Heading for the Auction Block: Royal Treasures From Althorp

The attics at Althorp, seat of the Earl Spencer, are being cleaned out in preparation for an auction. On June 19, Sotheby’s will auction items such as furniture, paintings and books, as well as saddles and harnesses from the former stables at Althorp. The auction, which takes place at Althorp, Northampton, will include a collection of carriages. Proceeds from the sale of the carriages will be invested in the development of the stable block at Althorp, which has been converted into a Visitor Center and Exhibition celebrating the life of Diana, the late princess of Wales. Proceeds from the other items will be invested in the estate.

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L.A. interior designer Sally Sirkin Lewis has ventured into the business of designing tableware. Lewis, named one of the top 100 interior designers by Architectural Digest in 2000, pioneered what is called the “California design,” featuring natural materials and neutral colors.

The founder of the J. Robert Scott design company (named after her children) also designs textiles. The tableware is based on her 1999 Tapestry textile collection. “I loved the bold, graphic patterns of the textile collection and began experimenting with other uses for the designs,” she said. “Dinnerware posed the perfect palette.”

Her first dinnerware collection is called Tapestry and premieres today exclusively at Barneys New York in Beverly Hills and New York City. She has two tableware patterns--Bocci and Fleur.

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It wasn’t enough for Martha Stewart to tell us how to entertain or create cozy homes. Now the omni-Martha is dispensing advice on how to organize the household.

In 144 pages, “Good Things for Organizing” (Crown Publishing Group) tackles all the how-tos for tidying up and organizing each nook and cranny in the home. Not just the obvious rooms, either--like the kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and living room--but the behind-the-scenes areas, too--such as the basement, garage, broom or craft closet. There is no hiding from Martha.

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Beverly Hills is not just about shopping. The city will launch two trolley tours that will run from May 5 through Dec. 29.

“The Art and Architecture Trolley Tour” takes passengers on a 50-minute, docent-led tour to sites such as the Beverly Hills City Hall, Creative Artists Agency and Museum of Television & Radio (separate entrance fee for the latter).

The “Sites and Scenes Trolley Tour,” also with a docent, offers 40 minutes of Beverly Hills’ main attractions, which--of course--includes Rodeo Drive.

Adults can hop on board for $5 ($1 under age 12) at the corner of Rodeo Drive and Dayton Way for both tours. Call (310) 285-2438 for details.

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E-mail: candace.wedlan@latimes.com.