages: 6 and up
$24.99

Recommended for kids 6 years of age or older, the toy challenges children to move a ball through a complex maze. Perplexus is a 3-D labyrinth game enclosed in a transparent plastic sphere. By twisting and turning the sphere, players attempt to maneuver a small, steel ball through an intricate maze composed of narrow plastic tracks. There are obstacles of varying difficulty that must be navigated in order to reach the end. The experience offers hours of entertainment and fun.

“Dream It, Build It, Drive It.”

3) Automoblox
www.automoblox.com
Ages: 4 and up
$11-$50

Automoblox’s motto is “Dream It, Build It, Drive It.” A great toy to keep kids occupied for long car rides or dining out with the parents, Automoblox is a high-quality building system that will inspire children’s creativity. Creator Patrick Calello holds a degree from Carnegie Mellon University in industrial design. A toy car concept fashioned out of wood, Automoblox encourages creative problem solving, gross and fine motor skills and Visio-spatial processing.

4) Laser AirZooka
www.cyi.net
Ages: 12 and up
$19.99

Mom always said don’t play ball in the house, but she never mentioned any restrictions on air! Created by a company called Can You Imagine, Laser AirZooka promises to help youngsters “launch a full air assault without ever leaving the ground.” Airzooka is the ‘fun gun’ that sends a harmless ball of air towards any object, or person from up to fifty feet away. Kids can have fun as, seemingly from nowhere, they are able to mess up a person’s hair, ruffle their shirt, dress, or just plain blow them away!

Scientific Explorer’s Ultimate Scientific Explorer Kits, $21.99

5) Scientific Explorer’s Ultimate Scientific Explorer Kits
www.scientificexplorer.com
Ages: 8 and up
$21.99

A camouflaged chemistry set, kids can create their own pizza, crystals, perfume, slime, soda pop, bubblegum and more with Scientific Explorer’s fun variety of kits. A winner of the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Best Toy Award, Gold Seal, the ‘Ultimate Spa and Perfume Kit’ includes everything you need for a complete spa experience. Using natural ingredients, little girls can have a blast creating bath oils, oatmeal soap, foaming baths, bath balms, and more. In addition, kids can learn about aroma therapy as they blend five different kinds of perfume. Perfect for spa parties, sleepovers, and rainy days, it’s no surprise the explorer gifts are expected to be one of O’Doodles top sellers for the season.

6) Sticker Factory
www.alextoys.com
Ages: 5 and up
$19.99

Loaded with 120 funky and fun sticker designs, kids can play for hours cutting out a picture, using the included stencils, or drawing their own design. Roll it through the Sticker Factory and it instantly creates a sticker-cool! Kids can create fabulous gift tags, decorate notebooks, or stylize a scrapbook. The Sticker Factory comes with 178 pre-printed sticker designs, one 10-foot roll of sticker paper, one 10-foot roll of sticker film, one 6-design stencil, burnishing tool, pencil and easy to follow instructions. A Sticker Factory refill (sold separately) includes an additional 10 feet of sticker paper and sticker film.

‘You’ve been Sentenced!’ was created by Wilmington native Don McNeill who is in talks with major tv networks and Nickelodeon for a game show version to launch this spring.

7) “You’ve been Sentenced!”
www.mcneilldesigns.com
Ages: 8 and up
$29.99

The latest in the evolution of games, “You’ve been Sentenced!” is the first game in history to really turn making sentences into a very funny, playable, and challenging game. Using a unique word deck of pentagon shaped cards containing conjugations of funny words, famous names from throughout history, familiar places, and wild cards, players have to make grammatically correct and justifiable sentences. The real fun begins when players have to read their sentences out loud and explain what they mean to the rest of players. They form the jury and vote thumbs up or down on whether the sentence and justification stand and the points are scored. 540 cards with over 2,500 words insure billions of possible sentences so the game is never repetitive and has unlimited re-play value.

Wilmington native Don McNeill came up with the idea of ‘You’ve been Sentenced!” in 2004 and launched the game on May 5, of 2005 to coordinate with the pentagon-shaped packaging. Winner of nine national awards, the game has a cult following and is about to be on the national radar thanks to a recently completed television pilot. “This year we have actually sixteen articles written about the game. Tomorrow, I am having a peek at the game show pilot that was just completed in Hollywood by a production company,” enthused McNeill. In February, McNeill signed an agreement with Arizona State University who is creating an online version of You’ve been Sentenced! In addition, ASU will develop an interactive white board for classrooms across the country. McNeill sums up the super popular board game in two words: “seriously hilarious.”

O’Doodles is located at 8335 Germantown Avenue, Chestnut Hill, PA 19118. Holiday hours of operation are: Monday thru Thursday 10-7pm, Fridays 10-8pm. O’Doodles will be open till 9pm on Stag and Doe Nights starting Dec 9th. Saturday 9:30 to 6pm, Sunday 11-6pm.

