The Occasional Saler

outside and in. Garden Party Gallery greets shoppers with beautiful music outdoors to match the festive environment inside. There are beautiful decorations to brighten your home and your mood. Clever uses of fabrics, jewelry, and toys may tickle your fancy. The recycled wool, hand sewn mittens and children’s winter hats make toasty, one-of-a-kind gifts. Garden Party Gallery at 1213 Main St. in downtown Hopkins is open today and Saturday 10-6.

Think of this weekend as a bonus shopping opportunity. It’s also a teaser for all the holiday decorations and gifting possibilities you will find over the next several weeks at the small, local, vintage shops we love. Happy saling!

Urban Cottage is setting up shop and bringing the bling for this special weekend sale at 3012 West 50th Street in southwest Minneapolis. You’ll find vintage, gift and home decor items. If you know the 50th & Xerxes corner, you’ll remember the tiny barbershop which was sandwiched between antique and furniture stores for many years. It will soon be home to Garden Gate Flowers. (It’s on the north side of 50th, east of Xerxes Avenue). Look for the green door. Hours are 10-5 today and 12-5 on Sunday. Happy saling!

In Carver you can find the perfect repurposed furniture at Carver Junk Co., Farm Girl Junk and The Rekindled Company. For primitive and architectural antiques, The Nature of It and Ms. Mac’s Too are your best bet. The Nature of It has supplied beautiful china for a new home, that perfect hostess gift for the friend who collects lustreware and a spectacular garden ornament – similar to the cupid shown above. This month includes antlers and assorted animals (preserved yet lifelike) plus beautiful vintage tree ornaments and a fantastic 100 year old English sofa. Hours are Friday and Saturday 10-4 in historic downtown Carver.