Where Are We Going To Hide That Pickle?

It never fails. Every December someone asks about the German Christmas pickle ornament that's supposed to have a long tradition in Germany.

Here's the pickle “legend” from one Web site: “A very old Christmas eve tradition in Germany was to hide a pickle [ornament] deep in the branches of the family Christmas Tree. The parents hung the pickle last after all the other ornaments were in place. In the morning they knew the most observant child would receive an extra gift from St. Nicholas. The first adult who finds the pickle traditionally gets good luck for the whole year.” This Christmas pickle story, with a few minor variations, can be found all over the Web and in print inside the ornament package. It says that Germans hang a pickle-shaped glass ornament on the Christmas tree hidden away so it's difficult to find. The first child to find it on Christmas morning gets a special treat or an extra present.

So, each and every MONDAY, one Zazu crewmember is tapped to hide the pickle somewhere in our store shelves. Hint: not on a tree - on a shelf - practically in plain sight.  Whomsoever findeth such pickle gets one really great prezzie - The Pickle!

So, come on over to Zazu and get pickled!

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!

Window of Opportunity

It really is the most wonderful time of the year for us at Zazu!  Our creativity is at its peak and the Starbucks doth flow!

Next week, we completely demolish the joint and resurrect our sweet shop with all the tinsel and trappings we can get our hands on.  The first spot we tackle is our front window, which is always spectacular!

We are channeling our inner Simon Doonan, the celebrated creative director of Barneys this year.  Hoping for something even {dare we say} grander than previous years, we are pulling out all the stops.

Simon Doonan and some of his fabulous installations. Mr. Doonan is also the author of several novels, a columnist for The New York Observer, and a contributor to many other publications. On the shelves at Zazu, we have his Wacky Chicks - classic Doonan!

Stay tuned for sneeky peeks along the way...

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!

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