2025 Meeting Highlights
JANUARY 2025
Second Annual Accessory Swap
Decorating Designing Women’s second Bling it on Accessory Swap.
We had another Accessory Swap! Jewelry, purses, hats, scarves and any other accessories you were exchanged for something else. It was a big success last year and will be again this year!
We also collected donations for The Haven House.
To participate in the swap everyone may bring up to 5 accessories to swap.
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You do not have to bring 5, but that is the maximum per member. For every item you bring, you will have the opportunity to select another item. For example, if you bring 5, you will go home with 5 different accessories.
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An accessory is a piece of jewelry, a purse, a scarf, a shawl, a wallet, a hat, etc. All items must be clean and in good wearable/usable condition. Any items left will be donated to The Haven House.
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Also remember to renew your membership before January 20th to ensure your participation in this event.
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We will also have a silent auction - with many gift bags from local merchants - $5 for 5 tickets, $10 for 12 tickets - all proceeds will go to the Haven House Shelter Serving Victims of Domestic Violence in Leesburg and surrounding areas
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The Haven house is often short on sweaters, jackets, nice bath towels, and comfy throws this time of year in addition to their normal needs of clothing and monetary donations.Please bring your donations to the January meeting.
FEBRUARY 2025
Make Your Home All You Want It To Be!
by Docs Restoration
Greg Larson, Design Manager of Docs Restoration, will educate you on many ways to update your house to make it a home. His presentation will include large and small projects inside and out to help you design that perfect space.
Trying to figure out how to fix that living room, bathroom or even laundry room? Big projects and little projects still take design and planning even if it is only in need of a handyman. Doc's Restoration have been in The Villages for many years and have worked with most every floor plan in the area. They will give you design ideas and let you know how to proceed with a contactor for big and little projects. After the presentation, he will answer any design questions you may have.
MARCH 2025
Grow Where You Are Planted - Florida Friendly Gardening Tips
We are thrilled to welcome Nina Conner, a distinguished master gardener & a passionate advocate for Florida's native flora. With her extensive knowledge & hands-on experience, Nina will share her insights on the best plants to use in Florida gardens, focusing on native species that thrive in Florida.
Nina Conner, a Florida Sumter County Master Gardeners and Florida Master Naturalist Land Steward, she is the past president of the Villages Chapter of The Florida Native Plant Society, Nina has dedicated her career to promoting sustainable gardening practices and educating the community about the importance of preserving our natural ecosystems. Currently, she is working on creating a new Environmental Club, aimed at fostering a deeper connection between residents and the unique environment of Florida.
With her extensive knowledge, Nina discuss best plants to use in Florida gardens, focusing on native species that thrive in our unique climate whether you home faces North, Sout, East or West. If you’re looking to enhance your garden’s beauty or contribute to local biodiversity, Nina's expertise will guide you in making informed choices that benefit both your garden and the environment. Nina will also have a question and answer session at the end of the meeting.
APRIL 2025
You're Invited to a Easter Egg Craft String and glue Demonstration!
Join us for a fun and creative afternoon as we dive into the art of string and elmer's glue! In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to create beautiful Easter eggs using simple materials and techniques. Whether you’re a crafting pro or a beginner, this workshop is perfect for all skill levels!
During the demonstration, Toni Matarese will show us how to make the beautiful egg decoration just in time for Easter. She will provide a list of supplies and step-by-step instructions, tips, and tricks to help you create your own stunning Easter decorations. Perfect to do with family and grandkids for a great day of fun. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to unleash your artistic side and enjoy some festive fun.
MAY 2025
Spartina 449 Fashion Show!
Join us for an exclusive peek into the world of Spartina! Our upcoming fashion show will feature stunning designs with members who will model the latest summer looks that celebrate beauty in all shapes and sizes.
Welcome, everyone, to our exciting Spartina 449 Fashion Show! We are thrilled to showcase a stunning collection of beautiful clothes that celebrate style and individuality. This year, we are proud to feature 12 fabulous models of all shapes and sizes, each bringing their unique flair to the runway.
As we prepare for our May meeting, we invite you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the vibrant colors and designs that embody the spirit of Spartina. Let’s celebrate diversity in fashion and the beauty of every body! Get ready for a fantastic show that promises to inspire and delight.
This month's meeting will have a $100 gift certificate to Spartina! Mark this date on your calendar!
Please visit The Villages Store
Spartina 449
2761 West Torch Lake Drive, The Villages, FL 32163
352-626-5083 villages@spartina449.com http://www.spartina449.com/
JUNE 2025
Hands-On Workshop - Make a Design Story Board
Don't miss our next meeting where our talented members, Toni Matarese and Lori Baldassare, will lead a hands-on DIY workshop on interior design storyboards. It allows you to visualize your space and explore different styles before making any commitments, ensuring a design you'll love.
