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Fall Decor Ideas

It’s that time of year again when the weather starts to turn colder, the leaves start to change color, and we begin decorating our houses for fall. So where is the best place to find the perfect garland, pumpkins, leaves, and all things to represent the season? Here is our yearly blog featuring the best places on the property to find your autumn decor.

Target

Let’s talk cozy. Target has the electric fireplace entertainment stands you’ve been seeing on Instagram to upgrade your living room for the ultimate cozy feeling. Then, pair that with some of their fall-colored throw blankets and your favorite autumn-scented candle or wax melt. Hello, new favorite place in your home.

Bed Bath Beyond

If you plan on hosting some holiday gatherings this season, there are a few ways you can spice up your dinner party game. Bed Bath and Beyond has a great selection of fall kitchen towels, as well as table runners to make sure you’re right on theme. Or, you can start before your guests even enter your home. Check out their wide collection of doormats and outdoor decor like pumpkins and outdoor pillows. 

Arhaus

If you’re looking to add luxury to your seasonal decor, you’ll want to stop into Arhaus. Greenery elements such as wreaths and garland are great ways to bring the outside world in.​​You can also find high-end decor like nutcrackers, 3-D Advent calendars, and menorahs. Or shop for more affordable gifts like ornaments or tea towels.

Z Gallerie

The best place to go if you’re looking for unique accents is Z Gallerie. With so many different options to choose from, you’re sure to load up! Elevate your table decor game with leaves, candle holders, and napkin rings. You can even refresh your rooms with some of their smaller pieces like candles, vases, and wall art.

Paper Source

Decor can come in many shapes and sizes. Sometimes it is in the form of curtains and art decor, and sometimes it is a beautifully plated appetizer. Paper Source has cookbooks with exciting recipes that also will look great on your counter. Start the party by sending out personalized holiday invitations perfect for any Friendsgiving or Fall dinner parties. And, for the guests who love to stay after the party, be prepared with cute seasonal mugs for a classic, after-dinner coffee.

 

The Annapolis Town Center has great options to find the perfect way to elevate your holiday look.

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Summer Wellness Must-Haves

Warmer months are for the outdoors, for getting together, for fun in the sun. The best way to take full advantage of your summer is to ensure you are also taking care of yourself! Thankfully, Annapolis Town Center has a number of ways to help you take your wellness up a notch. From dining to fitness and treatments to creative expression – our tenants can enhance your sunny season.

Choose Healthy Eats

Nutritious meals are one of the keys to a healthier life. A balanced, colorful diet will nourish your body, mind, and soul. The property’s newest establishment, True Food Kitchen, operates on the philosophy that food should make you feel better, not worse, and that great tasting dishes and thoughtfully crafted beverages can serve as the foundation for a life well-lived. Their seasonal menus take you on a journey into a new way of eating where delicious dining and conscious nutrition go hand-in-hand. You can even enjoy their nutrient-dense staples alfresco style on their airy and spacious patio. Need a faster option? Whole Foods is known for selling a wide variety of organic, quality products and sourcing only sustainably farmed produce and humanely-raised meats. They are the perfect choice for a quick meal, wholesome snack, and even meal prep necessities. 

Get Some Exercise

Warm weather and clear skies are the perfect excuses to get outdoors and stretch your legs. Visit Charm City Run to get fitted with the latest gear and accessories that will have you working out in style. They even host a number of events throughout the year that encourage you to step it out – whether running or walking. New to the property is Ruah Yoga. They offer a number of meditation and yoga sessions to help you along on your fitness journey.

Indulge In Self Care

Make it about you! Relax, recharge, and become your best self when you book a day or even 30 minutes of health and wellness. About Faces Day Spa & Salon has a number of treatments that cater to your specific needs and wants. Enjoy a body wrap, a facial or a deep-tissue massage. Looking for a little change? Head over to Salon Unlimited for a new haircut or color. Or, give your nails a fresh coat at Paint Nailbar. No matter how small or big of a change, it will be worth it!

Express Yourself

Creativity helps boost brain health, improves moods, and allows you to connect with who you are on a deeper level. Let your inner artist shine at Muse Paintbar. Whether on your own or with a friend, take a class or book a private event. Want to bring the fun home? Then Paper Source is your go-to. Pick-up some stationary for crafts, grab a few cute gifts to make your own gift basket or keep it simple and purchase one of their DIY kits. It is fun for the whole family!