Visit their website at: www.odoodles.com or call 215-247-7405.

Looking for a fun holiday guide for the next few weekends? We have got you covered with six super towns that are pulling out all the stops to entertain and delight the young and old.

The most cherished holiday tradition in Chestnut Hill is its Stag & Doe Nights which will be held on Wednesdays: December 9th, 16th and 23rd. Pictured is a holiday display in Robertson’s Florist.

Chestnut Hill
Holidays on the Hill
December 2nd through December 24th
www.chestnuthill.org

Discover wonderful holiday design ideas this weekend at the Chestnut Hill Holiday House Tour on Saturday, December 5th. Five magnificent homes, each with unique design and architectural styles, will be professionally decorated for the holidays and open from 10 am to 4 pm.

The most cherished holiday tradition in Chestnut Hill is its Stag & Doe Nights which will be held on Wednesdays, December 9th, 16th and 23rd, from 6 to 9 pm. Shops offer evening hours with wine and cheese or cocoa and cookies. Live music, roasting chestnuts, carolers and merriment make the nights come alive with joy and holiday spirit. And everyone looks forward to greeting Santa as he, too, enjoys the fun of Stag & Doe. New this year is Girls Night Out on Wednesday evening, December 2nd from 6 to 9 pm. Participating shops will offer lots of goodies and the ladies can get a head-start on their holiday revelry (and shopping, too).

Chestnut Hill’s highly anticipated Holiday House Tour is Saturday, December 5th from 10am to 4pm. For full info on the tour, visit chestnuthill.org

For a special treat, Santa will be in Chestnut Hill every Sunday from 1 to 4 pm. He has invited all the children to visit him at his gingerbread house and tell him their wishes for Christmas. The Morris Arboretum has a special gift for all children who stop by to see Sant-admission for two children for the price of one with a full-price adult admission to the Arboretum’s 9th Annual Holiday Garden Railway Display. Visitors of all ages will be wowed by a quarter mile of track featuring seven loops and tunnels with fifteen different rail lines and two cable cars. The Garden Railway opens on Friday, November 27th and remains open through January 3rd.

Marshallton
Christmas in Marshallton House Tour
Saturday December 12th, 10am to 4pm

Located just four miles west of West Chester, Marshallton offers a charming Chester County daycation year round. This year’s Christmas in Marshallton House Tour is the perfect reason to experience the town for the first time. The tour benefits the Marshallton United Methodist Church and offers a fun glimpse of unique Victorian homes and buildings decorated for the holiday season. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 the day of the tour. Tickets are available at the church Monday through Thursday from 9am to 1pm. No food, drinks, high heels, smoking or children are permitted on the tour. For more information, call 610-696-5247 or 610-793-0201.

Bah Humbug!
Narberth’s popular Dickens Festival, slated for December 12th, is chocked full of old fashioned fun for the kid in all of us. ©2008 Donald D. Groff

Narberth
The Narberth Dickens Festival
Saturday December 12th, Noon to 4pm
www.narberthonline.com

The Narberth Dickens Festival is a free family event held on a Saturday afternoon every December on the streets of downtown Narberth. This year’s event is from Noon to 4pm on December 12. The event had a modest start in 2006, when the Narberth Business Association (NBA) hired a brass quartet to stroll through town playing holiday music. It was met with such enthusiasm that the NBA expanded the entertainment to create a Dickens themed event, complete with horse and carriage rides, musicians, Christmas carolers, plus Ebenezer Scrooge and all the characters from “A Christmas Carol.” There’s a scavenger hunt for the children, sending them searching high and low for every character in order to win a prize. The 2008 prize was a top hat that was worn all afternoon by hundreds of kids throughout Narberth’s version of 1840’s London.

Malvern
Malvern’s Victorian Christmas
Friday December 4th, Saturday December 5th
malvernbusiness.com

NBC Philadelphia’s Lori Wilson is the emcee for this year’s Victorian Christmas festivities in Malvern. Rain or shine, starting on Friday at 6:15 p.m. in Burke Park, the community will gather to light Malvern’s town tree for the season. The ceremony will be covered live on NBC10 for the sixth year.

Following the tree lighting, there will be musical performances throughout town, strolling street performers, children’s shows, horse and carriage rides, a hay ride and more. Malvern’s shops will also be hosting open houses with refreshments. In addition, the most highly anticipated guest, Santa Claus, will hear the wishes of all the children in the pavilion Friday night. On Saturday at Malvern Federal Savings Bank, Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be welcoming the children from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with plenty of activities and workshops for families to enjoy.

Wayne’s Finer Things will be one of the town’s stores open late for the annual First Friday ‘Wayne Christmas,’ with over a thousand locals expected to attend.

