Keep those eyes and ears open ...

Some of you Home & Garden Television watchers may have been in for a treat recently when you noticed your favorite antique, antique reproduction, clock, gift and furniture store (yes, that's us) being adveretised during your favorite HGTV programs.

Merritts is running an ad on HGTV ... Keep those eyes peeled.

And while you're at, keep your ears open. Merritts will also run ads on local radio stations Y102 and 107.5 Frank FM.

Yes folks, we're everywhere these days.

A Little Something About ... The Anniversary Clock

I'm guessing the majority of the population has not sat and pondered the origins of the anniversary clock atop their shelf or mantle, but a little knowledge never hurt anyone ...

Clock enthusiasts may already know, non-clock enthusiasts may have never cared to know, but the history of the anniversary clock is actually very interesting.

Gravity-swing pendulum clocks require more regular winding (as do some torsion-spring pendulums,) but the anniversary clock can go 400 days without winding.

The term, "anniversary clock" was copyrighted in 1901 by the Bowler & Burdock Co. of Cleveland, Ohio who manufactured the 400-day clock. The clocks quickly became popular wedding gifts, with the intention that the receiving couple could wind their clock every year on their anniversary at the 365-day mark.

Around 1965 after the number of companies manunufacturing the clocks and their parts dwindled, the battery-operated versions came on the scene. Today, of course, there a number of other variations. (i.e. crystal balls, a number of different sounds, chimes, etc.)

While some appreicate the tradition and history of these nuptial staples, others just admire their elegance and beauty. Today with so many sizes and styles to choose from, there's one for every taste. Consider picking one up for yourself or for a sure-to-be appreciated traditional bridal shower or wedding gift.

And of course I'll mention that Merritts' Clock Shop has a slew of anniversary clocks that you can check out at our website or in our shop in Douglassville!

Thanks to The Clock Peddler website for the historical info!

Doll Collectors Take Note ...

Some of you may be aware that just a few short months ago Merritt's auctioned off a large portion of its esteemed doll collection from our now closed Mary Merritt Doll & Toy Museum. Auctioneers Noel Barrett and Andy Ourant (recognize them from Antiques Road Show?) did a fabulous job of coordinating Auction #1 ...

Now it's time for Round 2 - (Ding, ding ding!)

While the auction isn't until March 31st and April 1st, I thought I'd give you all a heads up and give those who are interested ample time to order and review auction catalogs (which will be mailed in February) ...

Out-of-towners who can't make it to the area can still participate by absentee bid via the phone or internet.

Of course, more information will follow as the auction nears, but in the meantime check out
http://www.noelbarrett.com/ for the vitals.

Confessions of an Antique-Hater Turned Appreciator

I remember days as a youngster when I was forced to go antiquing with my mother … I’d trudge through lengthy aisles filled with what I perceived as junk, my mom as treasures.

I never understood the appeal of “old” things until recently. I’m not sure if my newfound appreciation is because I now find myself immersed in the world of antiques, but I’m really starting to recognize the charm and character of all things (ok, some things) vintage.

Now when I see that someone purchases an antique flatware set for nearly $2,000 I don’t say, “Who in their right mind pays thousands of dollars for old as dirt silverware that some random dead people ate with!?” Instead I say, “Who the heck has thousands of dollars to pay for this fabulously attractive set of flatware?”

I’ve made it. I’m an actual “antique appreciator.” I now recognize their appeal; I just can’t get myself past the price tag. Maybe someday I’ll get there and become a true blue “antiquer.”

I poked around our antique store's aisles and shelves and found a few favorites ...

Lately, I love antique pottery. It’s simple and naturally beautiful. I actually prefer some of the less than perfect pieces that remind you that the piece is truly original and that someone actually sat down at their pottery wheel and crafted it. I personally like the blue decorated pieces better, but can see the appeal of the plain pieces too!
Here is my favorite piece, a stoneware jug with cobalt blue decoration.

I also really like vintage oil lamps. There is a huge variety of colors and styles and I think they’d make fabulous additions to a number of decorating schemes. Here is my favorite one. I love the deep purple shade and the embossed stars on the lamp’s base. Adding to the charm of this lamp (and in keeping with the celestial theme) is the word, “Twinkle” embossed on the front. So cute!

And finally, I absolutely adore antique pie safes. The intricately designed tins really give them such character. I might actually allow myself to invest in one someday. I think that they make a fabulous alternative to a typical entertainment center. (I know. Doing so might involve some alterations. Said alterations may be enough to make some shun my idea, but I’m just a lame old “appreciator” not a real “antiquer” yet, remember?)

Happy Thanksgiving!

We at Merritts hope that you all had a very Happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy your Black Friday ... (If you're crazy enough to be a Black Friday shopper - my blessings!)

Kick the kitsch ... Creating the perfect centerpiece

Never underestimate the power of the centerpiece!