 

Stop by Annapolis Town Center for a full day of wellness! Make sure to stay up to date on all things Town Center by following us on Instagram and Facebook!

 

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Enhance Your Easter Celebration

When making your plans for Easter, there are some things that are a must-have – like eggs, decor, and candy. Whether you’re looking to stick to classic activities like an Easter egg hunt or looking to start new traditions, Annapolis Town Center is here to help.

Target

If you’re looking for tried and true Easter essentials, Target will be your first stop. They’ll have the eggs, the treats, the trinkets, and of course – the infamous chocolate bunny. You can even find all of the colorful egg dye and egg dying kits you require to fully bring you into the Easter spirit. 

Paper Source

Looking to be a little more hands-on? Paper Source has a wide range of different crafts, cards, and party decor to add a little personal touch to your holiday celebration! From kits to decorate your own Easter basket to specialty egg dying kits – your family will love this participatory creative approach. 

Muse Paintbar

If you’re looking for a new way to get the family to spend time together, Muse Paintbar has always been a fan favorite. You can find tons of take-home kits as you follow along with their tutorial videos. Or, join along to one of their many live streams, leaving you with beautiful new wall decor. 

Bin201

Adults can have fun too! Create the perfect Easter “egg” hunt for you and your friends with miniatures of rum, vodka, tequila, and more from Bin201. All about the refreshments, but not necessarily the hunt side of things? Bin201 will once again be featuring their Rose Bouquet boxes, which features 6 different bottles of hand-picked Rose wines. 

To learn more about Easter Sunday hours, read last week’s blog. And to stay up to date with all things ATC by following us on Instagram and Facebook. 

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Holiday Shopping at Annapolis Towne Center

I long for the holidays meandering around stores with my Grandmother; touching a fabric, smelling a candle, tasting a chocolate sample, listening to holiday music being piped in to add to the festive mood. Shopping was an event. It appealed to the senses in a way internet shopping can’t. And you know what else those afternoons did? They created memories. Memories that I hold dear to my heart.

Recently, my mother and I decided to spend a few hours at the Annapolis Towne Center to recreate those days and tick off our shopping list. Here are just a few suggestions to please everyone on your list this year.

The Cocktail Lovers

Know a couple with the lovely Braxton Wine and Spirits Cabinet from Great Gatherings? Help them stock it with quality wines and spirits from Bin 201.

The Retro Gamers

Who WOULDN’T want to take a trip down memory lane with an air hockey table or standup arcade of Miss Pac Man and Galaga? Find both at Great Gatherings.

The Keepers of Your Secrets

My dogs know everything, and still love me. Naturally they deserve the best. Stop by Loyal Companion and pick up some treats, balls, collars and bully sticks for your furry friends.

The Ornament Maker

Pier 1 Imports is the perfect place to find just the right decorations that show off your festive spirit. From gorgeous new ornaments to holiday table accessories and unique gifts to seasonal accents, Pier 1 has something for everyone on your list.

The Anglers

All Tackle has everything the anglers need from rods to bait and tackle, all weather gear, a vast line of YETI items and books written by local authors. They also have a large selection of footwear and apparel to choose from.

The Resolution Maker

For those who stick to their resolutions, stop into Charm City Run and pick up their must haves to pound the pavement. Everything from new running shoes, apparel, gloves, socks and energy snacks.

The Planner

2020 is on our doorstep. Another year, and decade, to get it right. Paper Source has you covered for all of your datebook and planner needs. While there, pick up all of the holiday wrapping you’ll need to wrap up the haul you just scored in a single afternoon!

The Sunday Sauce Maker

Giolitti’s Deli reminds me of my Grandmother who religiously made Sunday Sauce. Know someone like her? Stop by and stock them up on everything you need to put together an Italian Festa!

The Cannibis Curious

Cannibis is the craze now, isn’t it? Visit About Faces Day Spa & Salon and check out their Cannibliss Organic Skincare line.

The New Mom

There is no end to the gifts that new moms deserve.

