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Antique appraisal day benefits historical society

From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, antique appraisals will be offered at the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, 801 N Tamiami Trail. Eleven experts in fine and Asian arts, books, the 18th century, architectural and nautical items, fans, American Indians, coins, dolls and jewelry will offer appraisals for $5 per item or six for $25.

The event benefits the Historical Society of Sarasota County. An antique car show, seminars, art show, and 1900s Cracker food will be offered. Admission is $5.

Stylish sophistication - from Home Depot?

Home Depot is expanding its reach, from do-it-yourself to decorate-it-yourself. But don't look for tony new home furnishings in its 2,000 big-box stores or 30 upscale Expo Design Centers. Instead, check out the company's three slick catalogs that aggressively target well-heeled women.

The company launched two titles last fall. Paces Trading Company (toll-free 1-800-267-1142 or www.pacestradingcompany.com) is long on lighting; 10 Crescent Lane (toll-free 1-800-350-1481 or www.10crescentlane.com) showcases upholstered furniture, luxe rugs, silk curtains and stylish ceiling fans. This month, the 200-page Outdoor Living (toll-free 1-800-388-4959 or www.homedepot.com) hits selected mailboxes nationwide to tout must-haves for porch, pool and patio.

All are published by Home Depot Direct, a separate merchandising division, to compete with such established catalogs as Frontgate, Ballard Designs and Williams-Sonoma, says division president Harvey Seeger. Targeted customers are women ages 35 to 55, with household incomes of $75,000 or more, who crave "aspirational home decor,'' Seeger says.

But anyone can shop online or request a catalog for that $2,300 Louis XIV-style white bed frame from 10 Crescent Lane, the $500 15-light chandelier from Paces or the $200 Outdoor Living Happy Frog birdbath.

[Last modified March 24, 2006, 11:37:51]