Dolly Parade Today!

Today is the day of the annual Dolly homecoming parade in Pigeon Forge, and Santa’s float is being polished and primed even now!  Hope you’ll have a chance to come down and wave at us in the parade – at 6 pm on the Parkway, starting at light 6 and heading north to light 3.  We’re about halfway back in the parade this year, and Mrs. Claus as well as Uncle Sam will be riding along with us this year.

We’re also expecting an extra special guest on the float with us – Kaedyn Griffin, a student at Sevierville Primary School, was the winner of our drawing contest last November, and she’ll be riding with Santa today.  We’re sure happy to have Kaedyn aboard!

Just remember that it is NOT weird to shout “Merry Christmas!” in May, particularly if you are shouting it out to Santa and his team of elves in the Dolly Parade!

~Janet @ The Christmas Place

P.S.  We will also accept Feliz Navidad, Mele Kalikimaka, Joyeux Noel, Fröhliche Weihnachten, E ku odun, e ku iye’dun!, and any other language you would like to use to share your holiday spirit!

Christmas trees! More Christmas trees! (part C)

.. did you run out for a cup of hot chocolate or cider?  Because more trees -coming at you now ..

A white ballerina tree, glittering with white crystal-like leaf sprays and sparkling ribbons.  (I think guests may be harvesting ornaments from this tree already!)

Right next to it, our ‘tween tree, a lavender dream filled with Hello Kitty lights, texting cell phones, Converse All Stars, high heels & Uggs.

Y’all, I am just mad for these pink and blue flowers!

Are you more of a traditionalist?  Here’s a spectacular red-and-green composition.

What the..?  Alright, who’s the smarty pants who thinks they should be rewarded with a big slice of cake after all that tree-decorating inspiration??  Calling The Partridge & Pear for take-out, are you?!

~Janet @ The Christmas Place

P.S. That cake number is 865-868-0575 ..

P.S.S. Sorry about the “y’all” – I was just over in The Boutique and they have a cute new collection of Southern Sass T-shirts!

Christmas trees! More Christmas trees! (part 2)

Enjoy some more …

Wouldn’t everyone use barbed wire on their Western Christmas tree?   (I think it’s made of leather, actually.)

Check out the pheasants in the top of the tree:

This one was one of the hardest to photograph – it is so very sparkly, from the stems added as decorations to the foil accents and multitude of light strands and lighted stems – it sparkles much more than I can show here.  Someone catch that Elf before he falls off the top hat!

Do you see the reindeer flying a plane out of the middle of the tree?  I’ll help with another photo:

Poor girl has lost a propeller blade!  I hope it’s around to be reattached.

Santa’s helping the elf jesters and getting into the decorating spirit!

I really love the swirly red & green stems!

 

Janet @ The Christmas Place

Christmas trees! More Christmas trees! (part 1)

Enjoy!

Do you suppose there really is a green tree under there somewhere?

You, too, can suspend snowflakes from the ceiling – just need a little cup hook!  These things weigh almost nothing.

Now I see - it’s a flocked green tree.

Just next door, a snowman tree:

The snowflakes in this tree are really glittery white – it surprised me when they showed pink in the photograph – there’s more color in white than we might see.  I wonder if I could get them to look blue from another angle.

 Okay, I’ll stop here for now so the system doesn’t crash & burn.  Follow on…

~Janet @ The Christmas Place

Winterfest arrives tomorrow!

Tomorrow is the big day – or should I say night – when Pigeon Forge turns on all 5 million lights for Winterfest!  There will be plenty of fun and excitement for those who come to Patriot Park on Tuesday, November 8, for the traditional kickoff of Winter in the Smokies - this year, in honor of Veterans Day, the event begins with a Salute to Veterans  parade on the Parkway starting at 4:30 PM.  Many-Bears Grinder, Tennessee Department of Veterans Affairs, is the special guest speaker for the night in the Park.  Of course, Santa & Mrs. Claus will be along for the parade ride, in a specially prepared carriage.

After the parade, they will both be available for photographs – come to Patriot Park and capture a special memory for this Christmas season.

~Janet @ The Christmas Place

P.S. Sevierville turns on their lights tonight, and Gatlinburg turns theirs on Wednesday night!

