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Activities in South OC

Holiday Events in South Orange County


events in orange county
Activities in South Orange County
By Shelley T. Hudson

Dana Point:
Harbor The Holidays
What’s better than a fruitcake? Dana Point’s jam-packed holiday calendar, starting with Holiday in the Harbor on December 3rd. This event has everything—photos with Frosty and Santa, holiday crafts, face painting, a puppet show, carolers, balloon artists, live music and comedy! The activities take place at Mariner’s Village, Mariner’s Alley and Dana Wharf beginning at 4:00 p.m. Visit www.danapoint.org for the full schedule of events.

If that’s not enough, hop on a Free Boat Ride with Mr. Bowl-full-o-jelly on December 4th and 5th. Cruises run every 20 minutes from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. from Dana Wharf. Bundle up and don’t forget your camera! For more information, log on to www.danawharf.com

Dana Point BoatA Boatload Of Fun
Mark your calendar for the 36th Annual Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights. This year’s theme is “Jingle Bell Rock,” so you can expect many creative musical tributes. You’ll get several chances to take in this local tradition: December 10, 11, 17 and 18 at 7:30 p.m.

Let It Snow!
Dana Point’s Winter Festival hits La Plaza Park again with merriment to spare. The fun starts on December 12th at noon with face painting, a crafts fair, carnival games, a petting zoo (with real reindeer!), cookie decorating, North Pole VIPs, a marionette show, balloon and caricature artists and a real snow play area! The Dana Point Police Departmentwill be onhand to fingerprint your child, and the Dana Point Fire Department will collect new, unwrapped toys for the Spark of Love Toy Drive. After the tree lighting at 5:15 p.m., enjoy cocoa and cookies and a screening of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” This extravaganza features live music throughout the day. Bring your camera, mittens, lawn chair and toy donation!

Deck Your Halls
If you like to keep up with the Joneses, then consider entering your home in the 11th Annual Holiday Home Decorating Contest on Dec. 17th from 5 – 7 pm. The Dana Point Youth Board judges this fun event and awards prizes for “creativity, spirit and overall enthusiasm.” Call 949.248.3514 to enter.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO
Get Your Ducks In A Row
San Juan Capistrano Tree Lighting ZOOMARS Petting Zoo will also be a bevy of activity on Los Rios Street on December 4th. Admission is free until 9:00 p.m. and you won’t want to miss Pathway to Hope’s Live Nativity Performances at 6:15 and 7:00 p.m. near the petting zoo. To sweeten the deal, SJC’s Downtown Shops will stay open late and offer special discounts!

Merriment At The Mission
Mission San Juan Capistrano continues its tradition with Christmas at the Mission. For a $2.00 admission, guests enjoy carolers, Santa photo ops and mariachi and choir performances. A Santa’s Workshop studio for kids will keep little fingers busy while grownups sip on mugs of Mexican hot chocolate. Please bring a canned food donation for Serra’s Pantry. The event immediately follows the Tree Lighting Ceremony on
December 4th and runs until 8:00 p.m.

Smiles For Miles
Bring the little ones to Del Obispo Terrace in San Juan Capistrano on December 5th from 10:00 – 11:30 for a special Smiles for Seniors event. Pack your holiday cheer and a camera, because Santa will be in the house to share the moment! The fun takes place at 32200 Del Obispo Street. For more information, call 949.496.8802.

 

SAN CLEMENTE:
Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
The city’s Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony takes place on December 2nd at the San Clemente Community Center at 5:30 p.m. Santa’s elves will serve cocoa and cookies (how do they find the time?) before a reading of “Twas the Night Before Christmas” by The Jolly One. The mayor will be on hand for the official tree-lighting at 6:30 p.m.

Gifts That Keep Giving...
Holiday Events San ClementeFamily Assistance Ministries is sponsoring a Gift Exchange Program on December 11th at 11:00 a.m., also at the Community Center. Lunch will be served. What a great opportunity to demonstrate your holiday spirit by making a donation for children in need. For details, contact FamilyAssistance Ministries at 949.492.8477.

Feeling Nutty?
Pacific Coast Dance Academy’s Youth America Ballet will perform The Nutcracker locally this year. This magical holiday show is a must-see for all ages. Performances are December 4th at 2:30 and 7:00 p.m. and December 5th at 2:30 p.m. at San Juan Hills High School’s Collaborative Arts Theatre. For the younger, attention span-challenged set, check out the Holiday Follies at the academy’s studio on December 15th from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Students will sing and dance, and Santa and The Nutcracker’s Mother Ginger will be available for photographs. For information on either event, call 949.361.9277.