Wayne
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, Old Fashion Christmas
Friday December 4th, Saturday December 5th
waynechristmas.com

The Wayne Hotel is the title sponsor of the Old Fashioned Christmas in Wayne, an annual event presented by the Wayne Business Association (WBA). The two-day community and family celebration begins Friday evening, December 4th with festive caroling and horse drawn carriage rides along North and South Wayne Avenues and culminates with the lighting of the Christmas Tree at the Wayne Train Station. The countdown to the tree lighting, scheduled for 7:30 p.m., will be led by 6ABC Action News Reporter Cathy Gandolfo.

The festivities continue with a parade on Saturday morning, December 5th. Led by Radnor High School’s marching band, Jolly Old Santa will make his way down Lancaster Avenue from the Wayne Acme on a fire truck to the porch of the Wayne Hotel. Wide eyed children and their families will gather on the porch to visit with Santa, while enjoying fresh baked chocolate chip cookies and hot chocolate compliments of the hotel. New this year is the opportunity to contribute to Toys for Tots and on Saturday you are invited to bring a new, unwrapped toy when visiting with Santa on the porch of The Wayne Hotel. Bring your loved ones to celebrate at the Wayne Hotel’s Old fashioned Christmas!

West Chester’s popular Old Fashioned Christmas is in its 30th year.

West Chester
Flavia Old Fashioned Christmas
December 3rd-6th
greaterwestchester.com

Now in its 30th year, the four-day (Thursday through Sunday) celebration features over forty events including theatrical and musical performances, guided walking tours, a holiday craft bazaar and breakfast with Santa. The parade, scheduled for Friday, December 4, begins at a new time, 8 p.m., giving spectators plenty of opportunity to get into the Borough and enjoy all the evening has to offer. Beginning at 5:30pm, many businesses and organizations throughout the downtown will host Holiday Open Houses featuring refreshments and seasonal entertainment. At 7 p.m., the First Annual Jingle Elf Run kicks off at Market and High Streets with a 2-mile run and a 1-mile walk.

The evening culminates with the Old Fashioned Christmas Parade which offers a blend of traditional and new elements. In keeping with West Chester’s small town ambiance, a host of local schools, businesses, volunteer fire companies and service organizations will be represented among the many marching bands, floats and antique vehicles that have become a mainstay of Old Fashioned Christmas. Appearing for the first time will be Radio Disney recording artist, Joey Page; the United States Submarine School Silver Dolphins Drill team from Connecticut; and the Cultural Fraternidad Pachamama Dancers from Maryland. Meteorologists Karen Rogers and Adam Joseph from 6abc Action News will serve as emcees. The parade also features a “Salute to the Military” and, of course, the arrival of Santa Claus.

Part 3 of our 3 Part Series: AroundMainLine.com takes you for an exclusive, online tour of the 2008 PSPCA designer show house.

Dear AML Readers:

Every Dog Has Its Day
Designer Jim Fulton of Philadelphia's Fury Design (www.furydesigninc.com) with his French Bulldog Henry

This is AML’s third and final installment of our three-part series highlighting the PSPCA’s 2008 Doghaus. This has been such a rewarding experience for the entire AroundMainLine.com team. Animal causes are of great importance to me personally; over the past few years, I have been deeply disturbed by the number of animal-cruelty incidents exposed by the local and national media. As you may know, Philadelphia has one of the highest rates of dog-fighting of any city in America. This is really not the forum to ask why…but we should all be thinking about what we can do to protect these animals from such unimaginable circumstances.

Contributing to the PSPCA is a great first step — right now, you can donate just twenty-five dollars and get the chance to tour an incredible designer show house to boot. Doghaus waits for you to walk through its doors, which close after November 9th. So, here is your final chance to visit the Edgcumbe House in Chestnut Hill. Make sure you pencil some time into your busy schedule—you will not be disappointed!

In closing, I want to extend a very special thanks to the PSPCA’s Heather Redfern and Nick Chapman. Nick is in charge of special events and was my initial Doghaus contact. He has been exceptional— prompt with follow up, friendly and helpful to my staff, and an overall joy to work with. Heather, who is the PSPCA’s Director of Outreach Programs, has assisted in this series and fostered a new, exciting relationship between AML and the PSPCA. Heather is both professional and enthusiastic with her guidance and advice to AML. No wonder the PSPCA does such fantastic work; they hire amazing people who are committed to their mission. Heather and Nick—thank you both!

All in all, I am more than impressed with the volunteers, designers and board members affiliated with Doghaus. We look forward to working with this prestigious association again in the very near future.

