Beat the Grinch and Make Merry in Berry Hill this Saturday

As I took a right onto Bransford Avenue, there was activity everywhere. A huge white tent was set up in front of a Curious Heart and merchants were bustling preparing for the holiday open houses.  And, in a show of support, all of the participating shop owners prominently displayed the open house posters in their windows.

Over 24 retailers are participating in the Making Merry in Berry Hill Holiday Open House this Saturday. I must tell you this is not a stop by and have some punch and cookies affair; this is a total ALL OUT PARTY.   The festivities kick off at 10AM with the Coco Bon Bon's Kids Fashion Show and ends at 6PM with a Jazz Quintet and Wine Tasting hosted by Robert Lipman Brothers-- all under the big white tent.  There are tons of musical activities throughout the day: everything from Swing bands, to Ballroom Dancing, to an Americana singer named Susan.  For the kids and fun-loving adults too, Hair Mafia will offer holiday hair painting and face painting.  The Piece of Cake Bakery will sponsor a cupcake decorating lesson and Santa will arrive at the  Pfunky Griddle at 1PM for pictures.  If your pooch feels left out, tell him or her not to fret because See Spot Eat will have a special Christmas for Doggies from 10-3PM.  By the way, there are 3 pet stores in Berry Hill so Bowser can have a darn good time all day long.

A couple of merchants on Franklin Rd decided Berry Hill's boundaries can extend outside of the 'hood and are offering some great specials: Fabric Gallery is having a 10-20% off sale and Melrose Neighborhood Pub will have drink specials featuring their new brews.

I couldn't wait to knock on the door of some of my favorite merchants to see what was cooking inside. Gilcrest & Gilcrest had brown paper on their windows to keep out suspicious types as Gilcrest & Gilcrest truly  wants to unveil their gorgeous wares in a dramatic way.  (By the way don't forget to pick up the holiday issue of Southern Living and see owner Genia Gilcrest's spectacular home.)

I did sneak in the back door of G&G to take some preview pictures that were allowed just for our readers. Genia takes shabby chic to the next level with a sophisticated eye for furniture and vintage collections.   After leaving Gilcrest & Gilcrest,  I stopped by Manor-- right next door.  Manor was also locked, but someone forgot to re-lock the door so I slipped in quite unassuming.  Once inside, I couldn't believe some of the gorgeous holiday items and displays.  Another daring shopper did the same and walked in and after a quick assessment said, "I'll take that  cabinet because I can't bear to see anyone else have it."  I kept wondering if it was some important country music type since it is CMA week.  I asked Earl, the owner, right after he wrote up the huge order, "Is CLOSED is the new OPEN?."  Let's face it,  you'd feel just a teensy weensy bit obligated to buy something after you barged in on the owner of a locked store.

Most importantly:  BOTH GILCREST & GILCREST  AND MANOR ARE OFFERING 20% OFF OF EVERYTHING -except items $10 and under THIS  SATURDAY. If that lady had just waited until Saturday.  But, I guess when you have to have it, you HAVE TO HAVE IT!

So let's take a look at the WONDERS behind the locked doors of Gilcrest and Gilcrest and Manor, again, for your eyes only (but feel free to forward to friends!)

At Gilcrest & Gilcrest, gorgeous chaise lounge with pillows, christmas tags and trees

Vintage Christmas tree waiting to be adorned with ornaments, sale price $250 @ Gilcrest

Gilcrest has an impressive collection of Florentine for the holidays

I love these icicles made from fossilized salt, large $7 and small $5

Please Santa, I want this handmade pillow at Manor with REAL metallic threads

Don't get your hopes up for the cabinet, but don't you love the snowflakes from Manor?

Manor has great holiday hostess gifts including these candle duets in holiday fragrances

Making Merry in Berry Hill

Saturday, November 14,

10A-5PM

Gilcrest & Gilcrest/Manor

2823 Bransford Avenue

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