Byblos, December 1st,2nd and 3rd
The Alice Eddé boutique welcomed in the Christmas season last weekend with a three-day festive extravaganza in Byblos’ Old Souk.
In front of a glistening tree adorned with scented orange slices and bright red pine cones, tables were set up and plates of decorated gingerbread began to appear. As soon as the sun started going down, the lights began twinkling and local, young musicians picked up their instruments to entertain the growing crowd.
As part of her desire to champion local creative talent, Alice Eddé hosted some other favorite artisans and designers for the three days. This was an opportunity to get their products in front of new eyes, and introduce their skills to customers who might not have discovered them otherwise.
The artisans showcased included:
Ziad Abi Chaker – hand-blown glassware from Lebanon’s last glassblowing factory
Gisella Znzulovich – folded paper angels and nativity characters upcycled from old books
Diane Ferjane + Elias of Boshies – revamping the tarboosh one head at a time
Zeina Oneissi – eye-catching, dazzling costume jewelry
Elie Outayek – small handmade leather items of the finest quality
Raynaldo Sayegh – hand-woven multi-colored Christmas tree baubles
Joseph Khoury of Ex Nihilo – contemporary carved and stained wooden angels
Nadine Tawil Abou – ceramic, flower-shaped incense stick holders
Nada Skaff – bold jewelry made from different shades of Italian coral
Maya Husseini – elegant, flower-shaped glass candle holders
Help & Heal – intricately decorated gingerbread houses and make-your-own cookies
As customers browsed and talked to the makers present, they enjoyed a blind wine taste test set for them by wine blogger Saria. The merriment was topped off when they were joined by children, adults, drums and trumpets celebrating the feast day for Saint Barbara.
As one customer exclaimed: a magical happening that twinkled like Christmas stars spreading joie de vivre, beauty, whimsy, both natural and chic, to Byblos.