Fanciful and affordable decorations
published: Saturday | December 6, 2003
Sleigh bells ring,
are you listening,
In the lane, snow is glistening
A beautiful sight, We're happy tonight.
Walking in a winter wonderland
THE CHRISTMAS season is in full effect. By next week it will be common to walk into a friend's house and see it aglow with sparkling pepper lights, detailed ornaments and rosy poinsettias.
If your Christmas decorations are in need of replacement and you are wondering where to go to get all that you need to add some va-va-voom to your house, then the answer to your question lies right here. Lifestyle went roaming around Kingston in search of tasteful Christmas decorations and paraphernalia. Here is what we discovered:
LIGUNEA DRUG AND GARDEN CENTRE, 134 OLD HOPE ROADThis pharmacy, and others like it, might as well be dubbed a Winter Wonderland. With shelves groaning under the weight of wreaths, garlands, nutcrackers, glass and metal ornaments all at reasonable prices this is a utopia for any Christmas lover.
There are options here too as the selection seems never ending. If art and craft is your thing, then this store is your one-stop shop for glue guns, dried berries and tinsel. In addition to indoor decorations there are odds and ends for your exterior such as icicle lights, giant faux candy canes, life-size Santa Claus and reindeer figurines.
Prices of ornaments starts at below $100.
PRICESMART, 111 RED HILLS ROADYou have to be a member to shop at this exclusive wholesale warehouse. But,not to worry, membership costs US$20 plus tax and is inclusive on an additional cardholder on the account. The investment is worth it as this is the kind of place you will find yourself returning to throughout the year.
Pricesmart has a great selection of everything for decking your walls for the season. Make note, shopping for wrapping paper, ribbons and bows is advisable here as you can buy in bulk.
Note: This is an excellent place to get great gifts at affordable prices. For example, Lifestyle spotted a DVD player for a little over $3,000 plus tax.
DOLLAR DAZE, 134 CONSTANT SPRING ROAD, MIDSPRING PLAZAIf you are blessed with a good eye, then you have to visit the store where just about everything is only $US1. Dollar Daze has stocked decorations in colourful Christmas hues of green, red and gold. Ribbons, wrapping paper and unusual gift bags are in adundance at this surprising uptown cubby hole.
WOOLWORTH, MALL PLAZA, CONSTANT SPRING ROADAn oldie but goodie, Woolworth has been in the business of supplying Christmas knick knacks for more than 30 years. Of course you have to search for the more attractive decorations, but they are there. The most notable odds and ends are hanging bows, reindeer ears, and Santa hats. There are Christmas sweets in abundance and the shelves are lined with stacks of treats for those with a dangerous sweet tooth from Hershey's Christmas Kisses to peppermints and candy canes for the tree. Prices are unbeatable.
- Kaili McDonnough
