Our most favorite time of the year has rolled around again as we welcomed in the Holiday season at our store with our 17th annual Christmas Open House!  November was extra busy for us this year with three out-of-town shows, plus getting ready for our open house, our biggest event of the year!  After a week in Birmingham, it was quite a feat to get everything ready in just one week! The shop feels so magical at Christmas time, full of glitter and twinkle lights.  There is something about decking the halls that brings a sense of peace, hope and excitement.  This year's them was "O Holy Night," which set the tone for such a beautiful afternoon! 

​The front window display has quickly become one of my favorites that we've done. The vintage stained glass windows make it feel so reverent and peaceful, and it is absolutely gorgeous at night!  Katelyn did a beautiful job hand-lettering the lyrics of "O Holy Night" to set the stage before guests even walked through the doors!

Our "front porch" was stocked with perfect holiday selections that speak to our simple, southern style.

Our vintage mule deer, Burl, received his annual Christmas spruce-up. 

Our Southern Merc kitchen was looking super festive, and those of you that see us on the road will recognize our fun mantel, full of stockings and garlands!

The dining table was set with sparkling eucalyptus, brass vases and our favorite ornaments from this year.  

The children's room was stocked with happy Christmas Jelly Cats and fun Christmas books.  If you guys aren't familiar with one of our favorite makers, Melissa of Greener Grass Handmade, check out her website here.  She makes the sweetest tepees, play costumes and holiday decorations.  

Tara made a beautiful and delicious tiered coconut cake for the occasion.  Side note, this is my most favorite cake!

We kept the food simple this year with a beautiful grazing table full of meats, cheeses, nuts and dried fruit. 

Jorjanne did a beautiful job setting up our spread!

Open house week is always a whirlwind, especially when I am just running in between trips!  I couldn't do all that I do without this group of gals!  They are so talented and amazing at what they do.  The Shoppes and The Southern Merc wouldn't happen without them.  

Now on to this year's Holiday travels!  Life on the road can be weary at times, and I won't lie, I am still tired from our trips! Loading and unloading the trailer, set-up and take-down, squeezing in laundry in the two-day window you are home; it is a lot to take on.  I will say that getting to visit with all of you makes it totally worth it!  From Birmingham to Ocilla, and Atlanta to Perry, we loved every minute of being with you this holiday season!  Your smiling faces, compliments, and excitement over your finds keep us motivated to keep it up.  Thanks for supporting us, either in person or online; we couldn't do it without you! Here are some highlights from our trips.

We'll be back on the road this spring so be sure to keep a watch on our schedule to see if we'll be in a town near you.  If you haven't already joined our email list, head on over and do that now.  It's the easiest way to keep up with where we are headed, what specials are going on, and you'll be able to take advantage of discounts that we only offer through email!  We promise you won't regret it!  We hope all of you have a very happy holiday season!  We are already looking forward to seeing you in 2020!

​I LOVE to wrap presents!  After 12 Christmas seasons in retail, you would think that I would be tired of gift wrapping by now!  Lovingly wrapping gifts is one of my favorite activities that comes around with the Holidays.  Every year and I am scouring the after Christmas sales for cute gift wrap, cards, tags, etc.  I was too embarrassed to take a picture of my entire gift wrap collection so I just picked a few of my favorites to show you!  I think it is so much fun to dress up my packages and put extra thought into the presentation of the gift.  Here, I am sharing with you a few of my tips on creating beautiful and special gifts!