Pittsburgh Fall Home Show features former White House chief floral designer
The leaves are changing and the temperatures are about to fall — it’s the time of year to think about getting the house ready for winter.
“It’s getting darker earlier, and when it does I start to think about insulation and windows and other projects I need to get done at home, and I am probably not alone in that,” said Mark Moore, executive director of the Pittsburgh Fall Home Show, which opens Friday.
He probably isn’t.
That’s why three years ago, he and his late father John DeSantis created a fall version to complement the Pittsburgh Home & Garden Show that’s held every spring.
The fall edition is smaller and focuses more on indoor spaces with everything from kitchen cabinetry to floor coverings, to windows and insulation.
The three-day event runs Friday through Sunday at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Downtown Pittsburgh.
“Whether finally installing solar panels, upgrading gutters, or doing interior painting, visitors can shop and compare hundreds of the latest home products and services,” Moore said. “We try to make it bigger and better every year.”
One of those is the addition of former White House chief floral designer Laura Dowling.
Floral design
Dowling will provide stories and demonstrations from her time in Washington, D.C. She earned the title through a highly competitive process, Moore said, and served in that position from 2009-2015.
She managed floral design for thousands of official and private events including state dinners, parties, receptions and large-scale installations such as the Fourth of July, Halloween and the iconic White House Christmas, which involves more than 55 trees, dozens of wreaths, and more than 100 volunteers.
A native of Chehalis, Wash., her floral creations have graced the White House state rooms, East and West Wing offices, Camp David and the Presidential private residence.
Dowling is the author of four books.
Her flower designs have been featured in magazines and on Home and Garden Television. She was commissioned by the U.S. Postal Service to design a collection of four holiday wreath stamps that were launched nationwide in 2019.
Moore said he found out about Dowling from the home and garden show executive group he belongs to where members often share ideas.
“She’s been really well received,” Moore said. “I think it will be cool to have her here. Hearing about her behind-the-scenes experiences in the White House will add something different to the show.”
Details: theflowerpodcast.com
Ultimate game room
Pool City will present the ultimate indoor game room. The company will showcase the newest in home entertainment such as hot tubs, bars, home theaters, game tables, and saunas — some great ways to beat the cold, Moore said.
“These won’t just be rooms with games in them,” Moore said. ”There will be elaborate items such as a comfortable home theater and relaxing saunas. Since the pandemic, people are staying home more and enjoying these spaces.”
Details: shoppoolcity.com
Farm to table
Dozens of local growers and food producers with products from their harvests will be at the show. There farmers provide healthy fruits and vegetables. They will also share their knowledge of the industry. Some samples will be available.
This is a growing area because people care about nutrition and being able to talk to the person who grew the product is an added bonus, Moore said.
“Farm to table is always huge,” Moore said. “We’ve had it in the spring show and now have it in the fall show because it is so popular. It is grassroots and they have the freshest foods, which people who attend love.”
Details: farmtotablepa.com
Ask an interior designer
Professionals from Savoy Interior Design LLC in Upper St. Clair and interior architecture and design students from LaRoche University in McCandless will answer questions and make suggestions on decorating dilemmas.
Moore said having someone who knows interior design is a wonderful resource. Savoy Interiors owner Nancy Sakino Spears told Moore it is a wonderful experience for the students to talk with attendees.
Details: savoyinteriordesignllc.com
Adopt a senior dog
This will be the first time for Senior Hearts Rescue & Renewal, founded in October 2016 by Denise Pavitt, to be part of the show.
The organization serves the greater Pittsburgh community and is the only licensed senior dog rescue organization in Western Pennsylvania. It does not have a physical facility or shelter.
In seven years, the organization has saved nearly 900 at-risk senior dogs and invests an average of $1,400 in medical care for each animal.
At any given time there are 60 dogs residing in a network of foster homes throughout the greater Pittsburgh area in hopes of finding a forever home.
“These dogs like to go for walks and they like to chase a ball and go on camping trips,” said Mary Cvetan, marketing representative for Senior Hearts Rescue & Renewal. “Depending on the breed, they can live well into their teens. I love these dogs. They pull at people’s heartstrings.”
Details: seniorhearts.org
The Pittsburgh Fall Home Show is from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Downtown Pittsburgh
Tickets are $10 for adults, $4 for children ages 6 to 12. Children under 6 are free.
Please note: There will be no Acrisure/Heinz Field lots or shuttles.
Details: PghHome.com
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region's diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people. The Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist began her career as a sports reporter. She has been with the Trib for 26 years and is the author of "A Daughter's Promise." She can be reached at jharrop@triblive.com.
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