“Sunday in the South” Book Signing & More

This Saturday, October 29th, from 1 to 4 pm, Christmas Place hosts author and chef Ginny McCormack for a signing of her book, Sunday in the South.

More than just a cookbook, although it is filled with delectable recipes, Ginny’s book includes 350 photographs of  food, gorgeous table decor, and beautiful Southern imagery.  Complete dinner menus; quotes, stories, and humorous anecdotes; and tips and techniques fill each chapter, making this much more than a simple cookbook – it’s a story about incorporating food into the best times of our lives with Southern  grace, hospitality, and congeniality.

Chapter topics and recipes cover a range from ”A Formal Sunday Feast” to ”A Comfort Food Family Dinner,” “A Seafood Lunch on the Porch,” “A Hearty Outdoor Dinner,” and “Ten Southern Classics,” and include breakfast and other meals.  I’m going to check out her recipe for Southern Key Lime Pie – it’s my personal favorite, and I’ve been gathering ideas for making the best!  In the mean time, can I interest anyone in Southern Home Style Meatloaf with Sweet Chili Glaze,  Creamy Corn Pudding, and White Cheddar Cornbread, finished with Peach Bread Pudding?  (I would just choose today to write about this, when I left my lunch sitting on the kitchen counter at home!!)

Ginny is a cooking instructor, speaker, author, food columnist, editor of an online magazine, and host of GinnyMcCormackCooks.com.  She has appeared regularly as a T.V. chef.  She lives with her family in Marietta, Georgia, and enjoys writing and teaching about the art of Southern hospitality and new Southern cuisine.

This is Ginny’s first visit to Christmas Place, and we are looking forward to meeting her.  Her book would make a fabulous Christmas or special occasion gift!

Also at 1 o’clock on Saturday, our Floral Department will be demonstrating  how to assemble and decorate the mesh boxes that are such a favorite for holiday decor – and especially since they can be themed for any occasion, not just Christmas.

We’ll see you Saturday!

~Janet @ The Christmas Place

P.S.  Two more signings on Saturday – you can take care of all your Christmas at one time! – Ne’Qwa Inside Art Ornaments, painted on the inside of glass ornaments – Trieste will be here once again demonstrating her amazing painting technique – sometimes she brings brushes you can buy to try it yourself.  I have painted on glass – it’s a very mental challenge, because you have to think about the image in reverse order from traditional surface painting.  (This iconic snowman & cardinal image is my personal choice – I got mine signed when it was first released in 2008.)

R. J. McDonald is back with us for the weekend to sign his wonderful Santa prints and giclees – some of which can be personalized by adding your family names to Santa’s “nice” list!

Come see us!

On-line Only Specials!

Don’t you love specials?  Just in time to place your orders before the holiday rush, we have three offers that will help you get ready to decorate for Christmas!

 

Possible Dreams Santa figurines – 15% off!  These are very special characters that will become family heirlooms – funny Santas dressed for different occassions, often accompanied by other favorite characters like Mrs. Claus and Rudolf.  Included in the collection are several really charming Charlie Brown figures along with a Mickey & Minnie.

Fontanini Nativities – 20% off!  These highly-collectible nativity pieces and sets will be treasuered additions to your celebration.  You can design your own nativity, starting with a stable and adding all the people and animals you like, or purchase a complete set.  Landscaping elements, ornaments, and a handsome snowglobe are also part of the sale.

Christmas Tree Garland – Buy 2, get a 3rd free!  Now that’s a good deal!  You’re going to need at least 3 strands to wrap your tree, aren’t you?  Maybe even more?  Well, I know I do for MY tree (okay, maybe not for the 3′ pink foil one I showed you last year…).  We carry so many styles, and almost half of them are included in the sale – from whimsical peppermint candies to realistic-looking popcorn (guaranteed not to attract bugs), gumdrops, pearls, snowflakes, balls in all colors – I think you’ll find what you’re looking for! 

Also, through the end of this month when we’re focusing on Breast Cancer victims and survivors, don’t forget to enter our Vera Bradley tote giveaway – we’ll draw the winner on November 1st.

