A Visit With


A visit with Prudence Piggott, Spokesperson for Mansion in May and its new baby, Market in May
Here’s a quiz: What fantastically popular biennial happening, started in 1974, draws visitors from all over the country, raises millions for Morristown Medical Center and is the most inquired-about event at the Morris County Tourism Bureau, even in off years? Answer: Mansion in May, of course, the month-long springtime designer showhouse and gardens put on by the Women’s Association of Morristown Medical Center. For 40 years “Mansion” has been showcasing grand old houses with historic roots in Morris and Somerset Counties, with teams of indoor and outdoor design talent transforming the spaces into contemporary dreamscapes. Prudence Piggott of Far Hills, publicity chair for the event, tells us how it all comes together (try magic!) and introduces us to the Mansion’s new baby, Market in May.

What exactly is Market in May and how did it come about?
As you may know, every other year Mansion brings together maybe 40 or more interior designers, several dozen landscape designers and about 15 to 20 boutiques. It‘s such a huge project we couldn’t do it every year. The next one is set for 2014. But the designers and vendors enjoy it as much as the public does and didn’t want us to go away. So, after the 2012 event, they came to us and said, couldn’t we do some kind of a fun event in the “down” year? And the idea for a market was born, showcasing a great variety of merchandise and best of all, great discounts.

So what can we expect at this event?   
For a three-day weekend, May 17, 18 and 19, our creative team is transforming the Hyatt Hotel in Morristown into a springtime bazaar with “avenues” of booths to stroll through, displaying all kinds of goodies.

Such as?   
Designers will have a variety of indoor/outdoor home décor items, including rugs, furniture, accent pieces, art, ceramics, glassware, lamps, mirrors, floral and garden accessories. Boutiques will show lots of new things for spring, tableware and upscale kitchenware like Le Creuset, decorated Italian pottery, giftware, great wedding presents, clothing, men’s and women’s fashions, and heaps of wonderful jewelry. Gourmet oil, vinegar and candy vendors will offer tastings. On Friday we’ll have “Road Show” style appraisals of your valuables by appointment with a well known appraiser. Plus a coffee bar, a heart-healthy café lunch and free parking in the hotel garage. 
 
To learn more about Mansion in May or Market in May, pick up the current issue of New Jersey Countryside Magazine, available now at bookstores, on newsstands and by subscription. Click here to get one free bonus issue and save more than 80% on a subscription.