Michelle Nussbaumer's Winter Wonderland

Michelle Nussbaumer is an interior designer and antiques buyer based in Dallas, Texas. Her background as a theater set designer is evident in the magical space she created for a Christmas party in her store, Ceylon et Cie. The inspiration for the blue and white "wonderland" was a set of twelve-foot-high wallpaper panels that feature handpainted icebergs in the Antarctic sea. They were created by the French firm Zuber in the nineteenth century. Plaster statues and a Chinese root table that was painted white add to the ethereal feel. Nussbaumer used the unique items in her store to set the stage for her event. She suggested to Veranda readers that they select a "theme and a limited color scheme" - such as blue and white - to "make a statement" when entertaining. The work of Margaret Gragg literally provided the icing on the cake. Her magical confections featured rock candy and snow made of sugar. Although Nussbaumer's party was a celebration of Christmas, the colors and Antarctic theme would suit a New Year's Eve gala or any elegant winter event. 

"Designer Michelle Nussbaumer invents  a dreamy dessert party in Ceylon et Cie, her Dallas [Texas] shop. Ice blue petits fours rest on coral with Venetian champagne flute, blue celestite and blue coral."

Interior design by Michelle Nussbaumer.

Confections designed by Margaret Gragg of Dallas Affaires Cake Company.

Photography by Brian McWeeney.

Text by Elizabeth Gaynor.

"Crystal Blue Winter Wonderland" produced by Mary Jane Ryburn.

 Veranda.

 "Rare Zuber winter wallpaper panels of icebergs set the stage for vintage cake stands filled with White Chocolate Coral Cupcakes and Clamshell Cookies."

Interior design by Michelle Nussbaumer.

Confections designed by Margaret Gragg of Dallas Affaires Cake Company.

Photography by Brian McWeeney.

Text by Elizabeth Gaynor.

"Crystal Blue Winter Wonderland" produced by Mary Jane Ryburn.

 Veranda.

 "[Michelle] Nussbaumer's line, Ceylon Portfolio, includes Chippendale side chairs, Chinese-style table and rock crystal candlesticks and bowls. Vintage Spanish ceramic garden seats. Silver bowl brimming with ivory and coral. Satin spar, coral and glass accessories. Beaux Arts artists' model plaster statues. Swedish 19th-century chest."

Interior design by Michelle Nussbaumer.

Confections designed by Margaret Gragg of Dallas Affaires Cake Company.

Photography by Brian McWeeney.

Text by Elizabeth Gaynor.

"Crystal Blue Winter Wonderland" produced by Mary Jane Ryburn.

 Veranda.

 "[Michelle] Nussbaumer's line, Ceylon Portfolio, includes Chippendale side chairs, Chinese-style table and rock crystal candlesticks and bowls. Vintage Spanish ceramic garden seats. Silver bowl brimming with ivory and coral. Satin spar, coral and glass accessories. Beaux Arts artists' model plaster statues. Swedish 19th-century chest."

Interior design by Michelle Nussbaumer.

Confections designed by Margaret Gragg of Dallas Affaires Cake Company.

Photography by Brian McWeeney.

Text by Elizabeth Gaynor.

"Crystal Blue Winter Wonderland" produced by Mary Jane Ryburn.

 Veranda.

 "White Chocolate Mini-Cake on Wisteria pale marble plate, complemented by crystal decanter and urn, both vintage."

Interior design by Michelle Nussbaumer.

Confections designed by Margaret Gragg of Dallas Affaires Cake Company.

Photography by Brian McWeeney.

Text by Elizabeth Gaynor.

"Crystal Blue Winter Wonderland" produced by Mary Jane Ryburn.

 Veranda.

 "Champagne accompanies mini-cakes and petits fours on otherworldly early-20th-century Chinese root table from Ceylon Portfolio. Rajastani pressed-metal-over-wood chairs, 19th-century, from a maharaja's palace in India."

Interior design by Michelle Nussbaumer.

Confections designed by Margaret Gragg of Dallas Affaires Cake Company.

Photography by Brian McWeeney.

Text by Elizabeth Gaynor.

"Crystal Blue Winter Wonderland" produced by Mary Jane Ryburn.

 Veranda.

 "Vintage silver bowl holds coral ad Chinese ivory lobster. Coral on acrylic base with rock crystal candlesticks."

Interior design by Michelle Nussbaumer.

Confections designed by Margaret Gragg of Dallas Affaires Cake Company.

Photography by Brian McWeeney.

Text by Elizabeth Gaynor.

"Crystal Blue Winter Wonderland" produced by Mary Jane Ryburn.

 Veranda.

 "[Michelle] Nussbaumer's polished-nickel cart serves John B.'s Sunday Rum Milk Punch, her father's recipe. Bergere in muslin and Swedish chest, both 19th century."

Interior design by Michelle Nussbaumer.

Confections designed by Margaret Gragg of Dallas Affaires Cake Company.

Photography by Brian McWeeney.

Text by Elizabeth Gaynor.

"Crystal Blue Winter Wonderland" produced by Mary Jane Ryburn.

 Veranda.

 "Michelle Nussbaumer mixes accessories of fine quality from everywhere. Vintage silver in the form of hollowware and engraved flatware, along with Venetian champagne flutes, keep company with Wisteria marble plates as well as rock crystal urns and glass vases. Chinese root table has been painted white. Florals by Michelle Nussbaumer."

Interior design by Michelle Nussbaumer.

Confections designed by Margaret Gragg of Dallas Affaires Cake Company.

Photography by Brian McWeeney.

Text by Elizabeth Gaynor.

"Crystal Blue Winter Wonderland" produced by Mary Jane Ryburn.

 Veranda.

 "Chocolate cupcakes. Murano vase. Ceylon Portfolio mirrored drinks table."

Interior design by Michelle Nussbaumer.

Confections designed by Margaret Gragg of Dallas Affaires Cake Company.

Photography by Brian McWeeney.

Text by Elizabeth Gaynor.

"Crystal Blue Winter Wonderland" produced by Mary Jane Ryburn.

 Veranda.