Fun outdoor serveware from Zak Designs

Yesterday – I swept the patio off. Tonight I made fish tacos and we ate on the patio! Most downtown restaurants have opened their outdoor dining areas! We’ve got the front door of the shop open all day now! I don’t think most folks from Southern climes understand the euphoria we all feel up here! Even after such a mild winter!

Appetizers on Ice from Prodyne

I’m glad that many of the orders I placed months ago are now coming in on a daily basis,  in anticipation of Easter, Mothers Day, Fathers Day, graduation parties, and just plain old summer fun on the patio, deck, boat or by the pool! Zak Designs confetti melamine bowls, plates & butter dishes as well as fun reusable drink straws & stir sticks, Prodyne entertaining on ice will soon arrive (great for summer parties!), our Uwharrie Chair

Uwharrie Rocking Chair

outdoor furniture should be arriving next week, and we’ve been packing our baby & kids department as full as possible, with lots of non-candy choices for Easter baskets! (Manhattan Toy, Klutz, wind-up toys, Kidorable rain gear, and so much more!)

I’ve been slowly repainting the shop (well, okay, my husband has been doing it in his not so spare time under my direction) and moving things around to switch things up! After nearly 10 years I’m ready! So bring on spring! I’m ready!

-Meg

This time of year my family wants hearty comfort food, preferably with leftovers my husband can reheat for lunch! This past weekend I made homemade mac & cheese with bacon, and a chicken & spinach lasagna. During the week my time is more limited—so I’m trying my new hearty soups from Frontier Soups out of Illinois that we carry in the store.  For dinner tomorrow night we’re having California Gold Rush White Bean Chili ($6.95)  and Appalachian Trail Cornbread ($5.95) from Frontier. Tonight I’ll put the beans in cold water to soak overnight, and tomorrow I’ll throw everything into the oven at 200 degrees to slow cook all day. By the time I get home a little after 5:30, the house will smell great, and I’ll quickly mix up the cornbread and dinner will be ready! Some lime wedges, grated cheese & sour cream for garnish – all set for a hungry family of 3 teenage boys & husband! Later in the week I’ll try a hearty Chicago Bistro French Onion Soup and then maybe the Florida Sunshine Red Pepper Corn Chowder (both $6.50). The chili & cornbread would be great for a football party!

Just in - Brides Jammies by Munki Munki

Come check out our new Bride pajamas by our own local company, Munki Munki! Great gift for Valentine’s or any new or soon to be new bride in your life! We’ve also got a great selection of Paddi Murphy pajamas and PJ Harlow lounge wear!

Ornate Turkish and oriental-style rugs bore me. There, I said it. With busy designs, drab colors, and stuffy tassels, they feel completely out of place in my casual home. Bring on the color and bold designs!

After a long search, I found Company C Rugs—which we carry—and I knew I was IN LOVE! Bright colors and bold designs dominate on these delightful, yet tasteful rugs that invite people to linger just a little longer in the doorway.

Visit the store to see and touch samples; or order samples and rugs on-line: we can drop ship directly from the company. Enjoy!

Alfresco Casual Living is your source for gorgeous, colorful Company C rugs. Available in stock (limited selection) and to order, you’ll find just the right rug to fit your space!

Love to entertain? We’ve got just the recipe to help you be the perfect host, including specialty foods, sweet & savory sauces, dip mixes, dips, brie and chevre bakers, decorative napkins and more! Enjoy brands such as Earth & Vine, Gourmet Village, Caspari, and Rabbit Creek.

Bored with the ordinary? We’ve got extraordinary home furnishing from Company C and Roost that fit your city girl attitude in the comfort of the country.

We’ve got accessories that fit your unique taste, including wall art, clocks, throw rugs and more. Example brands include: Language Arts photo signs, Roost, Sugarboo and more. Free gift wrapping is available with your purchase!