It's New to Us by Jean Stratton

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Wide Assortment of Special Gifts At Serendipity Home Accessories

The charming new shop, Serendipity Home Accessories, opened in Kingston last November. Located at 4436 Route 27 (Main Street), it has already attracted a following from all over the area. Intrigued by the shop's diverse selection, ranging from wine stoppers to furniture and framed art, customers are enjoying the opportunity to browse and buy, says co-owner Roseann Dashevsky.

"I'm finding that when people walk in the shop, they stop and say, 'Your things are beautiful and at great prices.' Also, people want more of a one-of-a-kind look today, and I wanted to offer mid- to high-end, and things that I like. We have items from $10 to $5,000 and everything in between."

A long-time resident of the area, Ms. Dashevsky, has a business background, starting from her early days in advertising at The Home News. She later worked in customer service for LaVake Jewelry in Princeton, and also for an interior design and furniture store.

"I had thought of having my own business, but it was not a major goal," she adds. "I do like it though. It's hard work, but you get to make the decisions."

When the Kingston location became available, she and partner Jeannie Nastus did not hesitate. The timing was perfect.

"I thought there was a huge need here for fine home accessories and gifts – a need for fine things at affordable prices," says Ms. Dashevsky.

Wide Assortment

The shop offers a wide assortment, and happily, the owners' taste is coinciding with that of her customers.

"I look for things that are different – things you won't find everywhere," explains Ms. Dashevsky. "A lot of items are hand-done, including hand-blown lamps, hand-sewn lamp shades, and hand-crafted pillows. My partner and I go to the shows, and if something catches our eye and is in the appropriate price range, we'll get it. Everything is hand-picked by us."

Certainly, the selection offers choices for a variety of tastes. Accessories, such as lamps (including colorful fragrance lamps), mirrors, planters, urns, custom-made door knockers, clocks, large hand-painted cannisters to tables from Italy and custom bedding are all highlighted. Smaller items, including wine holders, tassels, and picture frames, are the perfect accent or hostess gift.

Hand-made trays, featuring painted glass with a special lacquer-like finish, are brightly colored, and gorgeous occasional tables from Italy include a nesting set featuring inlaid orange wood, cherry, walnut, and mahogany. The smallest table doubles as a music box.

Cozy Shop

The cozy shop offers a second floor, highlighting a bedroom setting, with luxurious bedding (available in different styles), vanity/hamper, and an array of charming perfume bottles.

"We will also have custom window treatments and Hunter-Douglas products," reports Ms. Daveshkey.

Among the many unusual items are hand-done pillows in a variety of styles, including a "corset" pillow with matching throw.

"It was made by a survivor of the World Trade Center on September 11," says Ms. Dashevsky. "The workmanship is just exceptional."

Finding the unusual item and offering it to customers is her pleasure, she adds. "For example, we have very special custom brass and polished nickel door knockers. Dragonflies, butterflies, sea horses, and pineapples are available."

This remarkable variety of items guaranteed to appeal to many different tastes is a perfect match with the store's name, Serendipity, believes Ms. Dashevsky.

Special Attention

"The word can mean 'happy accident', and finding things here that you hadn't expected to see fits into that. But the name also comes from a Persian fairy tale in which three young princes of Serendip go on a journey and discover what is really important along the way. It is a great and wonderful story."

Serving the customers and offering special attention is a priority at the shop, she adds, and this includes special orders. "I also consult with people at their homes, if they wish. I will help with color choices, accessorizing, where to put things, etc. I'm here to help people.

"We are really thrilled with the way the store has evolved," she continues," and I'd love to see the business grow. I'd love people to think that Serendipity Home Accessories is that wonderful little shop with great service and products. We always want people to feel welcome here. I don't hover over customers, but I offer them attentive service.

"I enjoy being busy and making the shop so inviting and warm that when people come in, they get very excited about it. I totally believe deep in my heart that this will be a treasure, both for me and for my customers. I love it!"

Serendipity offers gift certificates, gift packaging, and is open Tuesday through Friday 10 to 5, Saturday 10 to 4. (609) 921-1122.