Shopping season in swing

Thanksgiving may still be four days off but the holiday shopping was in full swing this weekend at the Christmas Company, the Junior League of Orange County’s 32nd annual The Spirit of Christmas shopping extravaganza at the Orange County Fair and Exposition Center in Costa Mesa.

Sunday the crowds swarmed the fairground’s halls to check out the latest gift goodies from kitschy belt buckles, holiday-themed children’s books signed by the authors in house, personalized ornaments, holiday platters, hand-made pillows, jewelry and boxes, and gads of pajamas for kids and adults.

Local home-made English toffee confectioner, Susan Werner returned for the fourth year to the event, bringing with her a product that has gained fans every year at the show. With her grandmother’s toffee recipe, dating back to the 1800s, Werner has kept the business within the family, as both her mother and daughter worked alongside her to sell, package products and answer questions.

Also in house, the American Girl Fashion Show had local girls walking the runway in their favorite period outfit, matching the dolls they carried with them. Youngsters in the show were given a T-shirt for themselves and a matching shirt for their doll.

There’s only one day left to pick up gear from retailers the likes of Purseonality, Hot Flash Pajamas, Little Black Dress, Slater and Sloane, Hippie Chix Studio, and Paco Soler.

Children’s items include Haute Stuff for Kids, Papa Bear Pajamas, Dollites, Bassinets & Blueberries, and Baby Jak. Whale of a Tale, among others, will offer children’s books, clothing, furnishings and toys.

Gourmet foods, dishes and cookware come from a Store For Cooks, Knife Nitch, Cherchies, Iveta Gourmet and Davis Mountain Nuts. Home and garden items come from Lavender Blue, English Gardenstone, and A Room to View.

Today is the last day to get a hold of some hot holiday items.

Tickets cost $10, which includes parking. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the fairgrounds at 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa.

For more information call (949) 263-3785 or visit www.jlocc.org.

KELLY STRODL may be reached at (714) 966-4623 or at [email protected].