Navigator News (tm) December 2009

Thinking about sending someone a holiday gift from Door County? Here are some good ideas that can be purchased online, by phone, or in person.

A holiday wreath, creatively designed by Door County artisans from locally harvested greens, is a perfect idea for business colleagues, neighbors, teachers and others who may be on your Christmas list.

"I'm sure it's pretty exciting to open a package and have a fresh Door County wreath. It has got to smell amazing when they open that box," said Josiah Robben, co-owner of Robbens Nest Farm, which sells handmade wreaths in a variety of locations in Door County as well as online at www.cupofcolor.com

Robben and his partner, Joseph Lopez, display their wreaths, in many festive shapes and natural varieties in a shop at the corner of Jefferson Street

and 5th Avenue in Sturgeon Bay. You can't miss it; it's adorned with their fluffy and creative greenery. Another new location for them this year is Great Northern by Design in Fish Creek. And the designers return to display the wreaths in the old white barn next to the Patricia Shoppe in Egg Harbor.

Robben and Lopez harvest the greens on 20 acres of family land in Egg Harbor. Cedar, pine, white pine, spruce, fir and more varieties are used in the wreaths. Each wreath is made up of different greens. Shapes include traditional round wreaths (in various sizes), as well as candy cane, cross, Christmas tree and heart shapes. Also sold are swags, wall sconces and garland.

"We like to offer wreaths for all tastes," Robben said.

Oh, and speaking of taste, if you prefer a gift that tastes good and will keep someone warm this winter, buy Door County Coffee. More than 100 flavored and non-flavored coffee varieties are made in Carlsville and sold nationwide. Check out doorcountycoffee.com

Door County Coffee uses specialty class one Arabica coffee beans, which are among the top two percent of beans grown nationwide. Vicki Wilson, owner, said she also purchases high-end flavorings.

The coffee is packaged, at this time of year, in colorful red and green bags; 12 ounce and 1.5 ounce sizes are available. And some of the seasonal flavors include Door County Christmas, Butter Rum, Candy Cane, Egg Nog, Gingerbread and White Christmas.

"Door County Christmas is our Number one flavor. It is so awesome. People go crazy for it-all the spicy notes like cinnamon, clove and nutmeg. It has it all and reminds you of Christmas," Wilson said.

Gifts of art, made in Door County, will remind people of you as well as the Peninsula. And what better way to recognize the Peninsula's Scandinavian heritage than with a purchase of a Nisse ornament carved from basswood?

Jerry Waite, a Sturgeon Bay wood carver, makes the charming ornaments, which are about four and one-half inches high with a brass hook on back. He said he was inspired by folklore about Nisses, renowned by people in rural Scandinavia as mythical creatures.

The Christmas Nisse wears a green jacket and red Nisses

pointed hat. Mrs. Nisse, with blond braids, wears a red blouse, green skirt with a white apron. The ornaments may still be available at Door County Interiors & Design in Egg Harbor, doorcountyinteriors.com.

Door County Interiors & Design, open daily year-round, also shows other art by Door County artists including Karin Miller-Knutson's limited edition print of Door County icons. The lively and colorful painting is entitled, "Your Door County."

The signed photo giclee print (50 available) shows the Peninsula, surrounding islands and waters. Also presented in the 21 by 28 inch piece, done in watercolor and ink, are symbols and Miller-Knutson's Knutson

own writing that communicates festivals, lighthouses, parks, towns and more. Activities such as arts events, eating ice cream, a ferry ride and a roaring fish boil are also among the things depicted.

The painting and prints were specially commissioned by Carol Trimberger of Door County Interiors & Design, who said customers desire home accents that show the entire look and feel of the area.

"Karin has included the essence of Door County, and she is a local artist doing this," Trimberger said.