ORNAMENT HOME & GARDEN STORE

Annie Selkie Has Done it Again!

2012-02-15T14:17:00.001-05:00

We've just received the new Dash and Albert Rug Catalog, and they've added some really great new colors and textures for their 2012 collection. One of the new additions is the Rope Collection, which is an Indoor/Outdoor rug, single color (no pattern) with the texture of rope. It comes in six colors. They also are running the stripes across in some of the new rugs, instead of the length of the rug. Great look and concept.

Here are some new colors, and all I can say is WOW! Just what we need to see for spring.

From traditional to contemporary, this company has something for everyone; bold colors, muted Swedish style, soft colors with today's rooms in mind. They offer Indoor/Outdoor, hooked, cotton, and wool varieties. Perfect!

Just Back from Market

2012-02-03T17:24:00.000-05:00

Well, Erin and I have just returned from Market in NYC. We saw so many wonderful new designs, colors, and garden ornaments. Oh, I can't wait for the weather to change and have spring in the air. Pantone, the color wheel company, has declared that orange/tangerine is the 2012 color and it was evident while we were there. There was a lot of deeper color for the upcoming season. Of course, there was still the neutrals that are so popular now, and that I LOVE.

Neutrals against a plum wall

Our spring orders will be arriving later this month, and I can't wait. You'll start to see new garden pots, plants, and accessories coming in first. It seems that we are craving those things right now.

All Things French

2011-04-07T12:41:00.004-05:00

Yes, I am enamored of all things french these days. To tell the truth, it's probably been a couple of years now that I have scoured french decorating books & magazines, for the beauty of that neutral room full of texture; linen, rattan, rough wood on beams and furniture, and grain sack pillows. All of this is on my mind lately as my daughter, Erin, and I are selling at Brimfield in May for the first time. We have bought there for years, but this is the first experience of renting a space and tent. We are in the New England Motel field, which opens on Wednesday at 6:00 am! My vision for our tent is all things french, things with a french flair, etc. Oh, I can't wait. I have been hoarding furniture and accessories all winter for this big week. Please stop by to say hi if you're going to this fabulous show.

Rain Today, Spring Tomorrow ! ! !

2011-03-16T15:40:00.003-05:00

Spring arrives this weekend! I for one can hardly wait; robins on the lawns, crocuses pushing their way out of the dirt, warmer and longer days. Soon it will be time to start thinking about our gardens and all the wonderful life that will abound around us. I've just gotten back from displaying at The Portland Flower Show, and it was so inspirational to see the gardens in bloom. I'm ready ~ thus the store is filling up with all the gardening goods that you can imagine. Come in to see the promise Spring. . .

Yes, It's Fall!

2010-10-12T11:46:00.006-05:00

It's Fall, and we have a lot going on in Maine's Cool Little City! We've just finished our Autumnfest celebration in Bath ~ the weather cooperated and there were a lot of participants at each of the events. It is a great way to get out on these beautiful days and enjoy this season of mums, pumpkins and scarecrows. And, before we know it Early Bird will be here. This year it is scheduled for Saturday, November 6th, bright and early. . . remember the early bird gets the discounts (and the donuts!).

Also, in response to our customers needs, we have Passionflower Farm joining us in our space this month. Kathe Mickunas will have a space inside Ornament at 11 Centre Street-Bath, Maine, and will be bringing fresh cut flowers, natural floral design and beautiful plants to downtown Bath. We are so excited about this fabulous news. Please come in and say hi to Kathe.

Have a great season.

Ornament Bags with Benefits Club

2010-08-17T12:55:00.003-05:00

We are very excited to be launching a new store program that will make a positive impact both in the community and on the environment with our Bags with Benefits Club.

When you purchase an Ornament Jute Tote Bag for $15.00, 50% of the sale ($7.50) will be donated to a local non-profit organization. The first non-profit to be chosen is the Coastal Humane Society. It seemed appropriate as the launch will take place during Bath's Dog Days of Summer Event on August 22nd. The beneficiary of the program will change periodically, so as to benefit a number of organizations each year.

