AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler
A bit disappointed that Park Plaza will not be holding it’s annual holiday celebration this year, Park Home owners Heather and Scott Summers went all out with beautiful decorations to make their store as warm and welcoming as possible.
From the moment Tuesday’s mask-wearing shoppers caught sight of the antique sleigh filled with Merry Christmas pillows, the modernistic tree decorated with collectible Christmas balls or the gorgeous grapevine wreaths surrounded by baskets of grape and eucalyptus stems, their spirits were lifted and their imaginations fully engaged.
Shoppers were fascinated by the unusual Christmas ornaments on the tree . And, the grapevine wreath display was quite a draw.
“Though artificial, the grapevine wreaths and stems from our floral collection are extremely realistic,” Heather said. “The stems arre perfect to use for wreaths or arrangements in any of our pale blue vases if you don’t have access to evergreens. That deep blue/purple hue is popular this year.”
Home accessories that would make great gifts abounded throughout the store.
Just beyond Park Home, The Wild Bird Center was transitioning from autumn to the holiday season with many Christmas-themed gifts for pets already appearing.
Directly across from The Wild Bird Center, a burly bear dubbed “Santa’s Helper” was welcoming shoppers to the cozy environs of The Cottage.
Stepping through the door was like walking into a kitchen where bread was baking…….. cozy. A sign by the door reminded everyone to shop early, shop safe by wearing masks, and #ShopLocal. Nearby, The Cottage’s selection of robes, pajamas and slippers by Vera Bradley, Uggs and Faceplant attracted just about everyone.
A sign near the door wishes shoppers a happy, holiday and reminds them to shop safe. 
The Cottage’s selection of Vera Bradley, Uggs and Faceplant PJ’s, robes and slippers is great.
Owner Sue Gautier was on hand Tuesday to personally greet and chat with customers. She’s pleased that her business is doing well going into the Christmas season.
“We’re hangin’ in there,” she said. “We’re very thankful for our loyal local customers. They’ve supported us all along on our website and now they’re coming by to shop in person. We didn’t even have a website before COVID but its been good for us. To follow current guidelines, we must be careful about how many people can be inside at one time, By having the website, we can still offer online service…especially for those who most need to stay safe.”
Ceramic angels bade welcome to shoppers at Side Street Framers & Gift Gallery along with co-owner Dawn Wilson who was on hand to welcome them personally.
Wilson loved showing off the work of local artisans like pretty sea glass earrings by Cathy Kelly, clever wire jewelry by Jessica Graves, or amazing glass ornaments by Terri Hechler that featured miniaturized images of vintage trucks, seashells or blue crabs. Long involved with Park Plaza Christmas celebrations and with Severna Park’s #ShopLocal efforts, she believes purchasing an item from a local artist or crafter is, in essence, helping a neighbor.
Wilson said Side Street Framers took special pains this year to stock multiple shipments of refillable “lifetime candles”. They’re always popular at holiday time and seem to sell out year after year.
Next door to Side Street Framers, Franklin Toys was pleased to be doing well. Business picked up considerably since the lock-down ended and sales were brisk. They’d even sold out of 2020’s most popular toy – a robotic hand. From holiday ornaments to plush Santas or penguins, crafts and games of all kinds, fanciful dress-up togs for budding princes or princesses, and 1,000-piece puzzles, there is something to please “kids of all ages”.
Leaving Park Plaza by car, shoppers had to go merely a block to enter the Christmas wonderland at Homestead Gardens Severna Park at the corner of Ritchie Highway and Baltimore Annapolis Boulevard. There is so much to do, see and buy that shoppers can easily spend an hour shopping.
From forests of sparkly trees, red and white poinsettias and deeply green hollies to…..
……photo ops with reindeer and elves and a very lifelike Santa, there is something for everyone.
According to general manager Heidi Tyler and hardgoods manager Steph Stowell, when Homestead Gardens learned they couldn’t have a live Santa due to virus restrictions, they brought in a dozen elves and a reindeer they posed in front of Santa’s workshop and are inviting customers to use the Christmas village as a backdrop for individual or family photos. They also brought in a lifelike model of the jolly old elf complete with reindeer and Christmas tree – again, the perfect setting for a photo.
Just around the corner, Kirsten’s Cakery was still preparing Thanksgiving orders but was already thinking about the cakes, cookies and pies they’ll be making for the holiday season boom. Among new dessert items Kirsten and her talented staff of bakers recently added are mini-cheesecake tarts with red and white striped toppings that are both delicious and festive enough for the Christmas table.
Neighbor Savvy Consignment was particularly busy Tuesday. In fact, they’d just sold two sofas according to owner Stacey Cassidy. People were shopping for gifts but also for clothing and items to spruce up their homes for the holidays. They were also shopping for gift certificates. A sign in Savvy’s window says it all.
Almost all local retailers are offering gift certificates including Savvy’s neighbors across B&A Boulevard – The Big Bean with its special blends of coffee and Blended Essentials with candle making classes, soaps, scented oils, candles and more.
There are several additional retail shops favored by Severna Park shoppers that are beyond the town’s borders. Though a little out of the way, Whimsicality – an upscale gift shop and destination store for Scout bags and coolers – is located at 1350 Cape St. Claire Road.
Whimsicality owner Tricia Hylind notes that the shop carries Nordic Beach fashions, jewelry, scarves and, for the holiday season, lots of whimsical ornaments, greeting cards, gift bags and even candy.
Can’t leave out Cakes & Confections at 342 Ritchie Highway. Locals just love Chef Michael Brown’s marvelous holiday yule logs, Christmas cookies and homemade pies. These are just some of the businesses doing their best to spread Christmas cheer. They hope you’ll keep the small business community healthy by #ShoppingLocal.
