Good Morning Friends!!  It’s time to put our boots(or comfy sneakers) on and head to Round Top, Texas for my favorite antique show! Can’t wait to hit the fields and search for new treasures!

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Each year the Antique Show gets bigger and bigger and with so many vendors it’s nearly impossible to hit them all!  With more than 60 venues to visit, and over 2000 dealers, this show has certainly put the small Texas town of Round Top on the map!!! The Round Top – Warrenton area shows take place every Spring and Fall, mainly along Highway 237, halfway between Houston and Austin, Texas. Thousands of vendors and collectors flock in from every corner of the world with fine antiquities, garage sale goodies, decorator items, hand crafted pieces, food and more. Yes there is a lot of traffic, but it is pretty impressive the growth and smooth sailing of the week given not one person is in charge.

Tip #1:  Have a Game plan!!  I have found two good sources to help you maneuver the big show!!!  You can pull up Show Daily on line and it will give you overviews and dates of each show and a sampling of vendors that are attending.  Also pick up a hard copy when in Round Top. The Round Top Register chronicles life within the eight small counties which make up the Roundtopolis. I recommend signing up and following them on Instagram during the show.  They will give real time updates of events, traffic, parking and happenings!!

Round Top isn’t about shopping alone!!  Last year you could follow famous designers and hear their panel discussion on how to search for the exceptional find!! Of course they visited Arbors, it houses antiques that are the best of the best!! Here I am with a few who came to see my new book, Ike Isenhour, Barry Dixon and Julie Dodson. I have to admit I was a little star struck! I also have seen Joanna Gains and Matthew McConaughey.  I wonder if I will spot anyone famous this year?

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This year designer Julie Dodson has been hard at work with her new Designer Dream Spree project—The Country Cottage Idea House!!! This now charming bungalow, was an “antique home” which had been seriously neglected. Loaded onto a bed of an 18-wheeler the long-vacant farmhouse was transported to the property of The Compound. Julie, along with her talented design team are on a makeover mission and will be open for tours starting March 24th .  A BIG animal lover, all proceeds will go towards benefiting local animal shelters including Gardenia E. Janssen Animal Shelter and Brenham Animal Shelter!  And surprise–there will be a bit of Segreto paint work–see if you can spy which finish it is!!!!

Photograph sourced from Marburger Farms Antique Show Facebook page

And now I want to share some more tips and more information on my two favorite shows!!! Marburger Farms Antique Show is touted by Country Living as one of the top 26 Antique Shows in America. With is wide range of architectural elements, art, jewelry and furnishings, and over 350 dealers, I would have to agree!!!  This year I will be there opening day with the Segreto Design Book Series!!

Tip #2 :Get there early and go on opening day!!  Although the booths don’t open till 10am, avoid the mad rush and the long lines of parking by arriving promptly at 8am.  No worries….. while you wait they have excellent coffee and the best breakfast tacos in town!!!  It will also give you time to come visit with me before the show.  I am always located across from the office and in front of the picnic tables and love to talk about my trade!

Photograph sourced from Marburger Farms Antique Show Facebook page

Tip #3: Keep your eye out for the unusual.  Sometimes something you see might spur on a creative idea for your own home or project.  For instance this vignette might prompt me to use a crystal chandelier in a casual or industrial space.

Photograph sourced from Marburger Farms Antique Show Facebook page

Tip #4:  Come prepared with measurements of items you need or room photographs and dimensions.  Because these are not permanent shops, typically there are no returns, so purchase carefully.

Photograph sourced from Marburger Farms Antique Show Facebook page

Tip #5:  Learn the stories behind what you purchase!!! Talk to the vendors—they are super excited about the treasures they take to the show!  It makes it so much fun to tell your friends where they came from—gives your home soul!!!

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The Arbors, another show favorite of mine is always filled with the most beautiful furnishings! The show opens at 9am on Wednesday, March 22nd.  I was so excited that once again Curtis Ann Davis of Arbor International Antiques & Interior Design Show has asked me back for a meet and greet.  I will be at lovely Susan Horne’s Booth with the Segreto Book Series Wednesday, March 29th from 9am-3pm and would love for you to stop and say hi!  We will be in Tent D-1.

Pandora and Toni Beata demonstrate the Timeless Bed at Round Top. Image by Jana Perenchio.

If you haven’t been to Pandora’s booth at The Arbors and laid in one of her ever so luxurious beds you must! Pandora de Balthazár is the premier source for one of a kind antique and collectible linens. Her bedding is insanely beautiful and incredibly comfortable! Just look at those monogrammed pillows, antique tapestries and luscious duvets. What I didn’t know is that they host Daily Sleep Seminars during which they help those who attend understand the power of sleep. They generally take place from noon until 4 pm each day, and if you’ve never experienced the true potency of their pillows you must stop by and see what all the fuss is about.

The Arbors, always filled with the most beautiful furnishings makes me want to redo my entire home every time!

Tip #6: Use the show for inspiration! Although I may not be in the market for everything at the show, it sure gives me so many different ideas for how to arrange or mix different elements. The vendors at the show are masters at display, accessorizing and merchandising!!! Susan Horne certainly is as you can see in her booth here!!!

When you are there visit Renouveau, where my friend Ashley Radack shops the world to find incredible treasures!!

In fact here is Ashley, Susan and Betsy, three ladies who have become great friends and always have their wonderful shops together—you can see this pic is from a winter show! Visit all of their booths in Tent D at the Arbors—LOVE!

Tip #7:  Get to know your vendors. The vendors are so nice and knowledgeable and are great resources for you to stay in touch with after the show.  Most are full timers in the business and can help you locate or shop for you throughout the year!!!

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At the end of a long day I love going to Prost for a glass of wine! Whether sitting outside around the fire enjoying the beautiful scenery or at a table inside this historic Round Top building, their selections of wines are spectacular! Then for dinner I am going to  try Bistro Napolentana in Bybee Square for some wood fired pizza!! They also serve various farm to table dishes and the desserts—including a butter milk pecan pie that I heard is to die for!!

Tip # 8: Be sure you take your time and enjoy all Round Top has to offer. There are so many lunches, bars, bands and events spread across the fields. Make sure to stop by one of the many food vendors if you need a break from shopping and to refuel before hitting the fields again. The Stardust Martini Bar is another go to spot for drinks and the evenings are booked with live music!

Photograph sourced from Marburger Farms Antique Show Facebook page

Tip #9: Dress comfortably, and in shoes that you don’t mind messing up. Bring a tote with some water, sunscreen, a tape measure and if you really want to be prepared a small umbrella and a hand fan. One time I was there, it was brutally hot, monsoon rained and hailed all in one week!  After all you are in Texas!!!

Photograph sourced from Marburger Farms Antique Show Facebook page

#10: Most of all have fun!!!!  Enjoy the time you are there, the food, the company and your one of a kind purchases. I would love to meet and visit with you all at both shows!!!   March 28th – Marburger Farm – Across from the office 8am – 7pm and March 29th -The Arbors – Susan Horne’s booth, tent D-1 10am – 3pm! So whether it be first thing in the morning, lunch time or during the day, come by and say hi and look at the Segreto Design Book Series, chalked full of ideas for home design , architecture and current trends!  Remember, paint can change everything so looking for furniture pieces with good bones and pretty lines is key!

If you are interested in hosting an event or carrying the book  please don’t hesitate to reach out! Email Karly@segretofinishes.com for all inquiries! We love to visit new cities!!!