Much Obliged,
AML CEO & Publisher

Background

The Movers and Shakers
L to R: Doghaus Co-Chair & Co-Founder Lynn Lehocky, NBC10's Dawn Timmeney, PSPCA CEO Howard Nelson, Doghaus Co-Chair, Co-Founder and Designer Rebecca Paul, PSPCA President Beau Sperry

As we know, the incredible animal welfare work done day-in and day-out by the PSPCA is costly but of utmost importance in protecting these beloved creatures. Five years ago, PSPCA Board Member Lynn Lehocky decided the foundation (that relies solely on private funds) needed a new, creative avenue to drive the donations and revenue that sustain the nonprofit. So, Lehocky, along with co-founder Rebecca Paul, came up with the fantastic idea of hosting a designer showcase house that would generate respectable profits and celebrate the talent of cutting edge designers. Thus, Doghaus was born.

“When I first became a board member, I looked at our primary donor base, which was women, and tried to think of something that would appeal to this important group of supporters. And, with the help of my friends who were not board members at the time but who were both designers, decided this was a concept that would work. So, in 2003, we scrambled for nine months—we found this amazing house in Washington Square—and then we were off,” Lehocky said. “In addition to giving people a great afternoon out, which Edgcumbe offers, we hope that this event brings front-of-mind the needs and responsibilities that the SPCA takes on each and every day. That is very important for this organization,” Lehocky added.

The focus was to present Doghaus showcases every other year, but in 2007, because of some administrative changes, the third show house was pushed back to ’08. But, Lehocky feels it was well worth the wait and says this year’s Doghaus is the best collaborative effort to date. “I think it’s our best house yet! I found this house in such an ironic way too. My brother’s girlfriend had recently done a title on this house and she gave me a call because she thought Edgcumbe was an ideal fit for what we were looking for. We met with the owners who were receptive from day one…and it’s been great. The house is spectacular, as everyone who visits will see! Every room the designers have embraced is on a very grand scale, which matches the structure of the house and the elegance of this property. All the designers have done such a great job and have more than risen to the occasion. We are really pleased and can’t wait for Doghaus 2010!” And neither can AML. Without further ado, the final look at the Edgcumbe House.

My Space
Designer: Morrie Breyer
Breyer Studio
www.breyerstudio.com
Pipersville, PA
Ideal Client: One who sits, stays, and heels on command!

Doing it My Way
Morrie Breyer in His Signature Room
Entitled “My Space”

Morrie Breyer’s self-titled My Space, which is a corner room at the end of the long, elegant third-floor hallway (see below) is certainly a room that will bring a smile to your face. Shimmering silver accents and a palette of black, white and pink play up a fun, attractive room. Not to be missed among several subtle accents is a painted bead and dog stencil (in lieu of beaded curtains) on the wall from a pair of decorative painters—playing homage to Doghaus. Breyer makes the space likeable, mixing a very cheeky nod to Marsha Brady with a modern 2008 studio apartment.

And when we met the designer on opening night, he was beaming ‘cheek-to-cheek’ over a room he cleverly crafted with exquisite detail. “I have done a number of show houses and rooms and I decided to do this one for myself. It feels good to embrace and celebrate strict decoration. I played on the period of the house with the beveled mirror but quiet honestly I always like to mix periods. This room is not boring! In fact, over on the dresser are small boxes of objects from a French artist that are all concocted out of table scraps,” Breyer added. (The couple over at the table peering into the box quickly shut it, to Breyer’s amusement). The curious cartoon dog prints add a perfect touch of whimsy to a space full of eclectic sophistication.

Third Floor Hall
Designer: Renee Norris-Jones & Dwight Shirley
Philadelphia, PA
Best Inspiration: Architectural elements and open spaces

The Lap of Leather Luxury
Renee Norris-Jones’ Third Floor Hall

Renee Norris-Jones welcomed the challenge of working on Edgcumbe’s long, narrow third floor hallway, formerly the estate’s servant quarters. A lone space that was for the seen and not heard actually inspired Norris-Jones to use a luxurious approach, starting with a leather floor. “The wood is not as rich and beautiful as the rest of the house so with a small space we knew we were tasked with making this area come across as ‘pow’… having an impact. And, what is more luxurious than leather? So, it seemed appropriate to use the leather as the basis of the floor and a long hallway that leads to so many great rooms should be enjoyed just as much as the rooms it is leading to. It was hand-stitched by me and, believe it or not, it’s very durable. So, the owners, who have children, don’t have to worry about ruining it when they move back in,” Norris-Jones added.

With warm caramel tones and a secluded little seating area that would make the best enclave to snuggle up and read a book (in private), the hallway is simple and sleek and a space that this designer embraced. “This is a space that is somewhat of a destination — but should not be distracting. So it takes a certain approach. We wanted to balance the impact here with an important area that did not compete with the third floor rooms but complimented their luxury and detail as well,” Norris-Jones said. And the third-floor hallway does just that, giving you enough stimulation and intrigue without interrupting your journey to explore all the rooms that await.

