Choose Local this ChristmasH

We’ve heard on the ‘hollyvine’ that the big jolly man has implemented a strict hygiene regimen at the North Pole and has schooled the elves to socially distance. So why not pop on your sparkling Christmas earrings and your reindeer antlers because it’s official: Christmas is on!

With a trying year somewhat behind us, we’ve got our sights set on the light at the end of the tunnel . . . oh wait, that’s the Christmas lights that our neighbours have put up early. And yes, Christmas may look a little different this year, but the gift of giving and thinking of each other stays the same. So without sounding like a broken record or like Mariah Carey’s version of All I Want For Christmas, which will no doubt start playing wherever we venture, we’re adamant that the lovin’ local train will continue to power along as we head into the silly season. In buying from a local shop or an eatery down the road, you’re not only supporting them, you’re creating a snowball effect: those precious dollars will continue to be spread – with contactless payments – throughout the community. Your community. Santa sees all and he has let us in on a little secret: for every sale a small business receives, the owner does a little dance. The jolly fellow has caught countless owners dancing enthusiastically to Chuck Berry’s Run Rudolph Run and of course Jingle Bell Rock by Bobby Helms. All we want for Christmas is a jolly community where Santa sacks are filled with locally made products, dining tables are overflowing with local produce, our nearest and dearest are delighted to receive gifts from nearby specialty stores, and everyone enjoys a rocking Christmas to help get our economy rolling again. We’ve been good, Santa, we promise.

KATE SEARS

CHEEKY RASCAL AD

Bookbinders Handmade in Victoria since 1980

Luxurious, affordable dining and bedding direct from importer

Pearl’s Manchester imports some of the finest quality table linen for your home, as well as manufacturing superior down quilts and pillows and carrying a choice selection of bedding essentials suitable for aged care, hotels/motels, clubs and more.

If you’re in the hospitality and wedding/events industries, Pearl’s Manchester also imports such essential items as napkins, glass cloths, tea towels, damask tablecloths and fabrics. And with Christmas around the corner, Pearl’s has a great selection of practical gift ideas. In 1975, Pearl’s Manchester began from humble beginnings as a mom and pop business in a small singlefronted brick home in Elwood. In those days, the master bedroom was the shop front, the second bedroom the workroom, the garage the storeroom, and from there goods were sold directly out of cartons. Over the years this Australian family-owned and operated

company – now a third-generation enterprise – has built a reputation as a nationwide premium importer/ wholesaler sourcing globally, offering solutions that are perfect for you while understanding the need for innovation. Pearl’s ensures the product mix constantly

changes and regularly showcases its premium products at Australian trade fairs. PEARL’S MANCHESTER A: 48-52 Clifton St, Prahran T: 9529 2758 W: www.pearlsmanchester.com.au

Elves working throughout lockdown

While everyone’s been homebound, the Christmas elves have been tirelessly working away at Christmas on Main creating this year’s theme: Candy Canes. With tranquil pastels adorning cupcake-style train carriages and lollipops, sparkling metallic stars, rainbow sprinkle-covered baubles and vibrant candy canes, the lolly world will delight all Christmaslovers who will no doubt need a little drop of sweetness this year.

Owner Susan Russo has been busier than Mrs Claus over lockdown. She’s even welcomed a new range by Mark Roberts as well as the arrival of nutcrackers and elves in a variety of colours, which are the epitome of collectors’ items. With so much stock to choose from to begin your festive designing, including splashes of silver and traditional reds, you can start creating this year’s Christmas memories by shopping online right now. If you’re within 25km, stop by the wonderland for local pick-up, or have it delivered – it’s like receiving a Christmas present to yourself. Stay on Santa’s ‘nice’ list by keeping an eye on Christmas on Main’s social pages for up-to-date opening information. CHRISTMAS ON MAIN A: 3 Bayport Court, Mornington T: 0439 955 778 FB: ChristmasOnMain INSTA: christmasonmain

To delight and inspire…

Ideas By The Bay is full of unique treasures and essential household items. Carrying staple kitchen utensils and products, as well as ecologically friendly essentials to help reduce harmful environmental impacts. We pride ourselves on carrying products of quality that will stand the test of time, without forfeiting aesthetic appeal and unique value. We have the biggest range of mugs for those looking for a quality piece and are building a following for the beautiful, UK-made Emma Bridgewater range.

At Ideas we celebrate all things Australia, which includes a variety of gorgeous Australian-made items. Perfect for visitors and locals alike, our Australian section is brimming with treasures for all. We have products to suit most occasions and ages making gift buying a cinch. Come visit us in store or visit our new website at ideasbythebay.com.au and shop from the comfort of your own home. Explore a world that celebrates creativity. Normal trading hours resume from November, Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm and Sunday 10.30am to 4pm. IDEAS BY THE BAY A: 34 Main St, Mornington T: 5977 0708 W: www.ideasbythebay.com.au FB: IdeasByTheBay INSTA: ideasbythebay

Obtainium Antiques & Vintage Wares

Marlene Miller Antiques

Specialising in antique and newly made jewellery by Melbourne’s top jewellers

Sea food and eat it

Get ready for Christmas by ordering a deluxe seafood tasting platter from Cripps Family Fish Farm Seafood Market. Their famous seafood platters come in a range of sizes, and with more than 140 years of experience within the fishing industry, you’ll be delighted by their range of fresh prawns, oysters, flathead tails, Atlantic salmon, sashimi-grade tuna and so much more. See advert on page 55.

128 Ocean Beach Rd, Sorrento t. 5984 1762 m: 0438 537 757 e:marlenemiller3@bigpond.com

The Peninsula’s finest all under one roof

The Mornington Peninsula is home to an incredibly diverse range of farmers, growers and makers whose goods extend from beauty products and gourmet food to sweet treats and unique gifts – and much, much more besides. But with so much variety, you’d think tracking it all down would be a nightmare, right? Well, no.

Peninsula Gourmet Emporium is a treasure trove of the Peninsula’s finest artisan produce and products, a magical store filled with all things grown, made and produced on the Peninsula all stocked in the one location. Whether you’re a Peninsula resident or a visitor to our glorious part of the world, if you have limited time then this one-stop shop provides you with the perfect solution by allowing you to peruse and purchase a whole range of what the Peninsula has to offer. Owners Kym and Ted Smirnoff stock an impressive and diverse range that includes an excellent selection of gluten-free and vegan products as well. The shelves are lined with wonderful cookbooks, local wines, beers, ciders, award-winning olive oils, cheeses, pates, jams and chutneys as well as handmade soaps and body products. With Christmas fast approaching, Peninsula Gourmet Emporium has you all sorted. You can purchase ready-made gift hampers or even create your own, filling them with all the wonderful goodies that will add that special personalised touch. Your gift hampers can be delivered to Melbourne, interstate and overseas. Giftgiving has never been so easy. PENINSULA GOURMET EMPORIUM A: 240 Boundary Rd, Dromana T: 5981 9123 W: www.hamperyourself.com.au FB: HamperYourself INSTA: hamperyourself