February Joy: The Original Gluggle Jug, Mahjong Nights, and Needlepoint
Old Town is thawing, and inside Boxwood it feels like a fresh start. Come in, warm up, and let me show you the thing we can’t stop talking about.
Meet our new crush…The Original Gluggle Jug
One of the joys of owning a shop is going to Market, not just to spot trends, but to find the product that makes you say, “Oh, there you are.” This year I brought Mickey from SHOPmd, the creative mind behind our windows and so many of the visual moments you love in Boxwood.
On day one at Market we found it - the Gluggle Jug. First, the color – the joyful, saturated hues that dress a table before you’ve set a single place. Then the surprise: pour, and it answers with that cheerful glug-glug. We looked at each other and had the moment. Every year there’s one discovery I can’t shake, my true Market “aha.” This was it. Non-negotiable. We weren’t leaving Atlanta without the Gluggle coming home to King Street. Order placed, sample jug packed, hearts set.
It’s playful, yes, but it carries a real lineage. Gurgling pitchers date to the late 19th century and became closely tied to Dartmouth Pottery’s iconic fish form. In 1958, a pair was presented to Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip at Britannia Naval College, sealing the design’s place in British domestic history. Today the Original Gluggle Jug is still handmade in England, carrying forward the craft that made it beloved in the first place.
What I love most is its usefulness. A water pitcher at brunch, a vase for winter branches, a centerpiece on its own, even a bar decanter when you’re feeling clever. It’s sturdy, dishwasher-safe, and it makes people smile – children for the sound, grown-ups for the design. If you need a gift that’s both special and easy, this is it: weddings, housewarmings, birthdays, or a “just because” that will be used and remembered.
When someone asks what thrilled me most at Market, here’s my answer. The Gluggle Jug is beauty that works – a little conversation, a little history, and a lot of charm. Very Boxwood.
The White is a timeless classic that works with absolutely everything. The Cobalt Blue is bright, bold, and impossible to ignore - absolutely gorgeous! The Sea Blue and Sea Green jugs carry the easy coastal vibes with main-character energy. Fresh, fun, and anything but subtle.
Deep, moody, and sophisticated, Petrol is a show-stopper color that feels modern, dramatic, and a little unexpected. Sleek and refined, Dark Gray is the ultimate neutral—effortlessly chic and perfect for contemporary or minimalist homes.
More colors are on the way because one is never enough. Call or swing by to see what other shades we’ll be welcoming into the shop soon.
Mahjong - Our Winter Schedule is Now Posted
We’re thrilled to finally share these dates – so many of you have been calling and popping in to ask when classes would return. Thank you for your patience; the wait was worth it.
Meet our new instructor, Sam, a Navy veteran and engineer turned teacher who recently stepped away from the corporate world to spend more time with family. She’s based here in Alexandria, with weekends often spent in Colonial Beach, and she brings a calm, clear style that makes beginners feel instantly at home. Sam is affiliated with Oh My Mahjong and teaches with their beautiful tiles and accessories (her favorites). She’s been leading house lessons around town, and we’re delighted to welcome her to Boxwood.
Mahjong 101 (two-evening series, 7:00–9:00 PM):
Wed & Thur, February 11th & 12th
Wed & Thur, February 25th & 26th
These classes fill quickly, so contact your friend and register today.
Introducing Needlepoint at Boxwood: Stitch, Sip & Slow Down
Meet Taylor Heasley, the heart behind Goldie Mae Needlepoint. A lifelong Alexandrian and third-generation stitcher, Taylor learned from her mother at six and never put the canvas down. She’s the kind of teacher who makes needlepoint feel both timeless and refreshingly modern—approachable designs, beautiful materials, and a calm, steady way of showing you exactly what to do. When she’s not stitching, she’s shaping young minds at St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School (an alum herself), where she teaches Early Saints and coaches Varsity Tennis and Varsity Softball. In short: patient, joyful, and deeply rooted in this community.
What you’ll make
Beginners (Feb 19 & Mar 12, 7–9 PM): A hand-painted canvas finished as a chic luggage tag – your colors, your stitches, your keepsake. You’ll leave with solid foundations, finishing know-how, and confidence to keep going.
Intermediate (Apr 16, 7–9 PM): A canvas for a tray insert – you’ll stitch a design and learn how it’s finished into a serving tray.
All classes run 7:00–9:00 PM
Martini Luggage Tag (for Beginners): Thursday, February 19
Blue Hydrangea Luggage Tag (for Beginners): Thursday, March 12
Boxwood Topiary in Acrylic Serving Tray (for intermediate): Thursday, April 16
