DrivingforDeco.com

Goodbye 2020! Every collector knows they’ll come across the good, the bad and the ugly of whatever they collect. And Art Deco is no different. I preface this article stating it is an opinion piece. So, feel free to express yourself in the comments.

…

As you know from prior articles, we regularly scour thrift stores and flea markets. And through our years of searching and buying we’ve been lucky (Go, antique Karma!) at finding some excellent items. But, then there are – what’s a nice way of putting this? – items of questionable taste.

…

For fun, here are a few things that (In my opinion) were meant to nice. And could have been nice but suffered from a bad mix of styles or a designer not knowing when to say, “NO, STOP!”

…

…

Is it a wardrobe or a Rorschach test! Do you see surprised mushrooms in the drawers and the cowhides in the center panels? In truth, I like about 80% of this German wardrobe. But personally, I can do without the side fans and the extremely expressive book matched veneer.

…

Again, the side wings kill this for me. And while I like the idea of the extended mirror, it reminds me of a giant lightbulb.

…

For me, the most reflective of the mess 2020 was, comes from my Italian ancestors. (Sorry Grandma and Grandpa A.)

…

1930 Italian Deco Chandelier (photo via babounewyork.com)

…

Is it Arts & Crafts? Art Deco? Or a marriage of the two? If so, it isn’t not a very happy marriage.

…

Having grown up with it, I freely admit to an ambivalence toward mid-century modern style. Here is are examples where the deco style is so stripped back it borders on Mid-Century Modern. I don’t dislike these but I don’t want them either.

…

1930's chest-of-drawers (photo via thekairocollective.com)

Suite of Italian Deco: Night stands (photo via watteeu.com)

: Gentleman’s chest with mirror (Photo via watteeu.be)

: Chest with mirror (photo via watteeu.be)

…

This next bedroom suite isn’t too bad. But is just so heavy looking. Please, take away the boxy toe-stubbing pillars from the footboard and dresser. Or at least make them more streamline and you’d have a winner for me.

…

Rosewood 4 piece set (photo: rubylane.com)

…

I saw this and words failed me. Is this deco with an Asian influence? Was a Samurai soldier caught in the Beauty and the Beast castle when everyone was turned into some inanimate object? I just don’t understand.

…

Maybe if I look at it from a different angle (photo via pamono.com)

And then …

Imagine soft lights and romantic music playing in the background. There’s the light scent of perfume in the air. And the Madonna, baby Jesus and a bunch of cherubs hanging over your bed; invading your party and watching every move you make.

1920's Bedroom Suite with Cherub (photo via modernism.com)

In case you missed it (photo via modernism.com)

But, wait, there’s more!

What'ca doing huh? (photo via modernism.com)

And so, there you have it. Good riddance, I mean, goodbye 2020! Hoping 2021 is better for all of us.

:::

Chris & Anthony (the freakin’ ‘tiquen Guys)

…

Ring out the old, ring in the new (photo: flickr)

As the year winds down, it’s time to say Farewell 2020, the deco way! As we continue practicing safe social distancing, large New Year’s gatherings are out of the question.

…

Small partys are preferred (photo: adventuresinatlanta.com)

…

However, for those of you staying with family, let’s welcome 2021 with gay frivolity as they would in the day.

…

Joan Crawford in Our Dancing Daughter, 1928. Party like it's 1928.

Ready for a fun night? (photo: prohibitionparlour.com)

….

Turning to my trusty, The Party Book by Mary Breen, she states that this is one party where the host gets to inflict their own ideas of what their guest’s resolutions should be.

…

Billie Burke in Dinner AT Eight, 1933. She is looking forward to throwing the best party of the year.

It’s going to be a delightful evening! (photo: glamamor.com)

…

Starting with the invite, include the date and time, instruct them to “bring along something to get rid of” besides their bad habits.

Make your party invite as fancy as you’d like (photo: Pinterest)

And, “wrap it up so no one knows what you are trying to dispose of.”

…

What could it be? (photo: sporcle.com)

…

You can see where this is going.

