The Art of Entertaining 2020
$1,950.00 – $3,500.00
*Postponed until further notice*
Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia
November 4–7, 2020
We cordially invite you to escape to Virginia for an unforgettable getaway designed to bring the gracious milieu of our pages to life. Amid the resplendent charms of Colonial Williamsburg, join Editor-in-Chief Phyllis Hoffman DePiano and other members of the editorial team to celebrate the bliss of gathering around a beautiful table to create lasting memories.
Please note: Expected attendance for this event must be filled by October 1, 2020, for the retreat to take place. Don’t wait! Register today.
As a prelude to the holidays, retreat to the Williamsburg Lodge, conveniently situated near an array of storied sites. Amid the pampering comforts of this charming Autograph Collection hotel, sample chef-prepared, locally sourced cuisine and garner inspiration from our impressive panel of speakers: calligrapher Allison R. Banks, Crown Linen Designs owner Victoria Fanning, Vietri founder Susan Gravely, and silver dealer Mimi Bremer Woodruff. Plus, shop our cache of gifts, including favorite titles and exclusive branded products.
Along with an array of inspiring sessions featuring our speakers and staff, the event schedule affords plenty of free time for exploring. Although automobiles are not permitted in the Historic Area, complementary transportation through the Colonial Williamsburg Bus System will be included with our accommodations. Experience early America through interactions with Nation Builders, a cast of interpreters who portray real historic figures, and skilled craftspeople who demonstrate a range of trades prevalent in the eighteenth century.
What’s Included
- Hotel accommodations for one at the Williamsburg Lodge
- Welcome afternoon reception at the Williamsburg Lodge
- Breakfast Thursday and Friday mornings at the Williamsburg Lodge
- Lunch Thursday at a local tavern
- Dinner Friday evening at the Williamsburg Lodge
- Complimentary transportation through the Colonial Williamsburg Bus System with accommodations
- All event activities
- Bag of Victoria treasures
What’s Not Included
- Airfare/travel to Williamsburg
- Airport transfers
- Dinner on Thursday evening
- Lunch on Friday
Wednesday, November 4
Escape to Virginia to discover the charms of Colonial Williamsburg. Arrive at the Williamsburg Lodge, a charming Autograph Collection hotel conveniently situated near an array of storied sites, for check in and event registration. After settling in, join Editor-in-Chief Phyllis Hoffman DePiano and the Victoria editorial staff in late afternoon for a welcome reception and meet and greet to open The Art of Entertaining. Afterward, you are free to enjoy the evening at your leisure.
Note: Complimentary transportation through the Colonial Williamsburg Bus System will be included with our accommodations.
Thursday, November 5
Morning begins at the Williamsburg Lodge with a hearty breakfast and the opportunity to shop a dazzling assortment of gifts, including signed books by favorite authors, exclusive branded items, and a cache of treasures perfect for entertaining.
Keynote speaker Susan Gravely, founder of beloved dinnerware company Vietri, leads our first morning session, sharing her entrepreneurial journey and extolling the values of bringing loved ones to the table. Following a short break, step into the past with a visit from a Nation Builders interpreter who will enlighten us on traditions of hospitality in early America. In an inspiring hands-on demonstration, our second keynote speaker, calligrapher Allison R. Banks, will use her talent for designing details that leave an indelible impression to have us put pen to paper to create a lasting memento.
We will enjoy lunch together at a local tavern. Afterward, you are free to enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure. Complimentary transportation through the Colonial Williamsburg Bus System will be included with our accommodations, allowing participants to explore the Historic Area with ease.
Friday, November 6
After a hearty breakfast at the Williamsburg Lodge and an opportunity to shop the Victoria store, immerse yourself in the fascinating history of vintage and modern dinnerware, crystal, silver, and collectibles on offer from Replacements, Ltd., with demonstrations from the company’s entertaining experts for setting beautiful and memorable tables. Following a short break, step into the past with a visit from a Nation Builders interpreter who will enlighten us on traditions of hospitality in early America. Believing every person’s life should be filled with beauty, keynote speaker Victoria Fanning, founder and owner of Crown Linen Designs, will share how fine linens add grace notes to every occasion—and everyday life.
A break in the event schedule affords free time for shopping, enjoying hotel amenities, or pausing for lunch, if desired, at an on-site or area restaurant. Complimentary transportation through the Colonial Williamsburg Bus System will be included with our accommodations, allowing participants to explore the Historic Area with ease.
In the evening, we will gather for a celebratory dinner at the Williamsburg Lodge. Our final keynote speaker, Mimi Bremer Woodruff of Beverly Bremer Silver Shop, an expert in the curation and care of sterling, will speak to the enduring value of this cherished collectible.
Saturday, November 7
Check out of the Williamsburg Lodge and depart for home.
Attendees have an option to pay 50% of their registration costs at booking and the remaining balance 60 days before the event or pay in full at the time of registration. Your reservation will be confirmed upon receipt of payment. Please note: The event fee is nonrefundable, and failure to pay remaining balance will automatically forfeit your place. We accept payment by American Express, VISA, Mastercard, PayPal, and Amazon Pay.
The price of the trip includes hotel accommodations, complimentary transportation throughout the Historic Area of Colonial Williamsburg, a welcome reception, two breakfasts, one lunch, one dinner, and all speaker sessions. It does not include airfare or ground transportation from or to the airport. Single- and double-occupancy rates are available.
Since the trip is nonrefundable, we suggest buying trip insurance through a company such as Travelex. You can also check with your credit card company to see if they provide travel insurance. If you don’t purchase travel insurance, you agree to indemnify us against any charges that might otherwise be covered by your insurance. You further agree that we are not responsible for any costs of cancellation by you.
Your credit card will be charged by Hoffman Media, the parent company of Victoria.
We will cancel the event if fewer than expected participants have signed up by October 1, 2020. If Victoria initiates the cancellation, we will refund all payments. If cancellation is initiated by Victoria, Victoria is not liable for any other expenses incurred in the event of trip cancellation.
Have a question about this event? Contact us.