LAGUNA BEACH
When The Sawdust Settles
Laguna Beach’s premiere holiday event is the Sawdust Festival’s Winter Fantasy—A Palette of Holiday Treasures. TheFestival is pulling out the stops for this 20th Annual celebration. Over 170 exhibitors will show and sell their creations on the grounds of this “winter wonderland.” Kids will enjoy craft projects and visits with Ole St. Nick. The Winter Fantasy is the perfect way to shop while enjoying live entertainment and food from four outdoor cafes. The event runs December 4, 5, 10, 11 and 12 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Admission is $6 for adults and $3 for kids, but if you attend on a Sunday, bring a new, unwrapped toy for free admission!

Capistrano Toyota

Capistrano Toyota


Capistrano Toyota
Capistrano Toyota – It’s a Family Affair
By Shelley T. Hudson

Capistrano Toyota’s Roger Hogan has earned his stripes in the car business and has seen auto trends come and go. He started with Toyota in 1976—just in time for the “black Celica craze” that hit streets the following year. His dedication and hard work earned him his own dealership in the early 90’s, which he twice expanded. After more than three decades and an unbroken string of successes, he has returned to Orange County to give back to the community and share his good fortune with his family.

Since taking over operations in San Juan Capistrano two years ago, Hogan has dug in his heels and made a significant commitment to the local community. Capo Toyota has sponsored car giveaways for Trabuco Hills High School, The Ocean Institute, Children’s Hospital of Orange County and Capistrano Unified School District, to name only a few. This generosity has helped generate hundreds of thousands of dollars for these organ-izations and Hogan says he’s only just beginning.

Roger Hogan’s three sons help keep it all in the family. Roger, Jr. is currently the General Sales Manager at the San Juan Capistrano dealership. Steven is the General Manager of the flagship location in Claremont and youngest son Kyle (a 2004 graduate of Laguna Beach High School and recent Pepperdine alum) is the Pre-Owned Car Director. Roger, Sr. has fond memories of coaching youth sports and high school basketball and he considers his business relationship with his sons an extension of that camaraderie.

As the consummate family man, Roger has also managed to incorporate his grandson in to the family business. Hogan has featured his image on everything from license plate frames to marketing materials to the two-story inflatable mascot that sits at the front of the dealership. Out of his pride as a grandfather, the company tagline, “Oh Baby!” was born.

Capistrano Toyota’s best-selling model is the high-performance Prius hybrid. Hogan asserts, “The Prius defines San Juan Capistrano right now. This community is youth-oriented and environmentally aware.” Considering that South OC is also home to tens of thousands of commuters driving north to Irvine and beyond or south to San Diego, the Prius just makes good economic sense. In fact, the Prius outsells the Camry by 500% at Capo Toyota, bucking the nationwide trend that has kept the Camry in the top spot year after year. Hogan’s enthusiasm about the model shines through. He’s not only a proud Prius driver, but he’s also eager to unveil the new line of Priuses in 2011, which will include a four-door model, a full-electric model and a wagon version.

Toyota has proven to be the clear leader in hybrid technology and will celebrate ten years on top in 2011. With the current Prius model averaging fifty miles per gallon and the electric model expected to perform at up to 140 miles on a single charge, the competition is left at the starting line. Capo Toyota has mechanics on staff who are specially certified to service hybrids—a must for this ever-advancing technology. The service department is stacked with friendly, knowledgeable staff who are the best in the business. The department services all models of Toyota, Scion and Lexus vehicles.

With customer-friendly perks like complimentary lifetime oil changes with the purchase of a new vehicle and time savers like online finance applications and service appointments, the car-buying experience couldn’t be easier. Toyotathon’s December offers just sweeten the deal. See for yourself why “great deals are born here every day!”

CAPISTRANO TOYOTA
33395 Camino Capistrano » San Juan Capistrano
877.857.0134 » CapistranoToyotaCars.com

Ichibiri

Ichibiri

Ichibiri
Ichibiri – Smokin’ Hot Fun!
By Krissy V.

Ichibiri is hardly the new kid on the block when it comes to South County restaurants. For over 25 years, they’ve been delighting locals with some of the finest Japanese teppan and sushi in the area.

