It’s A Wonderful Montrose Life

It’s a wonderful Montrose life, or at least we can create the fantasy of one. In a time swirling with recession, change and unrest, we sometimes can feel helpless as we watch the things we cherish threatened or taken away. A climate like this makes us appreciate all the more those traditions that we enjoy and help us feel safe. I am speaking first hand as a storeowner who has seen many of my fellow retailers, manufacturers and designers swept away and the waves keep coming. It’s not over yet.

So it is with a lump in my throat and a tear in my eye that I have the joy of writing one more time about a beloved Montrose tradition. This week two of our favorite gift stores are still here to paper their windows and close for the week in preparation for the Annual Christmas Open House.

Victori-Ana (2311 Honolulu Ave.) is celebrating their 25th Christmas this year!

If I had to sum them up in two words, it would be “elegant” and “girly.” Owner Marilyn says she has gone all out for feminine gift items that you just can’t resist, including lots of bath and body, sachets, and candles that retail under $30. They are also known for their Mark Roberts Christmas Fairies and you can expect to see the 2011 collector’s edition flying around her windows. Like the icing on a cake, their pristine paper wrapped and bow-tied gift boxes, with the Victori-Ana seal, bring customers of taste back again and again. And so does Marilyn’s brother Jerry. We all love him!

Just like a partridge in a pear tree, Mountain Rose Gifts (3808½ Ocean View Blvd.) is celebrating their 12th Christmas in Montrose. If I had to sum them up in two words it would be “whimsical” and “colorful.” Mountain Rose Gifts (www.mountainrosegifts.com) specializes in Christmas home décor. Known for those “one of a kind” items you want to place on your mantle, they always have the “good stuff” you won’t find in the chain stores. They also have a knack for gourmet food gifts and holiday themed platters and serving pieces for entertaining.

This year Dale and I had the pleasure of meeting Karolyn Grimes who played “ZuZu” in our favorite Christmas movie, “It’s A Wonderful Life.” She loves Montrose and was happy to autograph several books about the movie that will be sold at the store.

So do plan on visiting Montrose this Saturday as the Christmas windows are unveiled and the season officially begins for us. You can keep up with all of our activities at www.shopmontrose.com and on Facebook.

  Mary Dawson