Here's how the Club works:

1. You'll receive special savings in the store each month when you shop with your tote bag. We'll let you know what the special is so that you don't miss it!

2. You'll make a positive impact in our community and give back to organizations that are in need and improve our way of living.

3. You'll help the environment every time you shop with your eco friendly jute tote bag, made from a natural hemp plant fiber.

Really, how can you lose? Come visit us in our booth on Front Street in Bath, Sunday, August 22nd from noon to 4:00 pm. You'll be able to buy a bag, then use it for the first store special.

Miel de DayBreak Manor

2010-07-09T16:29:00.003-05:00

Are you a honey lover? Even if you aren't, you really must try DayBreak Manor honey from Wiscasset, Maine. It is an artisan honey that is harvested and packaged in the European way with no heat process, therefore it is naturally opaque. We sell it here at Ornament, and customers use it in their tea, spread it on bread, drizzle it over cheddar cheese, as well as use it in cooking and baking or for giving as a gift. I prefer to 'slather' mine on a toasted english muffin as a treat. Yum! It was highlighted in the June issue of Country Living Magazine as one of their choices for Best Honey. Make sure to try some soon. . .

Dash and Albert Rugs - Perfect!

2010-04-02T11:49:00.007-05:00

It's that wonderful time of year again, Spring, full of promise, buds and mud! We do love it though. I'm sure you've seen our Dash and Albert rug line ~ if not in the store than you've probably seen them displayed in dozens of home/design magazines over the last year. They are available in a range of colors and patterns and are very affordable and perfect for this season . The most popular designs for this time of year and through the summer are the cotton, and polypropylene (indoor/outdoor). I have them in my kitchen as they are easy to wash and great for high traffic areas. They are designed with pets and kids in mind and are perfect for cottages and summer homes.

If you'd like to see their website, visit dashandalbert.com . The company is in Massachusetts, and we can order and ship any rug, bag or throw directly to you. Call us for further information ~ 207.442.6636

Enjoy this great weather!

Ah, The Promise of Spring in Maine

2010-03-17T13:23:00.008-05:00

Well, Spring doesn't officially arrive until this Saturday, but you wouldn't know it. For the past two days, the sun has been shining and our temperature has been at or very close to 60 degrees! I for one am holding my breath that Winter is over and any chance of snow is behind us . . . People are out walking without heavy winter coats on and almost jumping up and down with anticipation. Gardeners have been in the store looking for something to add to their homes that will look the way they feel. It is a very exciting time of year.

This week, we have beautiful, fragrant potted hyacinth available and our fine French Daybreak Manor hand blown eggs are here for your Easter table. Other recent arrivals include Hillhouse Naturals Fresh Linen home spray and body products, and Matelasse coverlets in pretty colors. We have many Spring shipments arriving each week, so be sure to check back or come in and see us.

February ~ The Month of Love

2010-02-05T14:33:00.003-05:00

Hearts and chocolate seem to be the symbols of love on Valentine's Day. And why not? Almost every woman I know loves chocolate, almost to the point of obsession! Which surely must of prompted this quote "Men cannot live on chocolate alone, but women sure can." (author unknown, but obviously a woman) It makes me smile when I read it. I've even been in work situations when a chocolate bar has been delivered to me, apparently to 'de-stress' me. . . Of course, it worked. It's just a fact that women adore chocolate.

For this Valentine's Day, we brought in the book; Chocolate Indulgences, and even some beautifully boxed decadently sweet scented chocolate lip glosses. She'll love either of them. We also have beautifully handmade cards for the perfect sentiment.

Make sure your love is shown on February 14th!

Back From Market - The Buzz

2010-01-14T14:00:00.005-05:00

We've just spent five days at AmericasMart in Atlanta, the first Market of the year. There is so much to see; new merchandise, displays, and plenty of inspiration for 2010. The buzz: nature inspired colors and patterns, the return of vibrant colors, gray and taupe are the new neutrals, an easier more livable style approach (the new casual), organic shapes and materials, texturized options on everything, and of course livable sustainability. It's not out of the norm to be Green anymore. And area rugs have become the interior's newest art form. You can add spice, or subtlety with them.

