By Nanette Wiser
Deck the halls with local art and ornaments this season from local stores and Shopapalooza 11/25-26 10am-5pm. Madeira Beach has a cute city boutique with historical photos on the walls, festive t-shirts, and dozens of local artist-made ornaments with a beachy feel. Sign of the Dolphin, The Emporium and Corey Avenue boutiques feature ornament collections and décor big on nautical, beach vibe, mermaids, shells, and whimsy.
The St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce’s City Store at 100 2nd Ave. N celebrates its 8th birthday in November and showcases wares from local artists including ornaments from Allan Gutcher, Beach Puddles, Mungo Key’s tropical collection and Seaglass Ornaments. They started with 21 artists and now they feature 107 local talents. Stop by the shops at The Imagine Museum, Museum of Fine Arts, Museum of American Arts & Crafts and The Dali for one-of-a-kind holiday décor. For Hanukkah, Kwaanza and Christmas, downtown St. Pete’s Shapiro Gallery is the spot for artistic décor, gifts for the home and jewelry.
Shop local and spread cheer by visiting artists galleries for décor and gifts such as Duncan McClellan Gallery. Holidays are more than just a Christmas tree, pine, fir garlands and poinsettias. There are so many ways to transform your holiday home with winter greenery. Perhaps a garland of pothos plants on your mantel with simple candlesticks, hung with matching white and green stockings you’ve personalized with names and cross-stitched or felt cut-out plants. If space is tight, why not create a Charlie Brown-inspired tree out of a small houseplant and trimmed with tiny light strings and ornaments? Place your plants in a Santa or Hanukkah mug, holiday bowls or containers you find at the dollar stores or thrift shops. Recycle your ugly holiday sweater and hot glue it to a pot for a touch of whimsy.
Next, pick a holiday theme. Are you going Barbie, fairy pastel, blue ocean hues, farmhouse or classic with bright red and gold décor on your tree or room? Modern alternatives feature bright blue or blush pink ornaments against a flocked or white Christmas tree or a fully neutral or monochromatic palette against darker greenery. This year’s Pantone Color Viva Magenta works well with a mixture a metallics, gold, champagne and bronze combined with neutrals, royal blues, and forest greens. Create a holiday tableau that matches your passion. Do you collect wind-up toys, nutcrackers, or teddy bears? Dress them up and display creatively on your mantel and for your precious shells, spray paint them and create wreaths.