Champagne, Oysters and Pearls of Wisdom at Antiques & Possibilities
The possibilities are endless when award-winning Champagne, freshly-shucked oysters, eye-watering pearls and titillating tales of the ‘tears of a mermaid’, intertwine with sassiness for an exclusive event that promises to be a journey of discovery, enthuses Helen Flanagan.
When it comes to an exclusive, extravagantly indulgent event, with added stupendous eye-watering fabulosity, Champagne, Oysters & Pearls of Wisdom, proudly presented by Hello Sunshine Magazine in conjunction with Antiques & Possibilities, will be a pearler!
Mingle amongst a fine assemblage of carefully-curated findings from around the world, exceptional collections of antique and vintage furniture, art, jewellery, silver, gold, and so much more at Antiques & Possibilities in the gorgeous village of Peregian Beach.
Sip champagne from the House of Palmer & Co. where the creation of a cuvée is just as much the work of Nature as the work of Man: balance and elegance. Founded in 1947, by seven grower-families with prized Premier Cru and Grand Cru vineyards in the Montagne de Reims region of Champagne. The seven shared a desire for perfection and a vision to create a Champagne house known for its passion for harmony, balance, and the pursuit of excellence – Palmer & Co.
As our resident Hello Sunshine Magazine drinks man and sommelier Tony Cox said when recommending this drop “Palmer & Co. might just be the best Champagne house you have never heard of!”
“Instead of going with a mainstream name, I have chosen the best Champagne to match with the delicacy of freshly-shucked oysters and the journey of discovery that this event promises.
“Oysters need a Champagne that is chardonnay-dominant and the NV Palmer & Co Brut Reserve is 50% Chardonnay with finesse, acidity and a slight minerality and saline edge which perfectly complements the oysters.”
By the way, it was awarded GOLD and World Champion Trophy at the 2020 Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championships where it had also consistently won Gold from 2014-2018.
For the perfect match, there is nothing quite like slurping down the briny glory of plump Coffin Bay oysters, freshly-shucked to reveal big rich creamy flavours, that aficionados will be heard saying “shucks they’re so good… encore!”.
And no doubt they will also be coveting the vintage and antique ceramic oyster plates on show and for sale, imagining them taking pride of place at a candlelit supper or summer soirée!
Adding theatre to the event will be more like going backstage with the fascinating and erudite Christopher Hughes, one of the owners of Antiques & Possibilities plus in-house antique expert. He’s also vice-president of the Australian Antique and Art Dealers Association, as well as a collector of silver and decorative arts from the early 20th century, including a diverse collection of pieces made by Tiffany and Co.
From castle stays in Italy to early morning markets in the UK and America, his favourite place to travel and find treasure is Italy.
“I have found some of the most amazing treasures,” enthuses Christopher. “Getting up before the sun to go to markets where you never know what you will find, is one of the most thrilling experiences.”
Teeming with tasty tales and witty intellect is Christopher’s tongue-in-cheek presentation ‘Tears of a Mermaid’.
“It is about the history and value of pearls to tie in with the oysters, and then we will explore the history of champagne, also the accoutrements,” Christopher promises.
“I will divulge the development of different glassware and utensils for eating oysters and drinking champagne, also uncover the myths, legends and reasons why we drink from flutes and coupes and how fashions have changed over time.”
By the by, did you know the round, luminescent pearl is the simplest and most perfect gem? Columbus sought and found this precious jewel desired by his Spanish sovereigns, sparking popularity throughout Europe. Fashionistas Jacqueline Kennedy, Princess Grace, and Michelle Obama cherished them, making them into a classic; and designer Coco Chanel raised them to new heights, bringing pearls, fake and real, to women (and men) everywhere.
Antiques & Possibilities in Peregian with manager Mark Kerr, offers a range of fine jewellery, silver, furniture and decorative arts dedicated to a coastal lifestyle. Items include luxury for the tabletop, such as hand-cut crystal stemware, fine bone china and sterling silver serving ware; jewellery spanning the centuries and Australian south sea pearls; a fabulous and constantly changing display of fine oriental rugs and furniture; genuine antique oil paintings and mirrors; and lamps, chandeliers and accents to finish any room with provenance, sophistication and elegance. There’s always some quirky finds too that the owners discover in all parts of the globe to bring to our little corner of the world.
In Brisbane is the parent shop of the group, Antique Guild as well as the Tattersall’s Arcade shop that specialises in fine jewellery and museum-quality decorative arts; and an exceptionally large showroom in Albion that has furniture, silver, paintings and more.
The event at Antiques & Possibilities promises to be fascinating, insightful and a glamorous journey back in time.
Guests will be indulged and entertained by a mouth-watering amount of Coffin Bay oysters, stunning Champagne flowing freely and beguiling tales of yesteryear by one of Australia’s most sought-after speakers.
EXCLUSIVE EVENT
Champagne, Oysters & Pearls of Wisdom
NEW DATE PENDING
Antiques & Possibilities – in the Village, Peregian Beach
Price: $125 including Champagne, Oysters and titillating talks