A Serene Salon
Designer: Carrie Leskowitz
Carrie Leskowitz Interiors
www.carrieleskowitzinteriors.com
Fort Washington, PA
Can’t Live Without: Passion

Real Simple: A Majestic Mediterranean Trip Inspires Great Design
Carrie Leskowitz Interiors

Carrie Leskowitz’s family had the luxury of vacationing in the Mediterranean this summer and it was that exact experience that inspired her sumptuous third-floor salon in Edgcumbe. Leskowitz is a Doghaus rookie (albeit an accomplished designer since 2000), but you’d never know with her fabulous nook on the third floor attracting a crowd of curious visitors who are quite complimentary of the space. The room is neutral in palette with dramatic, strategic pops of colors and rich textures. “I was very inspired by the incredible fabrics and colors that we saw in Turkey and Greece so I translated that into this great space. The pillows, the window treatments…I wanted to have a calming effect so that the client would view this room as a great respite after a long day. But, we also added a dash of drama so it keeps it interesting,” Leskowitz explained. The neutral couch juxtaposed with decadent, oval crystal chandelier makes the salon a tempting private place where one could envision enjoying a glass of wine after a long day.

Guest Bedroom/Third Floor
Designer: Chris McCloud & Design 6 with Sarah Todd
Narberth, PA
www.design-6.com
Signature Color: Green-meaning “eco-design” & the color pallet

Going Green
Chris McCloud & Sarah Todd

Don’t be mistaken when you enter the third floor bedroom designed by Chris McCloud and Sarah Todd of Design-6 and see two rubber tire swings hanging from the ceiling. This is not a children’s playroom but an incredibly sophisticated and socially-responsible bedroom. There is so much more than what meets the eye, as AML quickly learned. “We wanted to recreate a backyard oasis in this room and do it as eco-friendly as possible. The carpet is recycled carpet fibers, the swings are recycled tires, the paint from Benjamin Moore is part of their eco-line, the stools are from a locally-farmed hemlock tree,” McCloud explained. Surrounding the television is a live, tropical planting on the wall; the picture frames on the wall are from recycled barn wood. And every other detail, accessory and piece of furniture in the room has a story and a past.

McCloud and Todd are based on the Main Line (Narberth), and incorporate an eco-friendly, environmentally creative concept to all of their designs, as this guest bedroom of the Edgcumbe House illustrates. You will have to check out McCloud and Todd’s ingenious nod to recyclable materials for yourself!

The Edgcumbe House is located at 8860 Norwood Avenue in the heart of Chestnut Hill. The 2008 PSPCA Doghaus will be open to the public October 11-November 9. Tour hours are 10.am.-4 p.m. weekdays and 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends. Individual tickets, which include a complimentary catalog, are $25 and can be purchased at the door. All proceeds directly benefit PSPCA adoption programs. Visit www.pspca.org.

Part 2 of our 3 Part Series: AroundMainLine.com takes you for an exclusive online tour of the 2008 PSPCA designer show house.

Lucky Dog!
Media Night gave AML mascot Max a chance to schmooze with NBC10's Dawn Timmeney

Dear AML Readers:

This is AML’s second installment of our three-part series highlighting the PSPCA’s 2008 Doghaus. Sometimes when a fantastic charitable cause includes a beautiful venue and a slew of cocktail parties and socials, it’s easy to get caught up in the fun and forget the real purpose of the event. And, I can admit that I have been guilty of that on many occasions. However, this exciting and creative effort, that has resulted in one of the most beautiful show houses I’ve ever laid eyes on, keeps front-of-mind the fact that every single visitor who walks in the door will be contributing to the heroic efforts of the PSPCA.

The Pennsylvania SPCA (www.pspca.org) helps over 75,000 animals a year through their cruelty-and-neglect investigations, rescue efforts, medical programs, and adoption programs. I recently visited the website of the Main Line Animal Rescue (www.mlar.org) and saw the loving, beautiful faces of hundreds of animals waiting for a chance at a new beginning. And, that is just one shelter! When you think of the difference it would make if just a handful of pet owners were a bit more responsible and had their pets spayed or neutered, there would not be such a national crises. Unfortunately, that is not the reality we are facing.

Right now there are hundreds of thousands of homeless animals in shelters across the state waiting for you to walk through the door and give them a chance at a greater life. With your ticket purchase and visit to the Edgcumbe House, you will be helping dogs, cats, bunnies and other animals in need across the state find that new family and a loving, forever home. And that, my friends, is good reason to raise a cocktail in celebration and hope!

