Christmas is the traditional home decorating season, and any season is right for collecting, so the usual widely diversified selection of antiques and collectibles dealers will be out in full force, according to co-promoter Louise Jesse. The antiques favor the colonial 18th century and there is always a good selection of 19th- and early 20th-century furniture and decorative items available.

The Antiquarian Book Fair, a special section of the show, will feature book dealers from throughout the region with a broad selection of rare, historical and collectible books.

Dealers from more than 15 states will exhibit estate jewelry and silver, fine furniture, art pottery and other collectible ceramics, antique toys and dolls, fine art, textiles, ephemera for collectors, Christmas collectibles, and glassware from all periods. Lancaster County dealers Katharine Chase Antiques in White Stone, Curtis Sampson of the Collector’s Corner in Kilmarnock and Epping Forest Antiques in Lively will be among the participants this weekend, said Jesse.

The Richmond Antiques Spectacular is in its 18th year under Renaissance Promotions Inc., owned by Jesse and Bob and Deanna Taylor who are all antiques dealers and enthusiasts.

“For this entire year, our goal has been to bring the people back to antiques. We know that antiques offer a wonderful combination of value and aesthetic appeal that is unmatched in the marketplace. Antiques for gifts are a natural fit for the upcoming season,” said Jesse. “For many people there is no better gift than a prized antique.”

The Showplace is at 3000 Mechanicsville Turnpike in Richmond. Show hours are Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Daily admission is $5 per person.