Texas Proud

Bigger, better always applies

Posted: Sunday, December 05, 2004

Some folks just can't get enough of the Texas mystique.

The shape of the state is unique. The people are friendly, the women beautiful, the chili hot and the beer cold. Not to mention the music, ocean, mountains, cities, prairies, rivers, sunshine, big sky and - Christmas.

It's that time, and Texas chic is in this year (and every year) for gifts and decorations. Everywhere you turn there is something that would look good in the home or yard on display. From flea markets to retail outlets, Texas is in.

Stars are everywhere. Big ones, little ones and all sizes in between.

"Anything metal that people can hang on the fence or in the house is very popular," Larry Pratt at Today's Style Too, said. "Stars are very popular. They come 6 inches in diameter to 8- feet tall. We've got 'em."

The star variations are endless. Pratt's walls are adorned with the seal of the Great State of Texas. They kind of remind you of a sheriff's belt buckle.

"The (Christmas) rush has just now started, so it's hard to tell what will sell the best," Pratt said.

Georgia Street Mall USA has a wide variety of Texas-themed gifts and accessories, according to Amanda Felder, owner.

"We have a lot of handmade Texas gifts," Felder said. "We also have a lot of framed Texas flags. They're the aged ones. We're selling a lot of those."

Speaking of flags, Mike LaFleur has a uniqueversion of the Texas flag in his LaFleur Gallery in Westgate Mall. It's a painted flag adorned with different Texas scenes blended into the red, white and blue fields. The visuals are striking and original. They range in price from $22 to $600, LaFleur said.

"Texas is big right now," LaFleur said. "We got busy early this year. I got the idea for the flags when I did one for a customer. I'll bet I've painted 300 of them this year. You won't believe all the places I've sent them. Canada, lots to the East Coast. They go to people driving by on the interstate. They're from Texas, and they don't live here anymore. Something about the big star. I don't know of any other state that does that to a person."

Picture a Kansas or Oklahoma-themed Christmas giving you the warm fuzzies. Not likely.

Country Clutter in Westgate Mall has an assortment of Texas gifts from $2 to whatever your budget will allow.

"We're starting to sell a lot of the salsas," Chris Carlson, owner, said. "The (salsa) gift sets are starting to move. We'll sell a ton (of them) before Christmas. It's important to note everything we sell is made strictly in Texas."

Carlson said he always sells a lot of stocking stuffers, magnets, shot glasses, trinkety items.

"Flags are always good," Carlson said. "People love the Texas stained glass. They'll spend more at Christmas than any other time of year. We'll be out of the stained glass."

Amarillo artist Jack Sorenson's work is a particular favorite, Carlson said.

"He paints Christmas cards, coffee mugs, pillows," Carlson said. "Our biggest selling (tree) ornament is the Texas ornament. It's No. 1 over Santa or snowmen."

Shoppers searching for higher end items might pay Silvercreek Rustic Furniture & Gifts a visit. The Sixth Avenue store features Texas as well as western furniture and art.

"People tend to buy more of the bigger furniture around Christmas," Linsey Perkins, salesperson at Silver Creek, said. "Lately they've been coming in looking at armoires and entertainment centers. They might come back four or five times before they decide. Especially men."

Custom orders are a popular attraction at Silver creek, according to owner Karen Teague.

"They can order any size, color or style they want," Teague said. "Usually people who buy a piece come back and buy more. They can add a piece at a time. That's the beauty of the Southwest furniture."

Silvercreek carries all types of accessory pieces. It offers gift certificates and you can shop online at silvercreekfurniture.com.

Merry Christmas, y'all.