We wrote piles of orders! And the ship dates are varied between now and Memorial Day for new furniture, lamps, decorative accessories, bedding, jewelry, and shoe clips. . . Yes, they will be a fun new accessory that you can clip on to shoes or flipflops that can change the look and color of your outfit. Fun, fun, fun ~ make sure to come in and see them. They will be here before Valentine's Day.

Come in to see what's arriving, and to say hi. We had fun on our trip, and we want to pass that along. . .

Keep The Home Fires Burning.

2010-01-06T12:07:00.003-05:00

Happy New Year! What a great holiday season it was, with shoppers again excited about all that it brings; buying gifts for loved ones, and perhaps visiting Bath ~ our lovely little city ~ for the first time. It was bustling.

Now we go into the deep winter season for several months, so keep those home fires burning. With the recent return of a significant amount of snow, it's easy to go into a hibernation mode. But don't succumb, as this is the time to keep moving, be social, get some exercise (take a walk on a sunny day), visit friends, and attend events that take place in your town. Every town has them! Our next event in Bath is the return of Bath Blarney Days, obviously set around St. Patrick's Day. . . What fun. Do you have something green to wear?

As for the store, we are currently having our Winter Sale. Everything in the store is on sale, yes, it's true. We are getting ready to go to Market in Atlanta, and want to have space for new merchandise when it starts to arrive. So come visit this month, we'd love to see you.

All That Glitters

2009-11-30T14:57:00.007-05:00

Tis the season for sparkle and glitter! We love anything shiny this time of year, almost like a Magpie for her nest. We've decorated the store as we had our Holiday Open House last weekend. It was fun, and the store was full of people getting ideas and buying gifts for their loved ones. Of course they were also buying the glittery, eye catching decorations for their nests.

Next, I'll move on the my own house. We'll get the tree this weekend, and I've been thinking (okay, maybe obsessing is the right word) about the other decorations for this season. Every year I try to add something new, or change something so it's not exactly the same as the previous year. This causes angst for my grown children however, who seem to think everything has to be the same for their whole life! Tradition and all that. They just don't realize yet that when you are a decorator at heart, things have to change all the time. . .

Also, Paperwhites and Amarylis are everywhere, along with fresh greens. Every container I can get my hands on will be filled with something appropriate, along with a "Charlie Brown" Christmas Tree at the front door to welcome guests.

It's a month of sights, smells and excitement; mull some cider, bake some cookies, have fun shopping, and enjoy all that is merry and bright.

Happy Holidays!

"Our Favorite Things"

2009-11-12T13:21:00.003-05:00

We are surprised and thrilled to be included in the December issue of DownEast Magazine's Our Favorite Things article. They have listed approximately twenty-five stores across Maine that they consider unique, and where you can buy a piece of Maine to put under the tree this holiday season. WOW, pardon my enthusiasm, but this is very exciting for us to be included. I consider that we are in very good company with the others listed, too.

By the way, it wasn't just positive for Ornament, but for the town of Bath as well. The article about us starts "As if you needed another reason to get off Route 1 and stroll Bath's delightful brick sidewalks . . ." Yes, please do stroll Bath's sidewalks ~ celebrate the season with us!

Fabulous Fall Fun

2009-10-03T10:25:00.004-05:00

Yes, it's fall - that time of year that can be magnificent if you let it. I'm one of those hold outs for summer though. Meaning, I wear flip flops until October and resist Mums until late September. Just can't seem to let go as easily as some people can. We have had an absolutely wonderful September, and now that the leaves are almost at their peak, I've put on closed toe shoes and am starting to nest. Oh, the other change is the way we cook; macaroni & cheese, soups and stews, and more heavy dinners. Are we like the birds and squirrels, storing up for the long winter?

Think about bringing these fall nesting necessities into your home:

-Candles - yes we light more this time of year!

-Rich colored placemats and napkins. . .

-Indoor herbs to cook with all through the season.

-Wool hooked rugs in beautiful colors.

Do you need to have a few hostess gifts on hand? We have pear and gourd candles that make great give aways, and don't forget that Halloween is coming. Decorate your pumpkin with Pumpkin Bling (oooh, fun), and our Spirited Coasters would be fun for your party!