Featuring teppanyaki cooking, which literally translates as “iron plate cooking,” Ichibiri’s chefs have clearly mastered this artful and playful preparation by incorporating skillful technique and a dash of comedy to create an entertaining and delicious dining experience. Patrons at the teppan grill, especially the younger set, can’t help but be amazed by each chef’s repertoire of stunts: from spinning, tossing and catching various bottles and utensils to fashioning smoking volcanoes out of stacked onion rings or sculpting the likeness of Mickey Mouse from mounds of fried rice. The fact that I can also maintain an uninterrupted conversation with my husband while my 5-year old is mesmerized by the chef’s antics is the proverbial cherry on top!

After the “show” concludes, you’ll be met with a generous portion of rice, yakisoba noodles, tasty vegetables and your choice of filet mignon, teriyaki chicken, scallops, halibut or other protein to dip into a selection of tasty sauces. Pair it with saki or a Sapporo and you’re all set for a great meal.

Also in Ichibiri’s bag of tricks is a tasty array of sushi and sashimi that can be enjoyed at the sushi bar, teppan grill or at a private table. Ichibiri works diligently with local suppliers to assure their customers receive only the freshest fish and ingredients and their sushi chefs echo this attention to detail by preparing your personal favorites, even if they’re not on the menu.

No matter where you reside in South Orange County, you’re not far from one of Ichibiri’s convenient locations in Dana Point, San Clemente or Laguna Niguel. Whether you’re an old fan or a new friend, visit them for lunch, dinner and a great time!

27981 Greenfield Dr # J • Laguna Niguel • 949.362.8048
16 Monarch Bay Plaza • Dana Point • 949.661.1544
1814 N El Camino Real • San Clemente • 949.361.0137
www.ichibiris.com

Holiday Activities in South OC

Holiday Events in South Orange County


events in orange county
Holiday Activities in South Orange County – Puttin’ On The GlitzGlitz San Clemente

On Saturday, November 27th, San Clemente kicks off the season with its premiere holiday event – Puttin’ on the Glitz. The San Clemente Downtown Business Association, in conjunction with the City of San Clemente, present a magical evening of fun for the entire family.

Decked out in twinkling lights, historic Avenida Del Mar will be transformed into a festive pedestrian mall as children enjoy rides on a motorized mini-train and an enchanting horse-drawn fantasy carriage. Face painters, balloon artists and magicians will captivate the crowd while carolers in Victorian costumes, a barbershop quartet, a bagpipe troupe and other performers will fill the air with live music.

The charming shops and windows lining the avenue will be decorated for the season and will remain open to accommodate holiday shoppers anxious to get a jump on their lists. Organizations and vendors such as the Boy Scouts of America will offer hot apple cider, fire roasted chestnuts, hot chocolate, snow cones and cotton candy as you stroll the quaint downtown village.

Sirens will signal the arrival of Santa Claus perched upon a fire truck, as he leads a fanfare procession down Del Mar to the Community Center. Mrs. Claus & their elves will greet and take Santa to his awaiting fireside chair where children will have an opportunity to profess their hearts’ desires and create a lasting memory with a photo.

Puttin’ on the Glitz is free to the public and runs from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. A complimentary shuttle service is provided from the San Clemente High School parking lot, located just East of the freeway on Avenida Pico.

For more information about the event, please contact the San Clemente Downtown Business Association at 949.218.5378 orwww.villagesanclemente.org.

Laguna Nursery

Laguna Nursery

 

Laguna Beach Nursery

Laguna Nursery
Laguna Nursery

If you thought about popping into Laguna Nursery for a few annuals to plant this weekend, you’re in for a pleasant surprise. Clear your schedule, because more than a couple of minutes are needed to explore their maze of elegantly and artfully displayed antiques, artifacts and garden wares. Salvaged architectural pieces, unique pots and interesting plant compositions make this garden emporium a wealth of inspiration for your indoor and outdoor spaces.

Ruben Flores purchased Laguna Nursery three short years ago, but his architectural background is evident everywhere you look. When Ruben heard the site was slated to become a storage facility for a local hotel, he “couldn’t let it go.” His business has since flourished into a local destination for landscape architects, designers and homeowners alike. Flores considers himself and his crew—most of whom have been with him throughout his illustrious career—“artistic directors of the garden.”

A series of coincidences early in his career brought Flores to Laguna Beach. While a student at Cal Poly Pomona, he toured Coastal California on speaking engagements, educating audiences about California native plantings. It was at one of these lectures that Flores was “discovered” by a well-known landscape architect in Laguna Beach. That project—the Villa Elena Mansion—propelled him into the world of high-end landscaping. Flores went on to design the rolling gardens of the Gucci Mansion, whose owner sent him to Europe to study the “visionscapes” of France, Italy and England. Flores describes this immersion into historically significant art and sophisticated European lifestyles as an “intensely creative” time.

