Tag Archives: Christmas

Think Christmas Now

June 26, 2010
dept 56 pepperming petes Think Christmas Now

Peppermint Pete's from the Department 56 North Pole Series (in-store selections may vary)

We are decking the halls starting in June as all our holiday 2010 collections start arriving. For the first time ever, Department 56 has pre-shipped samples of their 2010 Christmas collections.

With over 50 new pieces, this is one of their biggest introductions in recent memory. Now you have the opportunity to visualize your holiday display long before you set it up. We’re happy to take your orders now!

Annual Christmas in July Event!

20% off all holiday decorations.

(Excludes collectibles.)

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Department 56 at The Little Traveler

December 9, 2009

Department 56 began as part of Bachman’s, a premiere retail florist in Minneapolis. Bachman’s used a numbering system to identify each of its departments. The number assigned to wholesale gift imports division was, you guessed it, 56!    In 1976, the department began to take shape as you know it today with the introduction of six hand-painted, lighted ceramic buildings, the beginnings of the Original Snow Village®.

snow village Department 56 at The Little Traveler

From the Original Snow Village Series

This Snow Village was all inspired one Christmas evening when a group of friends went out to dinner at a small country inn nestled in a quiet river town. The lights sparkled on the new fallen snow, inspiring the visitors with Christmas memories.  To preserve the magic of the moment, the idea for a miniature lighted Christmas village was born.

Now headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, Department 56 is the premier name in giftware and collectibles, including hand-painted porcelain bisque Snowbabies™.  But the company is still best know for its charming hand-crafted lighted villages, which have been expanded to include not only The Snow Village Series, but  The North Pole Series, The Dickens’ Village Series and many more.  Festive fall displays are also possible now with Dept 56 Halloween buildings and accessories.

sleepy hallow Department 56 at The Little Traveler

From the Legends of Sleepy Hallow-een series

Create stunning, memorable displays that reflect your style and imagination.  From small town America to the streets of New York to Victorian England, the magical North Pole to spooky Sleepy Hallow, Department 56 villages are thoughtfully created using hand-craftsmanship and the highest level of architectural detail to achieve authenticity.  And what better place to put together the village of your dreams than our very own Little Traveler building in the picturesque village of Geneva, Illinois?

Each year, certain Dept 56 products are retired.  See which village items retire at the end of 2009.

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A Christmas Tradition

December 4, 2009

dickens village A Christmas TraditionI come to your Christmas Walk every year and absolutely love it.  I come with my sister, cousin and a friend from kindergarten (I am 57 years old, so that is a pretty long friendship).  We get there around 2:00 on Friday and leave when you close the doors on us.  We love it.  We walk, talk, shop, eat and just love looking around.  The Little Traveler is an experience in itself.  You don’t really need to go anywhere else.  All your shopping can be done in one place.  The house is spectacular and we love searching in every room.   We look forward to it every year.  Thanks for making the holidays so special for us.
-Judy
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Hostess Gifts under $20

November 30, 2009

Dip, Chiller and Spreader – Add a cheese ball mix and spreader and your host or hostess will be all set.  $15.00

Christmas Mistletoe/Kissing Krystals — Sparkling gold and red mistletoe atop a large crystal pineapple comes in a gift box. $18.00

Snowman Bath Fizzers – Lavender bath bombs perfect for the hostess to relax after the big party. Three bath balls dressed as Santa. $13.75

Christmas Potpourri — Our most popular scent. A bag of this potpourri will get anyone in the mood for theceramic santa1 Hostess Gifts under $20 holidays! Large $14.00

Ceramic Lighted Santa — He’ll light up your hostess’ holidays and best of all, he’s also available at our on-line store for only $15.95

ScreenShot0092 Hostess Gifts under $20Talk Turkey To Me — The entertaining Turkey and all the trimmings cookbook for the holidays and year round.  Also available at our on-line store for $19.95

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Festive Feasts and Holiday Cheer

November 28, 2009

Tis the season of celebrations and we have everything you could possibly need to make this holiday season the most delicious celebration ever!

lynfred Festive Feasts and Holiday CheerToast to family and friends this holiday with something special from The Little Traveler.  Our “Ladies of the Vine” will joyfully recommend these wines and match their distinctive bouquets and flavors to your holiday meals

•           Bugey Cerdon– A soft, delicious sparkling French rosé.

•           Lynfred Glogg– Spiced wine of Swedish origin features flavors of clove and is a holiday tradition—serve warmed.

•           Lynfred Christmas White– A traditional holiday spiced white wine can be served chilled or warmed.

•           Door County Christmas Red– a blend of Door County cherry wine and white grape will make any meal a festive occasion.

•           Door County I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas– a nice semi-sweet grape wine.

•           St. Christopher Gluhwein– a traditional spiced red wine. Serve warmed or over ice.

•          Illinois River Winery Cranberry Snow– a tasty cranberry wine perfect for the season.

•           Reindeer Ranch Red or White Wine– have one of each ready for a great table wine.

•           Grandpa Lindquist– non-alcoholic glogg.