When planning a wedding, banquet, or party people often spend a great deal of time trying to think of and create a unique and stunning centerpiece. Some opt for traditional floral arrangements, while others think outside the box (or in this case, vase) and get their guests talking with some truly original ideas. Either way, no party planner haphazardly slaps a vase on their table and calls it a day. The perfect centerpiece is given much thought and consideration. After all, centerpieces do help create the mood, ambience, and tone of your gathering. Why then, shouldn't centerpieces in your home be given the same attention?

Sure, it's easy to think that any old vase will do. Go on; just fill up that space with empty, thoughtless kitsch. We just hope you can sleep at night knowing that your home's interior is dotted with generic junk. Tsk. Tsk.

Ready to make a change? Or are you already a thoughtful centerpiece creator looking for new ideas? Read on and pardon as I play Martha …

Check out the before and after shots of these unforeseen gems.

Sure, some might see the potential in this rustic wood carrier, but others might overlook it, thinking it’s not their “thing.” To get the look, simply fill the compartments with a favorite potpourri (I chose a fresh linen scent), add a candle to the middle compartment and finish it off with a simple raffia bow. Voila! Easy to create and attractive, this piece offers a simple, folksy charm. (For this piece, I also added a few sea shells to the compartments, making this piece appropriate for a nautical or beach themed décor as well.)

I did something similar to the very same carrier, but this time gave it a more festive twist. I added two candles to the outside compartments (along with some apple cinnamon potpourri), accented them with gold painted pinecones and then garnished the center compartment with a large faux poinsettia. Once again, this is a quick way to jazz up a simple, rustic looking piece.

Familiar with antique bun boards? You know those long, relatively thin slabs of wood? Think they’re uninteresting? Wrong, my friend. With the addition of four votive candle holders (complete with votives, of course), two sparkling poinsettia accents and a sprinkle of potpourri, this bun board is perfect for setting at the center of any holiday table. Set it atop your favorite table runner to give the look a little more pizzazz.

Create the same look, but with a spring harvest feel. This time I used only three votive cups, glued small pieces of wooden fruit along the bun board, and completed the look with two bundles of faux wheat that I simply laid beside the votive cups. Easy, effortless and simply handsome too!

Here we go again, another piece of rustic wood. Fill a compartment with potpourri and set a votive cup and candle at the center. Lay a bundle of faux wheat on top. In the smaller compartment, simply add some small wooden apples and another bundle of wheat, bound with red gingham ribbon. Finish off the look with a raffia bow on the carrier’s handle. Simple, rustic perfection …

The look of simplicity isn’t for you? Look at this stunning floral arrangement in a gorgeous porcelain teapot. Elegant, yet bold, this piece will make a statement. The use of the teapot creates more interest than just a standard vase. Create your own arrangement with fresh, dried, or fake flowers.

Note: The above are possible for any and all to do; even the domestically inept (like me).

Find the rustic wood pieces, teapot, and other great items to use as centerpieces at www.merritts.com!

Merritts - Now in 3 Locations

Loyal (and soon-to-be) Merritts customers may be pleased to learn that Merritts is now broadening its horizons and has two new stores in addition to its flagship store in Amity Township, PA.

Each of our stores offers a unique assortment of fine furniture, gifts, and other great items.

If you’re in the midst of a retail rendezvous and want to get a taste of what Merritts has to offer, visit our store at the Berkshire Mall. It has a little of everything and you’re sure to find the perfect gift. (Even if it is a gift for yourself!)

Have more time to browse? Come see Merritts Gifts & Furniture, conveniently located on Route 422 in Douglassville. The store is filled with an assortment of fabulous home interiors and gifts, including some Merritts exclusives, designed by our talented employees!

Need a little more Merritts? Come visit our flagship store, the place where it all began. Make your way around our property and find our clock shop, stocked with a vast assortment of grandfather clocks, mantle clocks, wall clocks and more! And don’t forget the antiques … we’ve got two floors full of vintage originals!

Check out some of the goods at our retail stores ...

Avoid The Fruitcake ... Holiday Hostess Gift Ideas

Suddenly it's that time again. Just when you felt your wallet getting fatter, up went those holiday wreaths on every light pole in town, on went those fights over Tickle Me Elmo and Playstation 3, there sat those Salvation Army volunteers in Santa hats, ringing their bells, and in came those invitations to holiday parties.

Tired of being the party guest with the proverbial beef stick and cheese set hostess gift? Racking your brain trying to think of something thoughtful, unique, and different? We've got some ideas ...

Check out this rustic wood wine bottle holder. Fill it with bottles of a favorite white, red, or blush wine, adorn it with a bow, and garnish it with some faux pointsettias or pine cones. It's sure to be a hit and rest assure, this item is no fruitcake! No other guest will have this in hand.

Above and beyond a cheese and cracker assortment ... You can't help but love this trio of frosty figures. Sure to be well received, your hostess can use these as a decorative accent even beyond the holidays. They're appropriate for any winter month and will compliment any country, rustic, or primitive décor.

No hostess with the mostess? Need something more masculine for a host? (Or something humorous, perhaps?) This tin sign will certainly cause a chuckle and will be a comical accent to a bar area, basement, or "man room." Once again, better than a stick of beef ...

Check out these and a huge assortment of other gifts at www.merritts.com!

No fruitcakes here.