Today, Flores incorporates his exposure to art and architecture into all his projects. He prefers residential to commercial work because he values the collaborative relationships that develop with homeowners. He designs landscapes

around his clients’ lifestyles and especially loves creating intimate spaces for entertaining. Flores emphasizes that a garden can be visually interesting no matter what the size or budget and that even a tiny patio has great potential. His mantra is, “Keep it spinning and don’t get bored,” and also believes that, “A garden can’t just be given to someone; it has to be nurtured and appreciated.”

 

November is the ideal time to plant California natives and create your very own visionscape. Laguna Nursery’s “Fall Festival” offers how-to classes for both adults and kids. The crew erects a tent, lights the fire pit and shows you step-by-step what to do—and you can sip some limoncello while you watch. If that’s not enough, Flores and company host a Cabaret Night every month—often featuring Tony award-winning vocalists. Guests are encouraged to gather around the grand piano and sing along. For schedules and tickets, visitwww.LagunaNursery.net.

Thanksgiving Day Activities in Dana Point

Turkey Trot



Thanksgiving Day Activities in Dana Point
By Nichole ChambersTurkey Trot Dana Point

Want to work up your Thanksgiving Day appetite? Then be one of the 12,000 participants expected to flock to the 33rd annual Dana Point Turkey Trot on November 25th. Benefiting the Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County, this festive Dana Point event is a wonderful way to give back to your community in the spirit of the race’s mantra: “Run so others can eat.”

Drawn by pristine harbor scenery, a good cause and a great chance to burn some calories before the day’s feast, runners from Orange County to Kenya and just about everywhere in between have long enjoyed the annual Dana Point Turkey Trot for its 5K, 10K and Kids’ Gobble Wobble race for ages 5-12.

Last year’s brilliant sun and sparkling ocean beckoned the biggest turnout in the history of the event. Dubbed “America’s Turkey Trot,” the 32nd annual race attracted more than 11,000 participants from more than 45 states and five countries.

The runners always have a good time, with several dressing in costumes appropriate to the season. The result is a holiday parade of plume-bedecked runners, a throng of turkey-masked, brown-shirted gobblers with their bellies appropriately stuffed and an occasional trotting Santa Claus pushing a double baby jogger.

This year’s theme focuses on the rich history of this international event, which has contributed to putting Dana Point Harbor on the map. While the fun-filled event officially marks the beginning of the holiday season in this seaside city, its goal is to help raise money for a great cause. Turkey Trot organizers hope to raise $30,000 to $50,000 for the food bank.

“The Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County is proud to once again be a beneficiary of the Turkey Trot event for the ninth year in a row,” said Joe Schoeinigh, Director of the food bank. “We hope to raise awareness of the hunger issue in Orange County and raise significant funds for our neighbors in need. The public is welcome to stop by our booth during the event and learn more about volunteering and other ways to get involved in the fight against hunger in Orange County.”

There’s still time to register for this year’s race. Fees are just $40 if you register by November 21st and $45 thereafter. Please note that race day registration is not available for the 10K event. For information about volunteering or participating in the 2010 Dana Point Turkey Trot, visit www.turketrot.com or contact the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce at 949.496.1555. You can also text TURKEYTROT to 44264 for race updates, discounts and chances to win prizes.

Turkey Trot in Orange County

Lewis & Clark a Journey to Explore

Lewis and Clark



Lewis & Clark a Journey to Explore

 

A couple of adventurers named Meriwether and William set out more than two centuries ago to explore the West, only you probably know them better by their surnames: Lewis and Clark.

Meriwether Lewis and William Clark began their journey to explore and map the American West in 1804. Now, more than 200 years later, their remarkable journey can be examined and revisited at Mission San Juan Capistrano’s museum exhibit, “Lewis and Clark Expedition Across America,” starting with its opening on November 1st and running until March of 2011.

Lewis and Clark were initially accompanied by a crew of men, and later, by the Shoshone Indian guide and interpreter, Sacajawea, and her infant son. They traveled by river and by land from St. Louis, Missouri to the Oregon coast, and back again. The very trail Lewis and Clark traversed is the focus of a special added photography exhibit, “Lewis and Clark Revisited: A Trail in Modern Day.”

