Calling All Francophiles!

Sharon Santoni, an author, blogger and the founder of a quarterly magazine dedicated to sharing her love of French provincial life, is coming to the United States…and will make a stop at St. Michael’s Woman’s Exchange on Thursday, November 11. Join us to meet the charming and gracious Sharon Santoni.

She will be signing her book, My French Country Home on November 11 between 2:00 - 3:30. British born Sharon Santoni is married to a Frenchman and has spent most of her life in France. This beautiful book offers entertaining ideas for each season of the year, with French flair of course. From her home in the Normandy countryside she shares her knowledge about buying French antiques, home and garden designs, gracious entertaining… and naturally, the French food!

Santoni’s magazine and blog has garnered her a large and loyal following in this country; and we are delighted to host her during her United States visit! Stop by on Thursday to meet her and leave with a signed book. It’s the perfect gift for your favorite Francophile!

Gray Malin Book Signing!

Join us on Thursday, October 21 between 2:00 and 4:00 when we welcome fine-art and aerial photographer Gray Malin to the store! Gray will be signing his newest book,

Gray Malin: The Essential Collection.

This magnificent book celebrates the first decade of work from the renowned artist, featuring beloved images from his most iconic shoots, as well as new material that has never been seen or published. Journey high above Manhattan's skyline, return to the sunny beaches of Positano, and take a stroll through the Parker Palm Springs with Gray's unforgettable animal guests. With vibrant imagery from all seven continents and stories behind each series, this stunning volume invites you into the captivating world of Gray Malin.

We've made sure to be well stocked with all kinds of Gray Malin merchandise! So join us and help give this Dallas native a Texas sized welcome home. If you can’t make it on Thursday, we are accepting pre-orders. You may order your book on our website; and we’ll have it signed and ready for you to pick up at your convenience. https://www.smwexchange.com/shop/gray-malin-the-essential-collection

Calling the store works too! (214)521-3862.

Join us for a Book Signing with Maegan Brown!

On October 13 from 2:00 - 4:00 we’ll host Maegan Brown, The BakerMama, and author of Spectacular Spreads and Beautiful Boards.  

Maegan will sign her books and demonstrate how she creates her beautiful boards! Join us for a fun afternoon and be inspired for your next party.  For large groups or small, Maegan’s ideas help us all to present food in such fun and creative ways!

Her first book is filled with recipes and snack boards for any occasion.  Her new book, Spectacular Spreads is all about laying out delicious and impressive spreads for holidays, birthdays, cocktail hours and baby showers.  She also included super simple build-your-own breakfast, lunch and dinner spreads which make any meal festive and special.

We are accepting pre-orders, in case you aren’t able to join us for the event. You may secure your book early; and then pick it up at your convenience!

Suzanne Kasler Book Signing!

On Friday, October 8 we welcome Suzanne Kasler from 2:00 - 3:30 when she’ll sign her 

latest design book,

Sophisticated Simplicity.

Inspired by architecture, art, fashion, and travel, renowned designer Suzanne Kasler designs spaces and products that are luminous, distinctive, and timeless.  In this inspiring collection of recent residences in town, in the country, and at the shore, the designer reflects on mixing the high and the low, the traditional and the contemporary, the new and the old – creating signature interiors that convey a sophisticated simplicity. The result is a wealth of original ideas for design professionals and anyone with a passion for interior design – an essential addition to every design library.

Suzanne’s work has been published in major design magazines, including Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, House Beautiful, Traditional Home and Veranda. She has been named to Architectural Digest’s AD100 and Elle Décor’s A-List. In addition to designing timeless interiors for her clients, Suzanne has produced signature lines for Ballard Designs, Hickory Chair, Lee Jofa and Visual Comfort.

We are accepting pre-orders for this beautiful book! Call the store or stop by to secure your book; and we’ll have it signed and ready for you to pick up at your convenience. (214) 521-3862.

A Book Signing with Cathy Kincaid and Hannah Cecil Gurney

Esteemed interior designer Cathy Kincaid’s inspiring book provides a fresh approach to combining classic and contemporary design with a refined sensibility.

