Page 162 - South Mississippi Living - August, 2016

ne gifts for all occasions
HERITAGE HOUSE GIFTS
A new location revitalizes old Gulfport post of ce
story by Lynn Lofton photos by Kathy Wall
ABOVE: AN ARTIST RENDERING of Heritage House Gifts by Becky Hopkins in its new location on East Pass Road in Gulfport. RIGHT: With China from Herend, Royal Crown Derby, Waterford and more to Jon Hart and Peter’s Pottery, Heritage House has a gift solution for every occasion.
eritage House, one of South Mississippi’s outstanding gift shops, has moved to a new location on East Pass
Road in Gulfport. Along with gaining quite a bit more space, the shop is helping bring back this part of the city.
“We’re trying to revitalize Pass Road,” owner DeeAnn Stafford said. “We’re pleased to be in the building that was the old Handsboro Post Office, built in the early 1950s.”
The building was home to several different businesses after it ceased being a post office. Now it combines the best of old and new for Heritage House, including antique display cases and tables, while showcasing up-to- the-minute wares. Just inside the door — framing the checkout counter — are two vintage columns salvaged from
an old church and repurposed. Peter’s Pottery pendant lights hang over the counter. Heritage House has the Coast’s largest selection of this pottery and it’s the number-one selling item.
“I like to promote Mississippi- made products, and we now have an
expanded selection, including Peter’s Pottery, Wolfe birds and numerous food items,” DeeAnn said.
The shop’s bridal section is one of its most successful with a range of services and merchandize. The larger space allows an area with a table and chairs for private bridal consultations.
Heritage House has assisted hundreds of brides with decisions. “We don’t take lightly the trust brides put in us
to assist them with their traditions for this important time in their lives,” said Barri Wessler, bridal consultant.
Margaret Smith Marquez of Gulfport was the first bride who came to DeeAnn for assistance. “She took the stress of wedding planning and turned it into pure joy,” she said. “Sometimes being a bride comes with a lot of decision making, and she knew exactly what I would love. She was precise
in keeping my registry organized and she did it with so much heart! Every single detail had her creative touch on it and I will forever be grateful for her guidance.”
“A lot of brides today are inheriting
family china and silver and they want to update it by combining it with new pieces. We can help with that,” DeeAnn said.
Traditional things play a role throughout the shop with DeeAnn referring to the selections as trendy
to traditional. “We really work hard
to find unusual gifts in every price range,” she added. “I want to give credit to the Heritage House staff for all they do; it’s definitely a group effort.”
In addition to the expanded array of Mississippi-made products, new local artists have been introduced to the shop, Plus, the staff promises some exciting new things are coming this fall.
Ribbon Cutting:
10:30 a.m., August 10 Open House: Throughout the day with gift drawings every hour and refreshments.
738 E. Pass Road, Gulfport 228.897.7644 • Find Us On Facebook
162 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • August 2016
FOR MORE REFLECTIONS OF THE GULF COAST >> www.smliving.net
SML SHOP MS LOCALLY