The Oval Drawing Room on the second floor of the Nathaniel Russell House Museum embodies the flaunt-it lifestyle of the mercantile elite of the late 1700s – early 1800s Charleston.

The tea set has plenty of its own bling, with opulent decoration.

Panel mirrors and cornice gilding helped brighten the room for after dinner parties, reflecting candle light.

This home has been restored to its 1808 appearance and is part of the Historic Charleston Foundation collection.

Photos taken October 13, 2021