Known for her carefully nuanced color palettes and attention to detail, Cathy Kincaid creates warm and gracious interiors. Her worldly taste in collecting art and furnishings, her intricate layering of patterns, and the customized details are hallmarks of her style. Presented are varied residences, ranging from a ship captain’s cottage and a 1920s Spanish Colonial to a bucolic farmhouse and a family house in the country, in such locations as Dallas, Connecticut, and the South of France.

Sprinkled throughout is Kincaid’s advice on such topics as selecting the right lighting, whether it be sconces or lamps; ways to showcase blue-and-white porcelain; and suggestions for how to edit one’s home.

Renowned for its elegant hand-painted wallpapers and textiles, de Gournay creates some of the most beautiful interiors in the world. The chic, London-based Hannah Cecil Gurney is the director of de Gournay, the design house best known for its elaborate hand-painted wall coverings

As a child, her father’s office and showroom were situated in the lower ground floor of their London home; when the entire house was covered in the sumptuous and vibrant de Gournay wall coverings she naturally grew to love layered and rich interiors.

Celebrated for its hand-painted chinoiserie wallpapers, sumptuous patterns of colorful flora and varied birdlife, the company produces additional collections that explore historical themes, such as nineteenth-century French pastoral scenes or exotic Brazilian landscapes bursting with wildlife. De Gournay also crafts more abstracted designs that fit well with modern interiors.

This volume showcases de Gournay designs, in beautiful interiors created by top designers the world over. The book explores de Gournay interiors in both city and country settings, how to take inspiration from English stately homes, and how custom wallpaper designs are created.

Full of inspiring interiors and design ideas, de Gournay is an in-depth look at the stunning creations of one of the most prestigious and influential design houses of today.

We are honored to welcome Cathy Kincaid and Hannah Cecil Gurney to St. Michael’s Woman’s Exchange for a two-day signing event. Join us on Thursday, September 16 or Friday, September 17 between 2:00 and 3:30 to meet these talented and charming women…and of course to leave with their beautiful books.

If you cannot make it to the store, we are happy to let you pre-order book(s). We’ll have them signed for you and you may pick them up at your convenience. Stop by or call (214)521-3862.

We Are Booked For Fall!

We are thrilled to host an exciting group of authors to the store this fall! Mark your calendars and plan to join us when each of these talented authors come to St. Michael's Woman's Exchange to sign their books.

Stay tuned to our Facebook and Instagram pages for more detailed information about each one, as we get closer.

If any of these dates pose a problem for you, we always offer pre-sale of books prior to a book signing. So you can purchase the book and we'll have it signed for you. You simply pick it up at your convenience!

Summer Sale!

It's time for our annual Summer Sale! Enjoy 50% Off on select merchandise from all around the store. Decorative gifts for your home and tabletop...Stationery...Books...Gourmet...Puzzles...

Children's items...Paper Goods…and so much more.

Shop early for the best selection!

5 Highland Park Village

Open Monday - Saturday 9:30 - 5:00

(214) 521-3862

Shop Once. Give Twice.

We love every month of the year around here...but for us, May is particularly special! Most of our customers know that each year the proceeds from our store are given away as grants to agencies which serve the most vulnerable in our community. And it happens each May! Check out this year's list of 69 agencies, won't you? You'll likely see names you recognize and others whose names you've never heard. Each and every one does the life-changing work of caring for the sick, feeding the hungry, offering shelter to the homeless, providing comfort to the battered...and changing lives.

We are honored to assist in their important work; and each time you shop in our store, you support

them too.

We’ve been right here at #5 Highland Park Village for 63 years offering elegant gifts for adults and children alike, finding decorative accessories for your homes, printing your stationery and invitations and wrapping your gifts. And as long as there is need in Dallas, you’ll know where to find us. This year, our cumulative giving surpassed $10 million! Thank You.

For more information about how it all works and our story… smwexchange.com/about-us

Anne Neilson Book Signing!

Perfectly timed for Mother’s Day gift giving, we’ll have Anne Neilson at The Exchange on April 20. Stop in early to pre-order a signed book if you can’t join us on Tuesday; and then pick it up at your convenience. We hope you’ll join us though to meet this charming and talented artist and author.

