January 20th, 2011 Opening Night Preview of the Winter Antiques Show benefiting the East Side House Settlement was a big success. A big turnout; great dealers' stalls exhibiting fabulous art, furniture, objects, books and collectibles. It’s one of the pleasantest big parties in New York in January. The Armory space is big and accommodating. They do a great job setting up the booths. And it’s crowded with a great group of New Yorkers, many of whom you see on these pages from time to time (or often). Everyone’s out to see and there’s lots to see. This year was especially energetic and the booths were full of treasures. I don’t recall it ever being as crowded on a first night. The champagne was flowing (and very good) and the aisles were equipped with excellent buffets of canapés and hors d’oeuvres. All this and so much to see. Great collections. It’s a great way to spend a Saturday or Sunday snowy winter afternoon.

I was told it was crowded when it opened at 5:30. Martha Stewart, among others was there. I didn’t see her although Martha, as you probably know by now, gets around. For a woman with as many irons in the fire (and we know she works), Martha Stewarts covers more territory of the social scene in New York than most reporters and certainly more than I do. I’m sure she has intentions in her travels but she is also a New Yorker, and New Yorkers want to take it all in.

I got there about quarter to eight. With camera. Sian Ballen, our NYSD HOUSE editor and I moved down the aisles in the same fashion as you might at a large cocktail party. The amazing thing about New York is that if you live here long enough you may (if you choose) know more people than you knew in that small town in Indiana that you came from. Last night was like that. The Show runs through the 30th of January which is the Sunday after next. As I said, a good way to spend a winter weekend afternoon. There’s a very good food bar and cappuccinos when you want to take a break from looking. And learning. Written by David Patrick Columbia