Winter 2020 - Holiday Issue
The Duck Bill Holiday Issue,
November 3rd, 2020
When I purchased the Town Duck in March of this year, I understood that there would be many changes that impacted not just my (but also our family’s) daily life. Change in routine, change in commitments and obligations. Change in wake-up call and evening bedtimes (read: I now go to bed far later and rise earlier!), and an overall shift in how we do life. And that was all before the initial wave of Covid, which has added a palpable layer of change to all our lives.
One of the things I felt important to maintain for myself, however, was the ability to continue to teach yoga a few times a week. While I have not made the time for my own individual daily practice, the benefit I receive from spending an hour with community has been essential and necessary. To my class of one this Thursday (yes, even yoga looks so different these days), I thought “what can I say? What does setting an intention even look like now?” The overwhelming sense of new normal and frequent pivots to adjust and adapt can make even the most optimistic and energetic individual plain wary. So, here’s what I said to my friend and student that morning: “Let us just focus on being resilient. Resilient on and off the mat. Let us catch our breath, put one foot in front of the next and be gentle with ourselves—for we are all in this and just doing the best we can. “
As I see it, there is resilience all around us. I get to unlock the shop door each morning, work with vendors and representatives who, too, have had to completely shift and pivot the way they do business. I get to lose a little bit of sleep over whether the much-anticipated Ginger Snaps will arrive in time (if at all) this year (THEY DID!) I even got to sit down with our dear Annette this week and talk shop. I am happy that so much of the Christmas cheer that Annette delivered in years past has already arrived (did you know that she and I collaborated 100% on the food order?) If there’s one thing we can deliver in the weeks to come, it is the comfort of some familiarity at The Town Duck---so with no further ado….SOME of the holiday line-up!
Villa Jolanda Holiday Prosecco with its 2020 vignette is beautiful and our glittery Champagne ornaments will take these bubbles right to gift status. Several new and delicious Thanksgiving Rieslings are also in. We would love to help you find the right one for your menu. Champagne is also great to have on hand as we head into this season. Several choices in all price points available.
Nyakers Ginger Snaps in the traditional red and blue tins, Mozartkugeln Chocolates, Lebkuchen, Stollen, Marzipan, Mincemeat Pies, Boubols, truffles just to name a few are part of our sweet table as you enter the store. If I have not listed it, ask. Advent Calendars in three varieties including a luxe Mozart Kugel delight each day—this is a gift to your favorite chocolate lover and totally worth the splurge! We have Silly Cow Hot Cocoa (a favorite in our house) in several flavors and Ritter chocolate bars with hazelnut, caramel, peppermint….
If you have been in the shop, you will know I used some faux boxwood to spruce up some of the displays. I really like Mills’ Floral Company in Georgia and have some great faux wreaths in boxwood and magnolia. Also candle rings for your table with pretty holiday and miniature boxwood kissing balls.
Caspari Christmas cards (get a head start!) are here as are Advent and Hanukkah candles. We received a large order from our candle company in an array of fun colors…12” tapers in addition to classic white and ivory in 7”. Speaking of Caspari, we have holiday poppers in so many fun patterns and themes--instant table elevation.
New coffee table books for every reader from cooking and wine to garden and home design. Our paper and desktop section has grown as well and picture frames in all sizes are perfect for décor and gifts.
Totally Bamboo brightly colored mixing spoons, appetizer and cheese spreaders and spatulas are back in stock. Love their Moroccan, Marrakech and Mykonos influence with a price point you can’t beat.
You’ve probably noticed the Katharine Barnwell art on Town Duck social media—her stand alone fire screens and holiday wreaths are truly piece of art.
The French Rance soaps are in and we have a robust selection. I have received these sets as gifts past and I adore them. Pre de Provence and Tatine candles as well as holiday scented diffusers perfect for gifting—especially because so useful AND beautifully packaged. Faux fur as well as Alpaca scarves and blankets are doing well already and I have made two hauls on new lamps. I have found in our home that something as simple as switching out an end table lamp really impacts a room.
Did I mention we have cocktail napkins?! Seriously, something for everyone—traditional to whimsical and outright sarcastic. Also, a really generous supply of Caspari paper goods to use this holiday season. Get togethers may be more casual, and this makes it so easy. BUT, do check out all of the festive tabletop linens and serving pieces if you are dressing things up. The one thing that has been most challenging for me in the last several months is keeping a sense of temporal awareness. What day of the week is it? What month? We need these holidays to mark passage and celebration. Even if on your porch or in a small gathering, we should continue to set the table!
Keep checking your email and Instagram/Facebook feeds for updates on food, wine tastings and new arrivals daily. I can honestly say I look forward to the bustle (and welcomed exhaustion) that only a small town shop on Main Street in the holiday season can appreciate and so look forward to you being a part of it!