To re-phrase an old saying, "You can take the gift barn out of the country, but you can't take the country out of the gift barn." Well, maybe you can -- because Steve and Ruth Schlabach, owners of the Berlin Village Gift Barn, recently did just that!

According to Manager Tammy Weaver, she and the Schlabachs wanted to offer decor for every woman's taste, so in January 2003, they devoted the lower level of the gift barn to country cottage, primitives, Early American colonial and florals. This past April, these selections were moved across the parking lot to a new location called Country Gatherings. If you've always loved the Berlin Village Gift Barn, you're really going to love this new store, too!

"Country Gatherings is so different from all the other country places," Esther Yoder, an employee, said. "People are always commenting on not only our products, but how tastefully we display them."

The store is filled with creative niches that showcase the merchandise in very attractive ways. The employees have a real passion for country decorating, and this overflows to the customer. Although the items for sale are tucked here, there and everywhere in between, the aisles are still wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs and strollers (please watch those little hands, though!). Many items are displayed in and on unique antique furniture or reproductions, and many of these are for sale, as well.

"We like to display our wares in a way which helps our customers get ideas for their own homes," Tammy said.

At Country Gatherings, you'll discover hand-made reproduction coverlets, reflecting the Early American period, along with place mats, window treatments, pillows and rugs (including braided stair treads). There also is a wide selection of quilted goods. Besides gorgeous quilts for your bed (they're new, but have that comfortable time-worn look), there also are quilted pillows, wall hangings, chair pads and purses.

Beautiful furniture from Johnston Benchworks, a fine line of hand-made upholstered pieces, is placed around the store, often in a home-like setting, complete with accompanying accents. Period and historic lighting hangs from the rafters-- including Lt. Moses Willard and Irvins, along with other punched and cut tinware. Dinnerware selections include Bennington and Maple City Pottery, among others.

A complete line of decorative flags is available and waiting to make your garden or entry way more inviting. Baskets are available in all shapes and sizes, some filled with artistically arranged carefree florals.

Country Gatherings carries a beautiful selection of silk garden flowers, grasses and greenery. I'm amazed how real these florals look. Some of the zinnias, pansies and grasses look absolutely authentic and would fool many an eye! Tammy, the on-site floral designer, does extensive custom work with silks florals.

"I've begun doing a lot of silk funeral arrangements," Tammy said. "These flowers can be taken home, and they'll last forever."

Since custom orders are Tammy's specialty, why not let her create your next floral arrangement? Don't settle for something you "almost" like; let her make it perfect for you.

While browsing through the store, I discovered "rice lights." These are much smaller than the small Christmas lights you're accustomed to seeing. The bulbs are about the size of a grain of rice, and they appear as merely a "sprinkle of twinkle!" They come in a variety of colors and can be programmed to light eight different ways (for indoor use only). Invest in some of these rice lights and get creative!

Unique gift bags and a wonderful display of cards (including Hen House Cards) will reduce your gift-giving dilemma. At Country Gatherings, you can purchase the gift and wrap it too.

As in most country-style stores, you'll find a wide selection of candles in all sizes and scents. I was impressed with a display of beautiful glass hanging candle holders, many of iron ware. They are very unique, and you simply must see them. Smokeless candle snuffers and wick trimmers are also available.

Inside the store and out, you'll find many items to accessorize your garden and porch. Garden fountains are all the rage, and Country Gatherings has a nice selection of these.

"We sell a lot of garden fountains," Tammy said.

My eye was drawn to a weathered-looking watering can with an attached spigot above it. Thanks to a hidden pump, water continuously pours out of the spigot into the can. Looks great, sounds even better!

If you're looking for a pottery jar for strawberries or hens and chickens, this is the place to come. You'll find many different styles from which to choose.

Another popular item is the pottery jack-o'-lanterns. These come in many sizes and styles and will make your autumn display burst with the excitement of a smiling pumpkin. Country Gatherings' line of pottery pumpkins are made in the U.S. at a family-owned pottery in operation since the Civil War!

When (and not if) you visit Country Gatherings, remember to sign up for their mailing list; they will inform you of upcoming special events and sales. Also, be sure to visit during their Christmas open house in November. The store will be overflowing with tiny twinkling lights, pine and Christmas accessories. Country and Christmas ... two of my favorites!

Whether you're a visitor to Amish Country or a resident of the area, gather your friends together very soon, and discover the new Country Gatherings store in Berlin. And be sure to tell them you read this in Amish Heartland magazine!

Country Gatherings -- 4755 SR 39, Berlin, OH 44640, (330) 893-1174, www.berlinvillagegiftbarn.com; summer fall hours: Mon.-Thu. Sat., 9 a.m.-6 p.m., and Fri., 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; winter hours: Mon.-Sat., 9 a.m.5 p.m.; shares a large parking lot with Berlin Village Gift Barn.August 2004 issue