…

Cut hourglass shapes out of stiff paper and write various times units – minutes, hours seconds, etc. – on them. Hide them all over the house before the party begins.

…

Simple hourglass shape (photo: kids-drawing.com)

…

Next, prepare a name tag for each guest and on the back, write a “resolution” the individual must adhere to the entire night. For example, the person who interrupts has to count to ten before responding to any statement made. An opinionated person cannot voice their viewpoint during a conversation unless asked for their opinion. A couple may not say anything endearing to their beloved.

…

Any dry bean will do. (photo: alibaba.com)

…

Each guest is given 30 beans. And, each time they are caught failing to follow their resolution, they pay a one bean penalty to the person who catches them. If someone loses all their beans, they must perform a stunt later in the evening.

…

A party favorite, the famous bean game in an elegant setting.

You keep her distracted while I grab her beans. (photo: gettyimages.com)

…

“Swaps” is an opportunity to get rid of, I mean re-gift, the present they brought. However, it is also an opportunity to get them to break their resolution during the bargaining process.

…

: Remember to bring that special gift (photo: pinterest.com)

: And keep what it is under wraps (photo: pinterest.com)

…

Using the beans as cash, players bargain each other for the gifts. Announce that a prize is given to the person who ends up with the smallest gift, largest gift and the person who ends up with the most beans. Players can keep bargaining as long as the gift is not unwrapped. Several people can barter for the same package at the same time. There is no limit in the bean price. And gifts can be swapped multiple times but everyone must end up with a gift.

…

: Bet you can’t wait to see what you got! (photo: pinterest.com)

,,,

The person with the most beans starts the next game, Preferred Personalities. They pretend to be someone, living or dead, and the others have to guess by asking yes or no questions. The person who guesses correctly goes next. And so on.

…

In the meantime, prepare slips of paper each with a guest name. Guests randomly select a name and writes some “friendly” advice on the back. Collect the slips and redistribute them giving each person the paper bearing their name. In turn, each guest reads the advice to themselves, declares what they think of it and what they intend to do about it. And then, they read aloud the uncalled-for advice.

…

: Everyone will have a ball (photo: MGM/Photofest)

: Bring your camera for those Kodak moments (photo: persephonemagazine.com)

…

Oh, the hilarity of it all.

…

: We are not amused (photo via internet)

…

Assuming your guests are speaking to each other, the next game is a pip!

…

The person who lost all their beans, or with the least beans, leaves the room. While absent, the other guests come up with some simple task they must perform. It can be something such as dancing with a chair or get on all fours and bark like a dog. The trick is, when the person returns, they have to figure out what they are supposed to do through trial and error. Clapping means they are cold. But foot stamping means they are warm.

Suggest dancing like Fred Astaire, you'll be the life of the party.

Suggest dancing like Fred Astaire (photo: pinterest.com)

Remember those hourglasses you hid? This is a party game that would be great for kids. Players hunt for the hourglasses and the winner is the person who collects the most time, not hourglasses.

…

Small prizes are awarded to those with the most beans, and to those who collected the most time.

…

Being creative with food enlivens any party!

Get creative with Natalka UA on youtube.com

…

It is suggested that sandwiches be served decorated with thin slices of sweet pickles and a pimento stem. Cookies and cupcakes are decorated with citron “holly leaves” and red candy “berries”. Beverages can be coffee / hot cocoa and hot spiced punch.

…

: Good riddance 2020 – Hello 2021! (photo: shutterstock.com)

…

Hope these games inspire you to have your own deco New Year’s party. Let us know if you tried any and how it went.

…

Marie Dressler and Billie Burke in Dinner At Eight, 1933. Billie Burke's party plans didn't pan out the way she expected.

I had a ball, my dear. We must do it again! (photo: deathlessprose.com)

…

Stay safe and see you all in the 2021. And support your local arts!

Keep the party small and have a swell time.

1922 actors fund (photo: flickr.com)

Happy New Year!

Chris & Anthony (the Freakin’ ‘tiquen Guys)