Holiday decorating and festive beauty abounds at Essentials Too

Angelone Photography 3
Essentials Too offers decorating services for everything from indoor and outdoor pots and floral arrangements to wreaths, trees, mantles and complete home decorating. They can use what you already have, incorporate items from the shop, or start from scratch and pick and choose from their unique and captivating inventory. (Photography: Francis Angelone)

By Mary Malik

The holidays are upon us, and if you need some inspiration for your décor, Essentials Too will delight, motivate and maybe even embolden you to get creative in your home this season.

The creative forces behind Essentials Too are (L-R) Sherry Ohlin, Shelley Mapp and Lori Trehan.

Partners in business and all things creative and beautiful, Shelley Mapp and Lori Trehan, along with employee Sherry Ohlin, have converted Essentials Too, the place to shop for customized seasonal décor, into an enchanting holiday wonderland. As you enter the store, you are immediately surrounded by a lush and lovely arbor that’s chock full of holiday greenery and garnish.

“The holidays are a magical time of year,” Shelley says. “We’ve filled the shop with gorgeous home décor items and everything you’ll need to completely transform your home or find that one extra special touch to add to your existing decorations.”

Something like a beautifully embroidered holiday pillow, gorgeous glass ornament or mantelpiece item like a stunning lighted crystal angel or whimsical Santa can make your home come alive this Christmas.

Just one visit to Essentials Too and you’ll see that subtlety isn’t necessarily Shelley and Lori’s style, but they love nothing more than helping you find yours.

Essentials Too carries holiday items like embroidered holiday pillows, gorgeous glass ornaments or mantelpiece items, like a stunning lighted crystal angel or whimsical Santa, to make your home come alive this Christmas.

“We know the holidays are a busy time and a lot of hard work, and decorating your home might be the last thing on your list,” Shelley says. “We know the holidays are a busy time and a lot of hard work. Decorating your home may not be at the top of your list, but enjoying the holiday is,” Shelley says. “That’s where we can make the difference.”

“We offer decorating services for everything inside and out. We’ll use what you already have, incorporate items we have in store to enhance your style, or start from scratch and pick and choose from our unique and captivating inventory,” Shelley explains.

“Our specialty is making custom pieces for you and your home. We can do anything from a wreath or mantel piece to table center pieces or outdoor planters. We can use live greens or artificial—the choice is all up to you. We also can make custom cemetery decorations as well. We pride ourselves on producing holiday magic that is sure to impress your holiday guests. That is what sets us apart from more traditional stores.”

Whether you’re a fan of traditional Christmas red and green or prefer a more contemporary blue and white color scheme, a visit to Essentials Too will give you all the inspiration you need. There’s even a pastel section with ice cream cone and cupcake ornaments and lighted gingerbread houses in sizes that really make a statement. Other holiday favorites like nutcrackers, snowmen, menorahs, flameless candles, ornaments of every size and theme and more are all here.

“There’s so much to look at,” Lori says. “We’ll have the holiday music playing and beverages flowing. We want your visit to be an experience.”

Shelley and Lori invite all to join them for the Grand Opening taking place from Monday, November 13, through Saturday, November 18. Be sure and enter your name in the drawing. You could be the lucky winner of a gorgeous holiday wreath for your home, customized, of course, just for you.

And if you’d like a more private experience, schedule a girls’ night when you and your friends can linger after hours over wine and snacks. You may never want to leave.

“As a lover of design and the decorative arts, I opened Essentials Too to show people how they can customize their own homes and welcome each season of the year in a unique and beautiful way,” Shelley says. “Large or small, subtle or over the top, I love nothing more than sharing the beauty and joy of every season.”

Essentials Too is located just three doors down from Shelley’s clothing boutique, Essentials, at 121 Ghent Avenue in Fairlawn in the Merchant’s Square Plaza. For more information call 330-805-1240, email info@essentialstoo.com or check the website EssentialsToo.com.