I am proud to announce that Faye Kommers is our one and only winner for the puzzle contest! Only one of our seven winners came in to the store on Thursday night — so all of you who missed the party, better luck next time . . .

Here are some shots from the party. Great food, great people and of course, lots of unique ideas for Christmas and beyond. . .

The kitchen apron has be long recognized as a symbol of domesticity. Traditionally worn to keep the housewife’s dress looking fresh and pretty, the apron was and integral part of the outfit. Today, the apron is back and is just as fashionable as always. These modern reproductions are festive, colorful and very feminine.

Designers and artisans nation-wide are remaking the apron, pairing modern and vintage fabrics and the result is irresistible.

“The apron is experiencing a revival, an amalgam of feminism, femininity and function. While the apron has been around as long as soup has sloshed, it moved from drab broadcloth to a cross-stitched sash of domestic honor in the 1950s,” says Kim Ode, writer for the Minneapolis Star Tribune, posted Wed Jan 7 2009

With the current trend toward casual home entertaining, these flouncy aprons make the perfect hostess outfit. (Some even consider them a jean cover-up!) More stylish than functional, an apron is now acquired as a mainstay of a woman’s wardrobe. The apron makes an easy and fun throw-on for your next party.

HeyDay is always fully stocked with adult half and full and children’s half and full aprons to support this revival.  Shoppers can choose from various styles and fabrics to find the perfect aprons for their next at-home entertaining event!

• Select and organize your basic pieces. Choose some solids in neutral colors that can be used as the foundation of your tables and build from there. You should include tablecloths in various sizes, table runners and napkins.
• Think outside the box when selecting interesting layers for the table. How about a pretty throw blanket or a jute floor runner to set the scene?
• Think about all angles of the table. Placemats can be draped over the edge to give dimension to the table or napkins can be unfolded to add color to the place setting.
• Make sure the height of your centerpiece allows your guests to easily see each other as they dine. Think about putting together odd numbers like three small vases or five pillar candles or a variety of votive candles spread all over the table.
• Make it personal. Put out the dishes you love. Use your grandmother’s silver. Your guests will feel special and will love to hear the history of your table. You can make it a casual affair by mixing and matching.

Mercury glass has made a comeback! It is actually clear glass that doesn’t contain mercury or silver at all. The glass is double-walled and filled with a silver-like substance that is poured through a small hole and then sealed. The silver substance gives the glass its provocative appearance.

First discovered in Germany, mercury glass has been around for almost two hundred years. It was touted as an inexpensive substitute for silver and therefore popular as candlesticks, bowls and vases.

These days, designers are making reproductions using the sparkly, antiqued glass to create Christmas tree ornaments and holiday decorations in addition to the traditional household items.

The glass is an elegant way to bring a little of the old country feel to the holidays!