Fall 2020
The Duck Bill,
September 25, 2020
Well, here we are—the beginning of Fall. Despite all that is very different and unfamiliar, some things seem unchanged: the subtle, crisp Virginia air toggling with sunny days in the 80s, a bit brisker traffic along the sidewalks, and children (along with their parents) who have hopefully regained some routine (however that looks!) Max and I have decided it was not enough to take on a new business mid-pandemic but are also in the midst of unpacking as we have made the move into town. We feel very fortunate to continue to enjoy our local community.
And in spite of every curve ball, I am loving our new venture that is The Town Duck. Re-opening the doors after a two-week break to get things in order was interesting to say the least. No big ribbon cutting or wine tastings to toast our friends and customers. We did not have all of the new items I had purchased at the NY show in early February (shipping has a new norm, too). And in spite of that, the show had to go on. We leaned into the fish business, taking it curbside on Friday’s. To all who experienced our inaugural and frenzied “Fish Friday”, thank you! We look back now and laugh at how many kinks needed working out, how many times we ran the floor back and forth and are so very grateful for the patience and humor you all brought to it. In the end, I realized it wasn’t about how perfectly we could execute a mistake-free and seamless afternoon (rookie retail mistake)-- It was you who graciously waited and have continued to place your weekly orders and try our wines, new pantry items and microgreens. I’m happy we were able to fill a small niche when an otherwise routine trip to the grocery store suddenly felt daunting.
Fast forward a few months, and I, like I’m sure many others, are trying to make sense of how things now look. How they look in our homes, for our children and our businesses. I’ve come to the conclusion, that as far our humble business, we are staying the course. And to that end, we are thrilled to see new shipments weekly of beautiful items for tabletop and home (Katherine Barnwell, Dana Gibson, locally crafted baubles, lovely curated items from Oak Springs, just to name a few) – no time like the present to freshen up your space that perhaps has become more home base than ever. From the kitchen to study, we have a pantry well-stocked with sweets and savory, easy go-to ways to spice up your cooking, and mixes from waffles and scones to brownies and cake to bookend your days. Cheese and wine remain consummate staples and I have committed to bringing in at least one (but often more) new wine a week so we can all expand our palates and knowledge. I do hope that a conscious gathering of sorts to explore wine together may be in the near future. I think wine tastings as we knew them at the Town Duck will remain on hold for the time being, but I look forward to collaborating with our loyal experts and wine reps to host an intimate evening to taste and learn. Stay tuned!
We continue to create many “baskets” for customers—I love doing this and here’s my spin: As of late, I’ve encouraged customers to select a “basket” or “base” which the recipient can use in the months and years to come. It can be as simple as a Filt French market tote or Oak Springs Library bag—how about an ice bucket or painted tray to build your gift? I think these are so fun to receive and a real effort to move towards sustainability.
I have expanded our line of cards and stationery….so important now to stay connected to those around us. If you’re like me, plenty of the day is spent screen-forward (good thing we stick Izipizi Screen readers for adults and children). Drop a note on some lovely and whimsical paper, send greetings from afar. Get a head start on your holiday notes----our boxed card sets from Caspari (and all the trimmings—wrapping paper/gift bags and party crackers) are in the shop now! Our beautiful Galassi frame collection has grown significantly. Such a great gift for the holidays.
And while we may be doing far less entertaining on the whole, all the more reason to set the table and find ritual with those close to us. Loads of great cocktail, guest, luncheon napkins and plates to accompany are here…as are the most beautiful pieces of china (simple, clean bamboo-rimmed from Mane Lion and classic cocktail glassware from Pomegranate) and linens (block prints in fun and bright patterns).
I do hope you’ll swing in and visit. We, like so many, crave the chance to catch up. We also understand feeling comfortable---and if that means shopping from your home, call us! I’ve facetimed (walking around the shop to tour), texted and messaged via our social media platform to get the Town Duck to you. We are so grateful for your support!
‘Til soon,