Local Stylemakers Share Expertise at Junior League of Greenwich Champagne Brunch

Champagne mimosas flowed and the aroma of a sumptuous brunch wafted from the on Sunday. The venue, selected by the (JLG) sustainers for their winter gathering, offered a cheerful backdrop. With rooms decorated with the bright florals, portraits and abstracts of Connecticut artist Julie Satinover, the feeling was more May than March, and mood was convivial.

Guests noshed on a bountiful homemade brunch supplemented by breads donated from from Wave Hill Breads and samplings of fruits and cheeses sourced by Mike Geller, aka . Geller's organic food delivery service pairs eggs, honey, meat and produce from 15 local family farms with wellness-minded customers Greenwich and beyond. 

JLG "Letter Perfect" shop's Karen Richard (buyer) and Joradan Rhodes, (chair of Letter Perfect) were set up adjacent to the brunch with items from the gift and stationery shop. 

After brunch, renowned French chef Gerin of the Greenwich restaurant that bears his name, shared a mouthwatering fish and cream recipe that could be prepared in advance. Describing entertaining as potentially "a little bit nerve breaking," Gerin empathized, "You do all at the last minute and you wind up missing the party." Instead, he suggested the meal be mis en place. "Get ready during the week and when you serve you will reheat," he instructed.

Following Gerin's cooking demonstration, George von Tobel, the Garden Education Center's executive director, shared tips for creating elegant floral centerpieces. Claiming to choose flowers based on what pleases him rather than having a plan, von Tobel demonstrated how a spring centerpiece might be embellished with simple items from bargain outlets like Christmas Tree Stores.

Sharing ways to extend the life of fresh flowers, von Tobel explained that a drop of bleach combined with a pinch of sugar is just as good as the packets or pills that come from the store.

Recalling a time when a client of his Cos Cob shop, Flowers By George, instructed him to give vases of white tulips a shot of vodka or gin the night before her event, von Tobel exclaimed, "It works. Give a little pour the night before," he said. "Trust me. The alcohol will make the flowers stand at attention."

Though von Tobel closed his store front not long ago, he continues his business from home. "When I was closing down, I had a sign up letting customers know. That was when someone told me about this position at the Garden Education Center," he said. "The old store telephone, (203) 661-0850 is now my cell number and it's all done by phone on one day's notice. Now I have two great jobs. They're entirely separate, but they're both great."

Following the cooking and floral demonstrations, Terry Rogers, owner of gave an overview of different dessert wines, as well as tastes. 

The event, put together by Bobbi Eggers and Kathleen Clements, was a fundraiser to help make possible the numerous projects of the Junior League of Greenwich. JLG is located at 231 E. Putnam Ave. Tel. (203) 869-1979. 

LetterPerfect hours are Tuesday through Friday from 10 AM to noon, and by appointment.