Check out Dear Mom wine from Giolitti’s – it is a no brainer; Patchology under eye patches (my favorite) from About Faces Day Spa and Salon; Pajamas and slippers from Anthropologie; and a cozy wrap from Lou Lou.

The Family

Put down the phones and play a board game as a family! Pick one up at Great Gatherings. Or, grab all of the home décor knick-knacks you need at Bed Bath & Beyond to show off how much you admire your loved ones.

The Caffeine Cravers

Baltimore Coffee & Tea Company made it easy to buy for my dyed-in-the-wool caffeine nut friends. With plenty of flavors of both teas and coffees, this stop is a must.

 

Blog written by Aimee Lubin.
All images courtesy of author.

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Black Friday Shopping Itinerary

Everyone talks about how Thanksgiving is overshadowed by Christmas celebrations. And, even more so, no one ever talks about smaller, yet still relevant, days! As an undiagnosed shopaholic, Black Friday and Small Business Saturday are the days I get excited for! The rituals of getting out my reusable shopping bags, mentally prepping for long lines, and making gift lists (and checking it twice) are my way of getting ready for the holiday season. If you’re a seasoned holiday shopper, then you know that you’ll find more success going to one sole location rather than bothering with traffic and driving here and there. Lucky for you, I have all the ins-and-outs of how and where to do that: Annapolis Towne Centre.

Holiday Valet Lounge

First, let’s talk parking. Holiday shopping is meant to be merry and bright, not a hassle. So, skip the chaos of finding a parking spot this season and enjoy the Annapolis Towne Centre’s complimentary Holiday Valet Lounge – a special gift to you! Drop your car, shop the shops, and come back to a warm lounge as you enjoy a hot cup of cocoa, play some board games, and wait for your car to brought right to you.
The Holiday Valet Lounge, presented by Brothers Services, is open during the following dates:
November 29-December 1
December 6-8
December 13-December 24
Hours: M-Sa 11am-8pm, Su 11am-6pm

Charm City Run

Talk about local! Charm City Run is anticipating all of your gift needs and is offering a ton of sales – perfect for picking up some gifts for your sporty friends. Enjoy 20% off apparel with the purchase of 2 or more pieces; buy 3, get 1 free sock; and slashed apparel and shoe markdowns! Plus, if you spend $100 or more you’ll receive a  limited-edition reusable shopping bag-perfect for the rest of your shopping spree! Not hooker yet? They’ll be having offers onsite for so much more, like:

  • Winter 5K Training Groups Start – Last chance to sign up for training groups before prices increase!
  • Breakfast and decorations sponsored by Under Armour (buy on your own and send receipts to Lizzy for credit)
  • Ongoing Garmin promos ($100 OFF Forerunner 935, 945 & Venu; $50 off vivoactive 3 &4)
  • One day Garmin sale – Fenix 5 Slate Gray with Black band – $299 ($200 off)

 

Baltimore Coffee and Tea

A perfect pit-stop during your day is, of course, Baltimore Coffee and Tea! During the craziness of it all, they will be sampling local gourmets, like the amazing Popsations Popcorn, Michelle’s Granola and Scones, and Mouth Party Caramels!. They make a great quick munch to give you just that little extra shopping fuel or a gift for those in your life with a sweet tooth.

The Joint Chiropractic

Sometimes the best gifts aren’t able to be wrapped. The Joint Chiropractic are having a buy 10 visits, get 2 free offer from November 25th- December 2nd. Chiropractic care can be a great way to manage pain caused by everyday life or just a great way to spend a treat-your-self day!

About Faces Day Spa & Salon

Speaking of treat-your-self, About Faces Day Spa & Salon has a great Small Business Saturday sale where all (yes, ALL) retail products are 20% off! It’s the perfect place to find a gift for that hard to shop for niece or friend. Whether its haircare, body care, nail care, skincare… well, you get the gist.

Scout & Molly’s

Wandering into Scout & Molly’s while visiting the Annapolis Towne Centre is inevitable. And, during the Black Friday and Small Business Saturday weekend, it will be even more irresistible. Not only will clearance items be 50% off, but sweaters will also be 30-50% off. Perfect for upcoming holiday parties, office festivities, or Christmas gifts!

