'Tis the season for giving, and a well-loved and cherished event offers the opportunity for your holiday shopping to give better! The 33rd annual Junior League of Grand Rapids' (JGLR) Beneath the Wreath charitable shopping event returns November 3 – 4, 2017, at the Cultural Center at St. Nicholas.
Beneath the Wreath is not your typical holiday shopping experience. More than 40 juried exhibitors showcase the best of boutique shopping, including stylish women's clothing and accessories, holiday and home décor, handmade arts and crafts, children's clothing and toys, men's gifts, and specialty local and gourmet foods.
"There is truly something for everyone on your holiday shopping list this year," said Antonietta Eliassen, Beneath the Wreath exhibitor chair. "The selection is so impressive, shoppers will want to stock up on hostess gifts, teacher gifts, and pick up a little something for themselves as well!"
Beneath the Wreath 2017 will feature many favorite exhibitors from past years, as well as 15 new exhibitors. Also new this year is Before the Wreath: a premier VIP preview on Thursday, November 2, from 6 – 10 p.m. The event features exclusive merchandise, limited-time show specials, gourmet heavy hors d'oeuvres, desserts drinks, live entertainment and a reusable shopping "swag bag" featuring a JLGR cookbook.
There's even something for the kids! Cookies With Santa—an opportunity for the young and young at heart to meet and greet St. Nick himself—is included with general admission to Beneath the Wreath on Saturday, November 4, from 9 – 11 a.m.
Proceeds from Beneath the Wreath support JGLR's community impact projects benefiting children's physical health—including Backpack Buddies, Kids in the Kitchen and Junior League Wellness Adventure Yard. In addition to 100 percent of ticket sales support JGLR's work, each exhibitor donates 15 percent of his or her total sales throughout the event.
Tickets for Beneath the Wreath are available for $5 online and $7 at the door; limited tickets for the VIP Before the Wreath experience are $40 and available only online. As always, ages 15 years and younger are free.
Ready, set ... shop, have fun, and give better than ever before!
Written by Cassie Westrate, staff writer for West Michigan Woman.
Photo Courtesy of Junior League of Grand Rapids