Feeling overwhelmed by the thought of decorating a room? Our upcoming meeting offers a solution! Join our Toni Matarese and Lori Baldassare, for a practical DIY workshop on creating interior design storyboards. Each table will collaborate to create a mood board for a room. We'll have a fantastic array of paint chips, magazine clippings, fabrics, and more to bring your vision to life. We will walk through the process, showing how this powerful tool helps one navigate the exciting but sometimes daunting blank slate of a new design. Learn how to make a storyboard allows you to experiment with different elements and see your vision come together before you even pick up a paintbrush, ultimately leading to a design you'll truly love. You'll work with your table to design a storyboard, using a variety of materials like paint swatches, magazine images, and textiles. This is a practical and inspiring way to develop concrete ideas for your home décor while connecting with other members.
JULY 2025
Unlock Your Home's Potential with AI Design!
AI for Your Dream Home! On July 15th, our special guest JoAnne Mitchell will share free AI tools to transform your home design. Learn how to effortlessly envision the beauty and style you desire for both your indoor & outdoor spaces, from selecting colors to designing layouts by using these programs.
You're invited to an insightful seminar where we'll unlock the secrets of designing with AI! Discover how readily available computer tools can empower you to easily create stunning spaces. Get ready to transform your approach to home decor.
AUGUST 2025
Design Your Space, Declutter Your Life An Organizing Workshop with Lisa Zak
Join us for a lighthearted and empowering session where you’ll learn how organization and design go hand in hand. Discover simple tips to clear clutter, make your home more functional, and create peaceful, beautiful spaces you’ll love to live in. we’ll cover it all—with style!
Lisa Zak, a member of Designing Women is also a professional organizer and current Community Liaison with VITAS Healthcare. She is passionate about helping families prepare for every stage of life—at home and in healthcare—so loved ones aren’t left overwhelmed by last-minute decisions.
From closets to kitchens to seasonal storage, we’ll cover it all—with style! Plus, we’ll talk about how organizing extends beyond our homes and into our lives—because being prepared is one of the most meaningful gifts we can give our loved ones.
With a heart for service and a creative eye for design, Lisa blends beauty with practicality. She believes that organization isn’t just about tidy spaces—it’s about peace of mind and making room for what really matters.
When she’s not presenting or working with families, Lisa enjoys volunteering, walking dogs, playing pickleball, and connecting with her community in The Villages.
**Just a friendly reminder to bring some cash with you! We'll also be holding an exciting 50/50 drawing for a chance to win big.
SEPTEMBER 2025
Membership Appreciation Luncheon
You're invited! Join us for our Annual Membership Luncheon, a special occasion to celebrate our incredible members at the renowned Legacy Restaurant! We deeply value your contributions and are thrilled to embark on exciting year together. As a token of our appreciation, members enjoy a special price.
a wonderful luncheon at the Legacy Restaurant! We'll be starting lunch at 11:30 AM, and we'd love for everyone to arrive a bit before then so we can all gather. Can't wait to see you there!
OCTOBER 2025
Unlock the Power of Color in Your Home!
Join us as our speaker, Amy Torres, a renowned color consultant and interior designer, guides you through the steps to creating a captivating and cohesive home design through strategic color choices. Get ready to transform your space with confidence!
Join us as Amy Torres, a color consultant and interior designer, shares her expertise! She'll show you how to effortlessly mix and match colors and create stunning palettes that perfectly complement your home decor.
NOVEMBER 2025
Welcome to Our Charcuterie Board Demonstration!
We are thrilled to have you join us for a delightful exploration of the art of charcuterie! In today’s demonstration, we’ll learn how to create stunning and delicious charcuterie boards that are perfect for any gathering, from casual get-togethers to festive celebrations.
Our Designing Women Members Janet Cox, Lori Baldassare, and Toni Matarese will guide us through the process, sharing tips on selecting the best meats, cheeses, fruits, and accompaniments, as well as creative presentation ideas that will impress your guests. Whether you’re a seasoned host or new to entertaining, you’ll leave with the skills and inspiration to craft your own beautiful boards. Delicious food samples will be available for you to enjoy during the demonstration. Savor the flavors as we explore the art of charcuterie and get inspired to create your own delightful boards!"Get ready to indulge your senses and elevate your entertaining game—let’s dive in!
DECEMBER 2025
Christmas Magic Awaits! Bus Trip to Stetson Mansion & Lunch!
Step into a festive wonderland at Florida's most historic home! The Stetson Mansion's "Christmas Spectacular" is an annual event not to be missed. As you're welcomed by the baby grand piano, prepare to be amazed by ten elaborately decorated rooms, each transformed with designer embellishments.
Our day will begin with comfortable bus transportation, allowing you to relax and anticipate the festive wonders ahead. Upon arrival, you'll be immersed in the mansion's breathtaking annual display, featuring ten lavishly decorated rooms, over 50 unique nativities from around the world, and the iconic Zen-like School House. Following your inspiring tour, enjoy a delightful lunch, completing your perfect holiday escape.
This trip offers a fantastic opportunity to enjoy Florida's most historic home, transformed for the season, with the convenience of group travel and a pre-arranged meal. Spaces are limited – reserve your seat for this magical Christmas outing! The ticket of $90 includes - transportation, a private tour of the Stetson Mansion and lunch at the famous Cook's Buffet. Tickets are non-refundable.
