By Clyde Noel

Town Crier Correspondent

table settings

Festive gift ideas for the holidays abound downtown Los Altos businesses like Cover Story, featuring linens, home accessories and furniture. Owner Craig Cousins is showcasing 12 different table settings to give customers plenty of holiday decorating options.

“Every year we have a different theme and build the store around it. This year’s theme is ‘There’s No Place Like Home,’” said Cousins. “We try to create a warm, restful yet stimulating environment for the table, the bedroom and the bathroom.”

Each year the Cover Story brings in new items. For 2001, Cousins is offering Mark Roberts and his whimsical Christmas Fairies.

The charm and traditions of Christmas have been captured in these hand-crafted and well-tailored fairies. The collectibles are favorites around the holiday season.

“Details are everything when planning a fabulous event and it’s what we love to do,” Cousins said. “Imagination is also key and here’s where we excel. We have unique merchandise that is priced reasonably for each item in the store.”

Cousins has spent more than 20 years working in wholesale and retail situations, including a career as home store buyer for Macy’s. A keen appreciation of fine linens and accessories provide inspiration in his selection of merchandise.

Julie Cousins, Craig’s wife, helps with outside decorations. Cover Story is a major designer for the homes selected for the St. Francis “Christmas At Our House” fund-raiser.

From funky to elegant, Cover Story styles cater to varying customer tastes.

As you stroll in the store, look around and imagine fresh-cut flowers in a heart shaped vase, your favorite snack in the whimsical, individually painted chip-dip bowl, the Christmas box on your holiday table, or martinis poured from a magnificently designed water pitcher.

Julia Widsterand, an associate of Cousins, works in the store and chases customer requests.

“This time of year, I like to help put things together for the holiday shoppers,” Widsterand said. “That includes the dining table, holiday decorations and the guest bedroom.”

Cover Story is located at 216 Main St. For more information, call 948-4395.