Last Minute Gift Recommendations from Circa Designers

I feel like I have been hearing for a while now that "Christmas is just around the corner," and "Christmas will be here before we know it!"  Today, being Christmas Eve Eve, this is definitely true.  If you are like me, and haven't finished your Christmas shopping, or just keep adding people to your gift giving list, do not fret, and especially do not try and attempt the mall.

Right now, Circa is carrying a wide arrangement of hurricanes and candle holders, from many different sizes and prices.  Our designers think this is the kind of gift people are excited to open, because everyone could use them, but normally wouldn't think about buying for themselves.  These mercury glasses look beautiful on a mantel place, or as the centerpiece to your dining table.  Make them really stand out for the Holidays and surround a few candles with greenery.  Today is your last day to stop in, as we are closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Happy Holidays and Happy Shopping!!

Circa Christmas Party

Last night we had our annual Circa Christmas party with all the employees plus significant others.  The night started off at Jane's house where we were treated to drinks and appetizers.  We then all migrated down the street to Cindy's house, where we sat at beautifully set, assigned tables. Our catered dinner was one of the best meals I have ever had.  After we finished our salads, fish, and brownies topped with mint ice cream, we started a friendly competition between tables of Christmas trivia.  The winners were given a pair of light up gloves and a light up necklace.  We thought that would end the night, until Jane told us the winners had to make up a dance and present it to the group.  Fortunately, the wine calmed any stage fright that might have been in the group, as their moves to Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas is You", got uncontrollable laughter from the audience. 

 

 

It was so fun seeing everyone all dressed up, everyone looked beautiful. Unfortunately, we were all so caught up in the atmosphere, we neglected to get enough pictures.  Needless to say, none of us wanted to go home.

 

Merry Christmas to all!

Santa! I know Him!

If you unfortunately couldn’t make it to our Santa party last week, here is a quick recap! We managed to not let the dreary weather dampen our Christmas spirit as each of the employees dressed elf-like in all black with green aprons. It was fun watching the extreme differences in the children’s reactions to Santa.  Some couldn’t contain their excitement, and didn’t want to leave his cozy lap, while others kicked and screamed and didn’t want to get close! While waiting for their turn with Santa, the children all enjoyed the crafts table, creating Christmas cards and pictures for Santa. 

 Lindsay's kids Fran and Henry were not too thrilled... ha!

 The candy cane flavored Oreo’s (Joe Joe’s) were the biggest hit amongst the kids as usual.

 Cindy and Jane took a break from their book signing to sit on Santa's lap.

Julia and Caroline

 

A many thanks to Stephanie for her adorable pictures, and especially for her patience with the chaos. To see all of the smiles and frowns that day, go to

http://stephaniechessonphotography.zenfolio.com/?q=circa

and use password: santadec5

Gabrielle Jewelry Show at Circa

Maggie, one of our Circa employees, is excited to announce her sister's jewelry line, Gabrielle Jewelry, is coming to Circa Interiors next week! Please join us this Wednesday, December 11th, as Gabrielle Bratton is presenting her line on her sister’s stomping grounds. The show will be from 10am-5pm in the shop. She will have a variety of items such as earrings, necklaces, cuffs and bangles, etc. ranging in price from $75-$700. As her website states, "One of her specialties is the lost wax casting process, where she integrates traditional clothing adornments into modern pieces of jewelry, preserving the original design by replacing it with metal." For example, she takes fabrics such as lace, rope, burlap, etc. and casts them through the lost wax casting process, turning the fabrics into sterling silver, bronze and gold plate. Each piece is not only unique from everything else in her collection, but is completely different from anything you will find in stores. Any of the items could be special gifts or stocking stuffers for the Holidays!

 

 Also...10% of the proceeds will go to the Humane Society of Charlotte!

Check out her website to get an idea before you come, and please spread the word to friends who you think would be interested!

Baby Bundles

It is crazy to think it is already time for our annual holiday party!  Please join us this Thursday, from 3-6 PM at the retail store for some light holiday treats, drinks, crafts for the kids, and one free picture with an old-fashioned Saint Nick.  Additional pictures will be for sale.  There will also be a book signing with Jane and Cindy if purchasing a book or two is still on your to-do list!

 

This year, we are also excited to announce a new nonprofit partnership with Baby Bundles, an organization whose mission helps mothers and babies living in poverty. 

When friends Emily Harry, Heather Leavitt and Cat Long met each other as a group for the first time in the beginning of 2010, they had one thing in common: they each suffered the loss of an infant.  These tragedies helped their friendships with one another grow, as they found hope in one another.  This trauma helped them recognize a need to provide a better start for mothers and babies living in poverty in Charlotte, which initiated passion in starting Baby Bundles. 

Through partnerships with Presbyterian Women’s Center and Nurse Family Partnership, Baby Bundles identifies mothers in need, and gives them a “bundle” full of the essentials for the first six months of their baby’s life.  The mothers receive newborn clothes, warm blankets, books and interactive newborn toys.  In the words of the Baby Bundles’ founders, “We see this as a gift from our children to theirs.”

As our nonprofit partner for this year’s holiday party, Circa would like to invite all of our guests to bring gently used or new baby blankets and books, or monetary donations to support their mission.

Thank you, in advance, for supporting this wonderful nonprofit and the meaningful work they do in our community.  See you Thursday!