A Home Decór Shop You'll Flock To

The Feathered Nest sells home goodies and holds classes to help with D.I.Y. sprucing up.

THE SHOP: The Feathered Nest, 1603 S. 3rd St., Ozark, 417-581-5090, Tues.–Sat., 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

ATMOSPHERE: Low ceilings, soft music and scented candles make shoppers feel relaxed and comfortable. The shop’s displays change often, so expect a surprise with each visit.

KEY PEOPLE: Scottie Snider, Pam Maharg and Randy Woods are the owners and designers. Scottie has been working in design for 20 years and came from Sandstone Gardens in Joplin. He and Pam have been friends for 20 years. Randy worked with Scottie at Sandstone Gardens before joining him in business. Each has unique talents: Scottie can do just about anything décor-wise, Pam is talented in faux finishes, and Randy takes care of the fresh florals.

WHAT YOU’LL FIND: What sets The Feathered Nest apart from other home décor businesses is its vast array of classes. Just in time for the holidays, the store offers an all-day holiday decorating class on November 10. The class will cover tree decorating, home decorating and creating ornaments for $50, and lunch is included. If the class sells out, another will be added. Wreath decorating classes and holiday cooking classes are also scheduled throughout the month. Most classes cost $20-30. They fill up fast, so call early.

With Scottie and Randy’s experience at Sandstone Gardens, its no wonder the shop has a lovely garden room—called Botanicals on the Boulevard—full of whimsical pottery, stone garden pieces and lush plants. I spied an adorable pot covered in hand-painted ants for just $10 by Monkey Bits.

Just behind the garden shop is the fresh floral department, which was under construction when I visited. Scottie told me the area will be designed to look like a house. You can either create your own bouquet or have one made for you, and they will offer delivery in the Springfield and Ozark areas.

The wedding boutique is another “don’t miss” area of the store. Although it’s small, the selection packs a punch with tuxedo and formal rentals, cakes, candelabra and plant rental, plus a full line of florals. The store will soon offer bridal registration.

Downstairs you’ll find a cozy room available for parties. Warm wood walls, a painted concrete floor and a small stage make it a perfect gathering place for bridal showers, home parties or just a girls’ night out.

Then there’s the food. The Feathered Nest has a great selection of products straight from The Hill in St. Louis. At Scottie’s suggestion, I bought a bottle of J. Viviano & Sons barbecue sauce priced at $7. It was so delicious, even my very picky husband loved it. They also have pasta sauces, balsamic vinegars, Charlie Gitto’s dressings and more.

417 VERDICT: With an inventory that changes almost daily and a wide variety of décor, The Feathered Nest is a one-stop shopping experience. You’re bound to find something perfect for your own little nest.

Savvy Shopper is a monthly opinion feature guiding readers to independent local stores. Have one\to suggest? please E-mail us via editor@417mag.com.