A lifelong artist, Anne Neilson is known for her ethereal Angel paintings. Neilson's paintings are reflections of her faith and serve as comfort and inspiration to those who know her work. We offer a wide variety of products from her Anne Neilson Home line, including her acrylic tray, Inspirational Cards, Porcelain Trinket Trays, Notecards and Magnets. And of course we always offer her beautiful book, Angels in Our Midst, as well as the newer book of devotions entitled, Angels: Devotions and Art to Encourage, Refresh and Inspire. We invite you to join us on Tuesday, April 20 to meet Anne Neilson in person...and of course to leave with a signed copy of one of her books!

Working Together For Dallas

Well the ice has melted and normal weather has returned to Dallas! For many, lives are returning to “pandemic normal”. We shed our puffy coats and a single layer of clothing is sufficient again. However for the most vulnerable among us, life is even harder this week than it was before the winter storm. Many of the agencies who so faithfully serve them had water pipes burst and suffered much damage to their facilities. These non profits are working double time right now to meet unprecedented need…and to repair the damage to their facilities caused by the frigid weather. When the place of shelter has no heat or water a crisis is made worse.

Each year since 1958, the proceeds from our store are distributed in the form of grants to these very agencies. These non profits shelter the homeless and the battered, feed the hungry and provide comfort to the sick. They are the large, well-known groups and the small ones working under the radar. We are honored to assist them all in the life changing work they do. This year. And every year.

To see the list of the current year’s beneficiaries, visit the “About Us” page on our website.

Each time you purchase a gift for treasured friends and family or select a decorative accessory for yourself or ask us to gift wrap a special purchase, you support this good work too. So far, distributions total $10 million! There is still work to do however; so we hope to see you very soon at The Exchange! Right now the store is all decked out in springtime finery! Stop in to take a peek. And each time you make a purchase, the good work continues.

Shop with us in person at #5 Highland Park Village, our home for 63 years.  Or visit our online shop.  

Book Signing with Jennifer Pickens

Entertaining at the White House: Decades of Presidential Traditions richly documents 60 years of entertaining customs at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. With beautifully appointed design, it offers readers an insider’s invitation into the White House’s greatest events and intimate insight into the planning, innovation, and unparalleled generosity that went into these occasions created by each of the first families, from the Kennedys to the Trumps.

Dallas native, Jennifer B. Pickens portrays the pomp and pageantry of state dinners, the family-friendly festivities of popular American traditions, and more hosted at the iconic address. Pickens shares details of how each first couple used their own personal style to to shape each event during their tenure as residents at America’s House. Charming anecdotes from presidents, first ladies, White House staff, and reporters, along with insightful photos, fill this beautiful book.

In addition to details such as invitations, place settings, flowers, china, food, and fashion, Entertaining at the White House also spotlights the iconic performers at events during this time, from Bob Hope to America’s own amazing military musicians and vocalists.

Jennifer Boswell Pickens is a White House traditions and East Wing expert, historian, author, speaker, and event planner. As such, she has conducted numerous interviews with members of America’s first families, White House social secretaries, chiefs of staff, presidential aides, White House insiders, and Executive Residence staff.

Entertaining at the White House will make a beautiful gift this holiday season. Join us on December 11 to have the author personally sign your copy. Presale available as well!

Little Sits Trunk Show on Thursday and Friday

Join us today, Thursday, November 12 and tomorrow, November 13 from 11:00 - 3:00 for a very special shopping event! Muffin Lemak and Susan Palma, the founders of Little Sits, will show their designs, fabric options and monogram selections in The Exchange. Muffin and Susan, interior decorating partners, responded to clients’ requests for beautiful small-sized living room and bedroom chairs to compliment their lovely rooms. Thus, Little Sits was born!

The petite chairs are handcrafted from beechwood in Italy, then painted, monogrammed and upholstered in Dallas using designer fabrics. They also offer an engraved plaque with the child’s (or childrens’) name and birthdate. Come browse the collection and let these experts help design your custom Little Sits dream chair…in time for Christmas delivery!

Give the gift of a family heirloom this year…and join our party on Thursday and Friday!

Calling All Nativity Collectors...

What is your style? Traditional...Whimsical...Folk Art...Ornate...Simple... Now is the time to stop in to see our selection.

