I'm humming Christmas tunes already. Yes, maybe it seems a bit early. But I spent the day in downtown Monroe visiting some favorite shops that are getting ready for their Christmas Open House celebrations this Saturday, November 16th, and came away ready to start my own tree trimming.
Hodge Podge, Markets of Monroe, Davis Street Antiques and Atl Dumpster Divas are pulling out the tinsel and making their shops sparkle to offer a day of fun for everyone. If these shops don't put you in the holiday spirit - well, Ba Humbug is all I can say to you!
Seriously, the shops are brimming with treasures. From vintage Santas, elves, ornaments, candy canes, feather trees, and decorations that make the senses spin like sugar spun candy. Yes, a bit poetic, but the shops are lovely and I can't wait to come back on Saturday to join in the fun.
And fun it will be. Each shop has free refreshments. The decorations are amazing. The antique and gift items will make you glad you thought to shop local and vintage.
Hodge Podge and its sister shop, Markets of Monroe, located at 132 East Church Street, will have free refreshments, a dealer ugly sweater contest for you to vote on, and dealer karaoke all day long in Hodge Podge.
Around the corner at 216 Davis Street, meet the dealers at Davis Street Antiques and enjoy finger food set up in the center of the shop.
Atl Dumpster Divas, a little further down the road at 700 South Broad Street, will serve free hot dogs, drinks and deserts. Scratch off tickets will accompany each purchase on Saturday, that offer 10-25% of your purchase.
I have bought and sold antiques for as long as I remember, it is a way of life and decorating for me. I love the new bright lights that shimmer in retail shops, but there is nothing to warm the heart more on a cold holiday night, then to look at decorations with a past that goes further back than my own.
My ideal Christmas tree may be green or silver, but underneath it, for my own pleasure, is a rusty red wagon filled with boxes of shiny brite ornaments, an antique teddy bear, worn and well loved, perhaps a shoe button eye is missing, a china head doll in her lace dress rests her head on his shoulder, and a plump old Santa doll is tucked in behind them. I wonder what child, what family treasured them and now they are mine, years later, memories linger from the past. I love being sentimental during the holiday season.
My taste may not be yours, but these shops are full of treasures that fit any taste and budget. Saturday is a great time to make new memories with your loved ones and join in the fun at these holiday open houses.
Check the events calendar for more information and maps to the shops. And keep checking back as other antique malls in the area will post their own holiday specials.
Monroe is an antique shopping hub for those in the know!