Open House Research

The preparations for the holidays at home and in the shop are underway. This weekend I went to several open houses in the Chestnut District in my hometown of Hays, KS. I really want to put one together next year for our shop, so I took notes.

One of the many displays
 at the Paisley Pear in Hays, KS

First stop was the Paisley Pear. It's a relatively new shop that features home decor and kitchen stuff. Other than trying some great food and drink samples, my dear friend and I found items to start our holiday season off right. She found items for her "Secret Santa" exchange and I found crystal ornaments to add to my tree. 

This gourmet popcorn was one of many samples we tried.
If you get the chance to stop by and try some, please do...

But remember this was also a learning quest... what could I learn that I may be able to use when I finally get to hold my open house? First off, this shop offers an awesome variety... items that make your home look good, function well and smell great. What am I going to be able to do to create variety at my open house? I can add some great snacks and drinks but not anything I can sell to anyone. Unless, I find a person who sells food items to go in with me.. hmmm I'll have to see what else I can come up with. Secondly, I can stage my shopping area better for that weekend. Right now my sales area is staged as functional, there are shelves around the office with my items displayed but not really any additional decor. Why you ask? Because my storefront is also my husband's oil change business' office. Can't clutter it too much for daily use, even if it would look great - it would be impossible to keep clean.

Cup of Christmas Tea Ornament
http://www.etsy.com/listing/85691276/ceramic-tea-cup-ornament-cup-of

I want my open house to do what this one did for me. I'm hooked. I love that shop and I will return, and not just for the holidays. This open house also inspired me to get more of my Christmas items listed. So keep an eye out in the shop, you never know what you will find.

Set of Patriotic Ornaments
http://www.etsy.com/listing/85527645/ceramic-patriotic-ornaments-set-of-3

It's About That Time

I know that it's not even Thanksgiving yet but the holidays are fast approaching. It's time for making memories, looking back and celebrating life.

That said... Here are a few of my favorite things this holiday season

Dazzling White Light Strand with Green and Red Flowers
by One of a Kind Baby Design
http://www.etsy.com/shop/oneofakindbabydesign

Usually at this time of year I find myself swimming in projects and getting ready for craft shows. Well no craft shows on the horizon but the swimming in projects hasn't changed. I have current product lines to maintain, new lines in development, and couple of old ones that it's time dust off and pull to the forefront. While this can be overwhelming, this year I WILL take time to make new memories, nuture the old, and get together with family and friends.

Vegan Peanut Butter Madness Sampler Box
by Sweet Vegan Delight
http://www.etsy.com/shop/SweetVeganDelight

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What are you looking forward to this year?