Valentine’s Day is one of my favorite holidays. Truly… it’s the sweetest holiday. We’ve survived and hopefully enjoyed the “big holidays” and now we have time and space for some quality time with friends and loved ones. I think of it as the time of year to catch our breath and build energy for the year ahead.

I start my search for “everything Valentines” at the summer gift markets. I look for special “gems” that I know you will love. It’s a holiday I buy for all year around. I love it!

Right now the shop is alive with sweet gifts, décor, cards, edibles – and lots of RED – just for you and the people you want to remember this Valentine’s Day. 

Here I share some of my Valentine’s favorites with you.

Godiva’s red satin collectible heart boxes (filled with their fabulous chocolates) have been a Valentine’s Day tradition for over 85 years. We have 12 different years’ boxes on display at Drees… truly a sweet tradition. 

Don’t forget, February 14, is Valentine’s Day…. Wishing you and your dearest a very sweet day!

Xoxo,

Ruthann

Dear friends,

I hope you had a wonderful holiday season. I am at home resting after an emergency surgery landed me in University of Washington Medical Center four days before Christmas. It was heartbreaking to be out of the shop when so many of many favorite customers come in for last-minute gifts, but I had a lot of time to reflect on 2011 and to think about what I am looking forward to in 2012.

Many great things happened for us in 2011. Although about a decade behind, our website came into fruition!  In collaboration with Amy Hermes Anderson, (who grew up in Olympia and worked for me when she was in high school), and launched her company, Fleurish Partners, just in time to help me with all of Drees social media. The two of us, along with Hannah Wygal from Monster Design, had great summer meetings on this project. I don’t know how I would have ever accomplished this, and had an absolutely inspiring time, without the help of these two marvelous women!  I look forward to developing it further. We also are now on Facebook. “Like” us for all the news of what’s happening in the shop.

2012 is full of promise and new adventures, no doubt. I am looking forward to continuing to search for exciting Drees product to share.

Wherever you are celebrating New Year’s Eve this year, I wish you all the best. I plan to be at home by the fire with a mini glass of bubbly toasting friends and family near and far.

Here’s to good health and happiness in 2012!

Ruthann

Every year I compile a list of the “Favorites of Drees” that we have carefully chosen to help make your gift-giving a little easier and more inspired. This year’s line-up includes exquisite, well-made products that are meant to be enjoyed and treasured for many years. And we have something for everyone on your list, in every price range from $10 – $300.

For her, from 80 Acres, this sensuous body balm is a blend of olive and jojoba oils, beeswax and vitamin E rich in natural antioxidants and easily absorbed into the skin to deeply nourish and protect. Handcrafted from the purest botanical ingredients and available in three fabulous scents including Verde, Lavender and Blood Orange. Blood Orange made the October “O” list.

Drees’ jewelry is for the ”not” so jewelry store person… we love the
softer, more textural pieces with unusual finishes and patina that evoke age, although not antique. This special piece shown here is made with a pave of champagne diamonds in a darkened setting, strung on a midnight blue mystic spinel gemstone strand.

This beautiful, decorative glass Hand Soap bottle from Cucina is a limited edition created exclusively for their 10th anniversary. Specially designed for use in the kitchen, Cucina Purifying Hand Soap contains extra virgin olive oil and other olive derivates with purifying properties. A subtle blend of coriander seeds and olive wood, this sophisticated fragrance is both aromatic and slightly woody.

A favorite of mine for many years, the Vermont Evergreens from Simon Pearce uniquely capture the majesty and wonder of nature. If you’ve been searching for a glittering and unforgettable piece to complete your holiday décor, look no further. The Vermont Evergreens are stunning, hand-blown decorations that will have you singing carols the moment you place them on your mantel.

This hand-blown Cavendish Rose Bowl is special in every way. Its
timeless elegance has remained a Simon Pearce favorite for nearly 35 years. Delicate yet durable, Simon Pearce vases are meticulously handcrafted from premium, lead-free glass for daily use and enjoyment year-round.

For him, the Ascutney Double Old Fashioned Gift Set from Simon Pearce is clean and classic. Mount Ascutney is southern Vermont’s only monadnock, or lone mountain, and the inspiration for the Ascutney Barware. Like its natural namesake, this collection is set apart by its clean, simple lines and majestic curves for everyday functionality.

Also for him, what could be better than our most comfortable Lowell chair and ottoman? You have to come and sit in this one! Either off our floor, or made to order so he’ll have something to look forward to in the New Year.

This Italian platter is absolutely wonderful in almost any setting. The aged pattern is soft in hue, and the size is great for holiday serving.

And don’t forget teachers, neighbors and co-workers. We have
delicious wonderful Olive Oil from McEvoy as well as fabulous Fig Compote and exquisite chocolates.

The list of our Bests goes on…. Call, email or visit us for personalized assistance with the best gifts that your friends and family will remember for years to come.  In the Drees tradition, we make each gift “a present,” and also will ship to your friends and family in far-away places.

Dear Friends,

I am delighted to welcome you to Drees website and my first blog post just in time for the holidays. Now there are more ways to keep in touch and find out what’s happening at Drees. I am excited to share with you “All about Drees” in this blog. There are many things I get excited about at Drees: new arrivals, the history and
development of our products,  the “why” of what we choose to sell in our shop, and how to care for the treasures you have purchased from us over the years.

Throughout Drees’ 80-plus years in business, it has always been important to communicate with our customers in an authentic and personal way.  Even though we are finally going electronic, we are always here to help with all of your gift-giving and furnishings needs like before. We will just be able to keep in touch better!

Another first: you can also now find Drees on Facebook. We hope you will “like” us and share the Drees experience with your friends. Our Facebook fans will hear first about sales, special events and promotions, and what’s new at Drees.

The shop is decked out for the holidays. We hope you will visit us so we can help you select the perfect gifts for everyone on our list.

Hope to see you soon,

Ruthann