Handle on business: New shops feature décor, collectibles

The holidays provide the theme for new businesses this week as new places are opening that emphasize gifts, décor and special events, especially preparing for them and dressing to attend them.

Trina and John Goss, who opened Feels Like Home at 2112 Government Way, have taken advantage of the 1890 farmhouse to attractively display their antiques and décor items in the rooms for which they most likely are intended. The furniture and knick-knacks one would have in the living room are there, the collectible dishes are in the kitchen, bygone-era clothing is hanging in the bedroom closet, and smelly stuff (positive, of course) is in the bathroom.

The house itself is interesting, as it was when it housed the previous Country Porch business. It’s cool that it survived the commercial growth surrounding it.

Originally from Thousand Oaks, Calif., the Gosses joined relatives in North Idaho in 1994 and previously sold what they collected in antique malls.

“We collected too much so now we’ve opened our own store,”

Trina said. “I want to try to have something for everyone – something affordable for the single mom to have something nice for her home and something polished for the wealthier collector.”

The Gosses also take consignments. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays.

Feather Your Nest on Fourth

Gift, décor and collectibles are the specialties of Feather Your Nest, now open at 802 Fourth St., Coeur d’Alene. The well-appointed space is an extension of Von Nash Interiors at 1515 Northwest Blvd.

The inventory includes aroma and bathroom products, glassware, pillows, mirrors, lamps, handmade cards and seasonal items, now for Christmas, of course. The building was renovated with new carpeting, lighting and a parking area in the rear off Fifth Street.

Owner Von Nash retains her original, 4,000-square-foot interiors store, which emphasizes decorating for the individual taste. She is originally from Texas and Oklahoma.

Hours at Feather Your Nest are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays. Linda Eberle is the manager. Phone: 667-0592.

Dinner Party opens on Neider

Tabletop décor and fine wines are the emphases of The Dinner Party, which will open in mid-December in the mini-mall off the intersection of Neider Avenue and Government Way near Costco and Sportsman’s Plaza.

Long-held passions for food, wine and entertaining were the inspirations for store owners Mary Lancaster and George Balling. After 20-year city careers in investment banking, they worked in the wine country in California’s Sonoma Valley. She originally was from Spokane’s South Hill, and he was from Chicago so adapting to the North Idaho winter wasn’t a problem.

The tabletop décor collections come from pottery, linen and crystal artisan regions around the world. The store also offers handmade products from Northwest companies and high-end food items. The fine wines primarily are from smaller companies in Washington, Oregon, California and international vineyards.

“Through the selection of the best products, we want customers to feel proud of the appearance and flavor of the occasion,” Lancaster said. “If you’re putting together your own dinner party of looking for a gift for one you’ll attend, we want to be the shop you think of first.”

Hours will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. Call 661-0620 or visit www.thedinnerpartyshop.com

This week’s tidbits

“All Things Irish at 315 Sherman Ave., Coeur d’Alene, has expanded into the space formerly occupied by The Bookery next door. Phone: 667-0131.

“Not everyone was thrilled with last week’s “Good Morning America” event. A high percentage of the thousands of people who came downtown at 3:30 a.m. never appeared on TV because the lighting showed only the front row of the multitude. The event, however, will no doubt increase area tourism.

“Two reasons why call centers locate to this area are the employees’ lack of unions and strange accents.

“So many owners of new business are so hesitant to admit they came here from California. However, they usually bring good “green” environment intentions and good ideas.