This secondary exhibit is an immersive educational experience, offering visitors a chance to become the original corpsmen of the Lewis & Clark Expedition. Visitors of all ages will find something in the exhibit to enjoy from the photo exhibit for adults to the interactive stations for students. The engaging stations will bring students along the trail’s highlights, allowing them to explore animal and plant life of the prairies, encounter Native American nations, leaving them with a better understanding of the challenges the Corps of Discovery met on their journey. “There’s something for everyone in this exhibit,” says Mechelle Lawrence-Adams, Executive Director of the Mission.

Lewis & Clark


THE “LEWIS AND CLARK REVISITED:
A Trail in Modern Day” exhibition tour was organized by Greg MacGregor and the California Exhibition Resources Alliance (CERA). CERA is a network of professionally operated museums and cultural organizations that collaborate to create and tour smaller, affordable, high quality exhibitions that enhance civic engagement and humanunderstanding. CERA is supported by generous grants from The James Irvine Foundation and The William Randolph Hearst Foundation.

Enne Cucina

Enne Cucina

Enne Cucina
Enne Cucina
By Amelia Winslow

Enne CucinaBoldly printed right across the front of Enne Cucina Italiana’s menu is the line: “The good things in life are illegal, immoral or make you fat.” While the first two sentiments may be debatable, Nicola Bellazzi creates and cooks such good food at his new San Clemente restaurant, that I have to agree with the last.

You may not expect to sit down to truly authentic Italian food in Talega of San Clemente, but at Enne Cucina, that’s exactly what you’ll find. Nicola (“Nick”) was born and raised in Italy and spent much of his childhood watching his mother and grandmother in the kitchen. He then attended culinary school and proceeded to cook in a wide variety of restaurants all over the globe before opening his first restaurant in Southern California in 1998.

The menu at Enne Cucina is a combination of classic Italian dishes, Nick’s mother Lina’s family recipes and his own new creations. After whetting your appetite with an order of Nick’s twist on bruschetta or Caprese salad, you might dig in to a rich, cheesy helping of Mama Lina’s meatball lasagne, or perhaps a plate of the house-made ravioli, stuffed to the brim with spinach and ricotta and served in brown butter with fresh sage and raisins. In the mood for something lighter? They offer plenty of lower calorie options, like spaghetti with zucchini, tomato and fresh mint or pillow-soft gnocchi with shrimp, anchovies and cherry tomatoes in a white wine sauce.

Just make sure you save room for dessert, as the warm bread pudding with velvety brandy sauce, the chocolate truffle mousse or Mama Lina’s soft tiramisu, are not to be missed.

Whether it’s for lunch, dinner, happy hour or Sunday brunch, Nick and his friendly staff at Enne Cucina are waiting to welcome you to the heart of Italy, right here in South Orange County.

Enne Cucina
831 Via Suerte • San Clemente • 949.492.1089 • www.ennecucina.com

The Vintage at The Mission

All Good Taste

The Vintage at The Mission
By Jennifer Pham

Take a short drive to the Mission San Juan Capistrano and enjoy The Vintage, a “Celebration of Good Taste,” on Saturday, October 16th from 6 p.m. to 10p.m. This 14th annual evening of gourmet food and fine wine is brought to you by top local restaurants and surrounding wineries. The Vintage Silent Auction, gaming tables, dancing and live musical performances from Steely Jam, Tim Robert Johnson and Douglas Roegiers will keep you entertained throughout the night. Proceeds from the event support the San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce to benefit the local business community and the Mission San Juan Capistrano and its various programs.

Tim Robert Johnson, solo finger guitarist and Founder of Lord of Strings Concerts, will entertain guests in the Mission front courtyard. The smooth sounds of Douglas Roegiers will open for the Vintage’s final performance from Steely Jam. Roegiers, who has focused his work in “great American Crooning,” will be singing the best tunes of Frank Sinatra. Steely Dan’s most faithful tribute band, Steely Jam, will dip into R&B, Soul, Rock and Jazz with musicianship and style to complete the sounds of the evening. Steely Jam will recreate the artistry of the “thinking man’s band.”

Guests at this year’s Vintage will sample sweet treats and savory eats from many premier local restaurants including Bad to the Bone BBQ, El Adobe De Capistrano, Marbella Country Club, Mahé, Ricardo’s Place, Sarducci’s Capistrano Depot, Sundried Tomato American Bistro & Café, The Derby Deli & Dueling Piano Bar and The Vintage Steakhouse. Local wineries will also participate at the event, showcasing some of their finest selections.