I don’t mean to scare you, but there are only 62 days left til Christmas!  Just sayin…

~Janet @ The Christmas Place

P.S.  I almost forgot to mention – FREE SHIPPING on all Web orders of $75 or more – plus we’ll include a free Snowball Snowman with your order.  Talk about getting more for your money!

We’re on the move!

No, we’re not leaving the building - but we’re moving all around the store!  Who knew we even had this much floor space?  And who decided to play twister with all the trees???  I can’t wait to see everything in place for the season, and all the new items that will be filling trees and baskets and bins.  Til then, take a look – ohp – those two trees just moved again .. sorry!

New Silver & Crystal Gallery at the Front Doors

One of your favorites, the cardinal tree, is on the other side of the front doors. You’ll have fun discovering a whole new layout when you come this year – in the mean time, staff is having fun rediscovering themes we thought we had missed.

Check out the gianormous butterfly I found on a tree back in the corner – amazing!  Its over 3′ across.  We used two on the tree, one on each side – just beautiful.  (The green orb-y looking thing is a glass ornament – no, not a giant froggy eyeball peeking out!)

You know how I love the glitter & glam – found these handsome sparkling winter gentlemen in the same gold and white corner:

I also found this shiver of Snowmen keeping it frigid – but with such a warm message on their little bellies, who could resist!

What’s your favorite tree theme?  Bet we have it!

~Janet @ The Christmas Place

P.S.  You know, this was supposed to be a Two for Tuesday, but I got behind.  And then today it should be a Food for Friday, but again .. how about a couple of pictures of the scrumptious Turkey Pot Pie, Christmas Salad, & California Cheesecake from the restaurant instead.  Will that hold you over til next Friday?

Yes, I just did that to you!!  Happy Weekend!

Two for Tuesday

We have some new friends in the store this year, and I think you might like to meet them…

First, well, you’ve probably already met the big guy ..

Santa & Roy

 .. but that Roy is quite the charmer!  Roy is joined by ..

Albert & Jimmy

 .. clearly Albert is none to happy about Jimmy choosing his magnificent antlers for a nap! (Elf sold separately.)

And there’s just something about Bob ..

Bob & Mikey

The elves find him irresistible, too, even with that big nose – at least his doesn’t glow in the dark!  Looks like Mikey is hitching a ride back to the north pole. (Elf sold separately.)

I found another Santa sitting in the breezeway yesterday, just waiting for a friend.  Could you be the one?

Santa's waiting for you!

I have seen a few smaller versions of these very funny reindeer around the store, so if whimsy is your theme, come by and check them out!

And now, from Really Big Decorations to a collection I think would be a perfect stocking stuffer ~ you might want to buy one of each and keep them around for occasions when you just want one little gift for someone special. These porcelain plaques are about 5″ square (the larger one is 5″ x 6.5″) and have two brass hangers securely attached to the back.  They come with the velvet bows you see here, and retail for only $11.99, a great value!

There are several more styles, these three just happen to be my favorites!  I love the dimensionality they have – the letters and decorations are raised, and the colors are rich and elegant.

Only 92 days til Christmas, and we are starting to feel the excitement!  Don’t forget about all the artists coming to visit the store over the next three months – check out the list here.  We’ve just added performances by a local seniors choir and a high school handbell choir, both of which are quite excellent.

~Janet @ The Christmas Place

 

 

Santa’s Secret!

Today, Saturday, and Sunday Only

Santa’s Secret Grab Bag!

On-Line Promotion

Our web buyers have pulled together a selection of items sorted into three themes, Gingerbread, Santa, and Snowmen, and created 12 bags for each, filled with all kinds of goodies.  You pay only $15, but your Grab Bag may be worth up to $50 if you’re on the nice list!

You may get novelty lights, a cookie jar, figurines, a holiday throw rug, salt & pepper shakers, guest towels, ornaments, garland, mugs & coasters, gift tags, throw pillows, an apron .. and the list goes on.

Are you up for a fun holiday surprise?  Santa’s Secret Grab Bags go on sale at 9:00 a.m. each morning, and quantities are limited to only 12 each day.

Bet on a sure thing – the cutest holiday decorations around!  Add a grab bag to your shopping cart now.

Snow Minions!

~Janet @ The Christmas Place