Have fun this fall. . .

Back From Brimfield, Again. . .

2009-09-13T11:06:00.007-05:00

We've just returned from another great trip to the acres and acres of fields full of antiques in Brimfield, MA. If you've never been, it is one of those places that can be a little overwhelming if you let it, but is absolutely one of the best places to find anything your heart desires! This time we wanted to get into a specific field that opens on Wednesday, so we spent two nights and days filling up the big truck that we took. The chair that you see in this photo was the cause of the second day. . . Yes, I spied two of them from the road - but was barred from entering until the next morning. As the line forms at 5:30 a.m. for this particular field, we were there before dawn. Once the gate opened, we literally raced to this fabulous pair of reupholstered vintage club chairs and made the purchase on the spot. Don't they go great with the Zebra Dash and Albert rug?

The truck was full with wonderful finds for the store, and for a couple of customers who were looking for specific items. Another great trip.

Summer Fun at Ornament

2009-08-17T11:37:00.011-05:00

Last week we held our 2nd successful Girl's Night Out. A portion of all sales for the day goes to breast cancer research, so not only do we have fun, eat sushi, and drink wine, it's also a very worthwhile event.

Thanks to all the customers who attended, and to Erin and Casey!

Cheese, crackers, fruit, artichoke tapenade with baguette, sushi, saki, and wine!

Lazy, Hazy, Crazy Days of Summer. . .

2009-08-08T14:13:00.006-05:00

Oh these August days and nights. You can almost feel a slight change in the evening air as it gets a little cooler - and oh those beautiful, perfect days. The beaches are finally full of people, the sailboats are out with full sails, the lobster docks are busy, and town is hopping with tourists! We're in those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer.

Summer decorating is best when it is laid back and comfortable. We continue to have beautiful seasonal merchandise; pillows with lobsters, anchors, shells and starfish, iron mermaids, hurricanes and candles, summer inspired linens in bright funky colors, and some new soaps for that guest bath. Add a new Dash & Albert rug that is full of color in front of your sink for a little change. We have several in stock, or we can order one for you.

Enjoy the next few weeks, and we hope to see you soon!

Brimfield or Bust!

2009-07-13T13:39:00.003-05:00

We are just about half way through July now (Erin's birthday is the 15th, which is always the indicator), hoping that we'll see a lot more sunny weather here in Maine. We really need it as do the flowers and vegetables. I'm not sure that we'll see any tomatoes on our home plants this year. . . Heritage Days in Bath were great, and brought crowds of people to town, and we are seeing a lot of vacationing families. The merchants are happy.

The middle of July also means another trip to Brimfield. Yippee, a road trip! Our vintage furniture pieces have flown out of the shop to cottages and summer homes. They have so much character, history and are a great value. It's also nice to recycle and reuse. We're taking a truck with trailer, which is always a challenge (especially for Erin, as she drives). We'll be back with merchandise in 'hand' on Wednesday, so come and see what we find.

Ahhh, Summer in Maine. . .

2009-05-29T12:31:00.009-05:00

Okay, I am pushing it just a little. Summer doesn't officially arrive until June 21st, which is also Father's Day this year, but I always feel as though it's summer once June is here. The gardens are starting to look beautiful, lupine starts to appear, the lilacs are in full bloom, and the lawn has been mowed several times by now! Oh yes, I did forget those little flying bugs.

We are lucky indeed to live on the coast of Maine.

Here are some of our favorite things this summer . . .

Flip-flops (get that pedicure and let your toes sing). We'll be carrying OKAb flip-flops; pretty styles and colors.
Colorful Bangles on bare arms.
Seals sunning themselves on the rocks between Georgetown and Southport.
Strawberry Rhubarb pie (I've made two).
Colorful Dash & Albert rugs underfoot.
Displaying shells in pretty jars.
Vance Kittera candles in lovely pastel shades.
Cut flowers from the garden in vases.
A pretty pashmina over my shoulders in the evening (arriving soon).
New summer pillows on the deck chairs.
And of course, Lobster on the dock at Five Islands!