Let’s make a difference together.
AML CEO and Publisher

The Master Bedroom
Designer: Rebecca Paul, Rebecca Paul Residential Design
www.rebeccapauldesign.com
Wyndmoor, PA
Ideal Client: Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy

Pillow Cases Courtesy of Molly Ellis
BE Monograms
www.bemonograms.com
Chestnut Hill, PA
Best Inspiration: The alphabet-all 26 letters

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
Rebecca Paul’s Master Bedroom

Doghaus co-founder and co-chair Rebecca Paul did not only orchestrate another fantastic show house in 2008 (along with PSPCA board member Lynn Lehocky), Paul also found the time to design the fresh, feminine master bedroom. Tucked in a corner of the second floor, right at the foot of the third floor staircase, a wonderfully bright palette will pull you in before you head up to the attic. Paul’s bedroom has an American classic feel with clever, appealing touches.

A delicious apple green toile is the primary print in this sunny, clean space—but the formality of the room is countered by a surprising pink animal print that provides a modern twist. Meticulously monogrammed pillows by Chestnut Hill’s BE Monograms (www.bemonograms.com) top off the room. “Molly Ellis replicated my business initials on the pillow cases to a tee because she said I should remember who I am when I lay my head down at night! But seriously, the inspiration for this year’s room in DogHaus came from the space itself: the master bedroom was dark and a bit dreary so I decided to breathe some light and freshness into it. I love toile and that toile in particular so I went to Brunschwig and Fils and started shopping. I infused the space with layers of greens, creams and whites with some unexpected pink hopefully creating an interesting balance of both rhythm and surprise. I hope the impression is that whoever lives here enjoys both her room and her life,” Paul explained. A nod to Camelot and a neat notion of new are the best ways to describe this superior vision in Edgcumbe’s master bedroom.

The Kitchen & Second Floor Bathroom
Designer: Lynne Rohlfing, Lynne M. Rohlfing Design
Fort Washington, PA
Email: lynner415@comcast.net
Ideal Client: A client who appreciates the value of good design

Brenda Von Ennrick, Drapes in Style
Philadelphia, PA

Roger S. Wright Furniture Ltd
Blooming Glen, PA
www.rswfurniture.com
Signature Color: Black over salem brick

Roger Wright’s Custom Cabinets in the Hall Bath

The present (and very lucky) current owners hired Lynne M. Rohlfing Design to do the two rooms they will keep as their own (the kitchen and second floor bathroom) after the other designers pack up their pieces. The projects are in collaboration with Rohlfing and local cabinetmaker Roger Wright of Roger Wright Furniture. The kitchen is massive with a large center island, sub zero Wolf range, and slightly distressed cabinets in a delicious shade of cream courtesy of Wright. “We were very careful to keep things neutral in here in keeping with the natural color scheme of the house and woodwork and added German-inspired molding. And, it was important to have the perfect balance between the height of the ceiling and the cabinets. So, the owner suggested recessed lighting at the top, which is an ideal detail and has created ambiance in this large of a space. We also selected the cabinet pulls to be in more keeping with the original period of the house,” Wright said. Combined with a fabulous sitting room, this impressive kitchen area could have become overwhelming to guests. But the group instead has designed an appealing, gracious space.

Lynne Rohlfing & Brenda Von Errick celebrate in style

Brenda Von Ennrick of Drapes in Style designed the second floor bathroom drapes. The luscious inserted pleated balloon curtains with beaded trim add a touch of romance and sophistication. Rohlfing’s surrounding bathroom is neutral in its pallet, with an irresistible claw footed tub that would make the perfect setting for a nice, warm bubble bath. Sensuous and simple, incorporating the custom cabinetry of Wright, the team made this a functional, family bath. “We were trying to keep this in keeping with the historical nature of the house, not go too far out of that realm and work with the family as to what they had envisioned for the room, and it works,” Rohfling said. The simplicity in design contrasts nicely with the dark double-sink custom bathroom cabinet and is the perfect backdrop for Rohlfing’s own beautiful watercolor which sits quietly on a window sill.

The Drawing Room
Designers: Robert Aiosa, Schuyler Blanchard, Emily Burch, Rebecca Pulver, Linda Smyth, Geoffrey Thompson.
Project coordinator: Kevin Derrick
Creative support: RJ Thornburg, Warren Mullen, Eileen Togini
M.O.N.A. (Made on North American)
www.monaamerican.com
Philadelphia, PA
Pet Peeve: Mid-century modern ad naseum

Victorian Accents
M.O.N.A.

The Neo-Victorian Drawing Room greets you at the top of the third-story staircase.
And, what we can say? It was the room that most grabbed our attention from the moment we laid eyes on it. As my comical and incredibly talented photographer Kevin E. McPherson (www.kevinemcpherson.com) mused, “If this was a nursery up here, you’d certainly have one twisted baby!” It’s not exactly a nursery but the convoluted combination of numbers and letters on the wall, and a sinister silver rocking horse in a dark corner, that most definitely had us thinking along those lines. The thought provoking space is best described as a cross between a scene out of Nicole Kidman’s “The Others” and an AML favorite childhood creepy flick, “Flowers in the Attic.”

