Four China Teacups at Old Town Kettles & Cups Gift Shop

You often hear the admonition to "buy local." At Old Town Kettles & Cups, they take "local" very seriously.

Owner Denise Menckowski does her best to stock her shop's shelves with beautifully crafted items from local artists and crafters. First, Menchowski pointed out that the tea cozies and wallets are handmade by a woman from St. Peters.

Then she showed Patch the elegant wood-turned bowls, vases and wine stoppers that are the creation of a Wentzville man, and large prints framed with barn wood that are the work of a Lake Saint Louis photographer. Handmade jewelry is also created locally, and the goat milk soaps come from Foristell.

Menckowski bemoaned the fact that the main product line of her shop—tea kettles and tea cups—cannot be purchased locally. However, she offers a variety of interesting and attractive tea sets, including miniature versions.

Kettles & Cups carries a variety of organic teas and honey products. This time of year, the shop also carries Christmas ornaments and decorative items.

Check out the rest of our 12 Days of Christmas in Downtown Wentzville series: