By Wendy Wallace
No matter whether you’re on team live tree or are solidly in the artificial camp, filling the holiday boughs with memorable and meaningful ornaments is one of the best parts of the tradition.
BIMA’s gift store and Bainbridge Arts & Crafts both showcase local and regional handmade ornaments each year to suit an array of tastes—styles ranging from beautiful glass-blown balls to fuzzy, felted Christmas critters.
Likewise, islanders can depend on Eagle Harbor Books to always have an array of charming adornments like fairies, gnomes and wintery holiday animals. Across the street, Dana’s Showhouse fills its main space with Christmas-themed ornaments, cards and other gifts including Christopher Radko’s hand-painted glass collectibles.
For those who prefer a Northwest theme, Millstream is the store.“We become a little Christmas store in here in December,” said previous-owner Roger Fredericksen. Millstream’s seven Christmas trees display works from Glass Eye Studio, Hidden Cove Pottery as well as Washington-made creations like Native American carved wood ornaments. For those on the hunt for vintage decorations, peruse Meli Melo’s 28 vendor booths for that perfect, one-of-a-kind piece from days past. Ho, ho, ho!
