Step into the Holiday Spirit at the Olympia Farmers Market

bliss chocolate
Brother Bliss puts love in every bite of his artisan chocolates.
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Recently cut evergreens, spiced apple cider and Salvation Army bell-ringers are elements of the familiar sights and sounds of the holidays. A walk through the

Olympia Farmers Market can tantalize your senses and improve your mood as you explore the impressive arts, crafts and foods that are waiting for you. Fortify yourself with a warm beverage from the Heyday Café and begin your stroll.

bliss chocolate
Brother Bliss puts love in every bite of his artisan chocolates.

Let’s begin with a festive essential – chocolate. Blissful Wunders has a case of handcrafted truffles made by Brother Bliss. He’s a cosmic force of nature concocting creamy treats that would likely make anyone on your gift list pleased. Owner Bliss is the furry-faced, congenial man behind the counter. His hot new holiday flavors are Pumpkin Pie with Marzipan (his homemade marzipan) and Raspberry Wine with distilled raspberry liquor infused with late harvest Syrah. Amaze your taste buds with the layers of flavors. Soon he will be bringing out his version of a Ferrero Rocher truffle. Did you know some of his truffles are vegan? There are also zero sugar, low carb, wheat-free, dairy-free, soy-free and diabetic friendly choices. Blissful Wunders’ truffles are individually wrapped so you can get the exact kind and number you want. As you mull over your picks, allow the sample of dark chocolate to melt in your mouth. Yum. That was easy…

olympia farmers market
Decorate your home with fresh greens styled by Mariana Heredia of Nisqually Farm.

At the west end of the market be sure to admire the wreaths and flower arrangements by Nisqually Farm. Owner Mariana Heredia has a selection of evergreen decorations that would fit perfectly on your holiday table. The smaller ones would be especially appreciated by someone living in a small space. “It’s a lot of work, but worth it,” said Heredia who also makes baskets and star decorations with grasses and Japanese maples. I’m smiling just looking at all of them. There are hanging decorations and others with candles. The greens will last into the New Year.

Artist Terri Eliason of Rainsong Tree House Clayworks has a showcase of pottery, wall art and jewelry. She’s been part of the Olympia Farmers Market for 14 years. Eliason practices raku, an ancient Japanese firing technique. Raku ware was traditionally used in tea ceremonies. The word itself means “enjoyment, comfort, or ease.” The intense coloring makes for stunning pendants and wall pieces. The raku process is surprisingly time consuming. Eliason looks forward to the winter, when there is more time to spend creating her art which is often thematic integrating her appreciation of cultural anthropology and nature. She’s available to do collaborative, custom work. I like gazing at her pieces and imagining the perfect spot for them.

olympia farmers market
Brighten your holiday tables and get reversible use from your placemats. Hillary Ault can help you.

Cheer up your rooms with colorful wall hangings and table decorations from Secret Garden Quilts. Owner Loree Ryan makes custom quilts and can even do repairs. Her potholders have heat resistant backing and are washable. There are reversible placemats and seasonal table runners. Ryan likes cats, and has sewn organic catnip toys for your feline friends.

For the dog lovers, there’s Crossed Paws Bakery. Lenore Cuskelly has fabulous, locally made all natural, preservative free dog treats. My mom likes to carry a package with her, as she has many friends with dogs. Read more about Crossed Paws here.

Are you looking for luxurious skin care? Visit Leslie McNeilus and her products. Pure Luxe Apothecary features 100% natural remedies for smart, vibrant living. They are free of all the elements you don’t want: paraben, additives, preservatives, colorants and gluten. And, they’re local.

olympia farmers market
Artist Terri Eliason creates wearable art and beautiful pieces for your home or office.

The Olympia Farmers Market accepts WIC, EBT and senior checks. You might consider supporting the local economy with an Olympia Farmers Market Gift Certificate. Have you seen the Sustainable South Sound Coupon Book? You can save up to $5,000 while doing your local shopping. Sign up for the Market’s newsletter. Follow the Olympia Farmers Market on Facebook or Instagram and Twitter #olympiafarmersmarket. The Market will be open on Saturday and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. through the end of December. Special holiday shopping days are on December 22, 23, and 24. In January the market will be open on Saturdays only until the regular season begins in April.

Our wonderful Olympia Farmers Market gives you an abundance of holiday gift choices. Silk scarves, jewelry, bakes goodies, late season vegetables and plenty of meat are on hand. Bring your shopping bags. I’m always impressed with the creativity and quality that each vendor brings. All purchases support our local community. Whether you are shopping for others or for yourself, have fun, chat with the vendors and connect with your friends. I’ve heard even Santa shops at our Olympia Farmers Market.

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