Petals & Twigs: The Gift Shop That Keeps on Giving

Turning off Francis Road onto the driveway of the victorian home where Petals & Twigs is located, time suddenly slows down.

Mature trees surround this charming home that seems to welcome you as you drive around the back to park. Most guests will enter the New Lenox gift shop through the back entrance into one of the nine rooms that serve as showcases for the plethora of craft, jewelry, home decor, holiday and gift items.

Manager Jan Nemeth lights up when she speaks of the business and the charitable services it helps fund. 

The home, built in 1861, was purchased and completely restored in 1990 by Trinity Services, a nonprofit organization that helps people with special needs. Trinity bought the property to serve as larger space for the existing business that had outgrown its location on Trinity's main campus in Joliet.

All profits from items purchased at Petals & Twigs benefit people with disabilities through Trinity Services, which operates various small businesses that help it continue providing services and programs. Not only can you shop to your heart's content, but do so with a happy heart knowing that each purchase you make will go toward a good cause.

Employee Francie Aimone was working alongside Camille Cozzi last week. Cozzi is the talented woman behind the floral arrangements that adorn the walls and tables of the shop. She makes each one by hand and it shows through in the beauty of each and every piece.  

Winding through the hallways of the old home, a treasure trove of gift giving and home decorating possibilites, each room draws customers into the next.

Yankee Candles lined the walls of one room while another was holiday inspired. This season's choice? Halloween. Witches hats, caldrons and candy corn themed items that are sure to impress (or scare) the trick-or-treaters this year.

Another room was all about personal style, offering jewelry and handbags of all kinds. What appeared to be an old broom closet was transformed into a small cove to display even more items.

The home's kitchen is filled with the smell of freshly brewed coffee, and guests are invited to have a cup as they browse the large selection of gourmet food items which included coffee, tea, soups and more. Out back, there what looks like a small guest house. But Cozzi explained that it's what used to be a summer kitchen. People used to do their cooking away from the main living area to avoid the excess heat produced by baking and cooking. The summer kitchen is now used to house everything from sports memorabilia themed crafts to garden decor.

Getting involved in the community, Cozzi and Aimone touted the numerous special events put on by the business, such as the holiday show. For a complete list of special events, call or stop by the shop for a list and a truly unique shopping experience.