LOCATION: The store is across the Potomac from Washington DC, located in Old Town Alexandria, an area home to numerous shops and restaurants and very pedestrian friendly. The shop is easy to find, but parking can be a little tight- street parking is the most convenient, but not always available. There are numerous pay lots scattered throughout the area, though.
MERCHANDISE: Its name is particularly apt- you feel as though you are prowling through someone's holiday-themed attic. A store employee asked if she could help me find anything in particular- "I'm a little overwhelmed!" was my response. She laughed and then imparted important knowledge- "You need to look up and down- basically everywhere to see everything!"
And she was right. Ornaments and figurines, along with strands of lights and holly, hang from the ceiling. Pillows, toys, and ornaments are stacked in bowls on the floor. And all around you is even more decorations, hanging on screen doors and fishing nets, propped on shelves and tables. And this is just the first floor! The first floor contains about 80% Christmas decorations- the shop also had a small section for Halloween and Thanksgiving. And if it couldn't get any better, it just did- the store also sells wine!
The second floor is solely devoted to Christmas items. Like 3 French Hens, the store displays many of its ornaments on themed trees. An example of a few- I saw another Irish tree; an international tree (ornaments of Big Ben and the Eiffel Tower, among others); baby girl and baby boy trees; a bird tree and a separate peacock tree; a princess tree; and finally, another food tree (this had super-cute ornaments of french fries, slices of pizza, and pumpkin pie!).
The store contains much more than just ornaments, though. It had a large collection of Department 56 items (I don't collect, but I know many do!) and various collections of Nativity figurines. My favorite- I counted 42 different kinds of Christmas pinwheels, including a few that were five layers tall. Another corner was filled with nutcrackers- probably over 100 different kinds (and a Christmas tree devoted to miniature nutcracker ornaments!).
ODDS AND ENDS: The employees are extremely friendly. I had three different employees ask me how I was and if I needed any help. They also provide boxes for purchased items. The stairs to get to the second floor are a little steep, though. As it gets closer to Christmas, I think it will be difficult to shop and maneuver when the store is busy with customers- because of all the items for sale and the method of display, the store doesn't have a whole lot of room to walk around as it is (but its cozy!). Overall, prices are reasonable, especially for the ornaments, but some of the more unique items can be pricey.
BOUGHT: I think I picked up and put back half a dozen different items. I ended up with an adorable ornament of a dancing reindeer. I almost bought a miniature glass martini glass ornament that was hand-painted with holiday themes. Finally, I did buy a Christmas present for someone who regularly visits this site- so I'll have to identify that purchase later!
OVERALL: Let me just say, I love this store! I'll definitely go back!
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