Newk’s Eatery

Ah yes, it’s about halfway through your shopping spree and after lugging bags and running from store to store, you’ve worked up an appetite. After 4pm, stop in to Newk’s Eatery where you can take advantage of their mix-match 4 for $24 dinner special that is sure to hit the spot.

a la mode intimates

Everyone loves shopping with a drink in hand. From November 29th through December 1st, shoppers at a la mode are welcomed with bubbly beverages as they browse through savings of up to 75% off select merchandise!

Paper Source

So you’ve checked off everything on your list and now you’ve realized that you have been cycling through the same 6 wrapping paper’s tucked away in your basement. For Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, Paper Source (Closed Thanksgiving Day) will be offering their signature Holiday Rolled Wrap and Holiday Boxed Cards BOGO at 50% off from November 27th through December 2nd.

Blog written by Lu Foster.
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Your Thanksgiving Table

In the dark ages of the last century, expectations were low for anything more than a tablecloth and food as the décor on the Thanksgiving table.  Pops of color were the sweet potatoes and cranberries.  The baking turkey provided the mouthwatering scent—assuming Mom or Grandma didn’t let the pan of boiling potatoes run dry.

Decorating the dinner table is now an art known as “tablescape.”  The task is to view the tabletop as a canvas ready for a personal touch that will set the tone for the meal, provide conversation starters, and subconsciously make the food taste even better. If you Google “Thanksgiving tablescapes,” you’ll see a style spectrum bound at one end by a more formal look with neutral colors—grey, brown, gold, silver, and the palest of blue—and pops of dark green, and at the other end by the bright fall colors of a country-style Thanksgiving, with infinite variations in between.

Annapolis Town Centre provides everything the modern tablescaper needs to create a pleasing ambiance for Thanksgiving dinner. The proximity of its stores and restaurants and free parking mean that you can roam from shop to shop without stressing about time, running to feed the meter, or wondering where to get lunch.

Bed Bath and Beyond is a great place to start, regardless of where your tablescape vision falls on the spectrum.  You will find cloth or paper table linens and napkin rings that provide the basis for a fine Thanksgiving table. Pinecones and placemats shaped and colored like fall leaves are great for a traditional style. For a more formal style, maybe it’s time to upgrade your table settings. Check out the stores wide array of china patterns, glassware, and utensils.

If you are going for a traditional look, stop into Whole Foods for bright fall flowers and a pumpkin or two. Wine goes well on any Thanksgiving table, and Whole Foods’ wine team helps you choose by highlighting 24 best-in-class wines on their shelves. Also, look at the brightly colored baskets for holding wine, bread, or cookies. Across the street, Bin 201 provides additional wine selections and guidance on pairings.

Anthropologie has something for every tablescape.  For bright colors, take a look at the eartenware pottery. And if, as A hostess, you look forward to dressing up for dinner, Anthro has a gorgeous array of dresses, jackets and shawls.  For a more formal style, look at the gold-etched wine and water glasses and dried flowers in muted colors that would contribute elegance into a centerpiece.  Consider the scented candles throughout the store that would blend with the scents of cooking to create a warm atmosphere for your guests.

For bright, showy dried or artificial flowers to use in a centerpiece or garland, head to Target.  Check out their Thanksgiving-themed table linens and conversation pieces—dishes, trivets, pillows, etc.  If you envision tapered candles for your table, Target is the place to buy them.

Three shops, Smyth Jewelers, Great Gatherings, and Paper Source offer surprises that might be the very thing to complete your table.  Smyth and Great Gatherings both offer Maryland-themed ceramicware—after-dinner coffee and tea belong in mugs featuring the Chesapeake Bay!  Great Gatherings has Thanksgiving-themed serving plates on sale; Smyth has an excellent stock of silver-plated tableware to spark up any neutral color palate and will be receiving new Thanksgiving merchandise as the date grows nearer.  Paper Source is the place to go for place cards in any and all colors and for paper centerpieces.

Don’t miss the pop-up shop near Paper Source.  You’re bound to find something there for Thanksgiving – ranging from bright colored earrings to handmade pottery pieces from the work of the 29 Annapolis Art Alliance artists exhibiting there—and the selections change all the time.

Blog written by Jane Green.

All images courtesy of the author.

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