Fran Carey, of Dayton, Tenn., looks at the multitude and size of ornaments
on the oversized Christmas tree, while Beverly Ward, from Kingston, Tenn.,
walks by. Spring City, Tenn., resident Stephanie Strader has opened her
residence as a Christmas store through Nov. 20.
Photo by Kimberly McMillian• What: Spring City, Tenn., house becomes Christmas store
• Theme: "Between the Vines"
• Owner: Stephanie Strader
• Contact: 865-617-1637
• Hours: From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Nov. 20. Closed Mondays.
• Offerings: Local women artists, mostly stay-at-home moms, "who offer unique and good quality items" are selected each year to display their crafts, store owner Stephanie Strader said. One featured artist last year had named her "Three Angels" bath crystals and lotion soap bars after her three daughters. At both entrances into Strader's house, crafts are displayed on a wraparound porch.
• History: In 2005, Strader and her mother-in-law started the open house after meeting an Athens couple who showcased country and primitive artworks in their residence. That year, they displayed handmade furniture, wreaths and folk art dolls in the kitchen and dining room. The holiday temporary retail store in the Strader home has continued for the past seven years. It takes more than 60 hours to move furniture and arrange shelves for display of the locally made crafts. Strader said she doesn't want to "lose the country atmosphere" if the open house moved to a bigger venue in the future.
• Prices: Prices range from $2 for handmade ornaments up to $1,500 for handcrafted furniture.