Annie Selkie Has Done it Again!

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

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

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 ! ! !

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!

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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.

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

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"

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

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. . .

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

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. . .

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!

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. . .

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.