Glen Ellyn Moms Village Feature Friday Spotlight is highlighting Amand Horan Owner of Siding in Glen Ellyn. We asked her a few quick questions to get to know her but also to help guide us in this season of Hostess Gifts. We adore Amanda and if you haven’t had the pleasure of meeting her or coming into her deliriously happy store Shaker Siding, please allow us to make the introduction.
Amanda and her husband Collin opened Shaker Siding this past summer and it has since become our go-to for Hostess and Thank You Gifts. And honestly a few home accessories as well. We had the pleasure of attending Shaker Sidings Holiday Soiree Event last night and had so much fun. Nicole Reagan of Cedar and Rush(@nicolereagan) and Arin of Happily Inspired (@happilyinspired) gave holiday entertaining tips. Last night was one for the books, so now we must also recommend attending all future events. Shaker Sidings is such a wonderful addition to Glen Ellyn. Take a minute to learn more about Amanda and hear what she has to say about Hostess Gifts for all occasions this season.
- What is your favorite go-to meal in Glen Ellyn?
I love going to dinner at Sushi Ukai, sushi is one of my favorite foods and it is so nice to have such a great spot right in downtown Glen Ellyn!
- What would be a movie that you could watch over and over again? That you are giddy when you know you are about to watch it again?
It might sound silly but Mean Girls is one of my favorites, it makes me laugh every time and I could probably recite almost every word!
- What is it about the East Coast and Southern concept you love so much?
I have always gravitated toward a preppy style when it came to the way I dress and as I have gotten older, I have come to really appreciate the simple sophistication of both the airy coastal look of the east and the bright pop of color in southern home décor.
- What is your favorite thing about Fall?
The beautiful changing trees, all the pumpkin-flavored treats you can eat, and the crisp temps are perfect for cozy sweaters!
- What is the go-to app that you couldn’t live without?
I have an Instagram addiction and I’m not afraid to admit it! I love getting inspiration, ideas, as well as sharing my own creativity through photos.
- What are you most excited about in 2020?
2020 will be a BIG year for my husband and I as we welcome our first child in February!
- What is your favorite TV show to binge-watch? Why would you recommend it to our readers?
I could watch The Office over and over again until the end of time. I pride myself on my ability to have memorized almost every single episode! I love the show for the witty and dry humor, if I did not work at the store, I’d apply for a job at Dunder Mifflin!!
Let’s talk Hostess Gifts: What is your philosophy on Hostess Gifts? How do you decide what to give? And how has that impacted your hostess gift offerings at Shaker Siding?
I feel that an invitation to someone’s home is one of the most flattering compliments you can receive. It is someone asking you to join in their personal space and not to mention hosting a dinner party, BBQ, or any type of gathering can be a HUGE undertaking and I feel it is so important to show your appreciation for that! I like to give hostess gifts that complement the event or the host’s personal style. I try to pick items that I know will be useful and enjoyed and something that truly conveys my appreciation for being invited.
This philosophy plays a big role in what I select for the store in terms of hostess gifts. I want our offerings to be something memorable and stylish as well as something the gift giver feels confident about! When opening the store, it was in the midst of summer and living in the Midwest we all love our trips to the lake. I wanted to make sure that we offered a number of items that our customers could bring with them to show their gratitude and excitement for a weekend on the water. Our neoprene anchor coolers were a big hit and perfect for boating!
Thanksgiving at your In-Laws?
Showing gratitude for your own family hosting Thanksgiving can sometimes fall through the cracks and I feel it is so important to keep this in mind! When headed to your in-laws for turkey day I love the idea of bringing something a little extra special, an item that can be incorporated into your family holiday for years to come. Some of my favorites are our fall trays and dishes by Beatriz Ball. The line offers a pumpkin serving dish as well as a “Thankful, Grateful, & Blessed” tray that is a classic. Another great option is to bring something for the table centerpiece. We carry a few stunning glass and ceramic pumpkins that would go perfect with any Thanksgiving table.
A pre-tree lighting party?
First-off, this kind of party sounds so fun!! Our reusable, shatterproof cups are a great token of appreciation for a pre-event cocktail hour! We have some great sayings and prints coming to the shop soon which would be perfect for the Glen Ellyn Holiday Walk and tree lighting. It is something the host can make use of immediately and with a quick wash can hang on to for future holiday happenings. Another great option is bringing a holiday candle with you since a tree lighting is usually the kick-off to Christmas what better way to say thank you than helping them make their own home spell like the holidays while they deck their halls.
Friendsgiving?
Friendsgiving dinners are such a great time to get your group together and re-connect before the holiday madness begins! Since these types of events tend to be a little more casual than the real meal on 11/28, bringing your host something useful and disposable for the event is great! I love our fall cocktail napkins and paper coasters. Both are something extra special and detail your host might overlook amidst cooking the main course.
Dinner at a friend’s house?
I am a big fan of monograms and initials; I love the personal touch it gives to any gift. When having dinner at a friend’s house I think it is great to give a gift that will compliment future hosting! Our small butcher block cheese boards with your friend’s initial is a great way to show your appreciation for the evening and also give them something they can use for future entertaining. If you are looking to keep it more casual but want to stick with the personalized theme, our offering of initial cocktail napkins and paper guest towels are a great addition to any home.
A couple’s Cocktail Party?
Celebrate with spirit(s)! When headed to a couple’s cocktail party it is always appreciated to help re-stock the bar but instead of only bringing over your favorite vino or champagne, dress up your gift by incorporating a corkscrew, set of linen cocktail napkins, or a wine bag. This elevates a standard gift to a more memorable one while also bringing something everyone can enjoy!
A neighborhood Happy Hour?
I love how community focused Glen Ellyn is and it is always so great when customers come in looking for gifts for their neighbors! Something that I think is a great gift that the whole family can use is stationary. Pulling together one of our to-do lists with a matching note pad is a fun way to say thank you while also giving something we tend to not pick-up for ourselves. It is a gift the whole family can get use out of and not to mention it looks adorable on any desk or kitchen counter.
When someone is hosting a party for you?
Being the guest of honor at a party hosted by your close friends and family is major! I would recommend giving something more on the personal side to show your sincere appreciation for the event. I love the jewelry line we carry at the store, Julie Vos. Each piece is unique and stunning but also conveys a more personal touch than something for the home. It is a great way to show your appreciation and remind the host how much you care every time they wear it!
Thank you for taking the time to get to know Amanda Horan. We are so grateful for this wonderful “Mom” community in Glen Ellyn and surrounding communities. Have a great weekend
Xo
Alicia and Patty
Shaker Siding is located at 492 Crescent Blvd. Their website is www.shakersiding.com. You can follow Shaker Siding at @shakersidinghome on Instagram or go to their Facebook Page.