An area of the Mission’s courtyard will be transformed into “Little Italy,” celebrating San Juan Capistrano’s sister city in Capestrano, Italy. The section will be full of fine Italian wine and food, honoring Capestrano, Italy from Banfi Wines, Frankies Biscotti, Brio Tuscany Grille, Casa Torelli Wines, Dolce Gelato, San Pellegrino Sparkling Water and Trader Joe’s of Laguna Niguel among others.

The Vintage Silent Auction will feature over 100 gift baskets that have been donated by various sponsors. Auction items range from health and beauty certificates and sporting goods to vacation packages and other services. A live auction will also take place that evening with three exclusive packages being presented to the highest bidders.

General admission tickets are $75 and include admission, food, wine, beer, entertainment, dancing and $25 in complimentary chips for the casino area. VIP table seating can also be purchased for $900 and accommodates up to 10. For more information and to purchase tickets, visitwww.thevintagesjc.com or stop by the San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce at 31421 La Matanza in San Juan.

Renaissance Home Furnishings

Renaissance Home Furnishings

 


Renaissance Home Furnishings – A Desire To Inspire
By Shelly T. Hudson
Renaissance Home Furnishings

Equal parts family business, warehouse showroom and design boutique, Renaissance Home Furnishings in historic San Juan Capistrano’s Home Center earns its reputation as South OC’s go-to home decorating resource. That reputation hasn’t come easily—owner Dennis Penman and his staff of designers have been known to help their crew offload containers at all hours of the day and night to keep a delivery deadline.

Penman and company’s dogged pursuit of customer satisfaction has won over a loyal following of discerning customers. Although he jokes that Renaissance is “the best kept secret in San Juan,” because of its tucked-away location, Penman knows that his 14 years in the home furnishings business have landed his store on the short list of both design professionals and savvy homeowners alike.

It helps that Renaissance provides 11,000 square feet of pure inspiration. Customers can stroll through the showroom and plop down on a squishy sofa while they flip through fabric samples or decide on the perfect lamp or artwork. From Old World European to contemporary to beach cottage-chic, the design staff works with each customer to determine his or her own version of “affordable luxury.” Since repeat customers (and their referred friends and neighbors) make up the bulk of the business, the staff and crew at Renaissance develop a familial relationship with them. In fact, it’s not unusual for a customer to stop by with homemade cookies as a thank you.

Now for the best part: because of the high volume of business Renaissance provides its manufacturers, the overhead and margins are kept low. Customers reap the benefits of the “40% off every day” philosophy and keep coming back. The instant gratification of purchasing items right from the selling floor combined with quick turn around times—even for custom pieces—solidifies the relationship.

In addition to offering beautiful home furnishings at reasonable prices at a quicker-than-average lead time, Renaissance Home Furnishings provides complimentary design services at every level. Louise Vincent and Robin Earp lead the design team, and they provide both in-store and in-home consultations. So whether you just need help choosing a rug or your house is an empty shell needing warmth and comfort (and paint, and flooring, and window treatments…), Louise and Robin are waiting to scramble. This hard-working staff has been known to furnish an entire home from ceiling to floor in two weeks! Louise describes this unusual service as “completion oriented.” With 27 years in the design business, she knows a thing or two about getting things done.

Another design service option offered at Renaissance is their “shop at home” program. This commitment-free home visit allows customers the opportunity to see and feel the furniture in their homes before they purchase. The designers arrive with everything—furniture, rugs, lighting, accessories. Once set up is completed, the client can select any or all of the design. It’s truly a stress-free, no obligation shopping experience for the customer.

These in-house services are more than a convenience; the one-stop shopping is a time saver and a budget saver. The one-to four-week turnaround on custom furnishings makes it easy to change your look seasonally. If it’s your turn to host the holidays this year and your home could use a little style boost, stop by the store or have a designer meet with you at home to put some ideas together. It’s easy and it’s free!

Loyal Renaissance customers, Kelly and Rob Hammons, describe their experience as “highly recommended and so easy.” The Hammons are transplants from the furniture capitol of the country—North Carolina. Kelly was most impressed with the follow-through of the design staff. She said she was kept informed of her custom order status and was surprised that the delivery estimates were right on. Her husband Rob echoed her sentiments. “The prices are highly competitive and the customer service is first-rate. I can’t say enough about the staff. They truly go the extra mile.