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

Je regret le francious, mais quand je peux l’utiliser? I have no idea if I got all that right, but basically, it’s my nod to French style after visiting Manor, on Bransford, and falling in love with their take on French style……and their lighting….and their prices!  I took 7 years of French and after seeing Julie and Julia, I’m trying to find ways to incorporate my learned, yet long lost language, into my life again.  A trip to Manor may make you fall in love with the French all over again as well.

$480 and comes with TWO lamp shades

I have had people stopping me for months telling me to stop by Manor, a home furnishing, accessories and lighting store found at 2823 Bransford Ave in Berry Hill. This goes for Elizabeth as well.  We were both constantly saying, “I’m going to try to get to Manor today” and then, with this crazy hectic Fall we are both having, we were never able to make it. However, a few days ago we BOTH made it there, independently of one another.  Seriously. I FINALLY make it there, with a recovering, but home from school 8 year old in hand (24 hour rule).  I walk in and introduce myself and Amy Smith, the owner, laughs and says, “You know, Elizabeth was JUST here.  You missed her by 15 minutes.”  Of course she was. Of course neither one of us had talked about going there that day.  Story of our blogging lives!  BUT, also typical for how we sometimes can’t catch a break, Elizabeth’s memory card was full so she couldn’t take pictures.  I arrived with my camera (with a charged battery as I’m sometimes known to leave my camera battery behind….).  You should have heard us gushing on the phone to each other when I finally left.  We are now both officially fans.

Silver Leaf Iron Lantern with Crystal Swag, $875

Manor is this very calm oasis in the midst of the heavily traveled Bransford Ave. Amy and her husband/ co-owner Earl Smith favor whites and neutrals and have a great eye for lighting.  Adding to the calm oasis are paintings by Mary Cummins displayed throughout store.  I had just finished the search for two chandeliers for my house when I visited, so I tell you from many months of searching, Manor needs to be in your top choices of stores to visit if you are looking for any type of lighting.  I mean, I love their pillows, daybeds, couches, and bags.  BUT, their lighting is jaw droppingly fabulous.  So, I think I need to just give you the rest of my pictures and let your eyes take it all in.  I think you will agree.  Oh- everything is 20% off this week if you have a Centerstone Card:

Estate Lantern, $300

Mosaic Pattern Metal Pendant, $895

Wrought Iron Lamp with Linen Shade, $450 each.

Glass Lamp with Painted Shade $500 each. Mary Cummins art leaned up on wall

Iron Round Funnel Lamp $290

Italian Chandelier $1200

I found this next picture of this deliciously funky chandelier, hanging in Manor Jan 2009, from a fun decorating blog, http://youvegottoseethis.myhomeideas.com/ Not only do I find this light so hip, I really want that console table…..I mean I REALLY need that console table. I will be heading there Monday morning to see if it is still there and I somehow missed it when I was in there a couple weeks ago. Isn’t that chandelier so cool?

unknown price

Hope you enjoyed these pictures and here to an illuminating day. (Yes, I know you just groaned with that one.)

• Manor
• 2823 Bransford Ave, 37204
• (615) 298-2885