Since we're right in the middle of the holiday season, we've made a list of some of the best gifts we have available here at The Southern Mercantile! In addition to this list, we have a category dedicated to "Our Favorite Gifts" for more ideas! 

Every show we've been to, folks have oohed and ahhed over this little play set! We just love Maileg - their incredible handmade quality and whimsical feel make such special heirloom toys. My personal favorite (for now, anyway!) is this sweet Mouse Princess and the Pea. I love how the pea that makes the princess so uncomfortable is included, stitched onto one of the mattresses in the stack, so it doesn't get lost, and how everything fits together into the beautiful cardboard castle. This gift is perfect for any little girl, especially ages 5-10. You can also find other Maileg toys, such as bunnies and matchbox mice in our "Littles" category.

What little boy doesn't dream of being a farmer at one point or another? This adorable Down on the Farm Magnetic Truck makes his dream come true, at least for a little while! It comes with a magnetic farmer and six animals to load up and carry around the farm or take to town. With its sturdy design, it's great for ages 3 and up. You can find other sweet little boy toys in our "Littles" category.

Every man has to shave, so why not make it an enjoyable experience instead of just a chore to suffer through? This gift set includes a bar of soap, a shave brush, and a tin of shave soap. The scent from Pre de Provence is clean and masculine, perfect for a young man just learning to shave as well as the man who has everything! For other gift ideas for men, go to "Our Favorite Gifts" category.

This gift set of ​Southern Cocktails recipe book with a stainless steel bottle opener is perfect for any host or hostess. With classic cocktails like Mint Julep and concoctions like Watermelon Crush, as well as fun finger foods such as Spiked Pimiento Cheese and Devilish Eggs,  this book has all the recipes needed for a southern soiree! The simple and classic design of the bottle opener makes a great addition to anyone's barware. See other recipe books in our "Entertaining" category.

The holiday hustle and bustle is here! We have been working around the clock to prepare, pack and set up for multiple Christmas shows, as well as our very own Christmas Open House! We have put so much time and detail into each event, that we haven't taken the time to share it all with you! If you haven't been able to make it to one of our shows, or visit with us in Ocilla, here's what you've been missing!
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Christmas Open House at The Shoppes
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Our brick and mortar store, The Shoppes at Fourth and Cherry, hosts a huge Christmas open house every year. Each year we close the store a few days prior to the event to transform the space into a holiday wonderland! This year's theme, "Farm House Christmas" was especially fun to prepare for. We didn't have to dig too deep for inspiration as our Southern roots and small town life experiences have prepared us greatly for such an event!

Of course our Shoppes Farmhouse needed a front porch. We think the porch turned out to be very charming, complete with a guard dog! This was a favorite photo spot during open house.

Black and white was the theme throughout the store. I was so excited when I came across this old nesting box on one of our junkin' trips. Perfect for the theme!

This year's goodies were absolutely mouth watering! Different types of homemade cookies and candies were served in vintage candy tins. Old thermoses were filled with fresh cut greenery and pheasant feathers.

This window display has become one of my most favorite. A welcoming farmhouse front door to greet all who pass our store. Complete with packages, just dropped off from the North Pole I am sure!

We got off to an early Christmas start this year with a Junior League holiday market in Montgomery, Al. We showcased a new booth set up that included these fabulous red doors. I am so lucky to have these beauties that came off of an old store in our hometown.

We had a great time in Montgomery and really enjoyed getting to meet some new folks!

After this year we're beginning to feel like part-time Alabama residents! One show in Mobile, one in Montgomery, two in Birmingham and two junkin' trips later, we're feeling right at home!

The red doors didn't disappoint in Birmingham and helped me win 3rd place for booth design!

We later traveled to Perry, Ga to participate in Mistletoe Market and once again, we had a blast! Mistletoe was our very first show and we are so thankful the Balvanuca Club gave us a shot and helped us get going! It has been a crazy and hectic year for sure. We traveled to ten out of town markets to help spread the love of Southern traditions through The Southern Mercantile. All while running the store in Ocilla and keeping up with the website! The girls and I are feeling exhausted! Even while I write this, I am sitting in Jacksonville, FL preparing for our last market of the year.

​Though we are feeling a bit worn out, it has been a real thrill to get to travel and meet so many sweet people! We are truly thankful for your love and support this year and are looking forward to bumping in to some of you again in the future! In the mean time, we hope you'll keep reading, trying our favorite recipes and perusing the store. If you are ever in South Georgia, we would love for you to visit! We promise, it is worth the trip!

I leave you with just a few thoughts as we quickly approach Christmas holidays. Focus on the details and embrace a few traditions to make things extra special this year. Set the table and use your cloth napkins. Use the good crystal. Make something homemade for the dinner table and invite a neighbor or two that don't have anywhere else to go. Spend a little extra time on making your giftwrap feel more special. Take the time to enjoy as many little moments as you can!

We hope you have a wonderful holiday season with family and friends! Y'all come see us!