I Swore I Wouldn't

(click on pictures to enlarge)

I'm actually one of those people who has always hated when stores put out Christmas decorations before at least the middle of November.  I've always groaned and moaned when I walk into one of the big box stores and see Christmas trees up before Halloween has even taken place.  Or when I open my mailbox and see catalogs hocking their holiday wares long before we've even had Thanksgiving dinner....but...and it's a big but...

This year I can't wait to get started on my Christmas decorating!   I even blissfully wandered through the aisles at Walmart recently looking over their holiday decorations!   Gasp...could it be that I'm mellowing in my old age?!  I must admit that I think this might have a little something to do with my blogging...but whatever the reason I'm raring to go this year!

I've always been a independent retailer kind of girl.  There is something so wonderful and intimate about visiting the smaller stores, often filled with one of a kind items, and browsing around while chatting with the owners, many of whom are friends.  This week I was lucky enough to not only visit a shop, but to also photograph their lovely Christmas wares!

My dear friend and talented floral designer Doug Vogel invited me to tour the shop where he now works called Studio Three Flowers in La Plata, Maryland.  Doug started working there a few months back and when he invited me to come out and see the shop all decorated for their holiday open house this weekend, I couldn't pass up the opportunity!

Doug is a very talented floral designer, so when he said the shop looked beautiful I knew I would have my breath taken away, and I wasn't disappointed!  There were trees in every size and shape, each with a different theme, and all were beautifully and meticulously done by one of the owners, Anne Ford.

From the moment I stepped inside the door I was transported to a winter wonderland full of sparklies and shimmering pretties!  Anne and her husband David not only sell lovely fresh flower arrangements at their shop, but also a wonderful assortment of gifts and decor!

There were so many great things to look at that I had to do a few laps around the shop before I could even begin taking photographs.  The place is trimmed from head to toe in anticipation of their holiday open house entitled "Celebrate the Season" which will be held this Saturday, November 13th from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm.

There will be door prizes and plenty of inspiration, so if you live anywhere near La Plata, I encourage you to go!

Doug and his lovely wife Joan showed me around Studio Three pointing out all of the wonderful items for sale.  There really was something for everyone, and I had a hard time just snapping pictures and not grabbing everything in sight!

I loved these deer and think they would be perfect for the fall and the winter months, not just at Christmastime.

There were flocked trees trees simply adorned with bright red cardinals...

And pudgy little glass Santas with quirky little caps!  Crackled candlesticks topped with red berry garlands and chunky red pillar candles!

Anne Ford is the creative genius behind the beautiful trees scattered throughout the store.  She has worked tirelessly getting them ready for the open house this weekend and it shows!

This gold, green, and red tree was dressed to the nines, with elegant red silk roses and shimmering gold adornments.  And the best part is that everything you see on the trees is for sale, so you can recreate the look on your own tree at home!

These trees were all so beautifully done that I wouldn't be surprised if someone walks in this weekend and offers to purchase the entire tree to use in their own home!

I loved this pink fashionista inspired tree...

Check out this darling glass purse ornament.  Don't you just love the pink mixed with the zebra stripes...adorable!

And if the purse ornament wasn't cute enough...check out the leopard prints balls...meow!

Studio Three has so much more than just beautiful flowers and lovely Christmas items though, they also carry and array of gifts and home decor, like these cute little mini chandeliers.

Seasonal wreaths are always available, or you can have one custom made.  There are tiny tea sets, and even dolls for the child in all of us!

And check out this faux fur coat for that special little princess in your life...too cute!

They also carry an assortment of home fragrance products, including candles, and the always elegant Lampe Berger line!   

Studio Three also carries unique serveware and tasty treats which make wonderful hostess gifts, stocking stuffers, or thank you gifts for that special teacher.

And of course there are lots of things to give to yourself...you know, as a thank you gift for all you do each year! ;-)

Everywhere you turn there is inspiration...so much so that I'll be doing a second post to show you more photos since there were too many pictures to put into just one post!

I love the idea of adding a shear skirt to a fern stand to dress it up for the holidays.  And just look at that gorgeous silk floral arrangement...can't you just imagine that in your foyer to welcome holiday guests?!

I have a real thing for snowmen, and Studio Three has lots of cute little snow people to go around!  I love that you can keep snowmen out long after the Christmas tree comes down, and they always seem so happy and cheerful...something I can appreciate during those dreary winter months.

This icy tree was all dressed up in glittering white branches, sparkling glass garland, and puffs of white snow.  The darling snowmen that hung from the branches looked quite at home here...at least until the open house when they will be snatched up to go live at their new homes!

I will be doing a second post about Studio Three Flowers tomorrow, and showing you more beautiful things you can can purchase.  Anne and David are working on their website, so if you see something and can't visit their store, be sure to give them a call to see if they can ship it to you!

I will also have a special surprise giveaway in my second post...a lovely treat that I know you will all love!  And I'll also share with you a few things I picked up for myself...the dangers of doing photo shoots in stores! ;-)

Thanks so much to Doug Vogel and his wonderful wife Joan for telling me about Studio Three...and to Anne and David Ford for welcoming me into their shop!  I'm not a paid spokesperson for either Doug or Studio Three, I just love their work and want to share it with others!  So if you live in southern Maryland and you need beautiful flowers, or a special gift be sure to contact them!

Stay tuned...there's more to come!