Rehoboth Christmas Shop Oct. 11 to 13 celebrates joy of season
The public is invited to celebrate the holiday spirit at the 51st annual Rehoboth Christmas Shop Friday to Sunday, Oct. 11 to 13, in the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center.
This year the Christmas Shop will have four new shops joining the lineup. For the first time, Bellinger's Jewelers from Rehoboth Beach will feature custom-designed platinum, gold and silver jewelry. Patchpoint from Short Hills, N.J., is showcasing a colorful collection of all-occasion ladies' jackets and accessories. Sassy Glass makes its debut with hand-painted glass for any occasion, and Tulip from Rehoboth Beach offers exceptional gifts, lighting, fine home furnishings and accessories.
Returning from Lancaster, Pa., comes The Apple Tree, featuring stylish jackets, coats, and accessories for fall. Cherchies Ltd. from Malvern, Pa., is always popular with its signature champagne mustard and other gourmet sauces, dips and soups. Sampling is encouraged! Coolspring Cottage from Milton will offer sweaters, jewelry and accessories. Antique lovers can count on Jail House Antiques from Milton to provide a lovely selection of antiques and vintage gifts. J. McLaughlin of Greenville is always a hit with chic, timeless clothing for men and women.
Poynter's Tree Farm of Felton graces the stage with charming Christmas trees, wreaths and decorations. Seekers Gifts and Books from Lewes will feature spiritual books, jewelry, and gifts for all faith traditions. Two Friends with Creative Designs from Lancaster showcases imaginative Christmas wreaths and holiday decorations. Enjoy the unique frames and decor at the Shell Affair and pick up a few Christmas decorations to benefit Delaware Hospice.
There will be a Fair Trade booth featuring items from Equal Exchange and SERRV including coffee, tea, chocolate and handmade items from the developing world. The Anamchara Fellowship will be selling handmade rosaries, note cards and photographs to benefit their ministry.
Every chapter of the Episcopal Church Women takes a valuable part in this fun and charitable event. The St. George's ECW crafters come up with new ideas during their fellowship every Thursday. For the year prior to the event, the women sew, paint, and lovingly craft Christmas ornaments to decorate the home. The St. Francis chapter creates a Potpourri Booth, an elegant medley of gently used secondhand items on display for sale at great prices. The St. Boniface Christmas Café offers delicious homemade chili and array of tempting desserts, a welcome opportunity for the tired shopper. The Bake Table will be selling a tempting assortment of homemade baked goods. Shoppers can also buy a chance to win a Washington, D.C. weekend for two at the St. Gregory Luxury Hotel. Tickets cost $1 each or six for $5.
The Gala Preview Party kicks off The Christmas Shop from 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 10. Enjoy cocktails and delicious food from local restaurants, visit with old and new friends, and get first dibs on the lovely merchandise offered by the vendors. Party admission is $30 at the door and allows the attendee to attend the shop all weekend for free.
Last year more than 20 organizations were chosen by the Episcopal Church Women as beneficiaries for the community. These included Cancer Support Community of Delaware, Cape Henlopen Food Basket, Casa San Francisco, Community Resource Center, Crisis House, Episcopal Relief and Development, Home of the Brave, Just Us, Jusst Sooup Ministry, Meals on Wheels, Rehoboth Cooperative Preschool, Southern Delaware Hospice, The Way Home, West Rehoboth Land Trust, and West Side New Beginnings.
“Consistent with our tradition of hospitality, it is a joy for our parish to host this long-standing shop,” said Olly Wolf, chair of this year’s event. “Although locals and visitors have many retail choices, the purchases they make at our shop enable us to help support Sussex County ministries in need."
The Christmas Shop at the Rehoboth convention center is open noon to 6 p.m., Friday and Saturday, Oct. 11 and 12, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 13. Admission is $1. For more information, call 302-227-7202 or visit www.allsaintsrehoboth.org.