Thank goodness we live in Maine.

Brimfield Shopping Trip

2009-05-15T11:08:00.005-05:00

We've just returned from a wonderful time in Brimfield. For those of you who haven't been, there are about 5000 dealers on field after field for a one mile stretch. You can find almost anything there, and certainly a lot of things that you've never seen before! Erin and I started our trip by picking up a 16 foot rental truck on Monday afternoon, and making our way to Brimfield that evening. We wanted to get there on Monday so that we could get up at the crack of dawn the next morning and start shopping. Fun, fun, fun. . . It's tiring, and a long day but we filled the truck and arrived back in Bath by 11:00 p.m.

We bought mostly "cottagy" type furniture and decoratives since summer is almost here and customers will be opening up their cottages. It's all in the shop and ready for Memorial Day weekend. Let the season begin!

Girl's Night Out

2009-04-30T11:13:00.002-05:00

Wow, our first Girl's Night Out was a success! We got the store ready for 'company', put out the food and wine, and entertained our friends and customers. Erin took the day to make sushi which was beautifully presented (forgot to take photos) and was a great hit, and paired it with Saki. . . Oh yes, sushi, saki, wine, cheese, fruit kabobs, and chocolate mini cupcakes (what's a party for women if there's no chocolate?). It was fun. A portion of each sale was to be donated to the Susan G. Komen For the Cure fund, and there were even some additional personal donations added to it. Thanks for coming.

I think we've decided to do it again sometime during the summer, so stay tuned. . .

Saving our Brick and Mortars!

2009-04-07T11:41:00.004-05:00

It's no secret to any of you that times are tough! We've all been listening to the media tell us for months just how bad things are. In fact, some of the words often used are "crisis, bleeding, crash", and others of equal bleakness. This isn't to say that we don't have some big issues in this country, but is this really the way we should be dealing with them, by constantly telling everyone that will listen "just how bleak the outlook really is"? No, I don't think so.

I've just read about The 3/50 Project and am very excited about it. Basically, The 3/50 Project is built on a simple concept - consumer loyalty to independent storefront businesses equals stronger local economies.

Pick 3. Spend 50. Save your local economy:

1. Pick three locally owned stores you'd miss if they disappeared, then return to them. Say hello. Pick up a little something that will make someone smile. Those purchases are what keeps those businesses around.

2. If just half the employed US population committed to spending $50 in locally owned stores each month, it would generate more than $42.6 billion in revenue. Imagine what would happen if 3/4 of them did that.

3. For every $100 spent in locally owned stores, $68 returns to the local economy through payroll taxes, property taxes, sales tax, payroll, and other business related expendatures. When purchasing from a chain or franchise, that amount drops to $42; if it's spent online, nothing comes home.

I grew up in Bath, and remember when there wasn't much here to choose from for shopping. We've come along way in the past fifteen or so years, and I think we'd all like to keep it that way. If you can, spend a minimum of $50 a month between your favorite three stores...you'll be surprised how far it goes in your community!

Thank you for supporting Bath businesses! We all appreciate it.

Spring Has Arrived

2009-03-20T11:27:00.007-05:00

The sun is shining and spring is in the air! The first day of spring brings the anticipation of flowers and hopefully, not too many showers! Although the snow is not completely gone, it's almost time to think about our gardens. In the upcoming weeks we are expecting to have some fun new gardening items and potted flowers as medicine for our spring fever!!

One way to bring the smell of spring into your home is with our fabulous Seda France candles. In addition to our already popular scents we decided to bring in a few more to tantalize your senses! As seen on the "O" list in Oprah's Magazine, these beautifully packaged candles make great gifts for anyone in need of a charming and heaven-scented lift... oooh la la....

Another way to bring the new season into your home is to add some new, brightly colored pillows to your sofa or sun room. What a difference they can make.

As promised, our spring shipments have started to arrive.

The Urge to Nest

2009-02-24T14:25:00.003-05:00

I have a tendency to be drawn to beautiful things, and for most of us the urge to nest is strong - especially in times of uncertainty. We may have decided to stay home more of the time, or eat in instead of going out tonight. Whatever the reason, we feel a little better when our homes are more comfortable.