Nativities make the perfect wedding gift or confirmation gift! What a perfect way to give a gift which will become a treasured keepsake for years and years to come. We even have Nativities for children. What better way for them to learn the story than through play?

Stop in to see our selection. It’s that time of year!

It's a Wrap!

You’ve carefully selected a gift…now making the outside look as special as the gift is on the inside…well that is what we do!

Want to get a head start on Christmas wrapping?! We’ll wrap items you purchase in our store or gifts you’ve purchased elsewhere.

And between

October 12-15, we’re offering 15% Off

on Christmas Wraps.

Limit 10.

Our skilled and creative wrapping elves are ready for you! After all,

Presentation Matters.

What's Cooking This Fall

New cookbooks in the Fall always make us want to set the table, gather the family and enjoy good food. We are excited about several new cookbooks this year and wanted to profile two of our favorites. A beautiful cookbook makes a perfect gift for newlyweds, wedding showers, housewarming gifts…and of course for personal inspiration! Both are available in our store and in our online shop. Check them out and of course, stop in the store to see our whole selection.

Chef Matthew Wendel provides a first-hand account of his years working for President George W. Bush and his family at Camp David and at their Texas home on Prairie Chapel Ranch. He offers a collection of recipes, photographs, stories, and memories of daily life as senior advance representative in the Office of Presidential Advance and as the personal chef and personal assistant to the president. Included with recipes of the author's signature hot cinnamon rolls and fried chicken are the Bush family’s favorite dishes, meals that world leaders were served, and a behind-the-scenes look at how he prepared for head of state visits and shopped for the first family. Wendel's account reveals a unique window into the hard work, detail, and protocol involved in working for the first family and reveals how the president welcomed world leaders using both his home and the power of sharing a meal in an intimate setting as a bridge-building diplomatic tool. Providing wholesome, delicious, comforting food to guests was their way of saying "Welcome. We're glad you are here.” Forward written by Mrs. Laura Bush.

Ina Garten's much anticipated new cookbook will arrive the first week in October! Pre Order your copy and we’ll have it ready for you to pick up in the store or we’ll ship it to you as soon as we receive it! Be the first to use Ina Garten’s much anticipated new cookbook.

In Modern Comfort Food, Ina Garten shares 85 new recipes that will feed your deepest cravings. Many of these dishes are inspired by childhood favorites—but with the volume turned way up, such as Cheddar and Chutney Grilled Cheese sandwiches (the perfect match for Ina’s Creamy Tomato Bisque), Smashed Hamburgers with Caramelized Onions, and the crispiest hash browns that are actually made in a waffle iron!

There are few things more comforting than gathering for a meal with the ones you love, especially when dishes like Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas are at the center of the table. Old-fashioned crowd pleasers like Roasted Sausages, Peppers, and Onions are even more delicious and streamlined for quick cleanup. For dessert? You'll find the best Boston Cream Pie, Banana Rum Trifle, and Black and White Cookies you’ll ever make. Home cooks can always count on Ina’s dependable, easy-to-follow instructions, with lots of side notes for cooking and entertaining—it’s like having Ina right there beside you, helping you all the way.

Both of these new books are available in our store and in our online shop. Happy Cooking!

https://www.smwexchange.com/shop

What's that they say about Cleanliness?...

2020 is certainly turning out to be a different kind of year than we all expected. Who would have predicted that masks, hand sanitizers and not touching anything would be the order of the day?

We have heard your requests and are now offering several options for ways we can all stay safer and as germ-free as possible. These little items make thoughtful gifts…and are handy to keep on hand for yourself too!

We offer three different hand sanitizers! Jao Refresher™ is an instant disinfectant and aromatherapy boost in one. Awarded the Elle Green Star Award, it kills germs and freshens hands with Ethyl Alcohol (less drying) and a blend of antiseptic essential oils: Lavender, Tea Tree, Eucalyptus, Geranium and Sage. The combination of Chamomile and Calendula with natural cosmetic moisturizers keeps your hands from drying out. Leaves skin feeling soft and refreshed - an instant skin cooler, body pick-me-up.

We have featured products from Dallas’ favorite, Niven Morgan for many years. And we love his new Hand Sanitizer!

