If you know me I’ve been raving about the Davis boutique Creme de la Creme since it opened its doors in 2005. Tucked away along a charming stone pathway off D Street behind The Mustard Seed restaurant, Creme de la Creme is a charming store of gifts for the home, for “her” and for baby. I always tell my friends, “If you have a gift to buy, you will find it at Creme de la Creme!”
Christie Zamora is the owner and constant representative in the shop. She has a keen ability to remember names of returning customers, and always acknowledges customers’ entrance through the glass paned door. Immediately, guests take a trip of the senses: pleasing background music, subtle scents from French soaps, the soft chenille and silk of baby blankets and of course, for the eye – merchandise is beautifully arranged like art. But it’s her customer service that appeals to the consummate shopper, and has had me returning time after time with my gift lists. Warning: impulse shopping is a likely possibility at Creme de la Creme! Christie and her husband moved to Davis in 2005 from Washington where she established the Creme de la Creme boutique in 1999. An avid runner and family person, Christie operates her store Tuesday thru Saturday 10:30 to 5:30. On occasion she may have special hours, like this Sunday, May 9th Creme de la Creme is open for Mother’s Day. In December the store is typically open every day until Christmas. Anyone who has worked retail can appreciate the tenacity required to be the sole salesperson in this boutique, but Christie does it effortlessly and always graciously.
Creme de la Creme is open on Mother's Day
Creme de la Creme receives new merchandise almost daily. So, if you’re a regular shopper like me, you’ll always see something new. Upon entering the store a large front table is always a focal point. At the time of this blog entry the table is bursting with Mother’s Day gifts and special cards. There is always plenty of assortment of kitchen and dining accessories, tableware, textiles and specialty cookbooks. Of course, the store’s name indicates a French flair and throughout the store there are touches for every Francophile. If you’re a lover of the garden, you’ll find something that touches your heart in this category too. Don’t be shy to tell Christie details about what you’re looking for and what your price range is; she is a master at making appropriate selections for your needs.
Entertaining gifts and decor: servingware, glassware, textiles and cookbooks
Christie has a way with arranging groups of related items. Tucked in the rear right corner of the store a selection of baby gifts can be found. One adorable pillow leads to a precious keepsake to the softest blanket to a book title that melts your heart….It goes on and on. And, if you appreciate luxurious items for the bath and bed, you’ll find something here too. Pajamas and robes, soaps and lotions, and of course scented candles round out all the special gift items you may need for mom – or for yourself!
Precious baby gifts
If you’re asking yourself, “Where is this boutique Diana’s writing about?” Just follow the signs. Christie always has signage on the corner of D Street by Cafe Bernardo’s and in front of the red English phone booth on D by Mustard Seed. I usually park on E, get a coffee at Peet’s then stroll in on the stone pathway coming from behind the store. But now that Tea List has arrived and located on the same charming stretch as Creme de la Creme, I might switch my latte to a cup of Earl Grey or Matcha. So, for this Mother’s Day and all your gift giving needs ahead, go to Creme de la Creme where you can have a personal shopping experience. Oh, and the icing on the cake – free and beautiful gift wrapping! Once you discover this downtown Davis treasure, you will remember it and Christie for the quintessential boutique experience.
Creme de la Creme, 222 D Street #6B, 530-758-0851
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