The innovative studio known as M.O.N.A (Made on North American) is a comprehensive team of artists, designers and visionaries based out of Philadelphia. The industrial composition of the curious room, with black and white contrasts and silver accents, included a romantic cluster of vintage period mirrors perfectly arranged on one of the walls. Kevin Derrick is the ingénue of RJ Thornburg who designed Edgcombe’s dining room (see part 1 of our series) and also played a key creative role here. “We envisioned this as a room where women would be sewing, children would be playing. That’s why we quietly tucked away these details for you to discover—you have to look to find the sewing machine with the scissors (easily-accessible) on the table. We want you to come away from this experience with a curiosity, thinking and contemplating the complexities this room has to offer,” explained Derrick.

Lady Marmalade Eat your Heart Out!
The Design Team of M.O.N.A.

As we found in many of the rooms in Edgcombe, The Drawing Room produces inspiration from the estate’s Victorian roots. A crystal chandelier designed by Warren Muller protégé and M.O.N.A. designer Rebecca Pulver dances light across the dark space, and a hand painted floor of black and white fleur-de-lis-like images is incredibly romantic and intensely mesmerizing.

There are no flowers to be found in this attic space—just a ton of budding talent.

Coming Up Next in Part Three

The Final Tour, One-on-One with the Founder, and Fabulously Stylish Furry Friends

The Edgcumbe House is located at 8860 Norwood Avenue in the heart of Chestnut Hill.The 2008 PSPCA Doghaus will be open to the public October 11-November 9. Tour hours are 10.am.-4 p.m. weekdays and 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends. Individual tickets, which include a complimentary catalog, are $25 and can be purchased at the door. All proceeds directly benefit PSPCA adoption programs. Visit www.pspca.org.

Edgcumbe House, Doghaus 2008
Chestnut Hill, PA

AroundMainLine.com takes you for an exclusive online tour of the 2008 PSPCA designer show house.

Dear AML Readers:

The Pennsylvania SPCA (PSPCA) is hosting its third annual DogHaus, a highly anticipated designer show house organized every other fall that brings together some of the Main Line and Philadelphia’s most innovative designer minds. All proceeds for the event support the PSPCA’s efforts to help abused and neglected animals throughout the state. Starting October 11th, the PSPCA will welcome thousands of visitors to the Edgcumbe House in Chestnut Hill. The estate is an impressive 10,000 square foot stone mansion built in 1861 that dominates a spacious private property on exclusive Norwood Avenue. The Chestnut Hill Historical Society prevented this architectural masterpiece (which was then owned by Chestnut Hill Hospital) from demolition in 1980. The house is now in private ownership.

AML attended the DogHaus preview party on October 10th, a memorable October evening that brought out hundreds of supporters and animal lovers to enjoy absolutely fabulous food (courtesy of Rittenhouse Square’s Bacchus Catering: www.bacchuscatering.net), beautiful people and a breathtaking designer house. We were so wowed by the efforts of the PSPCA and the hard work and talent of the designers that AML is publishing a three-part series that offers everyone a convenient online tour of Edgcumbe from the comfort of their homes. We won’t show you every nook and cranny of the 25 deliciously designed spaces—that is for you to check out in person! But, we do encourage you to click back on AML for the second and third installments of our Doghaus series coming very soon.

In closing, if you are a fan of animals or creative expression, we highly recommend you make the visit to Edgcumbe. It makes for a fantastic afternoon with your friends and family. And, better still, you can tie in a walk through the shopping-friendly enclave of downtown Chestnut Hill, just a minute away. Kudos to all the designers who cleverly weaved a tribute to animals through their visions, with some more subtle than others. So if you can make it, walk slowly, take in fully each fantastic room, and look closely for a creative nod to God’s great creatures big and small.

Enjoy our online tour!
AML Publisher

The Living Room
Designers:
Joey Jagod, Melissa Freeman and the Luxe Home team
Luxe Home
Philadelphia
Hot Design Tip: Hot tub shaped like a dog bowl

Nature’s Best Abounds
The Living Room by Luxe Home

Once you walk up the stone steps and enter the foyer, the first room that will greet you on your right is the breathtaking, spacious living room. The ornate carved wood ceiling is one of the great original features of the house’s architecture and provided the design team from Luxe Home a tremendous open space that they filled with vibrant aquas, whimsical blown glass accents and buttery fabrics. You will certainly appreciate the polka-dotted floor-to-ceiling custom draperies, as well as some incredible detail in the form of scrumptious animal accents. These irresistible elements are cleverly delivered in unique clusters and wall hangings—and will most certainly lure you into a room that you will never want to leave!

