Come meet our local artists, craftsmen, & craftswomen, Saturday, October 15th from 10 am - 3 pm!  Taste samples of gourmet local foods, hear about the artist's inspiration, ask questions, and sign up to win the Local Artist Giveaways!  We feel supporting local businesses is one way we can give back directly to this community.  Come out and support your Local Artists on Local Love Day at Treehouse Gift & Home, 9546 E 16 Frontage Rd, Onalaska, WI 54650. Enjoy this FREE event, Saturday, October 15th, 2022! 

• Advanced Florals Class with Shirley Johnson
• Charcoal Pet Portraits with Steve Gilman
• Let's Knot - Macramé with Linda Grupa

Big-box retailers and e-commerce companies often dominate the retail space, as consumers can find an assortment of goods in one place. There are still numerous reasons to patronize local businesses, including gift shops, grocers, and companies that provide additional services. Here are a few associated benefits to buying locally. 

What Are the Advantages of Supporting Local Businesses?

1. Give the Local Economy a Boost

Chain retailers don't have a local connection, so the revenue stream won't necessarily benefit your community. By buying from local businesses, you'll help keep money in your neighborhood to help it prosper since the establishments source materials from other local businesses. Employees who live in the community also use their income to pay for local products and services.  

2. Find Unique Goods

Local small business owners are dedicated to maintaining a presence in the community and often offer an eclectic variety of products that pique their personal interests and address the community's needs. For example, a local gift shop is the perfect place to buy presents for loved ones who don't live in the area. You can find locally grown food, native flowers, climate-specific outerwear, region-focused artwork, and other unique goods that provide insight into your community.

3. Enjoy a Personalized Experience

Customer service at national and global chains could be impersonal. Calling a toll-free number, for instance, might direct you through a series of automated prompts before you reach a representative. This is not the case when you buy products locally, as company owners often offer stellar customer service since they have an interest in cultivating a good reputation in the community and gaining loyal, repeat customers.

To find an impressive collection of home decor, rugs, and additional goods made by artists in the Onalaska, WI, area, visit Treehouse Gift & Home. In business since 1998, the Christian-based gift shop sells products by over 70 local artists. View the inventory online and call (608) 433-7896 to speak with a representative who can answer product questions. Get event announcements on Facebook. 

Towels aren’t just for the bathroom, as those for the kitchen make cooking, dishwashing, and cleaning activities easier. Tea towels are among the towels used in this cooking space, and are often considered the same as “regular” kitchen towels. However, these towels also function as home decor and feature distinguishable differences from their standard counterparts. Learn more about tea towels and how you can use them here. 

What Are Tea Towels?

Finely-woven hand towels became popular during the 18th century, with “tea towel” an English term. They were used to catch spilled tea and therefore prevent stains on tables and countertops, since the tannins in tea are notorious staining agents. These towels were also used to prevent scratches while drying china teacups and dishware. Many tea towels featured intricate embroidery done by the mistress of the house, making them home decor items as well as kitchen accessories. 

Today’s tea towels range in size from 16 inches by 28 inches to 18 inches by 30 inches, and still function as kitchen accessories and decor items. 

How Are Tea Towels Different From Other Kitchen Towels?

A main distinction between tea towels and kitchen towels is fabric. Tea towels are made of either cotton or linen, and usually flat-woven to prevent streaks on dishware. Non-tea kitchen towels are typically made of terry cloth, which is ideal for soaking up spills but not recommended for drying fine china or other expensive dishware, such as crystal glassware, since they can cause streaks and minor scratches.  

Tea towels also differentiate themselves from terry cloth towels with their food cover applications. They are often used to cover bread products, such as rolls and muffins, to maintain their warmth. These towels are also ideal for polishing silver jewelry, as they easily remove tarnish. Both tea and terry cloth kitchen towels are utilized in dish and glass air-drying, such as placing the towel under a dish drying rack to catch water droplets. 

Browse the beautiful tea towel collection at Treehouse Gift & Home, the 10,000 square foot home decor and gift shop serving the 50-mile radius around Onalaska, WI. One of the largest gift shops in the state, this unique store offers a diverse inventory from top brands, including Willow Tree®. Custom picture framing services are also available. Call (608) 433-7896 today with questions or shop for home decor and gifts online. Like the Facebook page for the latest product and special event updates.

Decorating your home for fall is an exciting task to undertake. Not only does it allow for a variety of seasonal colors, but it can also incorporate soft materials to make the space feel cozy. However, with the options that are available, such as candles, narrowing them down may prove difficult. Here’s a closer look at the most popular ideas to help you determine where best to start. 

4 Ways to Decorate Your Home for Fall

1. Use Baskets

Baskets come in all shapes and sizes. Staging one as a centerpiece will create an attractive focal point, especially when you arrange it with a collection of flowers and gourds. 

Consider hanging a few on the wall to add some texture to the room. The delicate weaves will highlight the surrounding décor and enhance the natural warmth. 

2. Select a Wreath

First impressions are everything when it comes to gathering for a family meal. Selecting a wreath for the front door will instantly produce a welcoming appearance. 

Choose materials that complement the color of the home, such as dried fruit and subtle greenery. Add a decorative bow to accentuate the piece and give it a touch of elegance. 

3. Light Candles

It’s known that the sense of smell is linked to core memories. Lighting candles that remind one of a fresh pumpkin pie or a bubbling apple crisp will make a person feel right at ease. Even those that mimic the scent of freshly fallen leaves could cause the stress to melt away and have a naturally calming effect. 

4. Spread Out Blankets

As the temperature drops, family members will start looking for ways to stay warm. Spreading out a few blankets is one of the easiest ways to create a cozy atmosphere. It allows you to introduce an assortment of seasonal tones, such as burnt orange and sunshine yellow, and encourages the family to gather. Include a few throw pillows to produce an attractive finish.

Revamp your indoor décor by stopping over at Treehouse Gift & Home in Onalaska, WI. They are a locally-owned gift shop that’s been in business since 1988. Their inventory features an assortment of items, including candles, and caters to all occasions. The friendly staff is knowledgeable about each of their products and will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Call (608) 433-7896 to speak with a representative or visit their website for additional information on their fragrances.

Do you like to learn new skills and make new friends? We have the perfect workshop for you! Get involved with a few of our intro courses to alcohol inks.  Shirley Johnson from Onalaska has been one of our local artists featured with art in our store for slightly over a year now, and she has started teaching others how to produce gorgeous art just like the pros.

Alcohol Inks are really give you such vibrant colors to play around with. What to Expect: in Shirley's workshops, you'll create three different alcohol inks pieces.  You'll learn fun techniques using unusual tools to guide and blend the inks.

Try the Intro to Florals: Show your bloomers workshop or the Intro to Landscapes this week for a fun introduction to the craft.  Find the class options and times here.

All supplies are provided.  Intro courses are great for beginners.  No experience necessary. Advanced courses do require you have taken one intro course.

See for yourself how much fun learning can be!  Call the trusted professionals at 608-433-7896 or book your tickets online with in-store pick up today!