Guest writer Francie Likis writes today about one of her, and our, favorite stores – You’re Invited! We know we are featuring a bunch of stores this week, but the fast and furious shopping days are coming and after today, we aren’t featuring any store for 10 days. Just fun stuff and lots of food…. get ready. But, for today, we get tons of emails pleading for gift ideas, and this post answers them all… we hope!
Francie:
For busy women, there are few things better than one-stop shopping. And for one-stop gift shopping in Nashville, it’s hard to beat You’re Invited. This store carries a wide variety of merchandise across an affordable price range, which makes it possible to find a gift for just about anyone!
Here are some ideas for eight occasions when you need a gift:
Baby Shower: Find something for every baby and mother among diaper bags, burp cloths, blankets, travel pillows, photo albums, books, puzzles, growth charts, stuffed animals, and many other adorable items.

This section of the baby gifts has guitar onesies that are perfect for Nashville babies.
Young Girl’s Birthday: Cute bottle cap necklaces, backpacks, lunch bags, tote bags, picture frames, bulletin boards, piggy banks, and diaries make for happy birthday girls. While I was taking these pictures, I overheard a mother saying this was her girls’ favorite place to come spend their money.

We all know at least one girl (she may be a grown girl) who needs this bag!
Your Best Girlfriend’s birthday: Give her a practical Hobo purse or wallet, a luxurious pair of Bedhead Pajamas, or a unique piece of handmade jewelry. Any of these gifts will be tempting to keep for yourself!

All of this beautiful jewelry is made by local artists.
Family Birthday Party: There are numbered candles (much cuter than the ones in the grocery store!), cupcake decorations, and paper products, as well as painted plates and ice cream scoops you can keep for all of your family’s birthday celebrations.

The “It’s All about Me” plate on the far left can be used for all sorts of special family days.
Stock the Bar Party: Choose from wine stoppers and coasters to many styles of glassware that can be personalized. All of these would also make great hostess gifts.

Every SEC fan’s bar needs a team serving piece.
Wedding: Brides will love the Gail Pittman Pottery, monogrammed china, and my personal favorite, Beatriz Ball’s handmade metalware. The trays and bowls are gorgeous, and I have a napkin holder that is pretty enough to double as a candy dish.

These Beatriz Ball pieces are beautiful and practical—they never tarnish and can be put in the freezer and oven.
Thanksgiving: In addition to items specific for the holiday, such as turkey napkins and place cards with holders (call me old-fashioned, but I am a big fan of place cards), treat your host (or yourself if you’re the cook!) to a cute apron, lovely picture frame, or monogrammed hand towels.

An angel or cross is the perfect gift for someone you are thankful for.
Christmas Party: Whether you need to decorate your own house or take a gift to someone else, you’ll find plenty of choices: coasters, serving pieces, stocking holders, placemats, matches (one of SB’s top 5 gifts for girlfriends, hostesses, and teachers last year), ornaments, snowmen, wine glasses, cocktail napkins and holders, and much more. There’s even a skirt for your Elf on the Shelf!
In addition to gifts for almost everyone on your list, You’re Invited also has a huge stationery selection. There are in-stock invitations for every occasion. Printing is done in 3 to 5 days, and can be as fast as 24 hours if you’re in a hurry and can approve the proof quickly. They also carry several great lines that can be ordered, including wedding invitations. If you haven’t ordered your Christmas cards yet, they have enough options to suit everyone’s taste (trust me on this, I looked at most of the choices before picking mine). They also carry note cards, notepads, pens, gift tags, greeting cards, and other stationery products.

There are more than 75 Christmas and holiday invitations in stock, which will inspire you to plan a party.
The wonderful people who work at You’re Invited are even better than all the fabulous merchandise in the store. Anna Reynolds Peebles, who has owned the store since May 2009, is delightful. She also has seemingly boundless energy—she managed to buy the store and plan her wedding at the same time! You’re Invited has been open for more than 10 years, and the entire staff is friendly and knowledgeable. Meet them at their Holiday Open House TONIGHT, November 18, from 5 to 8 pm (see THIS WEEK for more details)
- You’re Invited
- 5133 Harding Pike, Suite C3
- Nashville, TN 37205
- 615.353.5520
You’re Invited! Look for the pink awning.

A special thanks to Francie Likis!