The central focus of the design seems to be a large pair of owl lamps strategic and statuesque behind the curved main sofa. And, as the designers pointed out, the sage green textured wallpaper shimmers in the afternoon sunlight that graces the room. “Going into the design process for this room we certainly appreciated the architectural subtext. So, we looked at this as American gothic and then we started to evolve into a bohemian chic, the idea of playing with color. There is a lot of woodwork, wainscoting on the doors, the carved ceilings. These details all present the challenge of complimenting a majestic room like this without being overpowering,” said Joey Jagod of the Luxe Team. The great genius of the living room and its head-turning, visually stimulating design elements rests in the unique balance of modern living with a strong hint of traditional.

Birds of a Feather
Luxe Home

The space is somehow ornate and brimming with the whimsy of wildlife, yet open and inviting. “The play of pattern on pattern was interesting with our color story. And the menagerie of animal we embraced: we have turtles, frogs, roosters, butterflies, owls, birds, pug pillows, dog fabrics, an elephant collage. In this house in general we wanted to balance the tradition with an updated look,” said Jagod. So, Luxe filled the large space with a ton of visual stimulation—a challenging task, as they acknowledge. “We had to counteract in just the right way the heaviness and ornateness of the wood work and bring out a lighter, more entertaining feel for the room without distracting from the carvings. It is a delicate balance, but one I believe we achieved,” added Melissa Freeman. The Edgcumbe living room is exuberant and sexy, colorful and stimulating but a fabulously cozy room and a great starting point for visitors. It certainly sets the stage for an enjoyable tour.

The Dining Room
Designers:
RJ Thornburg of bahdeebahdu
Louis Naverette of Flourish
Philadelphia
Warren Muller Recycled Materials Chandelier
Signature Color: Sludge Brown, Gold Gilt

Living in a Material World
Warren Muller Chandelier & bahdeebahdu

The statement room in most houses is the dining room, but that is an understatement in RJ Thornburg’s and Louis Naverette’s eclectic interpretation in the red-oak paneled masterpiece which is immediately down to the left after you enter the foyer. Aesop’s Fables act as the inspiration for a one-of-a-kind chandelier designed by famed Warren Muller that you have to see in person to fully appreciate. Muller is known for making sculptures and fixtures from found objects and this cleverly curious centerpiece springs from a lamb’s face. “It is the least used room in the house generally so we decided to approach it more like a lounge. And we went to nature for much of the inspiration of course. And you can see the inspiration from Aesop around the room. There are nods to the Greek gods with a bronze from the nineteenth century and strategically positioned discus throwers. Even though this is a Victorian house, we mixed in all different eras for this concept,” explained RJ Thornburg. In the left corner, modern lighting and a lounge-like seating area make what could be an intimidating paneled dining space an awe-inspiring room. The work of Thornburg is hard to put in words, stimulating and theatric yet somehow simple. This is a room full of talent and innovation you just have to see for yourself.

The Bedroom
Designers:
Gregory Augustine & Jenise Pencek
August Interiors
Philadelphia
Ideal Client: One who allows the process to evolve

A Gentleman’s Respite
August Interiors

At the top of the grand staircase is a unique, modern men’s bedroom that really wowed the crowd at opening night. August Interiors demonstrated that an updated look, when done with detail and thought, can fit just perfectly in the oldest, most traditional Main Line mansion. The August philosophy is one of combining found objects, vintage textiles and fine art to bring the perfect palette of design to their finished work. “This is a look that has been collected, this is a look that takes time that is not easily accessible. There are different stories behind everything, gathered over travels and experiences. Many of the pieces come from warehouses and have been artfully refurbished. That gives this room meaning,” said designer Gregory Augustine.

The room’s main porcelain light fixture is custom-made and accents a low, inviting bed which is actually a piece purchased at Ikea and creatively covered in faux patent leather. The backs of the chairs are vinyl. August’s innovation shows that you can get a great, realistic look without using authentic animal materials or products. The design team of Augustine and Jenise Pencek also incorporated a distressed paint finish on a vintage highboy and had Pencek’s mother crochet the cabinet handles. “We like details that are very tactile, that look crafted and hand done. Construction and elements are what drives me. And we did recessed lighting, I am a lighting snob and the electrician had a hell of a time working with me on that request. But, without it the room would not have the same feel,” Augustine added. Finishing off the neutral, textured masculine palette and materials are the perfect contrast of hand-painted gold ombre drapes, kissing the finished floor ever so lightly.

Coming Up Next in Part Two

A Bit of Bubbly in the Bathroom…An Ode to Moulin Rouge in the Attic

The Edgcumbe House is located at 8860 Norwood Avenue in the heart of Chestnut Hill.The 2008 PSPCA Doghaus will be open to the public October 11-November 9. Tour hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays and 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends. Individual tickets, which include a complimentary catalog, are $25 and can be purchased at the door. All proceeds directly benefit PSPCA adoption programs. Visit www.pspca.org.