It is very easy to change your "nest" to suit a season or an urge. You can always buy something new, but most of us have pieces both small and large, that have been collected over the years and may be put away for one reason or another. If you are ready for a change, it may be time to go to your stash and be inspired.

This time of year it is easy to be inspired by something that helps you feel like Spring. It's not that far away, less than a month so bring in some color with new pillows or a throw, or a flowering plant like Primrose, and make sure to replace that holiday wreath on the door with a Maine Made Alder Wreath. We just had some delivered by a Maine craftsman.

As we dig out from the last snow storm and the electricity returns I find that I need the feeling of Spring so much we've decided to close for a week so I can visit my Mom in Florida. But when we return, there will be new pillows and other Spring and garden related pieces arriving. We'd love to see you.

Valentine's Day ~ February 14th

2009-02-04T10:57:00.002-05:00

Ah, the day of Love. Celebrated in several countries with romantic gifts, flowers or confection, it seems that most of us do have a romantic side and want to give and/or receive something on Valentine's Day. Traditional symbols of this day include hearts, doves, cupid and love notes. Over the years I have collected vintage cards, and framed them. Happily I found some beautiful postcards for the store that were created to look like postcards from the early 1900's - they have glitter highlights. I'm sending one to my mother, and hopefully it will evoke wonderful memories from earlier days. Valentine greetings were popular as far back as the Middle Ages. Send them to anyone, it's sure to make them smile.

We also have pretty teapots, jute pillows with Love or Amour embroidered on them, napkins, dishtowels, and little herb gardens for your windowsill. Check out our accessories and gifts for yourself, and enjoy this special day!

Winter Doldrums

2009-01-24T11:59:00.001-05:00

It's almost the end of January and it seems as though we all have the Winter Doldrums! Even though the snow is beautiful, especially when it's fresh, we feel as though we've seen enough. The gardeners among us (me included) are just itching to be outside and get our hands in the dirt, but for now, we will have to settle with bringing plants and flowers inside the house.

If you want to plant something that you can watch for several weeks think about paperwhites. They aren't just for the holiday season. Plant them in dirt, or lay them on top of small stones in water and you will be happy seeing them grow and bloom. I have planted several in a vintage birdbath. Yes, most of us have birdbaths that have been put away for the winter. All you need to do for the look in this photo is bring it inside and put the bulbs in some dirt - voila, in a few weeks you'll have a burst of flowers and fragrance. These are in the store window, and I notice that everyone walking by stops to look and enjoy. If paperwhites aren't your thing, buy some tulips or other cut flowers and delight in their beauty.

Happy winter gardening. . .

Wow, It's Been A Year!

2009-01-19T14:41:00.000-05:00

Yes, we've been open over a year now and it's been great! I finally feel like I can say that I have some experience as a shopkeeper. It's been great fun meeting new people that come into the shop, taking buying trips, displaying and merchandising the products that we find. My daughter Erin helps alot, and we've just returned from a trip to America's Mart, the huge Market in Atlanta. I'm not sure that I'll go back to NY after seeing this show. We saw, and bought some really beautiful things for the upcoming season. Can't wait to start getting those deliveries! Stay tuned. . .

A Longtime Dream

2008-03-17T14:02:00.000-05:00

Ornament opened in October 2007 and is a feast for the eyes and senses. The shop combines a delectable mix of vintage and new furniture, along with lighting, rugs, and decorative accessories for home, garden and you. Among the items you'll find for yourself are jewelry, Margaret Smith Handbags from Gardiner, and Lepi de Provence French Bath Products, along side beautiful shell mirrors which are made in Maine, Chandler Collection bedding and shower curtains, garden pots and topiary, Currey & Company table lamps and chandeliers, Taylor Scott slipcovered furniture, and Dash & Albert rugs.

Born from years of chasing those fun and quirky finds, I wanted to open a store (a longtime dream) that would include the wide mix of pieces that we all want in our homes. It's all about finding the treasures; those one-of-a-kind vintage pieces to add to the new furniture that we all live with, and then putting it all together for a beautiful, interesting and unique living space.