When you’d like a chuckle with your sanitizer, you’ll want to try the El Arroyo Hand Sanitizer! We love their tacos, books, cards… and sense of humor. One of their signs is printed on each handy bottle. As they say, “Keep your dirty garbage hands clean…”

Stop touching door handles and key pads and use a Touchless Keychain! Just attach to your keychain so you’ll always have it…and go hands free! They’ve been going quickly since we saw them in People Magazine!

...

Put the mask on. Take it off. Put it on. Take it off. Drop it in your purse. Leave it in the car. What if you wore it around your neck? We love using our cute glasses chains for our masks…and you will too.

Finally, now is the time to refresh your powder room with disposable hand towels, don’t you think? So many options to fit your style. Come see our selection.

The need to stay germ free is here to stay. So be prepared. And stay well.

Summer Sale!

Twice each year we have one of those Really. Big. Sales. And this is one of those times! Enjoy 50% Off on all Sale merchandise, but you better hurry in for the best selection. We are making room for new merchandise all around the store. So what's on Sale? Decorative items for your home, coffee table books, purses, small gift items, gourmet items, children's clothing and toys...whew!

We are, of course, maintaining the safety standards which are so important now. We monitor the number of customers in the store, we clean common surfaces often, we wear masks, and we ask that you do too. If you prefer to call us and make a purchase over the phone we'll be happy to help that way too.

Our hours are 10:00 - 4:00. Happy Shopping!

Aaaaannnd We're Back!

A little birdie told us that St. Michael's Woman's Exchange will open for 2 Go business on Friday!

It won't be the same as welcoming you into our store in person but we'll be delighted to help you over the phone and to fill your online orders! Just give us a call and we'll take care of the rest. We've been busy restocking and putting out new merchandise all week. We know that Graduation, Mother's Day and Father's Day are coming in spite of our sheltering in place, not to mention birthdays and new baby gifts...

We hope these images pique your interest and get you thinking!

See much more on our website and in our online shop:

https://www.smwexchange.com/shop

As you know, each year the proceeds from our store are distributed in the form of grants to agencies which serve the crisis needs of Dallas’ most vulnerable. This year they need our help more than ever. So lets all remember that when you shop at St. Michael’s Woman’s Exchange you truly do Shop Once, Give Twice.

We look forward to welcoming you back!

Ellie LeBlond Sosa signs George and Barbara Bush: A Great American Love Story

"To begin with I was in love and I am in love so that's not hard," Barbara Bush told her granddaughter Ellie LeBlond Sosa on her porch in Kennebunkport, Maine.

Sosa had asked her grandmother for the secret to her and President George H.W. Bush's 77-year love affair that withstood World War II separation, a leap of faith into the oil fields of West Texas, the painful loss of a child, a political climb to the highest office, and after the White House, the transition back to a "normal" life.

Join us on Tuesday, March 10

from 3:30 - 5:00

when we welcome

Ellie LeBlond Sosa

to St. Michael’s Woman’s Exchange.

She will sign copies of

George and Barbara Bush

A Great American Love Story

Through a lifetime's worth of letters and stories, Sosa and co-author Kelly Anne Chase paint the portrait of the enduring relationship of George and Barbara Bush. Sharing intimate interviews with the Bushes and family friends, this is a granddaughter's loving look into the private life of a very public couple.

Virgin River Author signs her books at The Exchange

Welcome to Virgin River, a rugged outpost deep in California’s redwood forests built by men of honor for the women they love. Pull up a chair at Jack’s Bar, catch up on the local gossip, order Preacher’s meatloaf and relax. These people will do anything to help one another, strangers welcome—and you won’t be a stranger for long.

Does this sound familiar? Robyn Carr’s much loved Virgin River series recently debuted on Netflix to wide acclaim! The charming author of over 50 fiction novels joins us at The Exchange on Thursday, February 13 for a book signing.

Come meet this talented author and ask her what it feels like to see her work translated to the screen!

We will also have copies of her most recent release, The Country Guesthouse, available for purchase and signing. Romance is a theme for sure in her work, so we are thrilled to host Robyn Carr on the day before Valentine’s Day. Grab a friend and join us!