pepperberry's Christmas Story 2010

Pin It

my version of little tin soldiers made from recycled metal

Way back in the summer I blogged about the evolution of my theme for Christmas 2010. The quick re-cap goes like this; I started buying for holiday 2010 at the Dallas market in June knowing only what I didn't want. In an effort to keep it fresh, I actually made a list as a reminder of the holiday looks I had already done, whimsical, handmade, european etc.. I love all of those looks so I had to be very disciplined and not buy anything that fit those descriptions. In the end, all the holiday merchandise I was reacting to and buying indeed wasn't like any of my previous holiday themes, but what would the 2010 theme be? There was a common thread, but tiredness set in and I couldn't see it. What was it, what story does it tell?

It was on the flight home that it magically became clear to me. I tried to close my eyes to sleep, but instead of sleep came words. I got out my legal pad and started jotting them down. They were words to describe the holiday merchandise I bought, and words to describe the elements I could use to enhance them. Words like: recycled (such a current trend), reclaimed and re purposed (one of my favorite things to do) eventually lead to rekindle (what better time of year to reexamine our faith journey), renew and rebirth. They were all "re" words! How cool would it be to use the current "green" trend, and the definition of "re" and apply it to the holiday season. Getting back to {remembering} the reason for the season, simplifying the decorations, pulling out references to the babe in the manger and the bible. That's when rekindle, renew and rebirth gave way to REJOICE! Rejoice in the Lord, rejoice in the season, rejoice that we have wonderful people in our lives to share this season with. REJOICE, to feel joy. It felt so right.

With each shipment my conviction to restore the true meaning of the season increased. This can be tricky in retail because at the end of the day, if you're not profitable, you're out of business pretty quickly and, as it turns out, this was probably not the best year to take a risk in the 4th quarter. I was also very unsure how my theme would translate in my new space because afterall, I didn't know I was expanding when I was in Dallas! Oh well. There was no looking back. Bring on the angel ornaments made from soda cans, and the crosses, some made from recycled glass and others from newspaper, as well as the tin angels pictured at the top of the page. All recycled, all biblical, and so begins pepperberry's Christmas story.

It is my hope that the paper garlands constructed from hymnals, and the straw strewn about will be gentle reminders to check your Bah Humbug at the door! We are rejoicing in here! Did you see that Pottery Barn's cover proclaims: "Give Joyfully!"? Imagine my surprise. Prepare and celebrate with a joyful heart and watch the stress of the holiday melt away.

Moving on the to recycled only portion of the theme, check out these fun Reindeer bottle toppers and the wine bottle cheeseboards {"slumped" is the technical term for the melted bottles}. If you are giving a bottle of wine, dressing it up with one of these bottle toppers instead of a boring wine bag is sure to make your hostess smile! We sold out of these at our holiday open house and just got another shipment in!

Another top seller this season is the wine bottle cheeseboards that are made right here in PA {Pittsburgh}! I had these in the spring and sold out and waited to bring them in for the holidays knowing that they would make the perfect hostess gift, couples gift, guy gift...etc.

We've got so many lovely choices for all the people on your gift list. Our new line of sterling silver and swarovski crystal stretch rings {one size fits all} are flying out the door, and our gourmet selection this year has expanded to include Squirrel Brand artisan Peanuts, Cashews, and Creme Brulee Almonds, and the cake rounds we served at our grand re-opening are beautifully packaged for the holidays in a 9 pack from La Bouchee {6 week shelf life!} along with the yummy caramel with pecans that slips right out of it's tin onto your buffet! {Both the Squirrel Brand nuts and the cake rounds are also sold at Nieman Marcus!} Just bring your list and we'll help you spread some joy! We'll even gift wrap it for you. It's just that easy.

I may not have a chance to blog again this year, so let me take this oportunity to thank you all for letting pepperberry's be a part of your holiday merriment and to wish you all a very Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Joy to the World...

....repeat, repeat the sounding joy.