Voila!

Alternate Headline:
Who Needs NYC When You've Got Ashburn?

So, friends, this is what we've been up to all week. We've pinned, glued, glittered, tinselled {is that a real word?} and hauled out more holly than we thought was possible.

Sharing time! Our piece de resistance must be our ode to Marie Antoinette. This was absolutement{!} our most challenging and rewarding window display. Truly a group effort, there was not one member of the Zazu crew that did not have a hand in on this one.



I will let the pictures speak for themselves ... but, yes, Virginia, it is a Christmas tree!




Hey ... wait ... there's more!

We had to pull in a few ringers from the outside world. A most sincere merci to Lisa Schulz, party planner extraordinaire, owner of The Posh Planner.

Lisa created the fabulous tablescape {with literally no notice} complete with gateau!


Obviously, we also needed a royal hairstylist. Anna Michelle Jackson, owner of Modern Concepts Salon was summoned, tout de suite! A few pins here, a little spray there, and a ton of hair {yep, its real!} and the magic was complete!




Here's how happy we were with ourselves ...

But, most importantly, here's the reaction we have been getting from our customers!



Joyeaux Noel!

Joyeaux Noel!

We so totally need a little Christmas right this very minute!

If you are already a Zazu customer, look for this in the mail.  If you are new to Zazu, come on over on October 23rd!

We will be closed from Mon Oct 20 through Wed Oct 22 while we are putting on the glitz!

Zazu Puts Loudoun County on the Map!

It pays to speak up.

We have been carrying the famous Cat Studio drinking glasses and pillows since the very beginning days of Zazu. In fact, on my desk I have a framed copy of an InStyle magazine spread from December 2004 where Cat Studio and Zazu shared the very same page.

Cat Studio has now expanded their geography line to include a host of products; glasses, pillows, hand towels, aprons, totes and trays. The glasses and pillows have always been a major hit with our customers. The "Virginia" design has always been the most popular (no kidding!) But ... there was one problem ...

Anyone see it?



We didn't either. Where is Loudoun County? Considering it is one of the fastest growing and wealthiest counties in the U.S., you'd think we would be getting some love from Cat Studio. So, what did we do about it?

We asked Cat Studio to add it. Truthfully, first, we suggested the Zazu logo - when the laughter subsided - we asked for Loudoun County. Got that one!


To finally lay this question to rest ..

Yes, Virginia, there IS a Santa Claus.
He's got his own pillow, too!

**Note from the North Pole - this newest geographical hotspot is sure to be on everyone's list this year - the elves may not make them fast enough. Order them early, so they make it down the chimney in time.

Let Them Eat Cake

Photo courtesy of Marie Antoinette's Gossip Guide to the 18th Century

Zazu is widely known for our highly-styled Christmas tree creations, and this year will be no exception. Less known is the fact that all our themes have been planned nearly a year in advance.

It's true. The first week in January, the elves set off for the holiday markets in anticipation of inspiration. What will adorn Virginia's best dressed trees next Christmas? Is pewter going to be THE color (yes) ? Bows on top(no)? Will we get flocked this year(it's possible)?

We've got two days to see all the offerings at market, four hours to design the themes, and a day and a half to run around and actually make the buying part happen. There are nine different themes this year! Trust me, it's super fun!

Then, we keep all our plans and themes a BIG FAT SECRET until our unveiling at our annual holiday party in October. Well, not this year! We've decided to let just one cat out of the chapeau just this one time...

This ... year's ... showstopping ... window display ... will be ... (drums rolling now?) Marie Antoinette! Quelle surprise!

There were many reasons for this choice: 1) I love all things French (especially cheese) 2) my family was planning a trip to France this summer and I was already getting super-excited, and 3) it was a good excuse to have cake at our unveiling party.

Little did I know how prophetic this choice would be. It was not meant to be a social commentary, or even a little snide-aside. However, if the current economic situation does not improve, it will be off with her head come December 26th!

(There was no crystal ball in play on this one, folks. Remember, this was all schemed up back in January!)

Please come see our Marie and all her finery.

There will be cake.

Zazu's 5th Annual
Holiday Open House
Thursday, October 23, 2008
5 pm - 9 pm

20070 Ashbrook Commons Plaza
Ashburn, Virginia 20147
(703) 858-9298