•           Dutch Treat Chocolate Wine — we know red wine is good for us and so is dark chocolate, so this blend of cabernet and dutch chocolate is ‘health food,’ right?  Wonderful gift to share with friends. $16.00

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Department 56 for Christmas 2009

November 28, 2009

“Celebrate the Holidays” with these new Department 56 classic villages, now displayed and available for purchase at The Little Traveler in Geneva, Illinois (west of Chicago). This is a perfect time to start a new collection for someone you love, or add to your own village displays.

north pole village Department 56 for Christmas 2009

From The North Pole Series

Available as supplies last throughout Nov. and Dec. are:

• North Pole Palace from the Dept 56 North Pole Series

• White Castle Restaurant and Northgate School, Home of the Northgate Polars from the Dept 56 Snow Village

• 48 Daughty Street from The Dept 56 Dickens Village

• Union Station, “21″ Club and Golden Ox Market from Christmas in the City

Each set includes a lighted building and accessory people to create complete village displays.

Pick up your Holiday value sets, specially priced at $79 for the annual holiday event:

North Pole Penguin Visitors’ Center, Snow Village Richmond Holiday House, Christmas in the City Prescott Hotel, Dickens’ Village Christmas at Regent’s Park House.

REVISITED 25 YEARS LATER… THE ORIGINAL SHOPS OF DICKENS’ VILLAGE…

dickens village Department 56 for Christmas 2009

From the Dickens' Village collection

In 1984, the Shops of Dickens’ Village, which later became the Dickens’ Village Series®, was born with seven small and simple designs representing the core elements of an English town in the 19th Century.   In 2009, Department 56 celebrates the Silver Anniversary of the beloved Village.  To commemorate this anniversary, Department 56 is pleased to introduce several inspiring new pieces, by giving collectors a fresh series of buildings based on the classic pieces introduced in 1984. A wonderful way for customers to complete their Dickens Village displays.

Introducing the NEW Interpretation of:

• Crowntree Inn • The Neilan Lund Gallery• Golden Swan Baker • Abel Beesley Butcher (Available while supplies last.)

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Fontanini Natvity Scenes Ensconce the Tradition of Christmas

November 28, 2009

nativity Fontanini Natvity Scenes Ensconce the Tradition of ChristmasThe serene images of the infant Jesus and his parents surrounded by the three kings and the animals of the manger signify the true spirit of the season. We’re pleased to announce that we reinstated the awe-inspiring Fontanini Nativity. The authentic reproduction of the original Fontanini sculptures are handcrafted and handpainted by the artisans of Northern Italy.

Additionally, we are pleased to offer an impressive collection of other nativity scenes. Crafted in various sizes, these scenes are beautifully designed in porcelain, sculpted metal, wood and resin. Whether adding to your scene or just starting your collection, our nativities are worth the trip to inspire you.

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Sharing the Spirit of Christmas… in the Little Traveler Tradition

November 28, 2009

The comfort of tradition is paramount in the annual celebration of Christmas… hanging the garland,trimming the tree, illuminating the tiny villages… all in anticipation of family and friends.  The Little Traveler is filled with all you need to create your celebration.ceramic santa Sharing the Spirit of Christmas... in the Little Traveler Tradition

We’ve enlisted a Cast of Characters to help you celebrate!  And you can even purchase some of them at our on-line store!  Stuffed and soft, whimsical and lighted; solemn and religious; traditional and serious… You’ll find a cast of characters to add charm to your home this season:

* Elegantly dressed Santas embellished with embroidery, tassles and fur.

* More Santas sledding, singing and whatnot.

* Elves creating mischief.

* Three foot lighted snowmen ready to greet guests indoors or out.

* Man-in-the-Moon and Snowman Star lit wreaths to brighten your door.

* Nutcrackers to entertain the children.

* Reindeer, moose and penguins adorning tree skirts and stockings.

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Annual Visit with Mrs. Claus

November 19, 2009

mrs claus Annual Visit with Mrs. ClausYour little ones will love spending the morning with Mrs. Claus.  Children ages 5 and up can get their last minute holiday lists to the North Pole by giving them to Santa’s better half.  You and your children will share a yummy breakfast with Mrs. Claus and then learn all about the workshops at the North Pole.  They will also get to see if they are on the Naughty or Nice List.

These merry festivities begin at 9am on December 12 and 19.  $10 for children, $12 for parents includes the meal, program and a $5 coupon for the adults.  Sign up by calling 630.232.4200 in after 10am on November 16.

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Easy Ways to Decorate Starting in our Linen Department

November 18, 2009

Come in and ask any of our “linen ladies” to show you the best ways to decorate with a minimum of fuss and achieve a maximum  effect!  Fill those empty spaces on the wall with our diverse collection of wall decor.  Delightful potpourris, diffusers, and holiday soaps will help set a festive mood.

star towel Easy Ways to Decorate Starting in our Linen Department* This season table dressings feature interesting textures and shapes– sleek metallic accents, classic holiday prints, lovely crewel designs and more.

* Customers love the reversible quilted items– placemats in round and rectangle, runners in 51- and 70-inch lengths, 54-inch squares, throws, quilts and even matching aprons.  All are easy care and they come in holiday and everyday patterns.

* If lacy table accents are more your style, you’ll love our holiday patterns. Runners in 36- and 72-inch lengths, placemats and squares add holiday flair!

snowman placemats Easy Ways to Decorate Starting in our Linen Department* Cork-backed ‘hard’ placemats take easy care and practicality to a new level.  Our “Jason” placemats are heat safe to 220˚, require only wipe-off care, and come in a variety of styles, both holiday and everyday.  You can now buy Snowmen Placemats by Jason at our on-line store!

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